Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Schenectady County, New York
Schenectady 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 $1,194 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
- $1,194
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 26% 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
- 54%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 3% more than in New York
Only here
Renting in Schenectady County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Among the neighboring counties, Schoharie County has the lowest typical rent ($909), 24% below the $1,194 in Schenectady 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 Schenectady 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 Schenectady County was $1,499 a month in September 2026: 2.7% 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 14 ZIP codes in Schenectady County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,540 in 12053 to $1,920 in 12309. 1 ZIP code is 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)
| 12008 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,210 | $1,390 | $1,670 | $1,990 | $2,190 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12053 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,100 | $1,280 | $1,540 | $1,840 | $2,030 |
| 12053 | Montgomery County, NY | $1,100 | $1,280 | $1,540 | $1,840 | $2,030 |
| 12056 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,190 | $1,370 | $1,640 | $1,950 | $2,160 |
| 12137 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,100 | $1,280 | $1,540 | $1,840 | $2,030 |
| 12137 | Montgomery County, NY | $1,100 | $1,280 | $1,540 | $1,840 | $2,030 |
| 12150 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,210 | $1,390 | $1,660 | $1,980 | $2,180 |
| 12302 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,220 | $1,400 | $1,680 | $2,000 | $2,210 |
| 12304 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,100 | $1,280 | $1,540 | $1,840 | $2,030 |
| 12305 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,100 | $1,280 | $1,540 | $1,840 | $2,030 |
| 12306 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,180 | $1,360 | $1,630 | $1,940 | $2,140 |
| 12307 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,110 | $1,280 | $1,540 | $1,840 | $2,030 |
| 12308 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,140 | $1,320 | $1,580 | $1,880 | $2,080 |
| 12309 | Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $1,390 | $1,600 | $1,920 | $2,290 | $2,520 |
- 12008 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,670$1,990
- 12053 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,540$1,840
- 12053 · Montgomery County, NY $1,540$1,840
- 12056 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,640$1,950
- 12137 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,540$1,840
- 12137 · Montgomery County, NY $1,540$1,840
- 12150 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,660$1,980
- 12302 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,680$2,000
- 12304 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,540$1,840
- 12305 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,540$1,840
- 12306 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,630$1,940
- 12307 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,540$1,840
- 12308 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,580$1,880
- 12309 · Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $1,920$2,290
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 Schenectady County, 54% 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.
54%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
24,058 households rent in Schenectady County
- Spend half or more of their income 32%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
- Spend less than 30% 46%
Compared with the state and the country
- Schenectady 54%
- New York 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Schenectady County
HUD lists 18 properties with homes for low-income households in Schenectady 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)
- 8
- HUD-assisted
- 8
- public housing
- 2
1,851 homes in all; 1,663 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Downtown Public housing 375 Broadway, Schenectady 12305 416 homes, 414 low-income · Run by Schenectady Municipal Housing Authority · Average payment: $403 a month · Average wait: 48 months · Homes at several sites · (518) 386-7000
- Eastside Public housing 133 Steinmetz Homes, Schenectady 12304 306 homes, 302 low-income · Run by Schenectady Municipal Housing Authority · Average payment: $515 a month · Average wait: 54 months · Homes at several sites · (518) 386-7000
- Southgate Apts HUD-assisted 185 Frank St, Schenectady 12304 292 homes, 269 low-income · For families · (518) 374-9797
- State Hulett Nsa HUD-assisted 799 Albany St, Schenectady 12307 105 homes, 104 low-income · For older adults · (518) 346-7052
- Holyrood House HUD-assisted 201 5th St, Scotia 12302 96 low-income homes · For older adults · (518) 243-8869
- Edison Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1310 Princetown Rd, Rotterdam 12306 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 51 · 2 bd: 9 · In service since 2000 · For older adults
- Hillside View Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 602 Craig St, Schenectady 12307 58 low-income homes · Studio: 10 · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2018 · For people with disabilities
- Depaul Schenectady - Josephe L Allen Tax credit (LIHTC) 780 Albany St, Schenectady 12307 51 low-income homes · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 46 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2017
- Father Leo OBrien Senior Housing HUD-assisted 3151 Marra Ln, Schenectady 12303 50 homes, 49 low-income · For older adults
- Mont Pleasant Commons HUD-assisted 1502 Chrisler Ave, Schenectady 12303 50 homes, 49 low-income · For older adults · (518) 382-1848
- Schenectady Bnai Brith HUD-assisted 22 Knolls Rd, Schenectady 12309 50 homes, 49 low-income · For older adults · (518) 386-7039
- Holly Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 2415 Curry Rd, Schenectady 12303 44 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Vale Housing Revitalization Tax credit (LIHTC) 9 Daggett Ter, Schenectady 12307 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 23 · 3 bd: 17 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Glenville Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) 389 Saratoga Rd, Glenville 12302 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · In service since 2000 · For older adults
- Highland Square Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 88 Saratoga Rd, Glenville 12302 28 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- Lawrence Commons HUD-assisted 2660 Albany St, Schenectady 12304 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (518) 393-2412
- 2827 River Road HUD-assisted 2827 River Rd, Niskayuna 12309 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- 845 Broadway Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 845 Broadway, Schenectady 12305 155 homes · In service since 2014 · For people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness
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 Schenectady County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Schenectady County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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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
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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
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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
- Schenectady Municipal Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,710 vouchers · 716 public housing units (518) 386-7000 Schenectady Municipal Housing Authority: mjackson@smha1.org
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 Schenectady County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Schenectady County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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BETTER COMMUNITY NEIGHBORHOODS, INC. (formerly Better Neighborhoods, Inc.)
816 Union St, Schenectady · Spanish
- 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 Schenectady 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 Schenectady 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 Schenectady 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 Schenectady 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 Schenectady 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 Schenectady County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,540 in 12053 to $1,920 in 12309. 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 Schenectady County?
HUD lists 18 properties with homes for low-income households in Schenectady 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 Schenectady County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Schenectady County, 54% of renter households are in that position; in New York, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).