Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
Lehigh County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,839 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,383 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $35.37 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,839
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 20% more than in Pennsylvania
- Typical rent
- $1,383
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 14% more than in Pennsylvania
- Wage needed
- $35.37
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $73,560 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 Lehigh County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Lehigh County has the 3rd largest share of rent-burdened renters of the 67 counties in Pennsylvania (55%).
-
Nearby, in Schuylkill County, the typical rent is $876: 37% less than in Lehigh County ($1,383).
-
At 66%, Lehigh County ranks 6th among the 67 counties in Pennsylvania for the lowest homeownership rate.
-
At $1,383, Lehigh County ranks 7th among the 67 counties in Pennsylvania for the highest typical rent.
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 Lehigh 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 Lehigh County was $1,820 a month in September 2026: 3% 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 | $1,302 | $25.04 | $52,080 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,519 | $29.21 | $60,760 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,839 | $35.37 | $73,560 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,306 | $44.35 | $92,240 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,482 | $47.73 | $99,280 |
HUD area: Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA 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 32 ZIP codes in Lehigh County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,480 in 18066 to $2,760 in 18069. 14 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,839).
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)
| 18018 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,370 | $1,600 | $1,940 | $2,430 | $2,620 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18031 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,800 | $2,100 | $2,550 | $3,190 | $3,440 |
| 18031 | Reading, PA | $1,800 | $2,100 | $2,550 | $3,190 | $3,440 |
| 18032 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,080 | $1,260 | $1,530 | $1,920 | $2,070 |
| 18034 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,850 | $2,160 | $2,610 | $3,270 | $3,520 |
| 18036 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,220 | $1,400 | $1,690 | $2,100 | $2,270 |
| 18036 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,220 | $1,400 | $1,690 | $2,100 | $2,270 |
| 18037 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,200 | $1,400 | $1,700 | $2,130 | $2,290 |
| 18046 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,660 | $1,940 | $2,350 | $2,940 | $3,170 |
| 18049 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,300 | $1,510 | $1,830 | $2,290 | $2,470 |
| 18051 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,160 | $1,350 | $1,640 | $2,060 | $2,210 |
| 18052 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,360 | $1,590 | $1,920 | $2,410 | $2,590 |
| 18053 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,200 | $1,400 | $1,700 | $2,130 | $2,290 |
| 18059 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,170 | $1,360 | $1,650 | $2,070 | $2,230 |
| 18062 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,800 | $2,100 | $2,550 | $3,190 | $3,440 |
| 18062 | Reading, PA | $1,800 | $2,100 | $2,550 | $3,190 | $3,440 |
| 18065 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,070 | $1,240 | $1,510 | $1,890 | $2,030 |
| 18066 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,020 | $1,210 | $1,480 | $1,880 | $1,980 |
| 18069 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,950 | $2,280 | $2,760 | $3,460 | $3,730 |
| 18078 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,160 | $1,350 | $1,640 | $2,060 | $2,210 |
| 18079 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,020 | $1,210 | $1,480 | $1,880 | $1,980 |
| 18080 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,020 | $1,210 | $1,480 | $1,880 | $1,980 |
| 18087 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,130 | $1,320 | $1,600 | $2,010 | $2,160 |
| 18092 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,260 | $1,470 | $1,790 | $2,230 | $2,410 |
| 18092 | Reading, PA | $1,260 | $1,470 | $1,790 | $2,230 | $2,410 |
| 18101 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,340 | $1,560 | $1,890 | $2,370 | $2,550 |
| 18102 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,200 | $1,400 | $1,690 | $2,120 | $2,280 |
| 18103 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,310 | $1,530 | $1,850 | $2,320 | $2,500 |
| 18104 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,610 | $1,870 | $2,270 | $2,850 | $3,060 |
| 18106 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,470 | $1,710 | $2,070 | $2,600 | $2,790 |
| 18109 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,280 | $1,490 | $1,810 | $2,270 | $2,440 |
| 18195 | Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | $1,320 | $1,540 | $1,860 | $2,330 | $2,510 |
- 18018 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $1,940$2,430
- 18031 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $2,550$3,190
- 18031 · Reading, PA $2,550$3,190
- 18032 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $1,530$1,920
- 18034 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $2,610$3,270
- 18036 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $1,690$2,100
- 18036 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,690$2,100
- 18037 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $1,700$2,130
- 18046 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $2,350$2,940
- 18049 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $1,830$2,290
- 18051 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $1,640$2,060
- 18052 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $1,920$2,410
- 18053 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $1,700$2,130
- 18059 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $1,650$2,070
- 18062 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $2,550$3,190
- 18062 · Reading, PA $2,550$3,190
- 18065 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $1,510$1,890
- 18066 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $1,480$1,880
- 18069 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $2,760$3,460
- 18078 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $1,640$2,060
- 18079 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $1,480$1,880
- 18080 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $1,480$1,880
- 18087 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $1,600$2,010
- 18092 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $1,790$2,230
- 18092 · Reading, PA $1,790$2,230
- 18101 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $1,890$2,370
- 18102 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $1,690$2,120
- 18103 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $1,850$2,320
- 18104 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $2,270$2,850
- 18106 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $2,070$2,600
- 18109 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $1,810$2,270
- 18195 · Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA $1,860$2,330
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 Lehigh 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.
49,711 households rent in Lehigh County
- Spend half or more of their income 28%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 27%
- Spend less than 30% 45%
Compared with the state and the country
- Lehigh 55%
- Pennsylvania 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Lehigh County
HUD lists 56 properties with homes for low-income households in Lehigh 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)
- 25
- HUD-assisted
- 20
- public housing
- 12
4,041 homes in all; 3,622 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Bnai Brith House HUD-assisted 1616 W Liberty St, Allentown 18102 271 low-income homes · For older adults · (610) 821-0207
- Lutheran Manor HUD-assisted 2085 Westgate Dr, Bethlehem 18017 196 homes, 195 low-income · For older adults · (610) 866-6010
- Ridge Manor Public housing 333 Ridge St, Emmaus 18049 164 low-income homes · Run by Lehigh County Housing Authority · Average payment: $401 a month · Average wait: 32 months · (610) 965-4514
- Allentown House HUD-assisted 1827 W Walnut St, Allentown 18104 160 homes, 159 low-income · For older adults · (610) 435-4131
- Walnut Manor Public housing 1519 W Walnut St, Allentown 18102 150 low-income homes · Run by Allentown Housing Authority · Average payment: $372 a month · Average wait: 32 months · (610) 439-8678
- John Gross Towers Public housing 1339 W Allen St, Allentown 18102 147 low-income homes · Run by Allentown Housing Authority · Average payment: $366 a month · Average wait: 31 months · (610) 439-8678
- 700 Building Public housing 700 W Union St, Allentown 18101 139 homes, 138 low-income · Run by Allentown Housing Authority · Average payment: $376 a month · Average wait: 32 months · (610) 439-8678
- Towers East Public housing 1337 W Allen St, Allentown 18102 129 low-income homes · Run by Allentown Housing Authority · Average payment: $385 a month · Average wait: 20 months · (610) 439-8678
- George Dilliard Manor Public housing 425 Kuntz St, Slatington 18080 125 low-income homes · Run by Lehigh County Housing Authority · Average payment: $518 a month · Average wait: 15 months · (610) 965-4514
- Parkview at Bethlehem Tax credit (LIHTC) 1241 Club Ave, Bethlehem 18018 115 low-income homes · 1 bd: 52 · 2 bd: 63 · In service since 2002 · For older adults
- Little Lehigh Manor HUD-assisted 824 Jackson St, Allentown 18102 110 low-income homes · For older adults · (610) 432-1710
- Central Park Public housing 683 N Wahneta St, Allentown 18109 103 low-income homes · Run by Allentown Housing Authority · Average payment: $377 a month · Average wait: 48 months · (610) 439-8678
- Overlook 1a HUD-assisted 70 N Carlisle St, Allentown 18109 80 low-income homes · For families
- Hart Rental Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 445 Hanover Ave, Allentown 18109 79 low-income homes · 1 bd: 13 · 2 bd: 43 · 3 bd: 21 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Catasauqua Elderly Towers HUD-assisted 534 3rd St, Catasauqua 18032 75 low-income homes · For older adults · (610) 439-7007
- Allentown Nsa HUD-assisted 1339 W Allen St Ofc, Allentown 18102 73 low-income homes · For families · (610) 439-8678
- Scatter Site Public housing 101 N 3rd St, Allentown 18101 73 low-income homes · Run by Allentown Housing Authority · Average payment: $611 a month · Average wait: 90 months · Homes at several sites · (610) 439-8678
- Cumberland Gardens Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) Scattered Sites, Allentown 18103 70 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 31 · 3 bd: 29 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2014 · For people with disabilities, families
- Woodland Manor HUD-assisted 1903 Gatewood Ln, Bethlehem 18018 70 low-income homes · For families · (610) 861-0665
- Cumberland Phase I Rehab Public housing 507 E Cumberland St, Allentown 18103 62 low-income homes · Run by Allentown Housing Authority · Average payment: $606 a month · Average wait: 110 months · (610) 439-8678
- Sacred Heart Residences Tax credit (LIHTC) 449 W Turner St, Allentown 18102 61 low-income homes · 1 bd: 54 · 2 bd: 7 · In service since 2017 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Cumberland Garden Phase 3 (Rehab) Public housing 433 E Cumberland St, Allentown 18103 56 low-income homes · Run by Allentown Housing Authority · Average payment: $569 a month · Average wait: 80 months · (610) 439-8678
- Cumberland Gardens Phase III Tax credit (LIHTC) Scattered Sites, Allentown 18103 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 20 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2015 · For people with disabilities, families
- Strawberry Patch HUD-assisted 1000 4th St, Whitehall 18052 51 homes, 50 low-income · For older adults · (610) 264-5652
- Eaton Avenue Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1102 Eaton Ave, Bethlehem 18018 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 50 · In service since 1997 · For older adults
- Holy Family Apartments HUD-assisted 334 13th Ave, Bethlehem 18018 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (610) 866-4603
- Overlook Park 2B Public housing 301 E Turner St, Allentown 18109 50 low-income homes · Run by Allentown Housing Authority · Average payment: $552 a month · Average wait: 1 month · Homes at several sites · (610) 439-8678
- South Sixth Street II HUD-assisted 129 S 6th St, Allentown 18101 49 low-income homes · For families · (610) 433-3111
- Ahepa 60 HUD-assisted 1823 Chapel Ave, Allentown 18103 48 low-income homes · For older adults · (610) 798-8320
- Sixth Street Elderly Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1029 6th St, Whitehall 18052 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · In service since 1999 · For older adults
- East Penn Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 633 Broad St, Emmaus 18049 47 low-income homes · 1 bd: 47 · In service since 1994 · For families
- Arborview Towers HUD-assisted 1440 W Walnut St, Allentown 18102 210 homes, 44 low-income · For older adults · (610) 821-0311
- Mountain View Apartments HUD-assisted 550 Main St, Slatington 18080 44 low-income homes · For older adults · (610) 439-7007
- Hokendauqua Apartments HUD-assisted 3150 Lehigh St, Whitehall 18052 43 low-income homes · For older adults · (610) 264-5652
- Coopersburg Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 401 E State St, Coopersburg 18036 41 low-income homes · 1 bd: 41 · In service since 2000 · For older adults
- Coopersburg School Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 331 E State St, Coopersburg 18036 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · In service since 1994 · For older adults
- East Penn Place II Tax credit (LIHTC) 643 Broad St, Emmaus 18049 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · In service since 1996 · For older adults
- Schoenersville Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1547 Schoenersville Rd, Bethlehem 18018 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · In service since 2002 · For older adults
- South Sixth ST Rehab I HUD-assisted 102 S 6th St, Allentown 18101 36 low-income homes · For older adults · (610) 433-3111
- Bethlehem YMCA Tax credit (LIHTC) 430 E BRD ST, Bethlehem 18018 35 homes, 33 low-income · Studio: 35 · In service since 2008 · For families, people experiencing homelessness
- Phoebe Apts HUD-assisted 1901 W Linden St, Allentown 18104 132 homes, 26 low-income · For older adults · (610) 794-6262
- 10th ST Project Tax credit (LIHTC) 34 N 10th St, Allentown 18101 23 low-income homes · 2 bd: 19 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1993 · For families
- Community Help P Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 S 2nd St, Coplay 18037 21 low-income homes · Studio: 20 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 1993 · For older adults
- Little Lehigh Public housing 632 W Union St, Allentown 18101 20 low-income homes · Run by Allentown Housing Authority · (610) 439-8678
- Mountainville Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 1920 S 5th St, Allentown 18103 20 low-income homes · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 19 · In service since 1999 · For older adults
- Cedar Street Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 25 Cedar St, Macungie 18062 19 low-income homes · 1 bd: 19 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Allentown, Pennsylvania Suppor HUD-assisted 909 S 6th St, Allentown 18103 18 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (215) 855-8700
- Locust ST Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 22 Locust St, Macungie 18062 17 low-income homes · 1 bd: 17 · In service since 2001 · For older adults
- Lexies Dream Tax credit (LIHTC) 1609 Schoenersville Rd, Bethlehem 18018 15 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 5 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Catasauqua Apartments HUD-assisted 137 Front St, Catasauqua 18032 10 low-income homes · For families · (610) 767-0557
- Cumberland Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 501 E Cumberland St, Allentown 18103 70 homes
- Allentown National Bank Tax credit (LIHTC) 15 N 7th St, Allentown 18101 63 homes
- Cedar Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 4234 Dorney Park Rd, Allentown 18104 50 homes
- Hamilton ST Tax credit (LIHTC) 627 Hamilton St, Allentown 18101 30 homes
- Greystone Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 106 S 7th St, Allentown 18101 24 homes
- Tenth Street Tax credit (LIHTC) 3435-37 39-41 N Tenth ST, Allentown 18101 23 homes
One property has two programs at the same address and appears 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 Lehigh 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 Lehigh 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 | $21,950 | $36,550 | $58,450 |
| 2 people | $25,050 | $41,800 | $66,800 |
| 3 people | $28,200 | $47,000 | $75,150 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $52,200 | $83,500 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $56,400 | $90,200 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $60,600 | $96,900 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $64,750 | $103,550 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $68,950 | $110,250 |
Area median income: $104,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,172 – $1,432
- 1 bedroom $1,367 – $1,671
- 2 bedrooms $1,655 – $2,023
- 3 bedrooms $2,075 – $2,537
- 4 bedrooms $2,234 – $2,730
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
- Allentown Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,845 vouchers · 928 public housing units (610) 439-8678 Allentown Housing Authority: ANunez@allentownhousing.org
- Lehigh County Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,700 vouchers · 289 public housing units (610) 965-4514 Lehigh County Housing Authority: chris@lcha-vhdc.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 Lehigh County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Community Action Committee of Lehigh Valley, Inc.
1337 E 5th St, Bethlehem · 12 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 5 more
-
Berks Community Action Program, Inc.
645 Penn St, Reading · 26 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Homelessness services
- and 1 more
-
Schuylkill Community Action
225 N Centre St, Pottsville · 32 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Home improvement and repairs
- and 5 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Lehigh 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 Lehigh 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
$3,678
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,839
- Security deposit
- $1,839
- Total
- $3,678
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 Lehigh County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,302; 1 bedroom: $1,519; 2 bedrooms: $1,839; 3 bedrooms: $2,306; 4 bedrooms: $2,482. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Lehigh County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,839) without spending more than 30% of income takes $35.37 an hour full time, or $73,560 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Lehigh County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $52,200 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 Lehigh 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 $1,655 and $2,023 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Lehigh County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,480 in 18066 to $2,760 in 18069. 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 Lehigh County?
HUD lists 56 properties with homes for low-income households in Lehigh 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 Lehigh County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Lehigh County, 55% of renter households are in that position; in Pennsylvania, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).