Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Rensselaer County, New York
Rensselaer County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,711 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,217 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $32.90 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,711
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 29% less than in New York
- Typical rent
- $1,217
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 25% less than in New York
- Wage needed
- $32.90
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $68,440 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 47%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 9% less than in New York
Only here
Renting in Rensselaer County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Greene County, the typical rent is $1,004: 18% less than in Rensselaer County ($1,217).
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 Rensselaer 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 Rensselaer County was $1,521 a month in September 2026: 5.5% 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 | $1,238 | $23.81 | $49,520 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,425 | $27.40 | $57,000 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,711 | $32.90 | $68,440 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,039 | $39.21 | $81,560 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,249 | $43.25 | $89,960 |
HUD area: Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY 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 34 ZIP codes in Rensselaer County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,540 in 12062 to $2,320 in 12061. 11 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,711).
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)
| 12018 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,440 | $1,660 | $1,990 | $2,370 | $2,620 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12022 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,240 | $1,420 | $1,710 | $2,040 | $2,250 |
| 12033 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,320 | $1,520 | $1,830 | $2,180 | $2,410 |
| 12040 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,260 | $1,450 | $1,740 | $2,080 | $2,290 |
| 12052 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,450 | $1,670 | $2,010 | $2,390 | $2,640 |
| 12061 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,680 | $1,930 | $2,320 | $2,760 | $3,050 |
| 12062 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,130 | $1,280 | $1,540 | $1,840 | $2,030 |
| 12062 | Columbia County, NY | $1,130 | $1,280 | $1,540 | $1,840 | $2,030 |
| 12063 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,310 | $1,510 | $1,810 | $2,160 | $2,390 |
| 12082 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,450 | $1,670 | $2,010 | $2,390 | $2,640 |
| 12090 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,100 | $1,280 | $1,540 | $1,840 | $2,030 |
| 12090 | Glens Falls, NY | $1,100 | $1,280 | $1,540 | $1,840 | $2,030 |
| 12094 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,100 | $1,280 | $1,540 | $1,840 | $2,030 |
| 12094 | Glens Falls, NY | $1,100 | $1,280 | $1,540 | $1,840 | $2,030 |
| 12121 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,100 | $1,280 | $1,540 | $1,840 | $2,030 |
| 12123 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,130 | $1,280 | $1,540 | $1,840 | $2,030 |
| 12123 | Columbia County, NY | $1,130 | $1,280 | $1,540 | $1,840 | $2,030 |
| 12138 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,290 | $1,490 | $1,790 | $2,130 | $2,350 |
| 12140 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,100 | $1,280 | $1,540 | $1,840 | $2,030 |
| 12144 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,420 | $1,640 | $1,970 | $2,350 | $2,590 |
| 12153 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,380 | $1,590 | $1,910 | $2,280 | $2,520 |
| 12154 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,100 | $1,280 | $1,540 | $1,840 | $2,030 |
| 12154 | Glens Falls, NY | $1,100 | $1,280 | $1,540 | $1,840 | $2,030 |
| 12156 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,270 | $1,390 | $1,650 | $1,980 | $2,170 |
| 12156 | Columbia County, NY | $1,270 | $1,390 | $1,650 | $1,980 | $2,170 |
| 12168 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,230 | $1,340 | $1,650 | $2,060 | $2,370 |
| 12168 | Columbia County, NY | $1,230 | $1,340 | $1,650 | $2,060 | $2,370 |
| 12169 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,360 | $1,570 | $1,880 | $2,240 | $2,480 |
| 12180 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,240 | $1,420 | $1,710 | $2,040 | $2,250 |
| 12182 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,100 | $1,280 | $1,540 | $1,840 | $2,030 |
| 12185 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,100 | $1,280 | $1,540 | $1,840 | $2,030 |
| 12185 | Glens Falls, NY | $1,100 | $1,280 | $1,540 | $1,840 | $2,030 |
| 12196 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,100 | $1,280 | $1,540 | $1,840 | $2,030 |
| 12198 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,160 | $1,340 | $1,610 | $1,920 | $2,120 |
- 12018 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,990$2,370
- 12022 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,710$2,040
- 12033 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,830$2,180
- 12040 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,740$2,080
- 12052 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $2,010$2,390
- 12061 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $2,320$2,760
- 12062 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,540$1,840
- 12062 · Columbia County, NY $1,540$1,840
- 12063 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,810$2,160
- 12082 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $2,010$2,390
- 12090 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,540$1,840
- 12090 · Glens Falls, NY $1,540$1,840
- 12094 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,540$1,840
- 12094 · Glens Falls, NY $1,540$1,840
- 12121 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,540$1,840
- 12123 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,540$1,840
- 12123 · Columbia County, NY $1,540$1,840
- 12138 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,790$2,130
- 12140 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,540$1,840
- 12144 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,970$2,350
- 12153 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,910$2,280
- 12154 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,540$1,840
- 12154 · Glens Falls, NY $1,540$1,840
- 12156 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,650$1,980
- 12156 · Columbia County, NY $1,650$1,980
- 12168 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,650$2,060
- 12168 · Columbia County, NY $1,650$2,060
- 12169 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,880$2,240
- 12180 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,710$2,040
- 12182 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,540$1,840
- 12185 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,540$1,840
- 12185 · Glens Falls, NY $1,540$1,840
- 12196 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,540$1,840
- 12198 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,610$1,920
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 Rensselaer County, 47% 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.
47%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
23,496 households rent in Rensselaer County
- Spend half or more of their income 22%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 53%
Compared with the state and the country
- Rensselaer 47%
- New York 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Rensselaer County
HUD lists 26 properties with homes for low-income households in Rensselaer 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)
- 11
- HUD-assisted
- 15
- public housing
- 2
1,625 homes in all; 1,507 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Mayor Warden Apts Public housing 1511 1st St, Rensselaer 12144 146 low-income homes · Run by Rensselaer Housing Authority · Average payment: $534 a month · Average wait: 16 months · (518) 436-0230
- John F Kennedy Towers Senior Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 2100 6th Ave, Troy 12180 135 low-income homes · 1 bd: 104 · 2 bd: 31 · In service since 2004 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- O'neil Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2121 6th Ave, Troy 12180 123 homes, 121 low-income · 1 bd: 122 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2013 · For older adults · (518) 272-1425
- Van Rensselaer Heights HUD-assisted 460 Forbes Ave, Rensselaer 12144 107 homes, 106 low-income · For older adults · (518) 465-4947
- Burns Apartments HUD-assisted 720 Federal St, Troy 12180 100 homes, 99 low-income · For older adults · (518) 272-1434
- Renwyck Place Apts. HUD-assisted 18 4th Ave, Rensselaer 12144 97 low-income homes · For older adults · (518) 436-7505
- Lansingburgh Apartments HUD-assisted 41 114th St, Troy 12182 96 homes, 95 low-income · For older adults · (518) 235-9388
- Monument Square Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2 1st St, Troy 12180 89 low-income homes · In service since 2012 · For older adults · (518) 272-2646
- Ninth Street Nsa II HUD-assisted 488 8th St, Troy 12180 80 low-income homes · For families · (518) 272-8289
- Tapestry on the Hudson Tax credit (LIHTC) 599 River St, Troy 12180 67 homes, 61 low-income · 1 bd: 34 · 2 bd: 33 · In service since 2017
- ST Anthony on-the-Hudson Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 St Anthony Ln, Rensselaer 12144 63 homes, 49 low-income · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 49 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- Branson Manor Senior Apartments HUD-assisted 3 Grandview Dr, Rensselaer 12144 50 homes, 49 low-income · For older adults · (518) 283-8280
- ST. Jude Apartments HUD-assisted 50 Dana Ave, Wynantskill 12198 50 homes, 49 low-income · For older adults · (518) 283-5690
- Van Rensselaer Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 105 Bloomingrove Dr, Troy 12180 50 homes, 49 low-income · 1 bd: 49 · In service since 1995 · For older adults
- Martin Luther King Revitalization PH 1 Tax credit (LIHTC) 4 Eddy's Lane, Troy 12180 46 homes, 41 low-income · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 27 · 4 bd: 7 · In service since 2018 · For families, people experiencing homelessness
- Castle Hill HUD-assisted 114 Green Ave, Castleton 12033 41 homes, 40 low-income · For older adults · (518) 732-4263
- Ninth Street Nsa I HUD-assisted 380 9th St, Troy 12180 40 low-income homes · For families · (518) 272-8289
- Diamond Rock Terrace Phase II (FEDERAL) Tax credit (LIHTC) 13 Gurley Ave, Troy 12182 36 low-income homes · 2 bd: 36 · In service since 2002 · For older adults
- Brookside Senior Citizen Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 33 Brookside Way, West Sand Lake 12196 36 homes, 34 low-income · 1 bd: 34 · In service since 1992 · For older adults
- Hoosac Meadows Public housing 1 Hoosick Meadows Way, Hoosick Falls 12090 25 low-income homes · Run by Hoosick Housing Authority · Average payment: $581 a month · Average wait: 21 months · (518) 686-7316
- Greenbush Village Apts. HUD-assisted 25 Crotched Mountain Way, Rensselaer 12144 24 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (518) 449-0777
- Nassau Senior Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 5 Fairgrounds St, Nassau 12123 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · In service since 1997 · For older adults
- Opec Housing HUD-assisted 79 102nd St, Troy 12180 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (518) 273-6600
- Rensselaer County Community Residential HUD-assisted 4 Biscayne Blvd, Troy 12182 9 homes, 8 low-income · For people with disabilities · (518) 237-6105
- Tenth Avenue HUD-assisted 1101 10th Ave, Troy 12182 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (518) 283-6436
- Diamond Rock Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) Gurley Ave, Troy 12182 81 homes
2 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 Rensselaer 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 Rensselaer 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 | $25,900 | $43,100 | $68,950 |
| 2 people | $29,600 | $49,250 | $78,800 |
| 3 people | $33,300 | $55,400 | $88,650 |
| 4 people | $36,950 | $61,550 | $98,500 |
| 5 people | $39,950 | $66,500 | $106,400 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $71,400 | $114,300 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $76,350 | $122,150 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $81,250 | $130,050 |
Area median income: $123,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,114 – $1,362
- 1 bedroom $1,283 – $1,568
- 2 bedrooms $1,540 – $1,882
- 3 bedrooms $1,835 – $2,243
- 4 bedrooms $2,024 – $2,474
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
- Troy Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 2,123 vouchers (518) 273-3600 Troy Housing Authority: Info@troyhousing.org
- Rensselaer Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 103 vouchers · 146 public housing units (518) 436-0230 Rensselaer Housing Authority: info@rensselaerhousing.org
- Hoosick Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 218 vouchers · 25 public housing units (518) 686-7316 Hoosick Housing Authority: pzedalis.thha@albany.twcbc.com
Housing agencies in New York Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
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 Rensselaer County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Rensselaer County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Troy Rehabilitation and Improvement Program
415 River St Ste 2, Troy
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 6 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Rensselaer 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
$3,422
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,711
- Security deposit
- $1,711
- Total
- $3,422
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 Rensselaer County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,238; 1 bedroom: $1,425; 2 bedrooms: $1,711; 3 bedrooms: $2,039; 4 bedrooms: $2,249. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Rensselaer County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,711) without spending more than 30% of income takes $32.90 an hour full time, or $68,440 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Rensselaer County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $61,550 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 Rensselaer 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 $1,540 and $1,882 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Rensselaer County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,540 in 12062 to $2,320 in 12061. 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 Rensselaer County?
HUD lists 26 properties with homes for low-income households in Rensselaer 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 Rensselaer County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Rensselaer County, 47% of renter households are in that position; in New York, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).