Section 8 Payment Standards — Detroit, Michigan (FY 2026)
HUD Small Area Fair Market Rent (SAFMR) data for Detroit ZIP codes, plus how Section 8 rent compares to typical market asking rents.
Wayne County investors routinely see HUD 2BR rents near $1,350 while purchase prices on distressed SFRs stay under $100k.
County est. 2BR SAFMR
$1,411
County median home value
$181,365
Est. Section 8 yield
9.3%
On a typical Detroit county home, HUD's 2BR limit ($1,411/mo) vs an estimated market asking rent (~$1,451/mo) suggests a +-$40/mo Section 8 premium before utilities, payment standard adjustments, and rent reasonableness.
Sample Detroit ZIP codes — FY 2026 SAFMR
Payment standards vary by ZIP and bedroom count. Always confirm current limits with the local housing authority before underwriting a deal.
| ZIP | 0BR | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | 4BR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48235 | $950 | $1,060 | $1,330 | $1,620 | $1,760 |
| 48219 | $980 | $1,090 | $1,370 | $1,670 | $1,810 |
| 48224 | $970 | $1,080 | $1,360 | $1,660 | $1,800 |
Why Section 8 rent matters in Detroit
Most investors underwrite Detroit rentals using Zillow or market asking rent. Section 8 uses HUD SAFMR payment standards — and in many Michigan markets the gap between HUD rent and market rent is what makes a property cash-flow.
Local PHAs may set payment standards between 90% and 110% of SAFMR, subtract utility allowances, and run rent reasonableness tests. Use full SAFMR as a ceiling, not a guarantee on every door.
Search live Detroit listings scored on Section 8 rent
Rich from Section 8 merges live for-sale inventory in Detroit, MI with official HUD SAFMR data, rent gap scoring, and instant cash-flow underwriting — not Zillow rent guesses.
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