Renting · Section 8

Data from November 2026

Renting in Durham County, North Carolina

Durham County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,745 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,508 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $33.56 an hour, full time.

Figure your move-in cash Section 8 here

A mother holding her baby watches her daughter blow bubbles outdoors.

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $1,745; a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027; 21% more than in North Carolina
Typical rent: $1,508; a month, Census, Average 2020–2024; 23% more than in North Carolina
Wage needed: $33.56; an hour, 2 bedrooms; Or $69,800 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households: 48%; spend 30% or more of income on rent; About the same as in North Carolina

Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site) Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (external site)

Only here

Renting in Durham County: what sets it apart

What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.

Durham County has the 3rd highest typical rent of the 100 counties in North Carolina ($1,508).
Among the neighboring counties, Person County has the lowest typical rent ($864), 43% below the $1,508 in Durham County.
Durham County has the 4th lowest homeownership rate of the 100 counties in North Carolina (56%).

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 Durham 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 Durham County was $1,622 a month in September 2026: 3.1% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data

Fair market rent and wage needed To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).

Fair market rent and wage needed. To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).
Size	Fair rent per month	Hourly wage	Income needed per year
Studio	$1,498	$28.81	$59,920
1 bedroom	$1,554	$29.88	$62,160
2 bedrooms	$1,745	$33.56	$69,800
3 bedrooms	$2,161	$41.56	$86,440
4 bedrooms	$2,486	$47.81	$99,440

HUD area: Durham-Chapel Hill, NC HUD Metro FMR Area. 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 12 ZIP codes in Durham County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,540 in 27503 to $2,010 in 27712. 8 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,745).

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)

Fair market rent by ZIP code, HUD area and size, Fiscal year 2027. A ZIP code that crosses a HUD area line appears once per area.

27503	Durham-Chapel Hill, NC	$1,290	$1,360	$1,540	$1,910	$2,280
27701	Durham-Chapel Hill, NC	$1,360	$1,420	$1,590	$1,970	$2,280
27703	Durham-Chapel Hill, NC	$1,570	$1,630	$1,830	$2,270	$2,610
27703	Raleigh-Cary, NC	$1,570	$1,630	$1,830	$2,270	$2,610
27704	Durham-Chapel Hill, NC	$1,420	$1,480	$1,660	$2,060	$2,370
27705	Durham-Chapel Hill, NC	$1,500	$1,560	$1,750	$2,170	$2,490
27707	Durham-Chapel Hill, NC	$1,490	$1,550	$1,740	$2,150	$2,480
27708	Durham-Chapel Hill, NC	$1,500	$1,560	$1,750	$2,170	$2,490
27709	Durham-Chapel Hill, NC	$1,520	$1,580	$1,770	$2,190	$2,520
27712	Durham-Chapel Hill, NC	$1,720	$1,790	$2,010	$2,490	$2,860
27713	Durham-Chapel Hill, NC	$1,650	$1,710	$1,920	$2,380	$2,740
27713	Raleigh-Cary, NC	$1,650	$1,710	$1,920	$2,380	$2,740

ZIP code 2 bd3 bd
27503 · Durham-Chapel Hill, NC $1,540$1,910
27701 · Durham-Chapel Hill, NC $1,590$1,970
27703 · Durham-Chapel Hill, NC $1,830$2,270
27703 · Raleigh-Cary, NC $1,830$2,270
27704 · Durham-Chapel Hill, NC $1,660$2,060
27705 · Durham-Chapel Hill, NC $1,750$2,170
27707 · Durham-Chapel Hill, NC $1,740$2,150
27708 · Durham-Chapel Hill, NC $1,750$2,170
27709 · Durham-Chapel Hill, NC $1,770$2,190
27712 · Durham-Chapel Hill, NC $2,010$2,490
27713 · Durham-Chapel Hill, NC $1,920$2,380
27713 · Raleigh-Cary, NC $1,920$2,380

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 Durham County, 48% of renter households are in that position; in North Carolina, 49%, 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.

48%

of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.

63,123 households rent in Durham County

Spend half or more of their income 23%
Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
Spend less than 30% 52%

Compared with the state and the country

Durham 48%
North Carolina 49%
United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Durham County

with tax credits (LIHTC): 48
HUD-assisted: 28
public housing: 8

6,722 homes in all; 6,234 of them low-income, according to HUD.

Mcdougald Ter Public housing 14A Dorothy Dr, Durham 27701 285 homes, 283 low-income · Run by The Housing Authority of the City of Durham · Average payment: $196 a month · Average wait: 2 months · (919) 683-1551
Morreene Road Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 3206 Glasson St, Durham 27705 224 low-income homes · Studio: 24 · 1 bd: 168 · 2 bd: 32 · For families
Morreene Road Apartments HUD-assisted 3412 Glasson St, Durham 27705 224 low-income homes · For families · (919) 382-0321
Ivy Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 412 E Pilot St, Durham 27707 223 homes, 222 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 207 · In service since 1998 · For families
Briar Green Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1155 Briar Rose Ln, Durham 27704 200 low-income homes · 1 bd: 56 · 2 bd: 96 · 3 bd: 48 · For families
Cornwallis RD Public housing 2507 S Roxboro St, Durham 27707 200 homes, 198 low-income · Run by The Housing Authority of the City of Durham · Average payment: $309 a month · (919) 683-1551
JFK Towers HUD-assisted 4900 N Roxboro St, Durham 27704 178 homes, 177 low-income · For older adults · (919) 477-9813
JJ Henderson Tax credit (LIHTC) 807 S Duke St, Durham 27701 177 low-income homes · In service since 2022 · For older adults
Falls Pointe at the Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 5400 S Alston Ave, Durham 27713 312 homes, 173 low-income · 1 bd: 96 · 2 bd: 132 · 3 bd: 84 · In service since 2002 · For families
Alston Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 5400 S Alston Ave, Durham 27713 204 homes, 173 low-income · 1 bd: 72 · 2 bd: 84 · 3 bd: 48 · In service since 2002 · For families
Oxford Manor Public housing 3602 Keystone Pl, Durham 27704 172 homes, 169 low-income · Run by The Housing Authority of the City of Durham · Average payment: $275 a month · Average wait: 2 months · (919) 683-1551
Greens at Pine Glen Tax credit (LIHTC) 6201 Pine Glen Trl, Durham 27713 168 low-income homes · 2 bd: 76 · 3 bd: 92 · In service since 1996 · For families
Lakeside Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 820 Martin Luther King Pkwy, Durham 27713 160 low-income homes · 1 bd: 128 · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 2002 · For older adults
Naples Terrace Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1237 Naples Pl, Durham 27703 159 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 71 · 3 bd: 70 · 4 bd: 10 · In service since 2001 · For families
Magnolia Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 4801 Danube Ln, Durham 27704 156 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 85 · 3 bd: 35 · In service since 2007 · For families
Lakemoor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 205 Kent Lake Dr, Durham 27713 160 homes, 154 low-income · 2 bd: 58 · 3 bd: 78 · 4 bd: 24 · In service since 2001 · For families
Greens of Pine Glen Townhouses I Tax credit (LIHTC) 6300 Greens Hollow Ln, Durham 27713 152 low-income homes · 2 bd: 64 · 3 bd: 88 · In service since 1996 · For families
Durham Hosiery Mill HUD-assisted 804 Angier Ave, Durham 27701 151 homes, 150 low-income · For older adults · (919) 682-4866
Damar Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 1125 Morreene Rd, Durham 27705 102 low-income homes · 2 bd: 102 · For families
Damar Court HUD-assisted 1035 Sherwood Dr, Durham 27705 102 low-income homes · For families · (919) 382-0321
Oxford Commons Elderly Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 Pickwick Trl, Durham 27704 102 low-income homes · 1 bd: 102 · In service since 1994 · For older adults
Oakley Square Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1835 Cheek Rd, Durham 27704 100 homes, 99 low-income · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 40 · 4 bd: 10 · In service since 2003 · For families · (919) 682-2701
Forest Glen Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Lynn Forest Dr, Durham 27713 92 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 39 · 4 bd: 13 · In service since 2001 · For families
Foxridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Foxridge Cres, Durham 27703 92 homes, 91 low-income · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 36 · In service since 1999 · For families
Pendleton Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 300 S Woodcrest St, Durham 27703 88 low-income homes · 3 bd: 57 · 4 bd: 31 · In service since 2005 · For families
Savannah Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 1519 Savannah Place Dr, Durham 27713 84 low-income homes · 2 bd: 60 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2000 · For families
Cambridge Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 1332 Fidelity Dr, Durham 27703 83 low-income homes · 3 bd: 43 · 4 bd: 40 · In service since 1996 · For families
Preiss-Steele Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 Pickwick Trl, Durham 27704 102 homes, 82 low-income · 1 bd: 82 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 1994 · For older adults
Willard Street Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 481 Willard St, Durham 27701 82 low-income homes · 1 bd: 39 · 2 bd: 43 · For families
Southside Revitalization Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 703 S Roxboro St, Durham 27707 119 homes, 81 low-income · 1 bd: 64 · 2 bd: 50 · 3 bd: 5 · In service since 2014 · For families
JJ Henderson Seniors Tax credit (LIHTC) 809 S Duke St, Durham 27701 80 low-income homes · For older adults
Veranda at Whitted School Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 E Umstead St, Durham 27707 79 low-income homes · Studio: 3 · 1 bd: 66 · 2 bd: 10 · In service since 2017 · For older adults
Club Boulevard Public housing 1215 E Club Blvd, Durham 27704 77 low-income homes · Run by The Housing Authority of the City of Durham · Average payment: $389 a month · (919) 683-1551
Calvert Place Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 930 E Main St, Durham 27701 75 low-income homes · 1 bd: 5 · 2 bd: 47 · 3 bd: 23 · In service since 2005 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness · (919) 667-9907
Lynnhaven Apartments HUD-assisted 917 Wadesboro St, Durham 27703 75 low-income homes · For families · (919) 596-2167
Morehead Hills Apartments HUD-assisted 500 Cobb St, Durham 27701 75 low-income homes · For older adults · (919) 683-2713
Rochelle Manor Apartments HUD-assisted 2819 Rochelle St, Durham 27703 75 low-income homes · For families · (919) 598-1396
Franklin Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 124 N Holman St, Durham 27701 83 homes, 74 low-income · 2 bd: 37 · 3 bd: 36 · 4 bd: 10 · In service since 2008 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
Sherwood Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 McCallie Ave, Durham 27704 71 low-income homes · Studio: 21 · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 1997 · For families
Crestview Apartments HUD-assisted 2809 Crest St, Durham 27705 65 low-income homes · For families · (919) 286-5431
Stewart Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) 202 Jan Ct, Durham 27707 64 low-income homes · 2 bd: 64 · In service since 2007 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
Stewart Square Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 3200 Fayetteville St, Durham 27707 63 low-income homes · 2 bd: 63 · In service since 2007 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
Lovett Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 211 Stokes St, Durham 27701 60 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 1994 · For families
Vermilion Tax credit (LIHTC) 1311 Cook Rd, Durham 27713 60 low-income homes · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 24 · For families
Southside Revitalization Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 703 S Roxboro St, Durham 27707 85 homes, 58 low-income · 1 bd: 37 · 2 bd: 44 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2017 · For families
Forest Hill Heights Public housing 700 S Mangum St, Durham 27701 55 low-income homes · Run by The Housing Authority of the City of Durham · (919) 683-1551
Hoover RD Public housing 1126 S Hoover Rd, Durham 27703 54 low-income homes · Run by The Housing Authority of the City of Durham · Average payment: $217 a month · Average wait: 2 months · (919) 683-1551
Scattered Sites Public housing 1103 Lowry Ave, Durham 27701 50 low-income homes · Run by The Housing Authority of the City of Durham · Average payment: $350 a month · Average wait: 1 month · Homes at several sites · (919) 683-1551
Carver Creek Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 531 E Carver St, Durham 27704 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · In service since 1994 · For older adults
Emerson Woods Apartments HUD-assisted 221 Commons Blvd, Durham 27704 48 homes, 47 low-income · For older adults · (919) 797-2174
Franklin Villages aka Holman Homes HUD-assisted 1242 Taylor St, Durham 27703 83 homes, 46 low-income · For families · (919) 688-3128
New Bethel Homes for the Elderly HUD-assisted 2614 Crest St, Durham 27705 45 low-income homes · For older adults · (919) 286-7898
Main Street Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 E Main St, Durham 27701 43 low-income homes · 1 bd: 7 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2004 · For families
Maplewood Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 1520 Chapel Hill Rd, Durham 27701 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2009 · For older adults
St. Josephs Place HUD-assisted 506 Hope Ave, Durham 27707 32 low-income homes · For older adults · (919) 682-9807
Glendale Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 823 N Mangum St, Durham 27701 29 low-income homes · 2 bd: 29 · In service since 1998 · For families
Morning Glory HUD-assisted 1107 Morning Glory Ave, Durham 27701 25 low-income homes · For families · (919) 667-9907
Morning Glory Senior Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 203 N Alston Ave, Durham 27701 25 low-income homes · 1 bd: 21 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2005 · For older adults, people with disabilities
Rockwood North Tax credit (LIHTC) Wood Cottage Court, Durham 27707 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 17 · 2 bd: 7 · In service since 2000 · For older adults
Main Street Townhomes HUD-assisted 705 E Main St, Durham 27701 21 low-income homes · For families · (919) 667-9907
Rockwood Cottages Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Rock Cottage Ct, Durham 27707 21 homes, 20 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 5 · In service since 1995 · For older adults
Morehead Glen Tax credit (LIHTC) 1112 Rock St, Durham 27707 20 low-income homes · 2 bd: 11 · 3 bd: 9 · In service since 1995 · For families
Stewart Circle Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 700 Atlantic St, Durham 27707 20 homes, 19 low-income · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 2009 · For families
Mutual Manor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3146 Fayetteville St, Durham 27707 18 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 1995 · For older adults
Edgemont Elms Apartments HUD-assisted 912 Angier Ave, Durham 27701 58 homes, 16 low-income · For families · (919) 667-0787
Greens of Pine Glen Townhouses Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 6100 Pine Glen Trl, Durham 27713 16 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1996 · For families
Fitts-Powell Apts. HUD-assisted 1017 Cook Rd, Durham 27713 15 homes, 14 low-income · For people with disabilities · (919) 688-0843
West Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1112 Rock St, Durham 27707 10 low-income homes · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 1993 · For families
Commerce Street Family HUD-assisted 143 Commerce St, Durham 27701 81 homes, 9 low-income · (704) 561-5255
Arc/HDS Durham Co GH #6 HUD-assisted 4425 Regis Ave, Durham 27705 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (919) 382-7463
Arc/HDS Durham Co GH #7 HUD-assisted 3523 Westglen Rd, Durham 27705 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (919) 493-7783
New Blevins House HUD-assisted 2325 Cook Rd, Durham 27713 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (919) 237-1227
Dillard Street A HUD-assisted 540 Liberty St, Durham 27701 48 homes, 5 low-income · (704) 561-5228
Arc/HDS Durham Co GH #1 HUD-assisted 3520 Dixon Rd, Durham 27707 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (919) 493-5377
Arc/HDS Durham Co GH #2 HUD-assisted 614 Seven Oaks Rd, Durham 27704 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (919) 560-7441
Arc/HDS Durham Co GH #3 HUD-assisted 1119 Carpenter Fletcher Rd, Durham 27713 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (919) 544-2433
Arc/HDS Durham Co GH #4 HUD-assisted 311 Melbourne St, Durham 27703 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (919) 493-5377
Arc/HDS Durham Co GH #5 HUD-assisted 23 Cambian Pl, Durham 27704 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (919) 687-4564
Harrell Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1401 Mathison St, Durham 27701 4 low-income homes · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1992 · For older adults
Harrell-Smith Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1405 Harrell Ave, Durham 27701 3 low-income homes · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 1992 · For families
Fiske ST Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 925 Fiske St, Durham 27703 2 low-income homes · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 1993 · For families
Worth Street Public housing 1010 Worth St, Durham 27701 1 low-income home · Run by The Housing Authority of the City of Durham · Homes at several sites · (919) 683-1551

2 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map

How to apply

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. Source: HUD
You apply for public housing at the housing agency that runs it. The agency looks at your yearly income, whether you are a family, an older adult or a person with a disability, and your U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. If you qualify, your name goes on a waiting list unless they can help you right away. Source: HUD
In tax-credit (LIHTC) apartments, the low-income homes have an income limit, a percentage of the area median income, and a rent cap. Source: 26 U.S.C. §42(g)
In buildings with Section 8 project-based assistance, only low-income households can move in. Source: 24 CFR §5.653(b)
A housing voucher (Section 8) is a separate kind of help: you apply at the public housing agency and use it to rent a home you choose. Source: HUD

This county's income limits Search HUD's map

In public housing, the average payment is what households pay on average for rent and utilities, and the average wait is the time on the list of those who moved in. HUD does not publish those figures where fewer than 11 households reported.

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 Durham 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 Durham 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)

Mixed-status families: how assistance is figured

HUD income limits Yearly income of the whole family, before taxes.

HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Durham-Chapel Hill, NC HUD Metro FMR Area.
People	Extremely low (30%)	Very low (50%)	Low
1 person	$26,750	$44,500	$71,200
2 people	$30,550	$50,850	$81,400
3 people	$34,350	$57,200	$91,550
4 people	$38,150	$63,550	$101,700
5 people	$41,250	$68,650	$109,850
6 people	$44,360	$73,750	$118,000
7 people	$50,040	$78,850	$126,150
8 people	$55,720	$83,900	$134,250

Area median income: $129,900. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Durham-Chapel Hill, NC HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

Studio $1,348 – $1,648
1 bedroom $1,399 – $1,709
2 bedrooms $1,571 – $1,920
3 bedrooms $1,945 – $2,377
4 bedrooms $2,237 – $2,735

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

The Housing Authority of the City of Durham Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 3,319 vouchers · 887 public housing units (919) 683-1551 The Housing Authority of the City of Durham: abrown@dha-nc.org

Housing agencies in North Carolina Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026

Your rights as a tenant in North Carolina

What North Carolina law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.

See your rights, rule by rule

Compare these rules with other states →

A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.

When must they return my deposit?: 30 days; N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-52
If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?: 10 days; N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-3
How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?: 7 days; N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-14

Only a court order can remove youN.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-25.6
Protection from retaliationN.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-37.1(b)

Help

Where to get help with rent in Durham County

This HUD-approved agency has an office in Durham County. They counsel for free or at low cost.

North Carolina Housing Coalition

3608 University Dr Ste 201, Durham

(919) 881-0707

See every agency in North Carolina Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Tool

How much cash do you need to move in?

It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Durham 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 North Carolina, the average home bill was $144 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs

Open the full tool

Your move

State

We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.

Monthly rentHUD fair market rent$HUD two-bedroom fair market rent (FMR) in Durham County (FY2027). Enter the rent of the home you want.What you can set aside each month$To see how long it takes to put it together.

Adjust advanced details

Deposit and rent in advance

The deposit, in

Months of rentDollars

Months of rent for the depositThat is $1,745. We start with an example; enter what you are asked for.Pay the first month before moving inThey also ask for the last month

Application fees$What each application charges, for all the ones you'll fill out.Utility deposits and connection$Electricity, gas, water and internet. Ask each company.The move$Planning example, not a price: $100 to $400 to rent a truck for a day for a move within your city. Get quotes.Pet deposit$Other costs$Boxes, locks, basic furniture.

Let's do the math

Cash to move in

$3,490

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month: $1,745
Security deposit: $1,745
Total: $3,490

The deposit cap

Pick your state to see whether its law caps the deposit.

Compare each state's rules →

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.

Guide: the security deposit Guide: avoiding rental scams Family budget How much rent can I afford?

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.

Guides

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Durham County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,498; 1 bedroom: $1,554; 2 bedrooms: $1,745; 3 bedrooms: $2,161; 4 bedrooms: $2,486. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

How much do you need to earn to rent in Durham County?

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,745) without spending more than 30% of income takes $33.56 an hour full time, or $69,800 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Durham County?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $63,550 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 Durham 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 $1,571 and $1,920 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Durham County?

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,540 in 27503 to $2,010 in 27712. 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 Durham County?

HUD lists 82 properties with homes for low-income households in Durham 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 Durham County?

Sources and methodology

Fair market rents and income limits come from HUD; typical rent and the burden, from the Census. The wage needed is our calculation: fair market rent × 12 ÷ 30% ÷ full-time hours a year. The voucher rules were read in their official text on the date shown.

Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Small Area Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Low-income apartments Retrieved November 6, 2026
American Community Survey Average 2020–2024
Income Limits Fiscal year 2026
Public Housing Agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026

Program rules

24 CFR §888.113, Fair market rents for existing housing: Methodology Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.503, Payment standard areas, schedule, and amounts Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §5.603, Definitions (income) Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.201, Eligibility and targeting Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.1, Programs: purpose and structure Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.508, Maximum family share at initial occupancy Verified October 30, 2026
HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants Verified October 30, 2026

Renting in Durham County, North Carolina

Four numbers to start with

Renting in Durham County: what sets it apart

What HUD sets for each size

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

How many households spend too much

Compared with the state and the country

Low-income apartments in Durham County

The Section 8 voucher in Durham County

The rules, with their source

Possible payment standard

Housing agencies that serve this place

Your rights as a tenant in North Carolina

Where to get help with rent in Durham County

How much cash do you need to move in?

Your move

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Durham County?

How much do you need to earn to rent in Durham County?

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Durham County?

How much does Section 8 pay in Durham County?

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Durham County?

How many low-income apartments are there in Durham County?

How many households spend too much on rent in Durham County?