Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Lake County, Ohio
Lake County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,274 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,113 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $24.50 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,274
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- About the same as in Ohio
- Typical rent
- $1,113
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 8% more than in Ohio
- Wage needed
- $24.50
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $50,960 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 45%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 1% less than in Ohio
Only here
Renting in Lake County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Lake County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,113, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Geauga County ($1,083).
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Lake County has the 9th highest typical rent of the 88 counties in Ohio ($1,113).
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 Lake 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 Lake County was $1,422 a month in September 2026: 2.5% 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 | $924 | $17.77 | $36,960 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,050 | $20.19 | $42,000 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,274 | $24.50 | $50,960 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,628 | $31.31 | $65,120 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,756 | $33.77 | $70,240 |
HUD area: Cleveland, OH 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 9 ZIP codes in Lake County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,050 in 44081 to $1,440 in 44094. 5 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,274).
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)
| 44045 | Cleveland, OH | $860 | $980 | $1,190 | $1,520 | $1,640 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44057 | Ashtabula County, OH | $950 | $1,080 | $1,310 | $1,670 | $1,810 |
| 44057 | Cleveland, OH | $950 | $1,080 | $1,310 | $1,670 | $1,810 |
| 44060 | Cleveland, OH | $1,040 | $1,180 | $1,430 | $1,830 | $1,970 |
| 44077 | Cleveland, OH | $890 | $1,010 | $1,230 | $1,570 | $1,690 |
| 44081 | Cleveland, OH | $760 | $870 | $1,050 | $1,340 | $1,450 |
| 44092 | Cleveland, OH | $940 | $1,060 | $1,290 | $1,650 | $1,780 |
| 44094 | Cleveland, OH | $1,040 | $1,190 | $1,440 | $1,840 | $1,980 |
| 44095 | Cleveland, OH | $870 | $990 | $1,200 | $1,530 | $1,650 |
- 44045 · Cleveland, OH $1,190$1,520
- 44057 · Ashtabula County, OH $1,310$1,670
- 44057 · Cleveland, OH $1,310$1,670
- 44060 · Cleveland, OH $1,430$1,830
- 44077 · Cleveland, OH $1,230$1,570
- 44081 · Cleveland, OH $1,050$1,340
- 44092 · Cleveland, OH $1,290$1,650
- 44094 · Cleveland, OH $1,440$1,840
- 44095 · Cleveland, OH $1,200$1,530
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 Lake County, 45% of renter households are in that position; in Ohio, 46%, 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.
45%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
24,518 households rent in Lake County
- Spend half or more of their income 22%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
- Spend less than 30% 55%
Compared with the state and the country
- Lake 45%
- Ohio 46%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Lake County
HUD lists 16 properties with homes for low-income households in Lake County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 9
- HUD-assisted
- 9
1,368 homes in all; 1,259 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Jackson Towers HUD-assisted 189 1st St, Painesville 44077 240 low-income homes · For families · (440) 354-3347
- Oak Hill Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 38464 Oak Hill Ln, Willoughby 44094 182 homes, 181 low-income · 1 bd: 45 · 2 bd: 115 · 3 bd: 22 · In service since 2002
- Brentwood Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 249 Brentwood Dr, Painesville 44077 152 low-income homes · 2 bd: 90 · 3 bd: 62 · In service since 1998
- Seneca Grove Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 707 Argonne Dr, Painesville 44077 132 low-income homes · 2 bd: 108 · 3 bd: 24 · For families · (440) 354-0033
- Breckenridge Village HUD-assisted 36853 Ridge Rd, Willoughby 44094 150 homes, 125 low-income · For older adults · (440) 942-4342
- Abbotts Manor HUD-assisted 34251 Ridge Rd, Willoughby 44094 82 low-income homes · For older adults · (440) 944-6305
- Andrews Place Apartments HUD-assisted 7766 Salida Rd, Mentor On The Lake 44060 78 low-income homes · For families · (440) 257-5948
- Wesley Village II Tax credit (LIHTC) 180 Wood St, Painesville 44077 62 low-income homes · 2 bd: 62 · In service since 1999 · For older adults
- Willoughbeach Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) 30707 Lake Shore Blvd, Willowick 44095 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2016 · For older adults
- Wesley Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 173 W High St, Painesville 44077 42 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 1996
- Madison Woods Tax credit (LIHTC) 300 Kim Dr, Madison 44057 40 low-income homes · In service since 1989
- Mary Rose Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 35253 Maplegrove Rd, Willoughby Hills 44094 40 low-income homes · In service since 2013 · For older adults · (440) 975-0751
- Mah Lake Vistas HUD-assisted 5714 Andrews Rd, Mentor On The Lake 44060 24 homes, 23 low-income · For people with disabilities · (440) 257-0258
- Mcnaughton Apartments Aka Extended Housing HUD-assisted 608 Liberty St, Painesville 44077 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (440) 352-8424
- Shamrock Place HUD-assisted 908 N State St, Painesville 44077 56 homes · For families · (440) 354-3149
- Brentwood Apts Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 329 Brentwood Dr, Painesville 44077 26 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 Lake 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 Lake 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 | $22,050 | $36,750 | $58,800 |
| 2 people | $25,200 | $42,000 | $67,200 |
| 3 people | $28,350 | $47,250 | $75,600 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $52,500 | $84,000 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $56,700 | $90,750 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $60,900 | $97,450 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $65,100 | $104,200 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $69,300 | $110,900 |
Area median income: $105,000. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Cleveland, OH HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $832 – $1,016
- 1 bedroom $945 – $1,155
- 2 bedrooms $1,147 – $1,401
- 3 bedrooms $1,465 – $1,791
- 4 bedrooms $1,580 – $1,932
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
- Lake Metropolitian Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,552 vouchers (440) 354-3347 Lake Metropolitian Housing Authority: emartin@lakemetrohousing.org
Housing agencies in Ohio Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Ohio
What Ohio 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.
- When must they return my deposit?
- 30 days
- Ohio Rev. Code §5321.16(B)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 3 days
- Ohio Rev. Code §1923.04(A)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 days
- Ohio Rev. Code §5321.17(B)
- Only a court order can remove youOhio Rev. Code §5321.15(A)
- Protection from retaliationOhio Rev. Code §5321.02(A)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Lake County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Lake County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Fair Housing Resource Center
1100 Mentor Ave, Painesville · Spanish
Also serves in other languages.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 12 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Lake 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 Ohio, the average home bill was $135 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
$2,548
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,274
- Security deposit
- $1,274
- Total
- $2,548
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 Lake County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $924; 1 bedroom: $1,050; 2 bedrooms: $1,274; 3 bedrooms: $1,628; 4 bedrooms: $1,756. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Lake County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,274) without spending more than 30% of income takes $24.50 an hour full time, or $50,960 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Lake County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $52,500 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 Lake 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 $1,147 and $1,401 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Lake County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,050 in 44081 to $1,440 in 44094. 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 Lake County?
HUD lists 16 properties with homes for low-income households in Lake County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. 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 Lake County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Lake County, 45% of renter households are in that position; in Ohio, 46%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).