Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Delaware County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,860 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,372 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $35.77 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,860
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 22% more than in Pennsylvania
- Typical rent
- $1,372
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 13% more than in Pennsylvania
- Wage needed
- $35.77
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $74,400 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 55%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 14% more than in Pennsylvania
Only here
Renting in Delaware County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
At 55%, Delaware County ranks 4th among the 67 counties in Pennsylvania for the largest share of rent-burdened renters.
-
Delaware County has the 5th highest typical household income of the 67 counties in Pennsylvania ($89,546).
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 Delaware 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 Delaware County was $1,748 a month in September 2026: 2.6% 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 | $1,438 | $27.65 | $57,520 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,558 | $29.96 | $62,320 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,860 | $35.77 | $74,400 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,216 | $42.62 | $88,640 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,445 | $47.02 | $97,800 |
HUD area: Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD 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 39 ZIP codes in Delaware County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,390 in 19022 to $2,790 in 19342. 15 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,860).
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)
| 19003 | $1,620 | $1,750 | $2,090 | $2,490 | $2,750 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19008 | $1,610 | $1,740 | $2,080 | $2,480 | $2,730 |
| 19010 | $1,870 | $2,030 | $2,420 | $2,880 | $3,180 |
| 19013 | $1,170 | $1,260 | $1,510 | $1,800 | $1,980 |
| 19014 | $1,350 | $1,460 | $1,740 | $2,070 | $2,290 |
| 19015 | $1,180 | $1,280 | $1,530 | $1,820 | $2,010 |
| 19017 | $1,540 | $1,670 | $1,990 | $2,370 | $2,620 |
| 19018 | $1,320 | $1,430 | $1,710 | $2,040 | $2,250 |
| 19022 | $1,070 | $1,160 | $1,390 | $1,660 | $1,830 |
| 19023 | $1,250 | $1,360 | $1,620 | $1,930 | $2,130 |
| 19026 | $1,290 | $1,400 | $1,670 | $1,990 | $2,190 |
| 19029 | $1,440 | $1,560 | $1,860 | $2,220 | $2,440 |
| 19032 | $1,420 | $1,540 | $1,840 | $2,190 | $2,420 |
| 19033 | $1,350 | $1,460 | $1,740 | $2,070 | $2,290 |
| 19036 | $1,280 | $1,390 | $1,660 | $1,980 | $2,180 |
| 19041 | $1,810 | $1,960 | $2,340 | $2,790 | $3,080 |
| 19043 | $1,140 | $1,240 | $1,480 | $1,760 | $1,950 |
| 19050 | $1,180 | $1,270 | $1,520 | $1,810 | $2,000 |
| 19052 | $1,510 | $1,630 | $1,950 | $2,320 | $2,560 |
| 19060 | $1,740 | $1,880 | $2,250 | $2,680 | $2,960 |
| 19061 | $1,280 | $1,390 | $1,660 | $1,980 | $2,180 |
| 19063 | $1,510 | $1,630 | $1,950 | $2,320 | $2,560 |
| 19064 | $1,450 | $1,570 | $1,880 | $2,240 | $2,470 |
| 19070 | $1,240 | $1,340 | $1,600 | $1,910 | $2,100 |
| 19073 | $1,930 | $2,090 | $2,490 | $2,970 | $3,270 |
| 19074 | $1,360 | $1,470 | $1,760 | $2,100 | $2,310 |
| 19076 | $1,160 | $1,260 | $1,500 | $1,790 | $1,970 |
| 19078 | $1,280 | $1,390 | $1,660 | $1,980 | $2,180 |
| 19079 | $1,330 | $1,440 | $1,720 | $2,050 | $2,260 |
| 19081 | $1,430 | $1,550 | $1,850 | $2,200 | $2,430 |
| 19082 | $1,190 | $1,290 | $1,540 | $1,830 | $2,020 |
| 19083 | $1,370 | $1,480 | $1,770 | $2,110 | $2,330 |
| 19085 | $1,950 | $2,120 | $2,520 | $3,000 | $3,320 |
| 19086 | $1,580 | $1,710 | $2,040 | $2,430 | $2,680 |
| 19094 | $1,270 | $1,370 | $1,640 | $1,950 | $2,160 |
| 19113 | $1,310 | $1,420 | $1,690 | $2,010 | $2,220 |
| 19319 | $2,110 | $2,280 | $2,720 | $3,240 | $3,580 |
| 19342 | $2,160 | $2,340 | $2,790 | $3,320 | $3,670 |
| 19373 | $1,970 | $2,130 | $2,540 | $3,030 | $3,340 |
- 19003 $2,090$2,490
- 19008 $2,080$2,480
- 19010 $2,420$2,880
- 19013 $1,510$1,800
- 19014 $1,740$2,070
- 19015 $1,530$1,820
- 19017 $1,990$2,370
- 19018 $1,710$2,040
- 19022 $1,390$1,660
- 19023 $1,620$1,930
- 19026 $1,670$1,990
- 19029 $1,860$2,220
- 19032 $1,840$2,190
- 19033 $1,740$2,070
- 19036 $1,660$1,980
- 19041 $2,340$2,790
- 19043 $1,480$1,760
- 19050 $1,520$1,810
- 19052 $1,950$2,320
- 19060 $2,250$2,680
- 19061 $1,660$1,980
- 19063 $1,950$2,320
- 19064 $1,880$2,240
- 19070 $1,600$1,910
- 19073 $2,490$2,970
- 19074 $1,760$2,100
- 19076 $1,500$1,790
- 19078 $1,660$1,980
- 19079 $1,720$2,050
- 19081 $1,850$2,200
- 19082 $1,540$1,830
- 19083 $1,770$2,110
- 19085 $2,520$3,000
- 19086 $2,040$2,430
- 19094 $1,640$1,950
- 19113 $1,690$2,010
- 19319 $2,720$3,240
- 19342 $2,790$3,320
- 19373 $2,540$3,030
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 Delaware County, 55% of renter households are in that position; in Pennsylvania, 48%, 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.
55%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
65,930 households rent in Delaware County
- Spend half or more of their income 31%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
- Spend less than 30% 45%
Compared with the state and the country
- Delaware 55%
- Pennsylvania 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Delaware County
HUD lists 70 properties with homes for low-income households in Delaware 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)
- 35
- HUD-assisted
- 16
- public housing
- 24
4,645 homes in all; 4,061 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- The Ruth L. Bennett Homes Public housing 1201 Carlas Ln, Chester 19013 261 homes, 257 low-income · Run by Chester Housing Authority · Average payment: $384 a month · Average wait: 1 month · (610) 904-1111
- Darby Townhouses HUD-assisted 1011 Burton Ave, Sharon Hill 19079 172 homes, 168 low-income · For families · (610) 522-1131
- William Penn Public housing 401 Parker St, Chester 19013 160 homes, 158 low-income · Run by Chester Housing Authority · Average payment: $451 a month · Average wait: 21 months · (610) 904-1111
- Robert Stinson Towers HUD-assisted 1501 Arbor Dr, Chester 19013 150 low-income homes · For older adults · (610) 874-1421
- Greenhill Court Apts Public housing 1300 Clifton Ave, Sharon Hill 19079 130 homes, 129 low-income · Run by Housing Authority County of Delaware · Average payment: $621 a month · Average wait: 87 months · (610) 876-2521
- Palmerhouse HUD-assisted 1420 Esrey St, Chester 19013 124 homes, 123 low-income · For older adults · (610) 874-6767
- Chatham Family Public housing 500 Mosley Ct, Chester 19013 110 low-income homes · Run by Chester Housing Authority · Average payment: $508 a month · Average wait: 49 months · (610) 904-1111
- Wellington Ridge - Phase I Public housing 3014 W 13th St, Chester 19013 110 low-income homes · Run by Chester Housing Authority · Average payment: $528 a month · Average wait: 45 months · (610) 904-1111
- Chester Apartments HUD-assisted 1225 W 9th St, Chester 19013 105 homes, 104 low-income · For families · (610) 874-7410
- Grace Court HUD-assisted 550 S Lansdowne Ave, Yeadon 19050 101 homes, 100 low-income · For older adults · (610) 623-3083
- Lutheran Knolls Main HUD-assisted 1800 Mill Rd, Upper Chichester 19061 101 homes, 100 low-income · For older adults · (610) 497-5220
- Kinder Park HUD-assisted 1855 Constitution Ave, Woodlyn 19094 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (610) 876-3334
- Matopos Hills Tax credit (LIHTC) · Public housing 925 John St, Chester 19013 82 low-income homes · 1 bd: 80 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 2007 · For older adults · Run by Chester Housing Authority · Average payment: $465 a month · Average wait: 14 months · (610) 904-1111
- Crosby Square Apartments HUD-assisted 1300 Crosby St, Chester 19013 81 low-income homes · For families · (610) 872-7362
- Park View at Naaman Creeek Tax credit (LIHTC) 808 Conchester Hwy, Boothwyn 19061 80 homes, 79 low-income · Studio: 2 · 1 bd: 69 · 2 bd: 9 · In service since 1998 · For older adults
- Parkview Homes and Apartments Public housing 301 Glenway Ave, Upland 19015 77 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority County of Delaware · Average payment: $593 a month · Average wait: 42 months · (610) 876-2521
- Pusey Estates Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 410 3rd St, Brookhaven 19015 77 low-income homes · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 27 · 3 bd: 11 · 4 bd: 13 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Delaware County Fairgrounds Tax credit (LIHTC) 12 Engle St, Chester 19013 73 low-income homes · 2 bd: 34 · 3 bd: 39 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Daniel Scott Commons HUD-assisted 1427B-1431B West Congress Street, Chester 19013 72 homes, 71 low-income · For families · (610) 876-6091
- Delaware County Fairgrounds II Tax credit (LIHTC) 12 Engle St, Chester 19013 71 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 23 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2010 · For families
- Delaware County Fairgrounds IV Tax credit (LIHTC) Shannon and Peterson Street, Chester Township 19013 71 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 23 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2013 · For families
- Benjamin Banneker Plaza HUD-assisted 2101 W 7th St, Chester 19013 70 low-income homes · For families · (610) 485-2000
- Pentecostal Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 325 Pusey St, Chester 19013 69 low-income homes · 1 bd: 53 · 2 bd: 17 · In service since 2010 · For older adults
- Cliff House Tax credit (LIHTC) 2700 Chestnut St, Chester 19013 68 low-income homes · 1 bd: 68 · In service since 1998 · For older adults
- Flower Manor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 9 Flower St, Chester 19013 68 low-income homes · 2 bd: 68 · In service since 1991 · For families
- Howard C Kinder Park Public housing 815 Forrest Ave, Media 19063 66 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority County of Delaware · Average payment: $393 a month · Average wait: 51 months · (610) 876-2521
- Concord Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 452 Parker Pl, Glen Mills 19342 65 homes, 64 low-income · 1 bd: 48 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2001 · For older adults
- Gateway SR Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · Public housing 1115 Avenue Of The States, Chester 19013 64 low-income homes · 1 bd: 60 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2013 · For older adults · Run by Chester Housing Authority · Average payment: $426 a month · Average wait: 23 months · (610) 904-1111
- Park Row Place HUD-assisted 421 W 24th St, Upland 19013 64 homes, 63 low-income · For older adults · (610) 872-0100
- Lutheran Knolls West HUD-assisted 1800 Mill Rd, Upper Chichester 19061 61 homes, 60 low-income · For older adults · (610) 497-5220
- Lutheran Knolls North HUD-assisted 1800 Mill Rd, Upper Chichester 19061 60 low-income homes · For older adults · (610) 497-5220
- Kinder Park Phase III Tax credit (LIHTC) Constitution Ave, Woodlyn 19094 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 34 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2017 · For people with disabilities, families
- Wellington Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 3000 W 13th St, Chester 19013 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 11 · 3 bd: 17 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Alician Senior Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 140 Hampden Rd, Upper Darby 19082 53 low-income homes · 1 bd: 53 · In service since 2017 · For older adults
- Delaware County Fairgrounds IV Public housing 2112 Thomas St, Chester Township 19013 51 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority County of Delaware · Average payment: $544 a month · Average wait: 46 months · (610) 876-2521
- Upland Terrace Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 50 Griffith St, Brookhaven 19015 51 low-income homes · 2 bd: 11 · 3 bd: 32 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Calcon Gardens Public housing 1103 Clifton Ave, Sharon Hill 19079 50 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority County of Delaware · Average payment: $691 a month · Average wait: 72 months · (610) 876-2521
- Calcon Hook Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) Calcon DR, Sharon Hill 19079 50 low-income homes · 3 bd: 50 · In service since 2001 · For families
- Highland Homes Public housing 538 Highland Ct, Wayne 19087 50 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority County of Delaware · Average payment: $574 a month · (610) 876-2521
- Kinder Park Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) Constitution Ave & Bullens LN, Woodlyn 19094 50 low-income homes · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2016 · For people with disabilities, families
- Delaware County Fairgrounds III Tax credit (LIHTC) · Public housing 1301 Peterson St, Chester Township 19013 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 43 · 2 bd: 5 · In service since 2012 · For older adults · Run by Housing Authority County of Delaware · Average payment: $438 a month · Average wait: 46 months · (610) 876-2521
- Kinder Park Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) Constitution Ave & Bullens LN, Woodlyn 19094 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2015 · For people with disabilities, families
- Delaware County Fairgrounds II Public housing 2101 Tolston St, Chester Township 19013 41 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority County of Delaware · Average payment: $566 a month · Average wait: 62 months · (610) 876-2521
- Simpson Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 94 N Lansdowne Ave, Lansdowne 19050 41 low-income homes · 1 bd: 38 · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
- Chatham Estates Senior Village Public housing 1701 W 7th St, Chester 19013 40 low-income homes · Run by Chester Housing Authority · Average payment: $506 a month · Average wait: 21 months · (610) 904-1111
- Madison Street Target Area Tax credit (LIHTC) 807A Madison St, Chester 19013 40 low-income homes · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 1998 · For families
- Kinder Park III (Phase 3) Public housing 1708 Liberty Rd, Woodlyn 19094 38 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority County of Delaware · Average payment: $548 a month · Average wait: 77 months · (610) 876-2521
- Jefferis Square Tax credit (LIHTC) Scattered Sites, Chester 19013 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2013 · For people with disabilities, families
- Studevan School Tax credit (LIHTC) 1101 Hook Rd, Sharon Hill 19079 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2001 · For older adults
- Kinder Park II Public housing 2009 Justice Sq, Woodlyn 19094 34 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority County of Delaware · Average payment: $665 a month · Average wait: 70 months · (610) 876-2521
- Kinder Park Redevelopment Phase I Public housing 1814 Constitution Ave, Woodlyn 19094 33 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority County of Delaware · Average payment: $546 a month · Average wait: 51 months · (610) 876-2521
- Kinder Park IV-A Public housing 1857 Constitution Ave, Woodlyn 19094 39 homes, 31 low-income · Run by Housing Authority County of Delaware · Average payment: $419 a month · (610) 876-2521
- Chatham Terrace Apartments Public housing 1504 Logan Way, Chester 19013 29 low-income homes · Run by Chester Housing Authority · Average payment: $823 a month · Average wait: 20 months · (610) 904-1111
- Edgemont Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · Public housing 1001 Avenue Of The States, Chester 19013 87 homes, 25 low-income · Run by Chester Housing Authority · Average payment: $517 a month · Average wait: 17 months · (610) 904-1111
- Madison Street Tax credit (LIHTC) 507 E 11th St, Chester 19013 23 low-income homes · 2 bd: 2 · 3 bd: 21 · In service since 1996 · For families
- St. Joseph Place HUD-assisted 500 Woodlawn Ave, Collingdale 19023 50 homes, 21 low-income · For older adults
- Kinder Park IV-B Public housing 1857 Constitution Ave, Woodlyn 19094 57 homes, 20 low-income · Run by Housing Authority County of Delaware · Average payment: $405 a month · Average wait: 43 months · (610) 876-2521
- Fifth Street Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1029 W 5th St, Chester 19013 20 low-income homes · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 1996 · For families
- Upland Street Tax credit (LIHTC) 1005 Upland St, Chester 19013 15 low-income homes · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 1995 · For families
- Madison SR Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · Public housing 1000 Madison St, Chester 19013 38 homes, 13 low-income · Run by Chester Housing Authority · (610) 904-1111
- Bethel Road Homes HUD-assisted 503 Schick Rd, Aston 19014 9 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (610) 328-5955
- Meson HUD-assisted 265 Burmont RD, Upper Darby 19082 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (610) 490-6233
- Wallingford Public housing 306 Wallingford Ave, Media 19063 2 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority County of Delaware · Homes at several sites · (610) 876-2521
- Darby Townhouses Tax credit (LIHTC) Burton Ave, Sharon Hill 19079 166 homes
- Wellington Ridge II Tax credit (LIHTC) 3001 W 13th St, Chester 19013 54 homes
- Sharon Hill Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) Sharon Hill 19079 51 homes
- Highland Homes Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 225 Highland Ave, Wayne 19087 50 homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 26 · In service since 2002 · For people with disabilities, families
- Senior Village at Lamokin Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Edwards St, Chester 19013 40 homes
- Darby Court Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 896 Main St, Darby 19023 27 homes
- Penn Street Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 501 Penn St, Chester 19013 15 homes
5 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 Delaware County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in Delaware 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 | $25,800 | $42,950 | $68,750 |
| 2 people | $29,450 | $49,100 | $78,550 |
| 3 people | $33,150 | $55,250 | $88,350 |
| 4 people | $36,800 | $61,350 | $98,150 |
| 5 people | $39,750 | $66,300 | $106,050 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $71,200 | $113,900 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $76,100 | $121,750 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $81,000 | $129,600 |
Area median income: $122,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,294 – $1,582
- 1 bedroom $1,402 – $1,714
- 2 bedrooms $1,674 – $2,046
- 3 bedrooms $1,994 – $2,438
- 4 bedrooms $2,201 – $2,690
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
- Housing Authority County of Delaware Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 2,988 vouchers · 706 public housing units (610) 876-2521 Housing Authority County of Delaware: jem@dcha1.org
- Chester Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,628 vouchers · 795 public housing units (610) 904-1111 Chester Housing Authority: info@chesterha.org
Housing agencies in Pennsylvania Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Pennsylvania
What Pennsylvania 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 2 months of rent
- 68 P.S. §250.511a(a)-(b)
- When must they return my deposit?
- 30 days
- 68 P.S. §250.512(a)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 10 days
- 68 P.S. §250.501(b)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 15 days
- 68 P.S. §250.501(b)
- Only a court order can remove you68 P.S. §250.501 et seq.; 68 P.S. §399.1 et seq.
Help
Where to get help with rent in Delaware County
These HUD-approved agencies have offices in Delaware County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Affordable Housing Centers of Pennsylvania - Delaware County
20 S 69th St, Upper Darby · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Workshops for new owners
- and 3 more
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CCCS of Delaware Valley, Inc. DBA Clarifi
8600 W Chester Pike, Upper Darby
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 2 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Delaware County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.
-
Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
Run by Pennsylvania Department of Revenue
Pennsylvania yearly rebate for owners and renters 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older, and people with disabilities 18 or older, based on income
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Delaware 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 Pennsylvania, the average home bill was $145 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
$3,720
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,860
- Security deposit
- $1,860
- Total
- $3,720
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 Delaware County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,438; 1 bedroom: $1,558; 2 bedrooms: $1,860; 3 bedrooms: $2,216; 4 bedrooms: $2,445. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Delaware County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,860) without spending more than 30% of income takes $35.77 an hour full time, or $74,400 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Delaware County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $61,350 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 Delaware 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 $1,674 and $2,046 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Delaware County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,390 in 19022 to $2,790 in 19342. 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 Delaware County?
HUD lists 70 properties with homes for low-income households in Delaware 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 Delaware County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Delaware County, 55% of renter households are in that position; in Pennsylvania, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).