Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Barnstable County, Massachusetts
Barnstable County has a HUD fair market rent of $2,488 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,678 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $47.85 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $2,488
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 3% less than in Massachusetts
- Typical rent
- $1,678
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 5% less than in Massachusetts
- Wage needed
- $47.85
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $99,520 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 60%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 15% more than in Massachusetts
Only here
Renting in Barnstable County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Of the 14 counties in Massachusetts, Barnstable County has the largest share of rent-burdened renters: 60%.
-
Nearby, in Bristol County, the typical rent is $1,245: 26% less than in Barnstable County ($1,678).
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 Barnstable 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 Barnstable County was $2,578 a month in September 2026: 2.1% 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 | $1,889 | $36.33 | $75,560 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,902 | $36.58 | $76,080 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,488 | $47.85 | $99,520 |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,121 | $60.02 | $124,840 |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,721 | $71.56 | $148,840 |
HUD area: Barnstable Town, MA MSA. 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 48 ZIP codes in Barnstable County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $2,180 in 02540 to $3,560 in 02630. 25 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($2,488).
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)
| 02532 | Barnstable Town, MA | $2,130 | $2,230 | $2,650 | $3,180 | $3,510 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02532 | Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH | $2,130 | $2,230 | $2,650 | $3,180 | $3,510 |
| 02534 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,890 | $1,900 | $2,490 | $3,120 | $3,720 |
| 02536 | Barnstable Town, MA | $2,000 | $2,010 | $2,630 | $3,300 | $3,930 |
| 02537 | Barnstable Town, MA | $2,010 | $2,020 | $2,650 | $3,270 | $3,900 |
| 02540 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,660 | $1,670 | $2,180 | $2,730 | $3,260 |
| 02542 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,960 | $1,980 | $2,590 | $3,190 | $3,790 |
| 02553 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,720 | $1,740 | $2,270 | $2,840 | $3,380 |
| 02556 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,870 | $1,880 | $2,460 | $3,080 | $3,670 |
| 02559 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,890 | $1,900 | $2,490 | $3,120 | $3,720 |
| 02561 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,790 | $1,810 | $2,360 | $2,960 | $3,520 |
| 02562 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,900 | $1,910 | $2,500 | $3,140 | $3,740 |
| 02563 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,940 | $1,960 | $2,560 | $3,210 | $3,830 |
| 02601 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,910 | $1,930 | $2,520 | $3,160 | $3,770 |
| 02630 | Barnstable Town, MA | $2,700 | $2,720 | $3,560 | $4,470 | $5,320 |
| 02631 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,820 | $1,830 | $2,390 | $3,000 | $3,570 |
| 02632 | Barnstable Town, MA | $2,510 | $2,530 | $3,310 | $4,150 | $4,950 |
| 02633 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,730 | $1,740 | $2,280 | $2,860 | $3,410 |
| 02635 | Barnstable Town, MA | $2,220 | $2,230 | $2,920 | $3,660 | $4,370 |
| 02637 | Barnstable Town, MA | $2,360 | $2,380 | $3,110 | $3,910 | $4,650 |
| 02638 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,670 | $1,680 | $2,200 | $2,760 | $3,290 |
| 02639 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,690 | $1,700 | $2,220 | $2,780 | $3,320 |
| 02641 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,790 | $1,800 | $2,360 | $2,960 | $3,520 |
| 02642 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,880 | $1,900 | $2,480 | $3,110 | $3,710 |
| 02643 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,730 | $1,740 | $2,270 | $2,850 | $3,400 |
| 02644 | Barnstable Town, MA | $2,040 | $2,060 | $2,690 | $3,370 | $4,020 |
| 02645 | Barnstable Town, MA | $2,230 | $2,240 | $2,930 | $3,680 | $4,380 |
| 02646 | Barnstable Town, MA | $2,210 | $2,220 | $2,910 | $3,650 | $4,350 |
| 02647 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,810 | $1,820 | $2,390 | $2,990 | $3,570 |
| 02648 | Barnstable Town, MA | $2,220 | $2,230 | $2,920 | $3,660 | $4,370 |
| 02649 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,970 | $1,990 | $2,600 | $3,260 | $3,890 |
| 02650 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,730 | $1,740 | $2,280 | $2,860 | $3,410 |
| 02652 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,660 | $1,670 | $2,180 | $2,690 | $3,090 |
| 02653 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,720 | $1,730 | $2,260 | $2,830 | $3,380 |
| 02655 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,970 | $1,980 | $2,590 | $3,250 | $3,870 |
| 02657 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,660 | $1,670 | $2,180 | $2,690 | $3,090 |
| 02659 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,660 | $1,670 | $2,180 | $2,690 | $3,090 |
| 02660 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,780 | $1,800 | $2,350 | $2,950 | $3,510 |
| 02663 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,660 | $1,670 | $2,180 | $2,690 | $3,090 |
| 02664 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,960 | $1,970 | $2,580 | $3,240 | $3,860 |
| 02666 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,660 | $1,670 | $2,180 | $2,690 | $3,090 |
| 02667 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,660 | $1,670 | $2,180 | $2,690 | $3,090 |
| 02668 | Barnstable Town, MA | $2,430 | $2,450 | $3,200 | $4,020 | $4,790 |
| 02670 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,700 | $1,710 | $2,240 | $2,810 | $3,350 |
| 02671 | Barnstable Town, MA | $2,080 | $2,090 | $2,740 | $3,440 | $4,100 |
| 02672 | Barnstable Town, MA | $2,140 | $2,160 | $2,820 | $3,540 | $4,220 |
| 02673 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,730 | $1,740 | $2,280 | $2,860 | $3,410 |
| 02675 | Barnstable Town, MA | $1,930 | $1,940 | $2,540 | $3,190 | $3,800 |
- 02532 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,650$3,180
- 02532 · Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH $2,650$3,180
- 02534 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,490$3,120
- 02536 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,630$3,300
- 02537 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,650$3,270
- 02540 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,180$2,730
- 02542 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,590$3,190
- 02553 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,270$2,840
- 02556 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,460$3,080
- 02559 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,490$3,120
- 02561 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,360$2,960
- 02562 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,500$3,140
- 02563 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,560$3,210
- 02601 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,520$3,160
- 02630 · Barnstable Town, MA $3,560$4,470
- 02631 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,390$3,000
- 02632 · Barnstable Town, MA $3,310$4,150
- 02633 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,280$2,860
- 02635 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,920$3,660
- 02637 · Barnstable Town, MA $3,110$3,910
- 02638 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,200$2,760
- 02639 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,220$2,780
- 02641 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,360$2,960
- 02642 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,480$3,110
- 02643 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,270$2,850
- 02644 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,690$3,370
- 02645 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,930$3,680
- 02646 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,910$3,650
- 02647 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,390$2,990
- 02648 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,920$3,660
- 02649 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,600$3,260
- 02650 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,280$2,860
- 02652 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,180$2,690
- 02653 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,260$2,830
- 02655 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,590$3,250
- 02657 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,180$2,690
- 02659 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,180$2,690
- 02660 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,350$2,950
- 02663 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,180$2,690
- 02664 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,580$3,240
- 02666 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,180$2,690
- 02667 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,180$2,690
- 02668 · Barnstable Town, MA $3,200$4,020
- 02670 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,240$2,810
- 02671 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,740$3,440
- 02672 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,820$3,540
- 02673 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,280$2,860
- 02675 · Barnstable Town, MA $2,540$3,190
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 Barnstable County, 60% of renter households are in that position; in Massachusetts, 52%, 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.
60%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
20,024 households rent in Barnstable County
- Spend half or more of their income 32%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 28%
- Spend less than 30% 40%
Compared with the state and the country
- Barnstable 60%
- Massachusetts 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Barnstable County
HUD lists 54 properties with homes for low-income households in Barnstable 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)
- 27
- HUD-assisted
- 23
- public housing
- 4
3,108 homes in all; 2,264 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- James L Conley Tataket Apartments Public housing 138 Teaticket Hwy, Teaticket 02536 163 low-income homes · Run by Falmouth Housing Authority · Average payment: $546 a month · Average wait: 62 months · (508) 548-1977
- Swan Pond Village HUD-assisted 1001 Alewife Cir, South Yarmouth 02664 150 low-income homes · For older adults
- Mashpee Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Wampanoag Dr, Mashpee 145 homes, 130 low-income · 1 bd: 72 · 2 bd: 38 · 3 bd: 27 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2009 · For people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness
- Bourne Oaks HUD-assisted 23 Boxwood Ct, Bourne 02532 106 homes, 105 low-income · For older adults
- Rock Harbor HUD-assisted 9 Main St, Orleans 02653 100 low-income homes · For older adults
- Fawcetts Pond Village HUD-assisted 148 W Main St, Hyannis 02601 100 homes, 99 low-income · For older adults · (508) 771-8702
- Rock Harbor Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 9 Main St, Orleans 100 homes, 95 low-income · 1 bd: 80 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 2012 · For families
- Cape Cod Senior Residences at Pocasset Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Dr Julius Kelley Ln, Pocasset 84 low-income homes · Studio: 48 · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- Cromwell Court HUD-assisted 168 Barnstable Rd, Hyannis 02601 124 homes, 82 low-income · For families · (508) 771-4550
- Colony House Public housing 500 Old Colony Rd, Hyannis 02601 68 low-income homes · Run by Barnstable Housing Authority · Average payment: $616 a month · Average wait: 60 months · (508) 771-7222
- Pine Oaks Village III HUD-assisted 300 Leightons Ln, Harwich 02645 65 low-income homes · For older adults
- PINE OAKS VILLAGE - Phase I HUD-assisted 61 John Nelson Way, Harwich 02645 60 low-income homes · For older adults
- Village Green 2 Tax credit (LIHTC) 767 Independence Dr, Hyannis 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 42 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Rose Morin Public housing 58 Rose Morin Ln, Falmouth 02540 60 homes, 59 low-income · Run by Falmouth Housing Authority · Average payment: $568 a month · Average wait: 16 months · (508) 548-1977
- Simpkins School Residences Tax credit (LIHTC) 134 Old Main St, South Yarmouth 65 homes, 58 low-income · Studio: 4 · 1 bd: 37 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2014
- Coady School Tax credit (LIHTC) 85 Cotuit Rd, Bourne 58 low-income homes · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 27 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Bourne Ha Public housing 871 Shore Rd, Pocasset 02559 56 low-income homes · Run by Bourne Housing Authority · Average payment: $529 a month · Average wait: 56 months · (508) 563-7485
- Ea Fish Asher's Path Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Carleton Dr, Mashpee 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 56 · In service since 2007 · For older adults
- Province Landing Tax credit (LIHTC) 90 Shank Painter Rd, Provincetown 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 25 · 2 bd: 21 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2012 · For families
- Shawme Heights II HUD-assisted 3 Leveridge Ln, Sandwich 02563 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (508) 888-9733
- Northside Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 11 Antonelli Cir, Dennis 46 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- Clay Pond Cove Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Harmony Hill Rd, Bourne 45 low-income homes · 1 bd: 33 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2012 · For older adults, people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness
- Lake Street Tax credit (LIHTC) 12A Lake St, Chatham 47 homes, 44 low-income · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 33 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2006 · For families
- 704 Main LLC Tax credit (LIHTC) 704 Main St, Falmouth 44 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 34 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Shawme Heights Apts. HUD-assisted 5 Leveridge Ln, Sandwich 02563 44 low-income homes · For older adults · (508) 888-9733
- West Barnstable Communities Tax credit (LIHTC) 2239 Iyannough Rd, West Barnstable 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2009 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Osprey Lane Tax credit (LIHTC) 17 Osprey Ln, East Sandwich 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 19 · 3 bd: 9 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Village Green Tax credit (LIHTC) 767A Independence Dr, Hyannis 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 7 · 2 bd: 25 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Canal Bluffs Phase 3 Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Highmeadow Cir, Bourne 44 homes, 35 low-income · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2018 · For families
- Gosnold Grove HUD-assisted 362 Main St, Falmouth 02540 33 low-income homes · For families
- Dennis Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 224 Main St, Dennis Port 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2000
- Residences at Canal Bluff Tax credit (LIHTC) 6 Otis Park Dr, Bourne 28 low-income homes · 1 bd: 1 · 2 bd: 26 · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 2009 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Route 134 Community Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 812 Route 134, South Dennis 27 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 17 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Wells Court HUD-assisted 141 Brewster Rd, Brewster 02631 24 low-income homes · For older adults
- Stable Path Provincetown Tax credit (LIHTC) 8 Stable Path, Provincetown 23 low-income homes · Studio: 2 · 1 bd: 3 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Old Ann Page Way Tax credit (LIHTC) 32 Off Conwell St, Provincetown 18 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 9 · 3 bd: 5 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Residential Rehab Centers, Inc. HUD-assisted 153 Run Pond Rd, South Yarmouth 02664 14 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Cape Cod Apartments HUD-assisted 62 Locust St, Falmouth 02540 83 homes, 12 low-income · For older adults
- Brush Hill HUD-assisted 47 Brush Hill Rd, Yarmouth Port 02675 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Cape Cod Group Homes HUD-assisted 47 Cedar St, Hyannis 02601 5 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Yarmouth Gardens HUD-assisted 497 Route 28, West Yarmouth 02673 40 homes, 4 low-income · (857) 229-7101
- Weir Landing HUD-assisted 170 Weir Rd, Yarmouth Port 02675 4 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Village at Nauset Green HUD-assisted 4300 State Hwy, Eastham 02642 62 homes, 3 low-income · (508) 664-6553
- Brewster Woods HUD-assisted 30 Brewster Woods Dr, Brewster 02631 30 homes, 3 low-income · (617) 755-3350
- Terrapin Ridge HUD-assisted 31 Terrapin Rdg, East Sandwich 02537 30 homes, 3 low-income · (617) 755-3350
- Eagle Point HUD-assisted 151 Turning Mill Rd, Brewster 02631 4 homes, 3 low-income · For people with disabilities
- Canal Bluffs Phase 3 HUD-assisted 102 Harmony Drive, Bourne 02532 42 homes, 2 low-income · (508) 743-8394
- Little Pond Place HUD-assisted 41 Spring Bars Rd, Falmouth 02540 38 homes, 2 low-income · (508) 540-4009
- Swan Pond Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 1120 Alewife Cir, South Yarmouth 150 homes
- Cromwell Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 168 Barnstable Rd, Hyannis 117 homes
- State ST Acquisition Tax credit (LIHTC) 78 Saints Lndg, Brewster 108 homes · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 66 · 3 bd: 12 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2013 · For families
- School House Green Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Teaticket Hwy, Teaticket 39 homes
- Pri Gosnold Grove LLC Tax credit (LIHTC) 364 E Falmouth Hwy, East Falmouth 33 homes
- Whitehall Estate Tax credit (LIHTC) 790 Falmouth Rd, Hyannis 16 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 Barnstable County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 6 agencies serve in Barnstable 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 | $29,650 | $49,450 | $79,100 |
| 2 people | $33,900 | $56,500 | $90,400 |
| 3 people | $38,150 | $63,550 | $101,700 |
| 4 people | $42,350 | $70,600 | $112,950 |
| 5 people | $45,750 | $76,250 | $122,000 |
| 6 people | $49,150 | $81,900 | $131,050 |
| 7 people | $52,550 | $87,550 | $140,100 |
| 8 people | $55,950 | $93,200 | $149,100 |
Area median income: $123,600. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Barnstable Town, MA MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,700 – $2,078
- 1 bedroom $1,712 – $2,092
- 2 bedrooms $2,239 – $2,737
- 3 bedrooms $2,809 – $3,433
- 4 bedrooms $3,349 – $4,093
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
- Falmouth Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 505 vouchers · 222 public housing units (508) 548-1977 Falmouth Housing Authority: brichards@falmouthhousing.org
- Barnstable Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 549 vouchers · 68 public housing units (508) 771-7222 Barnstable Housing Authority: lorri_finton@bha.barnstable.ma.us
- Yarmouth Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 332 vouchers (508) 398-2920 Yarmouth Housing Authority: wohlson@yarmouthha.org
- Sandwich Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 196 vouchers (508) 833-4979 Sandwich Housing Authority: director@sandwichhousing.org
- Bourne Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 79 vouchers · 56 public housing units (508) 563-7485 Bourne Housing Authority: kgarcia@bournehousing.org
- Dennis Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 101 vouchers (508) 394-3120 Dennis Housing Authority: nfriend@dennishousing.org
Housing agencies in Massachusetts Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Massachusetts
What Massachusetts 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 1 month of rent
- M.G.L. c. 186, §15B(1)(b)
- When must they return my deposit?
- 30 days
- M.G.L. c. 186, §15B(4)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 14 days
- M.G.L. c. 186, §11
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 days
- M.G.L. c. 186, §12
- Only a court order can remove youM.G.L. c. 186, §15F
- Protection from retaliationM.G.L. c. 186, §18
- Repair and deduct from the rentM.G.L. c. 111, §127L
Help
Where to get help with rent in Barnstable County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Barnstable County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Housing Assistance Corp.
460 W Main St, Hyannis
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 9 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Barnstable 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 Massachusetts, the average home bill was $167 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
$4,976
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $2,488
- Security deposit
- $2,488
- Total
- $4,976
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 Barnstable County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,889; 1 bedroom: $1,902; 2 bedrooms: $2,488; 3 bedrooms: $3,121; 4 bedrooms: $3,721. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Barnstable County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($2,488) without spending more than 30% of income takes $47.85 an hour full time, or $99,520 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Barnstable County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $70,600 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 Barnstable 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 $2,239 and $2,737 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Barnstable County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $2,180 in 02540 to $3,560 in 02630. 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 Barnstable County?
HUD lists 54 properties with homes for low-income households in Barnstable 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 Barnstable County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Barnstable County, 60% of renter households are in that position; in Massachusetts, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).