Renting · Section 8

Data from November 2026

Renting in Sussex County, Delaware

Sussex County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,498 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,238 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $28.81 an hour, full time.

Figure your move-in cash Section 8 here

A father holds his baby and his young son by a white picket fence.

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $1,498; a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027; 13% less than in Delaware
Typical rent: $1,238; a month, Census, Average 2020–2024; 12% less than in Delaware
Wage needed: $28.81; an hour, 2 bedrooms; Or $59,920 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households: 53%; spend 30% or more of income on rent; 8% more than in Delaware

Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site) Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (external site)

Only here

Renting in Sussex County: what sets it apart

What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.

Sussex County has the lowest typical rent in its area: $1,238, less than any of its 2 neighboring counties; next is Kent County ($1,354).

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 Sussex County. 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)

According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Sussex County was $2,357 a month in September 2026: 5.5% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data

Fair market rent and wage needed To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).

Fair market rent and wage needed. To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).
Size	Fair rent per month	Hourly wage	Income needed per year
Studio	$1,140	$21.92	$45,600
1 bedroom	$1,147	$22.06	$45,880
2 bedrooms	$1,498	$28.81	$59,920
3 bedrooms	$1,843	$35.44	$73,720
4 bedrooms	$2,222	$42.73	$88,880

HUD area: Sussex County, DE. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027

By ZIP code

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 25 ZIP codes in Sussex County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,260 in 19931 to $2,210 in 19967. 16 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,498).

Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)

Fair market rent by ZIP code, HUD area and size, Fiscal year 2027. A ZIP code that crosses a HUD area line appears once per area.

19930	Sussex County, DE	$1,290	$1,300	$1,700	$2,090	$2,520
19931	Sussex County, DE	$960	$960	$1,260	$1,590	$1,960
19933	Sussex County, DE	$960	$960	$1,260	$1,590	$1,960
19939	Sussex County, DE	$1,180	$1,190	$1,550	$1,910	$2,300
19940	Sussex County, DE	$960	$960	$1,260	$1,590	$1,960
19941	Sussex County, DE	$1,160	$1,160	$1,520	$1,870	$2,250
19944	Sussex County, DE	$1,220	$1,220	$1,590	$1,970	$2,380
19945	Sussex County, DE	$1,130	$1,130	$1,480	$1,820	$2,200
19947	Sussex County, DE	$1,170	$1,180	$1,540	$1,890	$2,280
19950	Dover, DE	$1,210	$1,220	$1,580	$2,000	$2,380
19950	Sussex County, DE	$1,210	$1,220	$1,580	$2,000	$2,380
19951	Sussex County, DE	$1,250	$1,260	$1,640	$2,010	$2,430
19956	Sussex County, DE	$960	$960	$1,260	$1,590	$1,960
19958	Sussex County, DE	$1,480	$1,490	$1,950	$2,400	$2,890
19960	Sussex County, DE	$1,210	$1,220	$1,590	$1,960	$2,360
19963	Dover, DE	$1,140	$1,140	$1,470	$1,900	$2,250
19963	Sussex County, DE	$1,140	$1,140	$1,470	$1,900	$2,250
19966	Sussex County, DE	$1,210	$1,220	$1,590	$1,960	$2,360
19967	Sussex County, DE	$1,680	$1,690	$2,210	$2,720	$3,280
19968	Sussex County, DE	$1,250	$1,260	$1,640	$2,020	$2,430
19970	Sussex County, DE	$1,340	$1,350	$1,760	$2,160	$2,610
19971	Sussex County, DE	$1,300	$1,310	$1,710	$2,100	$2,540
19973	Dorchester County, MD	$1,040	$1,050	$1,370	$1,690	$2,030
19973	Sussex County, DE	$1,040	$1,050	$1,370	$1,690	$2,030
19975	Sussex County, DE	$1,190	$1,200	$1,570	$1,930	$2,330

ZIP code 2 bd3 bd
19930 · Sussex County, DE $1,700$2,090
19931 · Sussex County, DE $1,260$1,590
19933 · Sussex County, DE $1,260$1,590
19939 · Sussex County, DE $1,550$1,910
19940 · Sussex County, DE $1,260$1,590
19941 · Sussex County, DE $1,520$1,870
19944 · Sussex County, DE $1,590$1,970
19945 · Sussex County, DE $1,480$1,820
19947 · Sussex County, DE $1,540$1,890
19950 · Dover, DE $1,580$2,000
19950 · Sussex County, DE $1,580$2,000
19951 · Sussex County, DE $1,640$2,010
19956 · Sussex County, DE $1,260$1,590
19958 · Sussex County, DE $1,950$2,400
19960 · Sussex County, DE $1,590$1,960
19963 · Dover, DE $1,470$1,900
19963 · Sussex County, DE $1,470$1,900
19966 · Sussex County, DE $1,590$1,960
19967 · Sussex County, DE $2,210$2,720
19968 · Sussex County, DE $1,640$2,020
19970 · Sussex County, DE $1,760$2,160
19971 · Sussex County, DE $1,710$2,100
19973 · Dorchester County, MD $1,370$1,690
19973 · Sussex County, DE $1,370$1,690
19975 · Sussex County, DE $1,570$1,930

Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)

Rent burden

How many households spend too much

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Sussex County, 53% of renter households are in that position; in Delaware, 50%, 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.

53%

of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.

19,590 households rent in Sussex County

Spend half or more of their income 24%
Spend 30% or more, but less than half 29%
Spend less than 30% 47%

Compared with the state and the country

Sussex 53%
Delaware 50%
United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Sussex County

with tax credits (LIHTC): 53
HUD-assisted: 32
public housing: 3

3,953 homes in all; 2,077 of them low-income, according to HUD.

Seaford Meadows Apartment HUD-assisted 13 Seaford Meadows Dr, Seaford 19973 120 low-income homes · For families · (302) 629-6416
Seaford Meadows Preservation Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 122 Seaford Mdws, Seaford 19973 121 homes, 117 low-income · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 43 · 3 bd: 38 · In service since 2006
Carvel Gardens HUD-assisted 801 Daniel St, Laurel 19956 100 low-income homes · For families · (302) 875-4281
Chandler Heights HUD-assisted 81 Kimbrough Ct, Seaford 19973 88 low-income homes · For families · (302) 629-6522
Georgetown Preservation HUD-assisted 200 Ingramtown Rd, Georgetown 19947 76 homes, 75 low-income · For families · (302) 856-3343
Lingo Creek Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 32890 Shoppes at Long Neck RT. 24, Millsboro 19966 72 low-income homes · In service since 2003
Savannah East Tax credit (LIHTC) 3700 Savannah East Sq, Lewes 19958 72 low-income homes · In service since 2000
LITTLE CREEK aka ORCHARD GLEN V HUD-assisted 600 Little Creek Dr, Laurel 19956 71 low-income homes · For families · (302) 875-2343
East Atlantic Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 E Atlantic Cir, Rehoboth Beach 19971 70 low-income homes · 1 bd: 70 · In service since 1996
Woodland Mills I Tax credit (LIHTC) 900 Woodland Mills Dr, Seaford 19973 66 homes, 65 low-income · In service since 1997
Long Neck Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 25927 River Bend Rd, Millsboro 19966 60 low-income homes · In service since 2003
Selbyville Public housing Selbyville 19975 55 low-income homes · Run by Delaware State Housing Authority · Average payment: $548 a month · (302) 739-4263
Burton Village Public housing 311 Burton Village Ave, Rehoboth 19971 51 low-income homes · Run by Delaware State Housing Authority · Average payment: $510 a month · (302) 739-4263
Georgetown I Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Ingramtown Rd, Georgetown 19947 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 1990
Laverty Lane Public housing 7 Laverty Ln, Bridgeville 19933 50 low-income homes · Run by Delaware State Housing Authority · Average payment: $425 a month · (302) 739-4263
Luther Towers of Milton HUD-assisted 500 Palmer St, Milton 19968 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (302) 684-1668
Millsboro Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 210 Thomas Taylor Dr, Millsboro 19966 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 16 · 4 bd: 12 · In service since 2010
Millsboro Village HUD-assisted 210 Thomas Taylor Dr, Millsboro 19966 50 low-income homes · For families · (302) 934-6491
Milton Landing Tax credit (LIHTC) 1000 Palmer Street Ext, Milton 19968 48 low-income homes · In service since 1998
Savannah West Tax credit (LIHTC) 2500 Savannah West Sq, Lewes 19958 48 low-income homes · In service since 1998
Huling Cove Annex HUD-assisted 1142 Savannah Rd, Lewes 19958 41 low-income homes · For older adults · (302) 645-7630
Harbour Towne Tax credit (LIHTC) 34232 Woods Edge Dr, Lewes 19958 40 low-income homes · In service since 2003
Jefferson Apartments HUD-assisted 825 Kings Hwy, Lewes 19958 39 low-income homes · For families · (302) 645-0223
Marshall Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 109 Marshall St, Milford 19963 36 low-income homes · In service since 2003
Yorktowne Woods Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Independence Dr, Seaford 19973 35 low-income homes · In service since 2001
Jefferson II Tax credit (LIHTC) 825 Kings Hwy, Lewes 19958 32 low-income homes · In service since 1992
Park Royal Apartments HUD-assisted 501 Palmer St, Milton 19968 32 low-income homes · For families · (302) 684-8880
Woodland Mills II Tax credit (LIHTC) 900 Woodland Mills Dr, Seaford 19973 32 low-income homes · In service since 1999
Brandywine Village HUD-assisted 401 Monroe ST., Millsboro 19966 31 low-income homes · For older adults · (302) 934-8289
Carvel Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted PO Box 635, Laurel 19956 100 homes, 30 low-income · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 28 · 4 bd: 16 · In service since 2012 · For families · (302) 875-4281
Old Landing Apartments II Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 29320 White St, Millsboro 19966 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2006
Virginia Crest Village, Inc. HUD-assisted 101 Independence Dr, Seaford 19973 27 low-income homes · For older adults · (302) 628-0212
Williamsburg Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Independence Dr, Seaford 19973 26 low-income homes · In service since 1999
East Atlantic Annex Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 E Atlantic Cir, Rehoboth Beach 19971 24 low-income homes · In service since 1997
Hollybrook Apartments HUD-assisted 101 Hollybrook Apts, Laurel 19956 24 low-income homes · For families · (302) 875-3010
Huling Cove HUD-assisted 1142 Savannah Rd, Lewes 19958 24 low-income homes · For older adults · (302) 645-7630
Mills Landing Tax credit (LIHTC) 2500 Savannah West Sq, Lewes 19958 24 low-income homes · In service since 2001
Villas II at Delmar Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Magnolia Dr, Delmar 19940 24 low-income homes · In service since 2000
Laurel Commons HUD-assisted 100 Laurel Commons Ln, Laurel 19956 21 low-income homes · For older adults
Laurel Commons II HUD-assisted 100 Laurel Commons Ln, Laurel 19956 20 low-income homes · For older adults
Peach Tree Acres HUD-assisted 26900 Lewes Georgetown Hwy, Harbeson 19951 20 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (302) 684-4002
Luther Gardens Annex Tax credit (LIHTC) 1500 Luther Cir, Milton 19968 18 low-income homes · In service since 2001
Arc HUD I HUD-assisted 3676 South State Street, Lewes 19958 13 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (302) 996-9400
Dima V HUD-assisted 203 Lakelawn Dr, Milford 19963 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (302) 427-0787
Elizabeth Cornish Landing Annex Tax credit (LIHTC) 400 Elizabeth Cornish Lndg, Bridgeville 19933 12 low-income homes · In service since 2004
Dima X HUD-assisted 36 W Clarke Ave, Milford 19963 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (302) 427-0787
Meadowbridge Apartments HUD-assisted 500 Findley Way, Seaford 19973 98 homes, 6 low-income · (302) 536-1325
Hollybrook II Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1111 Grazing Ct, Laurel 19956 100 homes, 5 low-income · In service since 2009 · (302) 875-3010
Brandywine Station Apartments HUD-assisted 400 Blaise Ave, Millsboro 19966 51 homes, 5 low-income · (302) 934-8289
Chandler Heights II HUD-assisted 2 Chandler St, Seaford 19973 5 low-income homes · (302) 629-6522
Jefferson Estates 2 HUD-assisted 825 Kings Hwy, Lewes 19958 28 homes, 4 low-income · (302) 645-0223
Seaford Neighborhood HUD-assisted 500 Harrington St, Seaford 19973 5 homes, 4 low-income · For people with disabilities
Sandy Brae Supported Living HUD-assisted 34466 Maple Dr, Lewes 19958 3 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (302) 934-3730
Village at Iron Branch HUD-assisted 10 Heritage Ln, Millsboro 19966 36 homes, 2 low-income · (410) 726-2567
Dunbarton Station 1 HUD-assisted 1309 Dunbarton, Georgetown 19947 28 homes, 2 low-income · For people with disabilities · (302) 856-7719
Spinnaker Lane Supported Living HUD-assisted 425 S Spinnaker Ln, Milton 19968 3 homes, 2 low-income · For people with disabilities
Meadowbridge Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 112 S Tull Dr, Seaford 19973 104 homes · In service since 2016
Hollybrook Farms (i, III, IV) Tax credit (LIHTC) 1600 Hollybrook Apts, Laurel 19956 100 homes · In service since 2009
East Atlantic Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 E Atlantic Cir, Rehoboth Beach 19971 94 homes · In service since 1996
Chandler Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Chandler St, Seaford 19973 88 homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2006
Delmar Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Magnolia Dr, Delmar 19940 80 homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 38 · 3 bd: 22 · In service since 1995
Georgetown Preservation Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Ingramtown Rd, Georgetown 19947 76 homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 23 · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 2004
Mill Chase Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 14 Mill Chase Cir, Millsboro 19966 74 homes · 2 bd: 50 · 3 bd: 23 · In service since 1993
Little Creek Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 701 Little Creek Dr, Laurel 19956 72 homes · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 49 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2005
Cheer Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1121 Clark Dr, Georgetown 19947 60 homes · In service since 2000
Wexford Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 56 Sunset Dr, Laurel 19956 60 homes · 2 bd: 17 · 3 bd: 38 · 4 bd: 5 · In service since 1991
Brandywine Station Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 Case Ln, Millsboro 19966 56 homes
Georgetown II Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Ingramtown Rd, Georgetown 19947 50 homes · In service since 1990
Millsboro Village I Tax credit (LIHTC) 210 Thomas Taylor Dr, Millsboro 19966 50 homes · In service since 2010
Greenside Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 504 Cypress Dr, Seaford 19973 40 homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 15 · In service since 2011
Jefferson Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 825 Kings Hwy, Lewes 19958 39 homes · In service since 2015
Village at Iron Branch Tax credit (LIHTC) 10 Haals Heritage Circle, Millsboro 19966 38 homes
Seaford Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Grayson Ct, Seaford 19973 37 homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 25 · In service since 2010
Luther Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 1500 Luther Cir, Milton 19968 36 homes · In service since 2001
Hampton Circle Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Hampton Cir, Seaford 19973 35 homes · 1 bd: 31 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2012
Herring Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 701 Independence Dr, Seaford 19973 34 homes
Market Street Apartments 2018 Tax credit (LIHTC) 310 Market St, Bridgeville 19933 34 homes · In service since 1993
Dunbarton Oaks III Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 N Margaret St, Georgetown 19947 32 homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 2013
Golden Meadows Tax credit (LIHTC) 40 Golden Ln, Delmar 19940 32 homes · 1 bd: 32 · In service since 1996
Jefferson Estates II Tax credit (LIHTC) 825 Kings Hwy, Lewes 19958 32 homes · In service since 2018
Dunbarton Oaks IV Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 N Margaret St, Georgetown 19947 31 homes · 1 bd: 31 · In service since 1994
Chandler Heights II Tax credit (LIHTC) Clementine Court, Seaford 19973 28 homes · In service since 2016
Shady Grove II Tax credit (LIHTC) Route 2, Box 76, Selbyville 19975 25 homes · 1 bd: 25 · In service since 1998
Canterbury Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 304 Canterbury Ln, Bridgeville 19933 24 homes · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 3 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2011
Shady Grove III Tax credit (LIHTC) Route 2 Box 76, Selbyville 19975 20 homes · 1 bd: 20 · In service since 2001

3 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map

How to apply

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. Source: HUD
You apply for public housing at the housing agency that runs it. The agency looks at your yearly income, whether you are a family, an older adult or a person with a disability, and your U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. If you qualify, your name goes on a waiting list unless they can help you right away. Source: HUD
In tax-credit (LIHTC) apartments, the low-income homes have an income limit, a percentage of the area median income, and a rent cap. Source: 26 U.S.C. §42(g)
In buildings with Section 8 project-based assistance, only low-income households can move in. Source: 24 CFR §5.653(b)
A housing voucher (Section 8) is a separate kind of help: you apply at the public housing agency and use it to rent a home you choose. Source: HUD

This county's income limits Search HUD's map

In public housing, the average payment is what households pay on average for rent and utilities, and the average wait is the time on the list of those who moved in. HUD does not publish those figures where fewer than 11 households reported.

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 Sussex County

The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. A public housing agency runs it. HUD lists none with an office in Sussex County; the state's agencies can help you. Here is what the rules say:

The rules, with their source

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
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)
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)
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)
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
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)

Mixed-status families: how assistance is figured

HUD income limits Yearly income of the whole family, before taxes.

HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Sussex County, DE.
People	Extremely low (30%)	Very low (50%)	Low
1 person	$21,700	$36,150	$57,800
2 people	$24,800	$41,300	$66,050
3 people	$27,900	$46,450	$74,300
4 people	$33,000	$51,600	$82,550
5 people	$38,680	$55,750	$89,200
6 people	$44,360	$59,900	$95,800
7 people	$50,040	$64,000	$102,400
8 people	$55,720	$68,150	$109,000

Area median income: $103,200. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Sussex County, DE. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

Studio $1,026 – $1,254
1 bedroom $1,032 – $1,262
2 bedrooms $1,348 – $1,648
3 bedrooms $1,659 – $2,027
4 bedrooms $2,000 – $2,444

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

HUD lists no housing agency with an office in Sussex County. You can apply at another agency in your state: you do not have to live where you apply. Source: HUD

Housing agencies in Delaware HUD list of housing agencies

Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026

Your rights as a tenant in Delaware

What Delaware law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.

See your rights, rule by rule

Compare 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 1 month of rent; 25 Del. C. §5514(a)(2)-(4)
How much notice before a rent increase?: 60 days; 25 Del. C. §5107(a), (d)

Only a court order can remove you25 Del. C. §5313
Protection from retaliation25 Del. C. §5516(a)-(c)
Repair and deduct from the rent25 Del. C. §5307(a)

Help

Where to get help with rent in Sussex County

These HUD-approved agencies have offices in Sussex County. They counsel for free or at low cost.

FS
First State Community Action Agency, Inc

308 N Railroad Ave, Georgetown
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 3 more
(302) 856-7761
TC
Telamon Corporation - Seaford Branch

4 E Laurel St, Georgetown
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
(410) 546-4604

See every agency in Delaware Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Tool

How much cash do you need to move in?

It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Sussex County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.

Count power on top of the rent: in Delaware, the average home bill was $151 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs

Open the full tool

Your move

State

We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.

Monthly rentHUD fair market rent$HUD two-bedroom fair market rent (FMR) in Sussex County (FY2027). Enter the rent of the home you want.What you can set aside each month$To see how long it takes to put it together.

Adjust advanced details

Deposit and rent in advance

The deposit, in

Months of rentDollars

Months of rent for the depositThat is $1,498. We start with an example; enter what you are asked for.Pay the first month before moving inThey also ask for the last month

Application fees$What each application charges, for all the ones you'll fill out.Utility deposits and connection$Electricity, gas, water and internet. Ask each company.The move$Planning example, not a price: $100 to $400 to rent a truck for a day for a move within your city. Get quotes.Pet deposit$Other costs$Boxes, locks, basic furniture.

Let's do the math

Cash to move in

$2,996

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month: $1,498
Security deposit: $1,498
Total: $2,996

The deposit cap

Pick your state to see whether its law caps the deposit.

Compare each state's rules →

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.

Guide: the security deposit Guide: avoiding rental scams Family budget How much rent can I afford?

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.

Guides

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Sussex County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,140; 1 bedroom: $1,147; 2 bedrooms: $1,498; 3 bedrooms: $1,843; 4 bedrooms: $2,222. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

How much do you need to earn to rent in Sussex County?

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,498) without spending more than 30% of income takes $28.81 an hour full time, or $59,920 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Sussex County?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $51,600 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 Sussex County?

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 $1,348 and $1,648 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Sussex County?

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,260 in 19931 to $2,210 in 19967. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.

How many low-income apartments are there in Sussex County?

HUD lists 85 properties with homes for low-income households in Sussex County: 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 Sussex County?

Sources and methodology

Fair market rents and income limits come from HUD; typical rent and the burden, from the Census. The wage needed is our calculation: fair market rent × 12 ÷ 30% ÷ full-time hours a year. The voucher rules were read in their official text on the date shown.

Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Small Area Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Low-income apartments Retrieved November 6, 2026
American Community Survey Average 2020–2024
Income Limits Fiscal year 2026
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026

Program rules

24 CFR §888.113, Fair market rents for existing housing: Methodology Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.503, Payment standard areas, schedule, and amounts Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §5.603, Definitions (income) Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.201, Eligibility and targeting Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.1, Programs: purpose and structure Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.508, Maximum family share at initial occupancy Verified October 30, 2026
HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants Verified October 30, 2026

Renting in Sussex County, Delaware

Four numbers to start with

Renting in Sussex County: what sets it apart

What HUD sets for each size

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

How many households spend too much

Compared with the state and the country

Low-income apartments in Sussex County

The Section 8 voucher in Sussex County

The rules, with their source

Possible payment standard

Housing agencies that serve this place

Your rights as a tenant in Delaware

Where to get help with rent in Sussex County

How much cash do you need to move in?

Your move

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Sussex County?

How much do you need to earn to rent in Sussex County?

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Sussex County?

How much does Section 8 pay in Sussex County?

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Sussex County?

How many low-income apartments are there in Sussex County?

How many households spend too much on rent in Sussex County?