Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Cortland County, New York
Cortland County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,171 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $984 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $22.52 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,171
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 51% less than in New York
- Typical rent
- $984
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 39% less than in New York
- Wage needed
- $22.52
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $46,840 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 50%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 3% less than in New York
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 Cortland 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 Cortland County was $1,150 a month in September 2026: 9.6% 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 | $934 | $17.96 | $37,360 |
| 1 bedroom | $940 | $18.08 | $37,600 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,171 | $22.52 | $46,840 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,473 | $28.33 | $58,920 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,957 | $37.63 | $78,280 |
HUD area: Cortland County, NY. 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 20 ZIP codes in Cortland County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,080 in 13040 to $1,580 in 13045. 12 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,171).
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)
| 13040 | Chenango County, NY | $860 | $870 | $1,080 | $1,360 | $1,810 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13040 | Cortland County, NY | $860 | $870 | $1,080 | $1,360 | $1,810 |
| 13045 | Cayuga County, NY | $1,140 | $1,320 | $1,580 | $1,900 | $2,370 |
| 13045 | Cortland County, NY | $1,140 | $1,320 | $1,580 | $1,900 | $2,370 |
| 13045 | Ithaca, NY | $1,140 | $1,320 | $1,580 | $1,900 | $2,370 |
| 13077 | Cayuga County, NY | $1,110 | $1,120 | $1,400 | $1,760 | $2,310 |
| 13077 | Cortland County, NY | $1,110 | $1,120 | $1,400 | $1,760 | $2,310 |
| 13077 | Syracuse, NY | $1,110 | $1,120 | $1,400 | $1,760 | $2,310 |
| 13087 | Cortland County, NY | $1,080 | $1,100 | $1,380 | $1,730 | $2,240 |
| 13101 | Cortland County, NY | $930 | $930 | $1,160 | $1,460 | $1,940 |
| 13141 | Cortland County, NY | $1,010 | $1,060 | $1,320 | $1,640 | $2,050 |
| 13141 | Syracuse, NY | $1,010 | $1,060 | $1,320 | $1,640 | $2,050 |
| 13158 | Cortland County, NY | $900 | $1,020 | $1,260 | $1,530 | $1,810 |
| 13158 | Syracuse, NY | $900 | $1,020 | $1,260 | $1,530 | $1,810 |
| 13738 | Cortland County, NY | $930 | $930 | $1,160 | $1,460 | $1,940 |
| 13784 | Cortland County, NY | $1,080 | $1,080 | $1,350 | $1,710 | $2,270 |
| 13803 | Binghamton, NY | $860 | $880 | $1,100 | $1,380 | $1,810 |
| 13803 | Cortland County, NY | $860 | $880 | $1,100 | $1,380 | $1,810 |
| 13863 | Binghamton, NY | $900 | $900 | $1,130 | $1,430 | $1,880 |
| 13863 | Cortland County, NY | $900 | $900 | $1,130 | $1,430 | $1,880 |
- 13040 · Chenango County, NY $1,080$1,360
- 13040 · Cortland County, NY $1,080$1,360
- 13045 · Cayuga County, NY $1,580$1,900
- 13045 · Cortland County, NY $1,580$1,900
- 13045 · Ithaca, NY $1,580$1,900
- 13077 · Cayuga County, NY $1,400$1,760
- 13077 · Cortland County, NY $1,400$1,760
- 13077 · Syracuse, NY $1,400$1,760
- 13087 · Cortland County, NY $1,380$1,730
- 13101 · Cortland County, NY $1,160$1,460
- 13141 · Cortland County, NY $1,320$1,640
- 13141 · Syracuse, NY $1,320$1,640
- 13158 · Cortland County, NY $1,260$1,530
- 13158 · Syracuse, NY $1,260$1,530
- 13738 · Cortland County, NY $1,160$1,460
- 13784 · Cortland County, NY $1,350$1,710
- 13803 · Binghamton, NY $1,100$1,380
- 13803 · Cortland County, NY $1,100$1,380
- 13863 · Binghamton, NY $1,130$1,430
- 13863 · Cortland County, NY $1,130$1,430
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 Cortland County, 50% of renter households are in that position; in New York, 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.
50%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
6,402 households rent in Cortland County
- Spend half or more of their income 29%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 21%
- Spend less than 30% 50%
Compared with the state and the country
- Cortland 50%
- New York 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Cortland County
HUD lists 9 properties with homes for low-income households in Cortland 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)
- 6
- HUD-assisted
- 2
- public housing
- 2
737 homes in all; 728 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Port Watson Public housing 51 Port Watson St, Cortland 13045 240 homes, 237 low-income · Run by Cortland Housing Authority · Average payment: $382 a month · Average wait: 4 months · (607) 753-1771
- Cortland Public housing 17 River St, Homer 13077 140 low-income homes · Run by Cortland Housing Authority · Average payment: $490 a month · Average wait: 12 months · Homes at several sites · (607) 753-1771
- Friendship House Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 13 Leon Ave, Cortland 13045 101 homes, 100 low-income · 1 bd: 100 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2006 · For older adults · (607) 756-6636
- Port Watson Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 124 Port Watson St, Cortland 13045 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 47 · 2 bd: 15 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 1996 · For older adults, families
- Northcliffe Apartments HUD-assisted 10 Northcliffe Rd, Cortland 13045 58 low-income homes · For families · (607) 753-0096
- Riverview Apartments, Cortland Tax credit (LIHTC) 6 Riverview Ave, Cortland 13045 39 homes, 36 low-income · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 2017 · For people with disabilities, families
- Pomeroy School Renovation Tax credit (LIHTC) 47 Pomeroy St, Cortland 13045 33 homes, 31 low-income · 1 bd: 13 · 2 bd: 15 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 1991 · For families
- Cortland Crown Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 5 Union St, Cortland 13045 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 17 · 4 bd: 3 · In service since 2008 · For people with disabilities, families
- Ellis Pines Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 45 Cortland St, Homer 13077 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 21 · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 2007 · For older adults
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 Cortland County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. A public housing agency runs it. HUD lists none with an office in Cortland County; the state's agencies can help you. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
-
You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
-
Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
-
Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
-
If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
-
When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
-
Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $19,500 | $32,550 | $52,050 |
| 2 people | $22,300 | $37,200 | $59,450 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $41,850 | $66,900 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $46,450 | $74,300 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $50,200 | $80,250 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $53,900 | $86,200 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $57,600 | $92,150 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $61,350 | $98,100 |
Area median income: $92,900. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Cortland County, NY. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $841 – $1,027
- 1 bedroom $846 – $1,034
- 2 bedrooms $1,054 – $1,288
- 3 bedrooms $1,326 – $1,620
- 4 bedrooms $1,761 – $2,153
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
HUD lists no housing agency with an office in Cortland County. You can apply at another agency in your state: you do not have to live where you apply. Source: HUD
Your rights as a tenant in New York
What New York 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
- N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law §7-108(1-a)(a)
- When must they return my deposit?
- 14 days
- N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law §7-108(1-a)(e)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 14 days
- N.Y. Real Prop. Acts. Law §711(2)
- How much notice before a rent increase?
- 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on the case
- N.Y. Real Prop. Law §226-c(1)(a), (2)
- Only a court order can remove youN.Y. Real Prop. Acts. Law §768(1)(a)
- Protection from retaliationN.Y. Real Prop. Law §223-b(1)
- Protection related to immigration statusN.Y. Exec. Law §296(5)(a)(3)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Cortland County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Opportunities for Chenango, Inc.
44 W Main St, Norwich · 28 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
-
Home Headquarters, Inc.
625 Erie Blvd W, Syracuse · 32 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 8 more
-
Metro-Interfaith Housing Management Corporation DBA Metro Interfaith Services
155 Court St, Binghamton · 35 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Homelessness services
- and 4 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Cortland 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 New York, the average home bill was $140 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
$2,342
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,171
- Security deposit
- $1,171
- Total
- $2,342
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 Cortland County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $934; 1 bedroom: $940; 2 bedrooms: $1,171; 3 bedrooms: $1,473; 4 bedrooms: $1,957. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Cortland County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,171) without spending more than 30% of income takes $22.52 an hour full time, or $46,840 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Cortland County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $46,450 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 Cortland 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 $1,054 and $1,288 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Cortland County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,080 in 13040 to $1,580 in 13045. 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 Cortland County?
HUD lists 9 properties with homes for low-income households in Cortland 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 Cortland County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Cortland County, 50% of renter households are in that position; in New York, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).