Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region, Connecticut
Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region has a HUD fair market rent of $1,933 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,454 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $37.17 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,933
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 5% less than in Connecticut
- Typical rent
- $1,454
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 2% less than in Connecticut
- Wage needed
- $37.17
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $77,320 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 50%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 6% less than in Connecticut
Only here
Renting in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Among the neighboring places, Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region has the lowest typical rent ($1,155), 21% below the $1,454 in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,346 | $25.88 | $53,840 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,543 | $29.67 | $61,720 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,933 | $37.17 | $77,320 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,303 | $44.29 | $92,120 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,542 | $48.88 | $101,680 |
HUD area: Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region, 50% of renter households are in that position; in Connecticut, 53%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
50%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
17,932 households rent in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region
- Spend half or more of their income 24%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
- Spend less than 30% 50%
Compared with the state and the country
- Lower Connecticut River Valley 50%
- Connecticut 53%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region
HUD lists 27 properties with homes for low-income households in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 8
- HUD-assisted
- 17
- public housing
- 2
1,996 homes in all; 1,360 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Sbona Towers Public housing 40 Broad St, Middletown 06457 249 homes, 247 low-income · Run by Middletown Housing Authority · Average payment: $599 a month · Average wait: 8 months · (860) 346-8671
- South Green Apts HUD-assisted 65 Church St, Middletown 06457 125 low-income homes · For older adults · (860) 344-1361
- Willowcrest Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) Stoneycrest DR, Middletown 151 homes, 119 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 117 · 3 bd: 22
- Wharfside Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 30 Ferry St, Middletown 96 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Old Middletown High HUD-assisted 251 Court St, Middletown 06457 65 low-income homes · For older adults · (860) 638-3602
- Pondview Apts HUD-assisted 335 Butternut St, Middletown 06457 52 homes, 51 low-income · For older adults · (860) 344-8149
- Chatham Court Public housing 1 Chatham Ct, Portland 06480 49 homes, 48 low-income · Run by Portland Housing Authority · Average payment: $747 a month · Average wait: 22 months · (860) 342-1688
- Rose Gardens HUD-assisted 172 Rose Cir, Middletown 06457 120 homes, 46 low-income · For families · (860) 346-5542
- LUTHER RIDGE at MIDDLETOWN HUD-assisted 628 Congdon St W, Middletown 06457 45 low-income homes · For older adults · (860) 347-7144
- Meadoway Gardens HUD-assisted 120 Rose Cir, Middletown 06457 100 homes, 43 low-income · For families · (860) 346-5542
- Newfield Towers HUD-assisted 220 Newfield St, Middletown 06457 100 homes, 40 low-income · For older adults · (860) 344-1625
- Stoneycrest Towers HUD-assisted 352 Newfield St, Middletown 06457 100 homes, 40 low-income · For older adults · (860) 344-1625
- Shiloh Manor HUD-assisted 330 Butternut St, Middletown 06457 41 homes, 40 low-income · For older adults · (860) 344-1349
- Liberty Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 8 Liberty St, Middletown 40 low-income homes · Studio: 40 · In service since 1995
- New Meadows HUD-assisted 1 Plaza Dr, Middletown 06457 191 homes, 38 low-income · For families · (860) 347-7688
- Saye Brook Village East HUD-assisted 55 Sheffield St, Old Saybrook 06475 36 low-income homes · For older adults · (860) 388-5915
- Shepherd Home Tax credit (LIHTC) 112 Bow Ln, Middletown 32 low-income homes · Studio: 6 · 1 bd: 26 · In service since 2018 · For people experiencing homelessness
- Bayberry Crest HUD-assisted 192 Plaza Dr, Middletown 06457 152 homes, 30 low-income · For families · (860) 347-7688
- Sugarloaf Terrace HUD-assisted 1 Sugarloaf Ter, Rockfall 06481 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (860) 344-9933
- Saint Lukes HUD-assisted 144 Broad St, Middletown 06457 26 homes, 25 low-income · For older adults · (860) 347-1168
- High Meadow Apartments HUD-assisted 25 High Meadow Pl, Haddam 06438 22 low-income homes · For older adults · (860) 398-5425
- Liberty Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 8 Liberty Pl, Clinton 21 low-income homes · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2018 · For families
- Middlesex Housing LP Tax credit (LIHTC) 8 Liberty St, Middletown 21 low-income homes · 1 bd: 5 · 2 bd: 9 · 3 bd: 7 · In service since 2007
- Lymewood Elderly HUD-assisted 249 Boston Post Rd, Old Lyme 06371 24 homes, 20 low-income · For older adults · (860) 434-2120
- Chester Elderly Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 222 Middlesex Ave, Chester 23 homes, 20 low-income · In service since 1992 · For older adults
- Oak Grove Apartments HUD-assisted 48 William F Palmer Rd, Moodus 06469 20 low-income homes · For older adults · (860) 873-3641
- Old Middletown Tax credit (LIHTC) 251 Court St, Middletown 65 homes
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
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Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
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Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
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If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
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When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
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Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $27,150 | $45,250 | $72,350 |
| 2 people | $31,000 | $51,700 | $82,700 |
| 3 people | $34,900 | $58,150 | $93,050 |
| 4 people | $38,750 | $64,600 | $103,350 |
| 5 people | $41,850 | $69,800 | $111,650 |
| 6 people | $44,950 | $74,950 | $119,900 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $80,150 | $128,200 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $85,300 | $136,450 |
Area median income: $129,200. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT MSA. Where a single figure is needed, we use Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT MSA, the area where most people live. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Income limits by HUD area in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region
HUD splits this region into 7 areas, each with its own limits. These are for 4 people; find your town in its area's list. The agency tells you which one is yours.
| HUD area | Median income | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low (80%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT MSA The area where most people live 11 towns in this areaChester town, Cromwell town, Durham town, East Haddam town, East Hampton town, Haddam town, Lyme town, Middlefield town, Middletown town, Old Lyme town, Portland town | $129,200 | $38,750 | $64,600 | $103,350 |
Clinton town, CT Exception Area 1 town in this areaClinton town | $129,200 | $39,400 | $65,650 | $105,050 |
Old Saybrook town, CT Exception Area 1 town in this areaOld Saybrook town | $129,200 | $39,400 | $65,650 | $105,050 |
Westbrook town, CT Exception Area 1 town in this areaWestbrook town | $129,200 | $39,400 | $65,650 | $105,050 |
Essex town, CT Exception Area 1 town in this areaEssex town | $129,200 | $39,400 | $65,650 | $105,050 |
Killingworth town, CT Exception Area 1 town in this areaKillingworth town | $129,200 | $39,400 | $65,650 | $105,050 |
Deep River town, CT Exception Area 1 town in this areaDeep River town | $129,200 | $39,400 | $65,650 | $105,050 |
HUD income limits by area for 4 people, per year, Fiscal year 2026. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026 Source: Income Limits (HUD) Fiscal year 2026 Income Limits (HUD) (external site)
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,211 – $1,481
- 1 bedroom $1,389 – $1,697
- 2 bedrooms $1,740 – $2,126
- 3 bedrooms $2,073 – $2,533
- 4 bedrooms $2,288 – $2,796
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Middletown Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,375 vouchers · 247 public housing units (860) 346-8671 Middletown Housing Authority: hudnotices@middletownha.org
- Portland Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 89 vouchers · 48 public housing units (860) 342-1688 Portland Housing Authority: aharrison@portlandha.org
Housing agencies in Connecticut Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Connecticut
What Connecticut law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- How much can they charge for a deposit?
- Up to 2 months of rent
- Conn. Gen. Stat. §47a-21(b)
- Only a court order can remove youConn. Gen. Stat. §§47a-43, 47a-46
Help
Where to get help with rent in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Capital for Change, Inc. (housing Counseling Office)
10 Alexander Dr, Wallingford · 16 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 3 more
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New London Homeless Hospitality Center
727 Bank St, New London · 21 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Pre-purchase counseling
- and 3 more
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Mutual Housing Association of South Central Ct, Inc. DBA Neighborworks New Horizons
235 Grand Ave, New Haven · 22 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 4 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Connecticut, the average home bill was $200 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$3,866
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,933
- Security deposit
- $1,933
- Total
- $3,866
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,346; 1 bedroom: $1,543; 2 bedrooms: $1,933; 3 bedrooms: $2,303; 4 bedrooms: $2,542. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,933) without spending more than 30% of income takes $37.17 an hour full time, or $77,320 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $64,600–$65,650 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,740 and $2,126 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
How many low-income apartments are there in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region?
HUD lists 27 properties with homes for low-income households in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region, 50% of renter households are in that position; in Connecticut, 53%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).