Whatcom County, WA Fair Market Rent & Section 8 (FY2026)
Official HUD Fair Market Rent for Whatcom County (Bellingham, WA MSA), with the typical 90–110% Section 8 voucher payment-standard range.
| Unit size | Fair Market Rent | Voucher range (90–110%) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,463 | $1,317–$1,609 |
| 1 BR | $1,493 | $1,344–$1,642 |
| 2 BR | $1,794 | $1,615–$1,973 |
| 3 BR | $2,495 | $2,246–$2,745 |
| 4 BR | $3,010 | $2,709–$3,311 |
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 Whatcom 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 $1,615–$1,973/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 Whatcom County, WA for 2026?
- For FY2026, HUD's Fair Market Rent in Whatcom County (Bellingham, WA MSA) is $1,463 for a studio, $1,493 for 1 bedroom, $1,794 for 2 bedrooms, $2,495 for 3 bedrooms, and $3,010 for 4 bedrooms.
- How much will a Section 8 voucher cover in Whatcom County?
- Housing authorities set the payment standard between 90% and 110% of the Fair Market Rent. For a 2-bedroom in Whatcom County that range is about $1,615–$1,973 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.