Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Cataño Municipio, Puerto Rico
Cataño Municipio has a HUD fair market rent of $706 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $564 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $13.58 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $706
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 10% more than in Puerto Rico
- Typical rent
- $564
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 2% less than in Puerto Rico
- Wage needed
- $13.58
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $28,240 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 42%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 17% less than in Puerto Rico
Only here
Renting in Cataño Municipio: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Cataño Municipio has the lowest typical rent in its area: $564, less than any of its 6 neighboring municipios; next is San Juan Municipio ($611).
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Cataño Municipio has the 4th lowest homeownership rate of the 78 municipios in Puerto Rico (60%).
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 Cataño Municipio. 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)
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $592 | $11.38 | $23,680 |
| 1 bedroom | $604 | $11.62 | $24,160 |
| 2 bedrooms | $706 | $13.58 | $28,240 |
| 3 bedrooms | $920 | $17.69 | $36,800 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,117 | $21.48 | $44,680 |
HUD area: San Juan-Guaynabo, PR 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 1 ZIP codes in Cataño Municipio (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
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)
| 00962 | $550 | $570 | $660 | $860 | $1,040 |
|---|
- 00962 $660$860
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 Cataño Municipio, 42% of renter households are in that position; in Puerto Rico, 51%, 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.
42%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
3,762 households rent in Cataño Municipio
- Spend half or more of their income 19%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
- Spend less than 30% 58%
Compared with the state and the country
- Cataño 42%
- Puerto Rico 51%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Cataño Municipio
HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in Cataño Municipio: 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)
- 1
- HUD-assisted
- 2
- public housing
- 7
2,138 homes in all; 2,138 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Las Palmas Public housing 11 Res Barrio Palmas, Catano 00962 400 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $128 a month · Average wait: 13 months · (787) 759-9407
- Res. Juana Matos Public housing 1 Res Juana Matos, Catano 00962 400 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $148 a month · Average wait: 34 months · (787) 759-9407
- Angeli Apartments HUD-assisted 2100 Carr 869, Catano 00962 206 low-income homes · For families · (787) 788-3526
- Juana Matos Public housing Catano 00962 200 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $122 a month · Average wait: 13 months · (787) 759-9407
- Juana Matos Public housing Cata 00962 200 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $169 a month · Average wait: 17 months · (787) 759-9407
- Jardines de Catano Public housing 6 Res Jard De Catano, Catano 00962 180 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $140 a month · Average wait: 14 months · (787) 759-9407
- Rosendo Matienzo Cintron Public housing 1 Res R Matienzo Cintron, Catano 00962 160 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $174 a month · Average wait: 41 months · (787) 759-9407
- El Coqui Public housing C Res El Coqui, Catano 00962 132 low-income homes · Run by Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration · Average payment: $184 a month · Average wait: 74 months · (787) 759-9407
- Ciudad Feliz Tax credit (LIHTC) 71 Calle Caparra, Catano 130 low-income homes · 1 bd: 130 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Ciudad Feliz HUD-assisted 71 Calle Caparra, Catano 00962 130 low-income homes · For older adults · (787) 788-0662
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 Cataño Municipio
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. A public housing agency runs it. HUD lists none with an office in Cataño Municipio; the state's agencies can help you. 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 | $14,500 | $14,500 | $23,200 |
| 2 people | $16,600 | $16,600 | $26,500 |
| 3 people | $18,650 | $18,650 | $29,800 |
| 4 people | $20,700 | $20,700 | $33,100 |
| 5 people | $22,400 | $22,400 | $35,750 |
| 6 people | $24,050 | $24,050 | $38,400 |
| 7 people | $25,700 | $25,700 | $41,050 |
| 8 people | $27,350 | $27,350 | $43,700 |
Area median income: $41,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: San Juan-Guaynabo, PR HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $533 – $651
- 1 bedroom $544 – $664
- 2 bedrooms $635 – $777
- 3 bedrooms $828 – $1,012
- 4 bedrooms $1,005 – $1,229
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
HUD lists no housing agency with an office in Cataño Municipio. You can apply at another agency in your state: you do not have to live where you apply. Source: HUD
Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Puerto Rico
What Puerto Rico 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.
- Only a court order can remove youCód. Enj. Civ. P.R. arts. 620-633 (32 L.P.R.A. §§2821-2837); Ley Núm. 35 de 21 de noviembre de 1941, art. 1 (33 L.P.R.A. §1881)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Cataño Municipio
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Puerto Rico Neighborhood Housing Services, Corp.
274 Calle Canals St., San Juan · 4 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 8 more
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CCCS of Puerto Rico
1607 Avenue Ponce de Leon, Santurce · 5 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
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Greenpath Financial Wellness - San Juan Branch
1607 Ave Ponce De Leon, San Juan · 5 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Cataño Municipio. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
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
$1,412
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $706
- Security deposit
- $706
- Total
- $1,412
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 Cataño Municipio?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $592; 1 bedroom: $604; 2 bedrooms: $706; 3 bedrooms: $920; 4 bedrooms: $1,117. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Cataño Municipio?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($706) without spending more than 30% of income takes $13.58 an hour full time, or $28,240 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Cataño Municipio?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $20,700 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 Cataño Municipio?
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 $635 and $777 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
How many low-income apartments are there in Cataño Municipio?
HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in Cataño Municipio: 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 Cataño Municipio?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Cataño Municipio, 42% of renter households are in that position; in Puerto Rico, 51%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).