Middlesex County, MA Fair Market Rent & Section 8 (FY2026)
Official HUD Fair Market Rent for Middlesex County (Lowell, MA HUD Metro FMR Area), with the typical 90–110% Section 8 voucher payment-standard range.
| Unit size | Fair Market Rent | Voucher range (90–110%) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,621 | $1,459–$1,783 |
| 1 BR | $1,792 | $1,613–$1,971 |
| 2 BR | $2,351 | $2,116–$2,586 |
| 3 BR | $2,819 | $2,537–$3,101 |
| 4 BR | $3,113 | $2,802–$3,424 |
Source: HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents. Voucher range = 90–110% of FMR (your PHA sets the exact standard).
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What this means
If you rent (or are renting out) a home in Middlesex County with a Housing Choice Voucher, the housing authority caps assistance at its payment standard — usually 90–110% of the Fair Market Rent above. A 2-bedroom payment standard here is roughly $2,116–$2,586/month. The tenant generally pays about 30% of adjusted income toward rent and utilities, and the voucher covers the rest up to the standard. The unit must also pass a housing-quality inspection and a rent-reasonableness check.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Fair Market Rent in Middlesex County, MA for 2026?
- For FY2026, HUD's Fair Market Rent in Middlesex County (Lowell, MA HUD Metro FMR Area) is $1,621 for a studio, $1,792 for 1 bedroom, $2,351 for 2 bedrooms, $2,819 for 3 bedrooms, and $3,113 for 4 bedrooms.
- How much will a Section 8 voucher cover in Middlesex County?
- Housing authorities set the payment standard between 90% and 110% of the Fair Market Rent. For a 2-bedroom in Middlesex County that range is about $2,116–$2,586 per month. Your local PHA sets the exact figure, and your share is generally about 30% of your adjusted monthly income.
- Is Fair Market Rent the same as the voucher amount?
- No. FMR is HUD's rent estimate for the area; the voucher payment standard is set by your local Public Housing Authority within 90–110% of FMR, and the rent must also pass a "rent reasonableness" review and a housing-quality inspection.