Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Lake County, Indiana
Lake County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,429 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,131 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $27.48 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,429
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 10% more than in Indiana
- Typical rent
- $1,131
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 6% more than in Indiana
- Wage needed
- $27.48
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $57,160 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 52%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 9% more than in Indiana
Only here
Renting in Lake County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Starke County, the typical rent is $712: 37% less than in Lake County ($1,131).
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Lake County has the 6th largest share of rent-burdened renters of the 92 counties in Indiana (52%).
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At $1,131, Lake County ranks 9th among the 92 counties in Indiana for the highest typical rent.
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 Lake 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 Lake County was $1,457 a month in September 2026: 5% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,117 | $21.48 | $44,680 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,176 | $22.62 | $47,040 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,429 | $27.48 | $57,160 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,739 | $33.44 | $69,560 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,898 | $36.50 | $75,920 |
HUD area: Gary, IN HUD Metro FMR Area. 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 27 ZIP codes in Lake County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,140 in 46312 to $1,880 in 46321. 16 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,429).
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)
| 46303 | $1,230 | $1,300 | $1,580 | $1,920 | $2,100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46307 | $1,290 | $1,360 | $1,650 | $2,010 | $2,190 |
| 46311 | $1,160 | $1,220 | $1,480 | $1,800 | $1,970 |
| 46312 | $890 | $940 | $1,140 | $1,390 | $1,510 |
| 46319 | $1,160 | $1,230 | $1,490 | $1,810 | $1,980 |
| 46320 | $1,020 | $1,070 | $1,300 | $1,580 | $1,730 |
| 46321 | $1,470 | $1,550 | $1,880 | $2,290 | $2,500 |
| 46322 | $1,210 | $1,280 | $1,550 | $1,890 | $2,060 |
| 46323 | $1,200 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $1,870 | $2,050 |
| 46324 | $1,130 | $1,190 | $1,450 | $1,760 | $1,930 |
| 46327 | $1,100 | $1,160 | $1,410 | $1,720 | $1,870 |
| 46342 | $1,120 | $1,180 | $1,430 | $1,740 | $1,900 |
| 46356 | $1,200 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $1,870 | $2,050 |
| 46373 | $1,160 | $1,230 | $1,490 | $1,810 | $1,980 |
| 46375 | $1,260 | $1,320 | $1,610 | $1,960 | $2,140 |
| 46376 | $1,050 | $1,100 | $1,340 | $1,630 | $1,780 |
| 46377 | $1,200 | $1,270 | $1,540 | $1,870 | $2,050 |
| 46394 | $960 | $1,010 | $1,230 | $1,500 | $1,630 |
| 46402 | $980 | $1,040 | $1,260 | $1,530 | $1,670 |
| 46403 | $950 | $1,000 | $1,220 | $1,480 | $1,620 |
| 46404 | $1,020 | $1,070 | $1,300 | $1,580 | $1,730 |
| 46405 | $1,140 | $1,200 | $1,460 | $1,780 | $1,940 |
| 46406 | $980 | $1,040 | $1,260 | $1,530 | $1,670 |
| 46407 | $900 | $950 | $1,150 | $1,400 | $1,530 |
| 46408 | $1,040 | $1,090 | $1,330 | $1,620 | $1,770 |
| 46409 | $1,160 | $1,230 | $1,490 | $1,810 | $1,980 |
| 46410 | $1,380 | $1,450 | $1,760 | $2,140 | $2,340 |
- 46303 $1,580$1,920
- 46307 $1,650$2,010
- 46311 $1,480$1,800
- 46312 $1,140$1,390
- 46319 $1,490$1,810
- 46320 $1,300$1,580
- 46321 $1,880$2,290
- 46322 $1,550$1,890
- 46323 $1,540$1,870
- 46324 $1,450$1,760
- 46327 $1,410$1,720
- 46342 $1,430$1,740
- 46356 $1,540$1,870
- 46373 $1,490$1,810
- 46375 $1,610$1,960
- 46376 $1,340$1,630
- 46377 $1,540$1,870
- 46394 $1,230$1,500
- 46402 $1,260$1,530
- 46403 $1,220$1,480
- 46404 $1,300$1,580
- 46405 $1,460$1,780
- 46406 $1,260$1,530
- 46407 $1,150$1,400
- 46408 $1,330$1,620
- 46409 $1,490$1,810
- 46410 $1,760$2,140
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 Lake County, 52% of renter households are in that position; in Indiana, 48%, 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.
52%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
55,274 households rent in Lake County
- Spend half or more of their income 28%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
- Spend less than 30% 48%
Compared with the state and the country
- Lake 52%
- Indiana 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Lake County
HUD lists 83 properties with homes for low-income households in Lake County: 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)
- 30
- HUD-assisted
- 37
- public housing
- 17
9,748 homes in all; 8,036 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Renaissance Towers HUD-assisted 524 Michigan St, Hammond 46320 450 low-income homes · For families · (219) 932-4848
- Lakeside Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 3806 Erie Ct, East Chicago 46312 312 low-income homes · 1 bd: 86 · 2 bd: 170 · 3 bd: 56 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Lakeside Gardens HUD-assisted 3804 Erie Ct, East Chicago 46312 312 homes, 309 low-income · For families · (219) 397-6200
- Oak Knoll Renaissance Apartments HUD-assisted 4401 W 23rd Ct, Gary 46404 256 low-income homes · For families · (219) 977-8420
- Oak Knoll Renaissance Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 4200 W 23rd Ave, Gary 46404 256 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 102 · 3 bd: 102 · 4 bd: 24 · In service since 1995
- Gary Nsa I & II HUD-assisted 1735 W 5th Ave, Gary 46404 249 low-income homes · For families · (219) 882-7797
- Gary Nsa III HUD-assisted 1730 W 5th Ave, Gary 46404 222 low-income homes · For families · (219) 882-7797
- John B Nicosia Public housing 4720 Railroad Ave, East Chicago 46312 207 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of East Chicago · (219) 397-9974
- Harborside Apartments HUD-assisted 3610 Alder St, East Chicago 46312 209 homes, 203 low-income · For families · (219) 398-4433
- Park Shore Commons HUD-assisted 860 N Wells St, Gary 46403 246 homes, 202 low-income · For families · (219) 938-4320
- Small Farms Renewal Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1990 W 24th Ln, Gary 46404 200 low-income homes · 1 bd: 56 · 2 bd: 144 · In service since 2006 · For families · (219) 949-6690
- Concord Commons II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1901 1920 Burr Street, Gary 46406 198 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 174 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Gary Manor HUD-assisted 1200 Washington St, Gary 46407 198 low-income homes · For older adults · (219) 882-8600
- Turner Park Public housing 4923 Hohman Ave, Hammond 46320 195 homes, 194 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Hammond · Average payment: $455 a month · Average wait: 16 months · (219) 989-3265
- Edgewood Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 301 321 W 58th Place, Merriville 46410 190 low-income homes · 1 bd: 60 · 2 bd: 130 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Woodlake Village II Tax credit (LIHTC) 9101 E 5th Ave, Gary 46403 170 low-income homes · 1 bd: 25 · 2 bd: 145 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Concord Commons 1 Tax credit (LIHTC) 2002 Hanley St, Gary 46406 156 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 100 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Woodlake Village HUD-assisted 8830 E 6th Dr, Gary 46403 498 homes, 150 low-income · For families · (219) 938-4889
- Hammond Elderly Apartments HUD-assisted 5111 Sohl Ave, Hammond 46320 150 low-income homes · For older adults · (219) 931-0801
- Saint John Homes HUD-assisted 2180 Carolina St, Gary 46407 144 low-income homes · For families · (219) 883-0356
- ST John Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 2173 Carolina St, Gary 46407 144 low-income homes · 2 bd: 138 · 4 bd: 6 · In service since 1995
- Scattered Sites Public housing 5045 W 20th Ave, Gary 46406 143 homes, 142 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Gary Indiana · Average payment: $496 a month · Average wait: 8 months · Homes at several sites · (219) 881-6422
- Elderly Highrise Public housing 578 Broadway, Gary 46402 142 homes, 139 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Gary Indiana · Average payment: $412 a month · (219) 881-6422
- Scattered Sites Public housing 1301 E Columbus Dr, East Chicago 46312 131 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of East Chicago · Average payment: $311 a month · Average wait: 19 months · Homes at several sites · (219) 397-9974
- Mount Zion Pleasant View Manor HUD-assisted 940 Kenwood St, Hammond 46320 128 homes, 127 low-income · For older adults · (219) 931-3904
- Senior Citizens Public housing 3280 Pierce St, Gary 46408 128 homes, 127 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Gary Indiana · Average payment: $379 a month · (219) 881-6422
- Sohl Avenue Assisted Living Tax credit (LIHTC) 5640 Sohl Ave, Hammond 46320 125 low-income homes · Studio: 51 · 1 bd: 74 · In service since 2017
- Willows on Clark Road Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 435 Clark Rd, Gary 46406 202 homes, 122 low-income · 1 bd: 31 · 2 bd: 57 · 3 bd: 34 · In service since 1999
- Harbor Meadows HUD-assisted 3521 Pennsylvania Ave, East Chicago 46312 120 low-income homes · For families · (219) 398-0180
- Gary Nsa V HUD-assisted 775 Virginia St, Gary 46402 119 low-income homes · For families · (219) 886-2440
- James Hunter Public housing 3625 Pulaski St, East Chicago 46312 109 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of East Chicago · Average payment: $331 a month · Average wait: 3 months · (219) 397-9974
- Duneland Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 544 S Lake St, Gary 46403 131 homes, 101 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 68 · 3 bd: 44 · 4 bd: 11 · In service since 2004
- American Heartland Homes One Tax credit (LIHTC) 1402 173rd St, Hammond 46324 94 low-income homes · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 56 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Homewood Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 2173 Carolina St, Gary 46407 92 low-income homes · 2 bd: 87 · 4 bd: 5 · In service since 2006
- Horace Mann Hope Development Vi Tax credit (LIHTC) 660 Washington St, Gary 46402 123 homes, 89 low-income · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 68 · 3 bd: 32 · 4 bd: 9 · In service since 2006
- Golden Manor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1201 175th St, Hammond 46324 80 homes, 76 low-income · 1 bd: 80 · In service since 2008 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Northtown Village Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 3600 Pulaski St, East Chicago 46312 75 low-income homes · 2 bd: 22 · 3 bd: 45 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2009 · For people with disabilities, families
- Rosewood Apartments HUD-assisted 1700 Clark Rd, Gary 46404 72 low-income homes · For families · (219) 944-1314
- Willows on Clark Road HUD-assisted 425/427 Clark RD, Gary 46406 202 homes, 70 low-income · For families · (219) 949-8621
- Dorie Miller East Point Public housing 2401 Central Ave, Gary 46407 70 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Gary Indiana · Average payment: $423 a month · Homes at several sites · (219) 881-6422
- Concord Commons II HUD-assisted 1951 Burr St, Gary 46406 354 homes, 67 low-income · For families · (219) 949-4136
- Douglas Pointe Apts III Tax credit (LIHTC) 5525 Hyles Blvd, Hammond 46320 64 low-income homes · 2 bd: 64 · In service since 1996
- Woodlake Village III Tax credit (LIHTC) 8901 E 5th Ave, Gary 46403 64 low-income homes · 1 bd: 56 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2017 · For families
- North Harbor Tax credit (LIHTC) 2302 Broadway St, East Chicago 46312 61 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 23 · 4 bd: 10 · In service since 2003
- Homewood Village HUD-assisted 2120 Georgia St, Gary 46407 92 homes, 57 low-income · For families · (219) 883-0356
- Saxony Town Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 1349 175th St, Hammond 46324 68 homes, 57 low-income · 2 bd: 34 · 3 bd: 16 · 4 bd: 7 · In service since 2009 · For people with disabilities, families
- Linden House Gary HUD-assisted 1500 Washington St, Gary 46407 58 homes, 57 low-income · For older adults · (219) 885-1534
- Cardinal Terrace Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 501 E Chicago Ave, East Chicago 46312 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 40 · In service since 1995
- Northtown Village Square Apartments HUD-assisted 2320 Broadway St, East Chicago 46312 56 low-income homes · For older adults
- Lancaster Tax credit (LIHTC) 2122 Virginia St, Gary 46407 60 homes, 50 low-income · 1 bd: 13 · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 28 · 4 bd: 5 · In service since 2003
- Ahepa 78 Apartments I HUD-assisted 2078 W 79th Pl, Merrillville 46410 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (219) 769-7995
- Ahepa 78 Apartments II HUD-assisted 2080 W 79th Pl, Merrillville 46410 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (219) 791-0708
- Ahepa 78 Apartments IV HUD-assisted 1950 W 79th Pl, Merrillville 46410 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (219) 769-9900
- Ahepa 78 Apartments V HUD-assisted 1852 W 79th Pl, Merrillville 46410 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (219) 793-9343
- Ahepa 78 Apartments Vi HUD-assisted 8000 Madison St, Merrillville 46410 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (219) 796-9160
- Northtown Village Townhomes II Tax credit (LIHTC) 3637 Main St, East Chicago 46312 50 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 31 · 4 bd: 3 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Duneland Public housing 357 Old Duneland Pkwy, Gary 46403 131 homes, 49 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Gary Indiana · Average payment: $437 a month · Average wait: 29 months · (219) 881-6422
- Ahepa 78 Apartments III HUD-assisted 2022 W 79th Pl, Merrillville 46410 50 homes, 49 low-income · For older adults · (219) 769-7995
- Linden House Hobart HUD-assisted 360 W 61st Ave, Hobart 46342 50 homes, 49 low-income · For older adults · (219) 942-9440
- American Heartland Homes Two Tax credit (LIHTC) 7418 7422 Linden PL, Hammond 46324 49 low-income homes
- Dorie Miller Public housing 6815 E 5th Pl, Gary 46403 48 homes, 47 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Gary Indiana · Average payment: $398 a month · (219) 881-6422
- Horace Mann Apartments Public housing 111 W 7th Ave, Gary 46402 123 homes, 45 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Gary Indiana · Average payment: $413 a month · Average wait: 26 months · (219) 881-6422
- Northwest Indiana Veterans Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 839 Massachusetts St, Gary 46402 44 low-income homes · 1 bd: 44 · In service since 2015
- American Heartland Homes One Public housing 1317 173rd Pl, Hammond 46324 94 homes, 43 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Hammond · Average payment: $399 a month · Average wait: 32 months · (219) 989-3265
- Gardens on Carolina HUD-assisted 525 Carolina St, Gary 46402 39 homes, 38 low-income · For older adults · (219) 951-0534
- Leased Elderly Highrise Public housing 10 W 13th Ave, Gary 46407 24 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Gary Indiana · (219) 881-6422
- American Heartland Homes Two Public housing 7419 Freedom Ave, Hammond 46324 49 homes, 17 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Hammond · Average payment: $448 a month · Average wait: 17 months · (219) 989-3265
- Flagstone Village Public housing 1332A Wilson Pl, Hammond 46324 76 homes, 15 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Hammond · Average payment: $304 a month · Average wait: 1 month · (219) 989-3265
- Southlake Center Residential HUD-assisted 110 E 73rd Ave, Merrillville 46410 15 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (219) 392-3311
- Bell Tower HUD-assisted 3995 E 80th Pl, Merrillville 46410 15 homes, 14 low-income · For people with disabilities · (219) 942-9009
- Griffith Apartments HUD-assisted 8555 Taft St, Merrillville 46410 15 homes, 14 low-income · For people with disabilities · (219) 513-9691
- Watertower West HUD-assisted 1900 W 79th Pl, Merrillville 46410 15 homes, 14 low-income · For people with disabilities · (219) 769-4005
- Bell Tower North HUD-assisted 3960 E 80th Pl, Merrillville 46410 14 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (219) 942-9009
- Watertower Place HUD-assisted 7900 Grant St, Merrillville 46410 14 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (219) 769-4005
- Watertower South HUD-assisted 8575 Taft St, Merrillville 46410 14 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (219) 794-2011
- Roses of Sharon Public housing 3609 Deodar St, East Chicago 46312 13 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of East Chicago · Average payment: $411 a month · Average wait: 6 months · Homes at several sites · (219) 397-9974
- Tri-City Mental Health Center HUD-assisted 4866 Tod Ave, East Chicago 46312 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (219) 392-3311
- Columbia Center Public housing 7323 Chestnut Ave, Hammond 46324 1 low-income home · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Hammond · (219) 989-3265
- Gary Manor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1116 Washington St, Gary 46407 198 homes
- Kirby Manor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 402 W 14th St, Hobart 46342 78 homes
- Dalton Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 131 E 5th Ave, Gary 46402 48 homes · In service since 2011 · For people with disabilities, families
- Nwi Homes for Heroes Tax credit (LIHTC) 839 Massachusetts St, Gary 46402 44 homes
- Madison Manor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 7701 Madison St, Merrillville 46410 In service since 2006
One property has two programs at the same address and appears once. Search HUD's map
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 Lake County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 3 agencies serve in Lake County. 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)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $21,200 | $35,350 | $56,500 |
| 2 people | $24,200 | $40,400 | $64,600 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $45,450 | $72,650 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $50,450 | $80,700 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $54,500 | $87,200 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $58,550 | $93,650 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $62,600 | $100,100 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $66,600 | $106,550 |
Area median income: $100,900. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Gary, IN HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,005 – $1,229
- 1 bedroom $1,058 – $1,294
- 2 bedrooms $1,286 – $1,572
- 3 bedrooms $1,565 – $1,913
- 4 bedrooms $1,708 – $2,088
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
- Housing Authority of the City of Gary Indiana Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 2,527 vouchers · 803 public housing units (219) 881-6422 Housing Authority of the City of Gary Indiana: tbonds@garyhousing.org
- Housing Authority of the City of East Chicago Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,147 vouchers · 460 public housing units (219) 397-9974 Housing Authority of the City of East Chicago: tcauley@echa-in.org
- Housing Authority of the City of Hammond Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 898 vouchers · 414 public housing units (219) 989-3265 Housing Authority of the City of Hammond: mpaniagua@hammondhousing.org
Housing agencies in Indiana Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Indiana
What Indiana 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.
- When must they return my deposit?
- 45 days
- Ind. Code §32-31-3-12(a)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 10 days
- Ind. Code §32-31-1-6
- How much notice before a rent increase?
- 30 days
- Ind. Code §32-31-5-4
- Only a court order can remove youInd. Code §32-31-5-6(c)
- Protection from retaliationInd. Code §32-31-8.5-5
Help
Where to get help with rent in Lake County
These HUD-approved agencies have offices in Lake County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Northwest Indiana Reinvestment Alliance
5233 Hohman Ave Ste 104, Hammond · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
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City of Gary Department of Community Development
401 Broadway, Gary
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
-
HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES, INC dba CoACTION
5240 Fountain Dr, Crown Point
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Lake 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 Indiana, the average home bill was $133 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
$2,858
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,429
- Security deposit
- $1,429
- Total
- $2,858
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 Lake County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,117; 1 bedroom: $1,176; 2 bedrooms: $1,429; 3 bedrooms: $1,739; 4 bedrooms: $1,898. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Lake County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,429) without spending more than 30% of income takes $27.48 an hour full time, or $57,160 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Lake County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $50,450 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 Lake 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 $1,286 and $1,572 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Lake County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,140 in 46312 to $1,880 in 46321. 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 Lake County?
HUD lists 83 properties with homes for low-income households in Lake 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 Lake County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Lake County, 52% of renter households are in that position; in Indiana, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).