Studio Section 8 apartments in Harlem Park, Baltimore
The HUD rent benchmark is $1,270/mo for a studio unit in ZIP 21217 — Small-Area FMR. This is not a guaranteed rent approval; confirm the applicable household calculation and utility allowance with the administering agency.
Voucher protections vary by locality
Baltimore City's 2019 SOI ordinance predates MD state law but includes a 20%-per-building cap: landlords can legally refuse voucher applicants once voucher-holders occupy 20% of contiguous units. State law (2020 HOME Act) has no such cap and still applies. Public Justice and Maryland Legal Aid have documented weak Baltimore City enforcement of both the local ordinance and the state law — voucher-holder complaints often go unresolved. Practical effect: state law is your stronger legal footing here.
General information, not legal advice. For help with a specific case, use HUD’s fair-housing resources.
HUD rent benchmarks — ZIP 21217
Small-Area FMR · FY2027| Bedrooms | HUD benchmark / mo |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,270 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,360 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,680 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,130 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,350 |
These are HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents, not an adopted housing authority payment standard or a guaranteed rent approval. Your authority determines assistance using its schedule, household income, voucher size and utility allowance. Rent reasonableness and inspection requirements also apply. How HUD vouchers work.
Housing authority contacts
Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC)
HUD PHA code MD002 · 21,280 HCV vouchers
We have not verified the current Housing Choice Voucher waiting-list status for this office. Ask whether it serves your address and how to check for openings.
Office details, application guidance and rent questions →
- Address
- 417 East Fayette Street, Baltimore, MD
- Phone
- (410) 396-3232
- Website
- https://habc.org/
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