Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Berkshire County, Massachusetts
Berkshire County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,704–$1,763 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,097 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $32.77–$33.90 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,704–$1,763
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- HUD sets it by area: from the lowest to the highest of the 2 areas in Berkshire County.
- Typical rent
- $1,097
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 38% less than in Massachusetts
- Wage needed
- $32.77–$33.90
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $68,160–$70,520 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 54%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 4% more than in Massachusetts
Only here
Renting in Berkshire County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Berkshire County has the lowest typical rent of the 14 counties in Massachusetts: $1,097.
-
Berkshire County has the lowest typical rent in its area: $1,097, less than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Hampden County ($1,136).
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 Berkshire 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)
HUD splits this county into 2 areas with different fair market rents: for 2 bedrooms they run from $1,704 to $1,763. The table is for Pittsfield, MA HUD Metro FMR Area, the area where most people live; below you see every area with its towns. Includes basic utilities.
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Berkshire County was $1,757 a month in September 2026: 3.8% 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 | $1,315 | $25.29 | $52,600 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,324 | $25.46 | $52,960 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,704 | $32.77 | $68,160 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,231 | $42.90 | $89,240 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,848 | $54.77 | $113,920 |
HUD area: Pittsfield, MA HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
Fair market rent by HUD area in Berkshire County
HUD splits this county into 2 areas, each with its own fair market rent. Find your town in its area's list; the housing agency tells you which one it uses for your voucher.
| HUD area | Studio | 1 bd | 2 bd | 3 bd | 4 bd | Hourly wage, 2 bd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pittsfield, MA HUD Metro FMR Area The area where most people live 10 towns in this areaAdams town, Cheshire town, Dalton town, Hinsdale town, Lanesborough town, Lee town, Lenox town, Pittsfield city, Richmond town, Stockbridge town | $1,315 | $1,324 | $1,704 | $2,231 | $2,848 | $32.77 |
Berkshire County, MA (part) HUD Metro FMR Area 22 towns in this areaAlford town, Becket town, Clarksburg town, Egremont town, Florida town, Great Barrington town, Hancock town, Monterey town, Mount Washington town, New Ashford town, New Marlborough town, North Adams city, Otis town, Peru town, Sandisfield town, Savoy town, Sheffield town, Tyringham town, Washington town, West Stockbridge town, Williamstown town, Windsor town | $1,329 | $1,348 | $1,763 | $2,409 | $2,947 | $33.90 |
HUD fair market rent by area and size, per month, Fiscal year 2027. The wage is what full-time work must pay to rent 2 bedrooms without spending more than 30% of income. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027 Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
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 Berkshire County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,470 in 01226 to $2,350 in 01266.
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)
| 01029 | Berkshire County, MA | $1,250 | $1,390 | $1,760 | $2,230 | $2,590 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01201 | Berkshire County, MA | $1,350 | $1,360 | $1,750 | $2,310 | $2,930 |
| 01201 | Pittsfield, MA | $1,350 | $1,360 | $1,750 | $2,310 | $2,930 |
| 01220 | Pittsfield, MA | $1,170 | $1,170 | $1,510 | $1,980 | $2,520 |
| 01222 | Berkshire County, MA | $1,240 | $1,310 | $1,680 | $2,280 | $2,740 |
| 01223 | Berkshire County, MA | $1,570 | $1,590 | $2,080 | $2,840 | $3,480 |
| 01223 | Pittsfield, MA | $1,570 | $1,590 | $2,080 | $2,840 | $3,480 |
| 01223 | Springfield, MA | $1,570 | $1,590 | $2,080 | $2,840 | $3,480 |
| 01224 | Pittsfield, MA | $1,320 | $1,330 | $1,730 | $2,320 | $2,890 |
| 01225 | Pittsfield, MA | $1,230 | $1,230 | $1,600 | $2,130 | $2,670 |
| 01226 | Pittsfield, MA | $1,130 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,900 | $2,320 |
| 01229 | Pittsfield, MA | $1,340 | $1,350 | $1,740 | $2,280 | $2,910 |
| 01230 | Berkshire County, MA | $1,420 | $1,440 | $1,880 | $2,570 | $3,140 |
| 01235 | Amherst Town-Northampton, MA | $1,250 | $1,430 | $1,810 | $2,260 | $2,590 |
| 01235 | Berkshire County, MA | $1,250 | $1,430 | $1,810 | $2,260 | $2,590 |
| 01235 | Pittsfield, MA | $1,250 | $1,430 | $1,810 | $2,260 | $2,590 |
| 01236 | Berkshire County, MA | $1,560 | $1,580 | $2,070 | $2,820 | $3,450 |
| 01236 | Pittsfield, MA | $1,560 | $1,580 | $2,070 | $2,820 | $3,450 |
| 01237 | Berkshire County, MA | $1,320 | $1,330 | $1,730 | $2,320 | $2,890 |
| 01237 | Pittsfield, MA | $1,320 | $1,330 | $1,730 | $2,320 | $2,890 |
| 01238 | Berkshire County, MA | $1,610 | $1,620 | $2,090 | $2,750 | $3,490 |
| 01238 | Pittsfield, MA | $1,610 | $1,620 | $2,090 | $2,750 | $3,490 |
| 01240 | Berkshire County, MA | $1,270 | $1,280 | $1,650 | $2,170 | $2,760 |
| 01240 | Pittsfield, MA | $1,270 | $1,280 | $1,650 | $2,170 | $2,760 |
| 01242 | Pittsfield, MA | $1,460 | $1,470 | $1,890 | $2,490 | $3,160 |
| 01244 | Berkshire County, MA | $1,410 | $1,430 | $1,860 | $2,540 | $3,110 |
| 01245 | Berkshire County, MA | $1,260 | $1,280 | $1,670 | $2,280 | $2,790 |
| 01247 | Berkshire County, MA | $1,230 | $1,280 | $1,680 | $2,230 | $2,720 |
| 01247 | Franklin County, MA | $1,230 | $1,280 | $1,680 | $2,230 | $2,720 |
| 01253 | Berkshire County, MA | $1,260 | $1,280 | $1,670 | $2,280 | $2,790 |
| 01254 | Berkshire County, MA | $1,480 | $1,510 | $1,900 | $2,490 | $3,010 |
| 01254 | Pittsfield, MA | $1,480 | $1,510 | $1,900 | $2,490 | $3,010 |
| 01255 | Berkshire County, MA | $1,520 | $1,690 | $2,130 | $2,750 | $3,070 |
| 01256 | Berkshire County, MA | $1,180 | $1,240 | $1,600 | $2,050 | $2,590 |
| 01257 | Berkshire County, MA | $1,290 | $1,310 | $1,710 | $2,340 | $2,860 |
| 01258 | Berkshire County, MA | $1,300 | $1,340 | $1,710 | $2,270 | $2,680 |
| 01259 | Berkshire County, MA | $1,270 | $1,360 | $1,730 | $2,340 | $2,800 |
| 01260 | Pittsfield, MA | $1,530 | $1,550 | $2,000 | $2,680 | $3,340 |
| 01262 | Pittsfield, MA | $1,470 | $1,490 | $1,930 | $2,600 | $3,230 |
| 01264 | Berkshire County, MA | $1,580 | $1,590 | $2,060 | $2,730 | $3,440 |
| 01266 | Berkshire County, MA | $1,770 | $1,800 | $2,350 | $3,210 | $3,930 |
| 01266 | Pittsfield, MA | $1,770 | $1,800 | $2,350 | $3,210 | $3,930 |
| 01267 | Berkshire County, MA | $1,650 | $1,670 | $2,190 | $2,990 | $3,660 |
| 01270 | Amherst Town-Northampton, MA | $1,250 | $1,430 | $1,810 | $2,260 | $2,590 |
| 01270 | Berkshire County, MA | $1,250 | $1,430 | $1,810 | $2,260 | $2,590 |
| 01270 | Pittsfield, MA | $1,250 | $1,430 | $1,810 | $2,260 | $2,590 |
| 01343 | Berkshire County, MA | $1,160 | $1,280 | $1,680 | $2,020 | $2,590 |
| 01343 | Franklin County, MA | $1,160 | $1,280 | $1,680 | $2,020 | $2,590 |
- 01029 · Berkshire County, MA $1,760$2,230
- 01201 · Berkshire County, MA $1,750$2,310
- 01201 · Pittsfield, MA $1,750$2,310
- 01220 · Pittsfield, MA $1,510$1,980
- 01222 · Berkshire County, MA $1,680$2,280
- 01223 · Berkshire County, MA $2,080$2,840
- 01223 · Pittsfield, MA $2,080$2,840
- 01223 · Springfield, MA $2,080$2,840
- 01224 · Pittsfield, MA $1,730$2,320
- 01225 · Pittsfield, MA $1,600$2,130
- 01226 · Pittsfield, MA $1,470$1,900
- 01229 · Pittsfield, MA $1,740$2,280
- 01230 · Berkshire County, MA $1,880$2,570
- 01235 · Amherst Town-Northampton, MA $1,810$2,260
- 01235 · Berkshire County, MA $1,810$2,260
- 01235 · Pittsfield, MA $1,810$2,260
- 01236 · Berkshire County, MA $2,070$2,820
- 01236 · Pittsfield, MA $2,070$2,820
- 01237 · Berkshire County, MA $1,730$2,320
- 01237 · Pittsfield, MA $1,730$2,320
- 01238 · Berkshire County, MA $2,090$2,750
- 01238 · Pittsfield, MA $2,090$2,750
- 01240 · Berkshire County, MA $1,650$2,170
- 01240 · Pittsfield, MA $1,650$2,170
- 01242 · Pittsfield, MA $1,890$2,490
- 01244 · Berkshire County, MA $1,860$2,540
- 01245 · Berkshire County, MA $1,670$2,280
- 01247 · Berkshire County, MA $1,680$2,230
- 01247 · Franklin County, MA $1,680$2,230
- 01253 · Berkshire County, MA $1,670$2,280
- 01254 · Berkshire County, MA $1,900$2,490
- 01254 · Pittsfield, MA $1,900$2,490
- 01255 · Berkshire County, MA $2,130$2,750
- 01256 · Berkshire County, MA $1,600$2,050
- 01257 · Berkshire County, MA $1,710$2,340
- 01258 · Berkshire County, MA $1,710$2,270
- 01259 · Berkshire County, MA $1,730$2,340
- 01260 · Pittsfield, MA $2,000$2,680
- 01262 · Pittsfield, MA $1,930$2,600
- 01264 · Berkshire County, MA $2,060$2,730
- 01266 · Berkshire County, MA $2,350$3,210
- 01266 · Pittsfield, MA $2,350$3,210
- 01267 · Berkshire County, MA $2,190$2,990
- 01270 · Amherst Town-Northampton, MA $1,810$2,260
- 01270 · Berkshire County, MA $1,810$2,260
- 01270 · Pittsfield, MA $1,810$2,260
- 01343 · Berkshire County, MA $1,680$2,020
- 01343 · Franklin County, MA $1,680$2,020
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 Berkshire County, 54% 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.
54%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
17,322 households rent in Berkshire County
- Spend half or more of their income 24%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 30%
- Spend less than 30% 46%
Compared with the state and the country
- Berkshire 54%
- Massachusetts 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Berkshire County
HUD lists 46 properties with homes for low-income households in Berkshire 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)
- 16
- HUD-assisted
- 27
- public housing
- 3
3,020 homes in all; 2,477 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Mohawk Forest Tax credit (LIHTC) 201 Mohawk Forest Blvd, North Adams 190 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · 2 bd: 100 · 3 bd: 42 · In service since 2000
- Berkshiretown Associates HUD-assisted 176 Columbus Ave, Pittsfield 01201 184 low-income homes · For older adults
- Ashland Park Apts Public housing 150 Ashland St, North Adams 01247 179 homes, 178 low-income · Run by North Adams Housing Authority · Average payment: $394 a month · Average wait: 18 months · (413) 663-5379
- Dower Square Public housing 65 Columbus Ave, Pittsfield 01201 169 homes, 163 low-income · Run by Pittsfield Housing Authority · Average payment: $505 a month · Average wait: 15 months · (413) 443-5936
- Mohawk Forest HUD-assisted 200 Mohawk Forest Blvd, North Adams 01247 190 homes, 128 low-income · For families
- Riverview Homes LP Tax credit (LIHTC) 341 West St, Pittsfield 120 homes, 113 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 36 · 4 bd: 12 · In service since 2000
- Central Annex HUD-assisted 99 Second St, Pittsfield 01201 103 homes, 101 low-income · For older adults
- Dalton Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 40 April Ln, Pittsfield 100 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 44 · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Millhouses of Adams HUD-assisted 75 Commercial St, Adams 01220 99 homes, 98 low-income · For older adults
- Brayton Hill Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 159 Barbour St, North Adams 100 homes, 90 low-income · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 24 · 4 bd: 28 · In service since 1997
- ST Josephs Court HUD-assisted 85 Eagle St, North Adams 01247 78 low-income homes · For older adults
- River Run Apartments HUD-assisted 8 River St, Dalton 01226 77 low-income homes · For older adults
- Berkshire Peak HUD-assisted 341 West St, Pittsfield 01201 120 homes, 75 low-income · For families
- New Amsterdam LP Tax credit (LIHTC) 421 North St, Pittsfield 67 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 51 · In service since 2009 · For families, people experiencing homelessness
- Capitol Square Apts HUD-assisted 31 Bradford St, Pittsfield 01201 69 homes, 64 low-income · For older adults
- Proprietors Field HUD-assisted 118 Church St, Williamstown 01267 60 low-income homes · For older adults
- Berkshire Mews HUD-assisted 32 First St, Pittsfield 01201 51 low-income homes · For families
- Village East HUD-assisted 546 Union St, North Adams 01247 48 low-income homes · For older adults
- Cameron House Tax credit (LIHTC) 109 Housatonic St, Lenox 44 low-income homes · Studio: 43 · 1 bd: 1 · In service since 2000
- Rice Silk Mill Tax credit (LIHTC) 55 Spring St, Pittsfield 45 homes, 43 low-income · 1 bd: 19 · 2 bd: 19 · 3 bd: 7 · In service since 2012 · For families
- Clark Biscuit Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 179 Ashland St, North Adams 43 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 33 · In service since 2009 · For people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness
- Hyde Place HUD-assisted 46 Railroad St, Lee 01238 41 low-income homes · For older adults
- Barrett House HUD-assisted 17 Pleasant St, Adams 01220 40 low-income homes · For older adults
- Highland Woods Tax credit (LIHTC) 140 Church St, Williamstown 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Epworth Arms HUD-assisted 350 West St, Pittsfield 01201 39 homes, 38 low-income · For older adults
- Holy Family Terrace HUD-assisted 611 State Rd, North Adams 01247 39 homes, 38 low-income · For older adults
- Crossway Village Elderly HSG HUD-assisted 122 High Street, Lee 01238 37 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Adams Housing HUD-assisted 3 Myrtle St, Adams 01220 60 homes, 35 low-income · For families
- Tunnel Brook Townhouses Tax credit (LIHTC) 522 W Shaft Rd, North Adams 35 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 29 · In service since 1991
- West End and Riverview Public housing 20 Sperry Ave, North Adams 01247 30 low-income homes · Run by North Adams Housing Authority · Average payment: $486 a month · Average wait: 17 months · (413) 663-5379
- Bostwick Gardens HUD-assisted 899 Main St, Great Barrington 01230 60 homes, 28 low-income · For older adults
- Pine Woods Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3 W Stockbridge Rd, Stockbridge 30 homes, 25 low-income · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 4 · 4 bd: 1 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Pittsfield April Lane LLC HUD-assisted 52 April Ln, Pittsfield 01201 100 homes, 20 low-income · For families
- Spring Meadow Tax credit (LIHTC) 1231 N Hoosac Rd, Williamstown 22 homes, 15 low-income · 1 bd: 3 · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 1991
- Crossway Tower HUD-assisted 21 Crossway St, Lee 01238 13 low-income homes · For older adults
- Thomas Flynn, JR. Community Apts HUD-assisted 189 First St, Pittsfield 01201 11 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Friend Street Tax credit (LIHTC) 85 Friend St, Adams 8 homes, 6 low-income · 2 bd: 5 · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 1991
- Gamwell Residence HUD-assisted 31 Gamwell Ave, Pittsfield 01201 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Pleasant Pittsfield HUD-assisted 193 Wendell Ave, Pittsfield 01201 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Bentley Apartments LLC HUD-assisted 20 Bentley Ave, Great Barrington 01230 40 homes, 5 low-income · (413) 344-4844
- Clarksburg Residence HUD-assisted 201 Henderson Rd, Clarksburg 01247 5 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Hollow Road HUD-assisted 4 Hollow Road, Lanesbourgh 01201 4 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Kowchuk Residence HUD-assisted 11 Kowchuck Rd, Lanesborough 01237 4 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Central Annex Tax credit (LIHTC) 99 Second St, Pittsfield 100 homes
- Capitol Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 379 North St, Pittsfield 70 homes · 1 bd: 67 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- Pittsfield YMCA Tax credit (LIHTC) 292 North St, Pittsfield 44 homes · Studio: 44 · In service since 2002
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 Berkshire 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 Berkshire 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 | $27,650 | $46,100 | $73,750 |
| 2 people | $31,600 | $52,700 | $84,300 |
| 3 people | $35,550 | $59,300 | $94,850 |
| 4 people | $39,500 | $65,850 | $105,350 |
| 5 people | $42,700 | $71,150 | $113,800 |
| 6 people | $45,850 | $76,400 | $122,250 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $81,700 | $130,650 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $86,950 | $139,100 |
Area median income: $109,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Pittsfield, MA HUD Metro FMR Area. Where a single figure is needed, we use Pittsfield, MA HUD Metro FMR Area, the area where most people live. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Income limits by HUD area in Berkshire County
HUD splits this county into 2 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%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pittsfield, MA HUD Metro FMR Area The area where most people live 10 towns in this areaAdams town, Cheshire town, Dalton town, Hinsdale town, Lanesborough town, Lee town, Lenox town, Pittsfield city, Richmond town, Stockbridge town | $109,400 | $39,500 | $65,850 | $105,350 |
Berkshire County, MA (part) HUD Metro FMR Area 22 towns in this areaAlford town, Becket town, Clarksburg town, Egremont town, Florida town, Great Barrington town, Hancock town, Monterey town, Mount Washington town, New Ashford town, New Marlborough town, North Adams city, Otis town, Peru town, Sandisfield town, Savoy town, Sheffield town, Tyringham town, Washington town, West Stockbridge town, Williamstown town, Windsor town | $112,900 | $39,450 | $65,750 | $105,200 |
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)
HUD sets fair market rents by area inside this county, so the 90% to 110% range depends on your area. Your agency publishes its payment standard.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Pittsfield Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 585 vouchers · 163 public housing units (413) 443-5936 Pittsfield Housing Authority: susanmartino@pittsfieldhousing.org
- North Adams Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 389 vouchers · 208 public housing units (413) 663-5379 North Adams Housing Authority: Jen@northadamsha.com
- Williamstown Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 100 vouchers (413) 458-8282 Williamstown Housing Authority: wmstnha@outlook.com
- Adams Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 98 vouchers (413) 743-5924 Adams Housing Authority: bills@ahauthority.com
- Stockbridge Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 62 vouchers (413) 298-3222 Stockbridge Housing Authority: stockbridgeha@gmail.com
- Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers (413) 443-7138 Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority: alyssac@bcrha.com
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 Berkshire County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Berkshire County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority-H
1 Fenn St Ste 4, Pittsfield · Spanish
Also serves in French.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 7 more
Tool
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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
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Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$3,408
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,704
- Security deposit
- $1,704
- Total
- $3,408
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 Berkshire County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,315–$1,329; 1 bedroom: $1,324–$1,348; 2 bedrooms: $1,704–$1,763; 3 bedrooms: $2,231–$2,409; 4 bedrooms: $2,848–$2,947. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD sets it by area within this county: the figure runs from the lowest area to the highest.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Berkshire County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,704–$1,763) without spending more than 30% of income takes $32.77–$33.90 an hour full time, or $68,160–$70,520 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Berkshire County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $65,750–$65,850 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Berkshire County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,470 in 01226 to $2,350 in 01266. 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 Berkshire County?
HUD lists 46 properties with homes for low-income households in Berkshire 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 Berkshire County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Berkshire County, 54% of renter households are in that position; in Massachusetts, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).