Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Ingham County, Michigan
Ingham County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,323 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,084 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $25.44 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,323
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 3% less than in Michigan
- Typical rent
- $1,084
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 4% less than in Michigan
- Wage needed
- $25.44
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $52,920 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 53%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 5% more than in Michigan
Only here
Renting in Ingham County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Of the 83 counties in Michigan, Ingham County has the lowest homeownership rate: 59%.
-
Among the neighboring counties, Shiawassee County has the lowest typical rent ($899), 17% below the $1,084 in Ingham County.
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 Ingham 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 Ingham County was $1,293 a month in September 2026: 5.8% 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 | $1,036 | $19.92 | $41,440 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,054 | $20.27 | $42,160 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,323 | $25.44 | $52,920 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,685 | $32.40 | $67,400 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,739 | $33.44 | $69,560 |
HUD area: Lansing-East Lansing, MI 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 25 ZIP codes in Ingham County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,150 in 48819 to $1,580 in 48864. 12 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,323).
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)
| 48819 | Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $880 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,520 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48823 | Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $1,210 | $1,230 | $1,540 | $1,960 | $2,020 |
| 48824 | Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $1,200 | $1,210 | $1,520 | $1,940 | $2,000 |
| 48825 | Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $1,210 | $1,230 | $1,540 | $1,960 | $2,020 |
| 48840 | Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $1,020 | $1,040 | $1,310 | $1,670 | $1,730 |
| 48840 | Shiawassee County, MI | $1,020 | $1,040 | $1,310 | $1,670 | $1,730 |
| 48842 | Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $1,160 | $1,180 | $1,480 | $1,890 | $1,950 |
| 48854 | Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $1,100 | $1,120 | $1,400 | $1,780 | $1,840 |
| 48864 | Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $1,240 | $1,260 | $1,580 | $2,010 | $2,080 |
| 48892 | Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $910 | $1,140 | $1,320 | $1,830 | $2,060 |
| 48892 | Livingston County, MI | $910 | $1,140 | $1,320 | $1,830 | $2,060 |
| 48895 | Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $960 | $970 | $1,220 | $1,550 | $1,600 |
| 48910 | Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $1,030 | $1,040 | $1,310 | $1,670 | $1,720 |
| 48911 | Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $950 | $960 | $1,210 | $1,540 | $1,590 |
| 48912 | Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $1,080 | $1,100 | $1,380 | $1,760 | $1,810 |
| 48915 | Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $1,040 | $1,060 | $1,330 | $1,690 | $1,750 |
| 48933 | Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $920 | $930 | $1,170 | $1,490 | $1,540 |
| 49251 | Jackson, MI | $1,020 | $1,040 | $1,310 | $1,670 | $1,720 |
| 49251 | Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $1,020 | $1,040 | $1,310 | $1,670 | $1,720 |
| 49264 | Jackson, MI | $880 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,520 |
| 49264 | Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $880 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,520 |
| 49285 | Ann Arbor, MI | $1,230 | $1,250 | $1,500 | $1,830 | $2,060 |
| 49285 | Jackson, MI | $1,230 | $1,250 | $1,500 | $1,830 | $2,060 |
| 49285 | Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $1,230 | $1,250 | $1,500 | $1,830 | $2,060 |
| 49285 | Livingston County, MI | $1,230 | $1,250 | $1,500 | $1,830 | $2,060 |
- 48819 · Lansing-East Lansing, MI $1,150$1,470
- 48823 · Lansing-East Lansing, MI $1,540$1,960
- 48824 · Lansing-East Lansing, MI $1,520$1,940
- 48825 · Lansing-East Lansing, MI $1,540$1,960
- 48840 · Lansing-East Lansing, MI $1,310$1,670
- 48840 · Shiawassee County, MI $1,310$1,670
- 48842 · Lansing-East Lansing, MI $1,480$1,890
- 48854 · Lansing-East Lansing, MI $1,400$1,780
- 48864 · Lansing-East Lansing, MI $1,580$2,010
- 48892 · Lansing-East Lansing, MI $1,320$1,830
- 48892 · Livingston County, MI $1,320$1,830
- 48895 · Lansing-East Lansing, MI $1,220$1,550
- 48910 · Lansing-East Lansing, MI $1,310$1,670
- 48911 · Lansing-East Lansing, MI $1,210$1,540
- 48912 · Lansing-East Lansing, MI $1,380$1,760
- 48915 · Lansing-East Lansing, MI $1,330$1,690
- 48933 · Lansing-East Lansing, MI $1,170$1,490
- 49251 · Jackson, MI $1,310$1,670
- 49251 · Lansing-East Lansing, MI $1,310$1,670
- 49264 · Jackson, MI $1,150$1,470
- 49264 · Lansing-East Lansing, MI $1,150$1,470
- 49285 · Ann Arbor, MI $1,500$1,830
- 49285 · Jackson, MI $1,500$1,830
- 49285 · Lansing-East Lansing, MI $1,500$1,830
- 49285 · Livingston County, MI $1,500$1,830
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 Ingham County, 53% of renter households are in that position; in Michigan, 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.
47,469 households rent in Ingham County
- Spend half or more of their income 29%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
- Spend less than 30% 47%
Compared with the state and the country
- Ingham 53%
- Michigan 50%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Ingham County
HUD lists 74 properties with homes for low-income households in Ingham 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)
- 43
- HUD-assisted
- 31
- public housing
- 5
6,102 homes in all; 4,866 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Riverfront Tax credit (LIHTC) 501 N Cedar St, Lansing 48912 278 homes, 212 low-income · 1 bd: 215 · 2 bd: 63 · In service since 2016 · For older adults, families
- Riverfront HUD-assisted 601 N Cedar St, Lansing 48912 278 homes, 212 low-income · For families · (517) 372-1082
- Capitol Senior Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 500 S Pine St, Lansing 48933 200 low-income homes · 1 bd: 181 · 2 bd: 19 · In service since 2015 · For older adults · (517) 482-8880
- South Washington HUD-assisted 3200 S Washington Ave, Lansing 48910 374 homes, 187 low-income · For families
- Grange Acres III/IV HUD-assisted 6076 Hutchinson, Haslett 48840 176 low-income homes · For older adults · (517) 339-9321
- Arbors at Georgetown Tax credit (LIHTC) 2010 Georgetown Blvd, Lansing 48911 160 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 88 · 3 bd: 48 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Huntley Villas I & II Tax credit (LIHTC) 4488 Doncaster Ave, Holt 48842 160 homes, 159 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 114 · 3 bd: 30 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Hunt Club Tax credit (LIHTC) 3221 Forest Rd, Lansing 48910 144 homes, 142 low-income · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 64 · 3 bd: 32 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Pinebrook Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 5925 S Waverly Rd, Lansing 48911 136 low-income homes · 2 bd: 68 · 3 bd: 68 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Pinebrook Manor HUD-assisted 3616 W Miller Rd, Lansing 48911 136 low-income homes · For families · (517) 882-9147
- Summer Place Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 4901 S Waverly Rd, Lansing 48911 136 homes, 135 low-income · 2 bd: 68 · 3 bd: 68 · In service since 2002 · For families · (517) 393-2820
- South Brook Villa HUD-assisted 457 E Edgewood Blvd, Lansing 48911 128 low-income homes · For families · (517) 887-0315
- Edgewood Village HUD-assisted 6213 Towar Garden Cir, East Lansing 48823 135 homes, 126 low-income · For families · (517) 351-1400
- Deerpath Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1290 Deer Path Ln, East Lansing 48823 126 low-income homes · 1 bd: 41 · 2 bd: 61 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2012 · For families · (517) 332-7118
- Marsh Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 5895 Marsh Rd, Haslett 48840 108 low-income homes · 1 bd: 92 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 1997
- Marsh Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 5895 Marsh Rd, Haslett 48840 108 low-income homes · 1 bd: 92 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2016 · For older adults
- Silver Stone Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 5639 S Mlk Blvd, Lansing 48911 105 low-income homes · 1 bd: 13 · 2 bd: 80 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Waverly Place HUD-assisted 3338 N Waverly Rd, Lansing 48906 105 low-income homes · For families
- Grange Acres II HUD-assisted 1801 Chamberlain Dr, Haslett 48840 104 low-income homes · For older adults · (517) 339-9321
- Camelot Hills Tax credit (LIHTC) 601 Sadie Ct, Lansing 48906 102 low-income homes · 2 bd: 89 · 3 bd: 13 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Camelot Hills HUD-assisted 619 Sadie Ct, Lansing 48906 102 low-income homes · For families · (517) 485-6938
- East Glen Apartments HUD-assisted 1801 N Hagadorn Rd, East Lansing 48823 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (517) 337-2009
- Somerset Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1401 W Holmes Rd, Lansing 48910 100 low-income homes · In service since 2014 · For older adults · (517) 394-6800
- Tamarack HUD-assisted 4400 Holt Rd, Holt 48842 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (517) 694-0074
- The Porter HUD-assisted 505 Townsend St, Lansing 48933 98 low-income homes · For older adults · (517) 225-4256
- Cedar Place HUD-assisted 201 W Jolly Rd, Lansing 48910 220 homes, 94 low-income · For families · (517) 882-0766
- Carriage Lane Apts Public housing 3882 Dobie Rd, Okemos 48864 93 homes, 89 low-income · Run by Ingham County Housing Commission · Average payment: $364 a month · Average wait: 6 months · (517) 349-1643
- Grange Acres I HUD-assisted 6101 Marsh Rd, Haslett 48840 81 low-income homes · For families · (517) 339-9321
- Benson Hills Apartments HUD-assisted 5800 Benson Dr, Haslett 48840 226 homes, 70 low-income · For families · (517) 339-9911
- Colonial Woods Senior Tax credit (LIHTC) 2001 W Mount Hope Ave, Lansing 48910 90 homes, 67 low-income · 1 bd: 55 · 2 bd: 35 · In service since 1997 · For older adults
- Grandhaven Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 3223 W Mount Hope Ave, Lansing 48911 150 homes, 66 low-income · 1 bd: 104 · 2 bd: 46 · In service since 2000
- Prestwick Village Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 2363 Cedar St, Holt 48842 66 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 26 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2017
- Walnut Park Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 635 W Willow St, Lansing 48906 72 homes, 64 low-income · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2018
- La Roy Froh Apartments HUD-assisted 2400 Reo Rd, Lansing 48911 100 homes, 60 low-income · For families
- Hildebrandt Park HUD-assisted 3122 Turner St, Lansing 48906 60 low-income homes · For families · (517) 372-7145
- Meridian Stratford Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 2790 Sirhal Dr, East Lansing 48823 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 36 · In service since 2004 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Jefferson Street Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 S Jefferson St, Mason 48854 62 homes, 56 low-income · Studio: 5 · 1 bd: 44 · 2 bd: 13 · In service since 2011 · For older adults
- Coronado Gardens Cooperative HUD-assisted 3056 N Waverly Rd, Lansing 48906 64 homes, 50 low-income · For families · (517) 321-1928
- Park Terrace I (williamston) Tax credit (LIHTC) 300 Lloyd St, Williamston 48895 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Phillip C Dean Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1313 Mary Ave, Lansing 48910 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 28 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2005 · For families
- 1777 Haslett RD Tax credit (LIHTC) 1777 Haslett Rd, East Lansing 48823 58 homes, 41 low-income · 1 bd: 35 · 2 bd: 23 · In service since 2006 · For older adults
- Huntley Villas HUD-assisted 1594 Aurelius Rd, Holt 48842 38 low-income homes · For families · (517) 694-3493
- Grandhaven Manor II Tax credit (LIHTC) 3215 W Mount Hope Ave, Lansing 48911 78 homes, 34 low-income · 1 bd: 34 · 2 bd: 44 · In service since 2018 · For older adults
- Green Park Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 840 E Columbia St, Mason 48854 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Willow Vista 4 HUD-assisted 540 W Willow St, Lansing 48906 33 homes, 31 low-income · For families · (517) 371-2113
- Capitol Commons II Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 600 S Sycamore St, Lansing 48933 146 homes, 30 low-income · In service since 1988 · For families · (517) 484-0505
- Hildabrandt Park Public housing 1912 Hoyt Ave, Lansing 48910 29 low-income homes · Run by Lansing Housing Commission · Average payment: $377 a month · (517) 487-6550
- Bailey Center Tax credit (LIHTC) 300 Bailey St, East Lansing 48823 30 homes, 25 low-income · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2018
- Independence Square Apartments HUD-assisted 2010 W Holmes Rd, Lansing 48910 24 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (517) 319-6005
- Kalamink Creek Tax credit (LIHTC) 392 W Grand River Rd, Webberville 48892 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2013
- Ferris 01-1 Tax credit (LIHTC) 516 W Saginaw St, Lansing 48933 23 low-income homes · 1 bd: 23 · In service since 2002
- Capital Gardens Apts HUD-assisted 2019 N Grand River Ave, Lansing 48906 20 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (517) 371-5010
- Penn Avenue Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 724 N Pennsylvania Ave, Lansing 48906 20 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2001
- Willow Vista 9 HUD-assisted 540 W Willow St, Lansing 48906 19 low-income homes · For families · (517) 371-2113
- Ballentine Tax credit (LIHTC) 825 N Pennsylvania Ave, Lansing 48906 18 low-income homes · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Clinton Street Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 839 S Clinton St, Stockbridge 49285 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · In service since 2006 · For older adults
- Washington Woods HUD-assisted 5801 S Washington Ave, Lansing 48911 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (517) 887-0100
- Ferris 01-2 Tax credit (LIHTC) 819 Vine St, Lansing 48912 11 low-income homes · 1 bd: 9 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2002
- Ferris 01-4 Tax credit (LIHTC) 901 Vine St, Lansing 48912 11 low-income homes · 1 bd: 7 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2002
- Ferris 01-5 Tax credit (LIHTC) 201 N Pennsylvania Ave, Lansing 48912 11 low-income homes · 1 bd: 5 · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 1 · 4 bd: 1 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Saginaw Terrace Redevelopment Tax credit (LIHTC) 512 W Saginaw St, Lansing 48933 11 low-income homes · 1 bd: 1 · 2 bd: 10 · In service since 2002
- 517 N Walnut ST Tax credit (LIHTC) 517 N Walnut St, Lansing 48933 9 low-income homes · 1 bd: 9 · In service since 2004 · For people with disabilities
- Ferris 01-3 Tax credit (LIHTC) 718 N Pennsylvania Ave, Lansing 48906 9 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 2002
- North Walnut 02-1 Tax credit (LIHTC) 724 N Walnut St, Lansing 48906 8 low-income homes · 1 bd: 7 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Lansing Pub HSG Public housing 2600 Dunlap St, Lansing 48911 6 low-income homes · Run by Lansing Housing Commission · Homes at several sites · (517) 487-6550
- Lowertown Lofts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1208 Turner St, Lansing 48906 3 low-income homes · 2 bd: 1 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1995
- MT Vernon Public housing 1507 Comfort St, Lansing 48915 3 low-income homes · Run by Lansing Housing Commission · (517) 487-6550
- Lansing Pub HSG Public housing 2609 Dier St, Lansing 48910 2 low-income homes · Run by Lansing Housing Commission · Homes at several sites · (517) 487-6550
- Edgewood Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 1016 W Edgewood Blvd, Lansing 48911 128 homes
- Delhi Stratford Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 2385 Park Ln, Holt 48842 85 homes
- Oliver Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 718 Southland St, Lansing 48910 30 homes
- Clinton West Tax credit (LIHTC) 839 S Clinton St, Stockbridge 49285 16 homes
- Michigan State Housing Development Authority HUD-assisted 735 E Michigan Ave, Lansing 48912
- Michigan State Housing Development Authority HUD-assisted 735 E Michigan Ave, Lansing 48912 (313) 456-3540
5 properties have two programs at the same address and appear 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 Ingham 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 Ingham 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 | $21,600 | $35,950 | $57,500 |
| 2 people | $24,650 | $41,050 | $65,700 |
| 3 people | $27,750 | $46,200 | $73,900 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $51,300 | $82,100 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $55,450 | $88,700 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $59,550 | $95,250 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $63,650 | $101,850 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $67,750 | $108,400 |
Area median income: $102,600. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Lansing-East Lansing, MI MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $932 – $1,140
- 1 bedroom $949 – $1,159
- 2 bedrooms $1,191 – $1,455
- 3 bedrooms $1,517 – $1,854
- 4 bedrooms $1,565 – $1,913
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
- Michigan State Housing Development Authority Section 8 vouchers · 32,481 vouchers (517) 241-0809 Michigan State Housing Development Authority: kemmisl@michigan.gov
- Lansing Housing Commission Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 2,258 vouchers · 40 public housing units (517) 487-6550 Lansing Housing Commission: dfleming@lanshc.org
- Ingham County Housing Commission Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 100 vouchers · 89 public housing units (517) 349-1643 Ingham County Housing Commission: lmattox@ingham.org
Housing agencies in Michigan Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Michigan
What Michigan 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 1.5 months of rent
- MCL 554.602
- When must they return my deposit?
- 30 days
- MCL 554.609(1)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 7 days
- MCL 554.134(2)
- Only a court order can remove youMCL 600.2918(2)
- Protection from retaliationMCL 600.5720(1)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Ingham County
These HUD-approved agencies have offices in Ingham County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Capital Area Housing Partnership
1900 S Cedar St Ste C3, Lansing
Also serves in other languages.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 8 more
-
Michigan State University Extension Services
446 W Circle Dr, East Lansing
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 4 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Ingham 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 Michigan, the average home bill was $119 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
$2,646
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,323
- Security deposit
- $1,323
- Total
- $2,646
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 Ingham County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,036; 1 bedroom: $1,054; 2 bedrooms: $1,323; 3 bedrooms: $1,685; 4 bedrooms: $1,739. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Ingham County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,323) without spending more than 30% of income takes $25.44 an hour full time, or $52,920 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Ingham County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $51,300 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 Ingham 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 $1,191 and $1,455 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Ingham County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,150 in 48819 to $1,580 in 48864. 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 Ingham County?
HUD lists 74 properties with homes for low-income households in Ingham 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 Ingham County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Ingham County, 53% of renter households are in that position; in Michigan, 50%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).