Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Hamilton County, Tennessee
Hamilton County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,340 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,253 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $25.77 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,340
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 3% less than in Tennessee
- Typical rent
- $1,253
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 5% more than in Tennessee
- Wage needed
- $25.77
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $53,600 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 45%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 7% less than in Tennessee
Only here
Renting in Hamilton County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Hamilton County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,253, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Bradley County ($1,030).
-
At 64%, Hamilton County ranks 9th among the 95 counties in Tennessee for the lowest homeownership rate.
-
At $1,253, Hamilton County ranks 10th among the 95 counties in Tennessee 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 Hamilton 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 Hamilton County was $1,515 a month in September 2026: 2.2% 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 | $1,181 | $22.71 | $47,240 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,231 | $23.67 | $49,240 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,340 | $25.77 | $53,600 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,657 | $31.87 | $66,280 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,761 | $33.87 | $70,440 |
HUD area: Chattanooga, TN-GA 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 31 ZIP codes in Hamilton County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,000 in 37308 to $1,820 in 37363. 14 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,340).
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)
| 37302 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $1,030 | $1,080 | $1,180 | $1,470 | $1,580 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37308 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $830 | $850 | $1,000 | $1,230 | $1,370 |
| 37308 | Meigs County, TN | $830 | $850 | $1,000 | $1,230 | $1,370 |
| 37315 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $1,600 | $1,670 | $1,820 | $2,250 | $2,390 |
| 37336 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $920 | $970 | $1,210 | $1,490 | $1,610 |
| 37336 | Cleveland, TN | $920 | $970 | $1,210 | $1,490 | $1,610 |
| 37336 | Meigs County, TN | $920 | $970 | $1,210 | $1,490 | $1,610 |
| 37341 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $1,270 | $1,320 | $1,440 | $1,780 | $1,890 |
| 37343 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $1,350 | $1,410 | $1,530 | $1,890 | $2,010 |
| 37350 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $1,540 | $1,610 | $1,750 | $2,160 | $2,300 |
| 37351 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $1,240 | $1,300 | $1,410 | $1,750 | $1,850 |
| 37363 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $1,600 | $1,670 | $1,820 | $2,250 | $2,390 |
| 37373 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $1,140 | $1,190 | $1,310 | $1,630 | $1,740 |
| 37373 | Rhea County, TN | $1,140 | $1,190 | $1,310 | $1,630 | $1,740 |
| 37377 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $1,300 | $1,360 | $1,480 | $1,830 | $1,950 |
| 37379 | Bledsoe County, TN | $1,040 | $1,080 | $1,180 | $1,460 | $1,550 |
| 37379 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $1,040 | $1,080 | $1,180 | $1,460 | $1,550 |
| 37402 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $1,290 | $1,340 | $1,460 | $1,810 | $1,920 |
| 37403 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $1,430 | $1,490 | $1,620 | $2,000 | $2,130 |
| 37404 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $1,120 | $1,170 | $1,270 | $1,570 | $1,670 |
| 37406 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $1,020 | $1,070 | $1,160 | $1,430 | $1,520 |
| 37407 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $1,000 | $1,040 | $1,130 | $1,400 | $1,490 |
| 37408 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $1,490 | $1,550 | $1,690 | $2,090 | $2,220 |
| 37409 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $1,270 | $1,320 | $1,440 | $1,780 | $1,890 |
| 37410 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $940 | $980 | $1,070 | $1,320 | $1,410 |
| 37411 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $1,110 | $1,160 | $1,260 | $1,560 | $1,660 |
| 37412 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $1,170 | $1,220 | $1,330 | $1,650 | $1,750 |
| 37415 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $1,320 | $1,380 | $1,500 | $1,860 | $1,970 |
| 37416 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $1,140 | $1,190 | $1,290 | $1,600 | $1,700 |
| 37421 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $1,520 | $1,590 | $1,730 | $2,140 | $2,270 |
| 37450 | Chattanooga, TN-GA | $1,270 | $1,320 | $1,440 | $1,780 | $1,890 |
- 37302 · Chattanooga, TN-GA $1,180$1,470
- 37308 · Chattanooga, TN-GA $1,000$1,230
- 37308 · Meigs County, TN $1,000$1,230
- 37315 · Chattanooga, TN-GA $1,820$2,250
- 37336 · Chattanooga, TN-GA $1,210$1,490
- 37336 · Cleveland, TN $1,210$1,490
- 37336 · Meigs County, TN $1,210$1,490
- 37341 · Chattanooga, TN-GA $1,440$1,780
- 37343 · Chattanooga, TN-GA $1,530$1,890
- 37350 · Chattanooga, TN-GA $1,750$2,160
- 37351 · Chattanooga, TN-GA $1,410$1,750
- 37363 · Chattanooga, TN-GA $1,820$2,250
- 37373 · Chattanooga, TN-GA $1,310$1,630
- 37373 · Rhea County, TN $1,310$1,630
- 37377 · Chattanooga, TN-GA $1,480$1,830
- 37379 · Bledsoe County, TN $1,180$1,460
- 37379 · Chattanooga, TN-GA $1,180$1,460
- 37402 · Chattanooga, TN-GA $1,460$1,810
- 37403 · Chattanooga, TN-GA $1,620$2,000
- 37404 · Chattanooga, TN-GA $1,270$1,570
- 37406 · Chattanooga, TN-GA $1,160$1,430
- 37407 · Chattanooga, TN-GA $1,130$1,400
- 37408 · Chattanooga, TN-GA $1,690$2,090
- 37409 · Chattanooga, TN-GA $1,440$1,780
- 37410 · Chattanooga, TN-GA $1,070$1,320
- 37411 · Chattanooga, TN-GA $1,260$1,560
- 37412 · Chattanooga, TN-GA $1,330$1,650
- 37415 · Chattanooga, TN-GA $1,500$1,860
- 37416 · Chattanooga, TN-GA $1,290$1,600
- 37421 · Chattanooga, TN-GA $1,730$2,140
- 37450 · Chattanooga, TN-GA $1,440$1,780
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 Hamilton County, 45% of renter households are in that position; in Tennessee, 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.
45%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
55,650 households rent in Hamilton 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
- Hamilton 45%
- Tennessee 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Hamilton County
HUD lists 65 properties with homes for low-income households in Hamilton 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)
- 30
- HUD-assisted
- 32
- public housing
- 7
6,517 homes in all; 6,089 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- College Hill Public housing 1239 Cypress Street Ct, Chattanooga 37402 497 homes, 495 low-income · Run by Chattanooga Housing Authority · Average payment: $280 a month · Homes at several sites · (423) 752-4893
- East Lake Courts Public housing 2552 4th Ave, Chattanooga 37407 433 homes, 411 low-income · Run by Chattanooga Housing Authority · Average payment: $285 a month · Average wait: 39 months · (423) 752-4893
- Emma Wheeler Homes Public housing 809 E 48th St, Chattanooga 37410 340 homes, 335 low-income · Run by Chattanooga Housing Authority · Average payment: $292 a month · Average wait: 57 months · (423) 752-4893
- Boynton Terrace HUD-assisted 965 Boynton Dr, Chattanooga 37402 248 low-income homes · For families · (423) 752-4865
- Patten Towers Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1 E 11th St, Chattanooga 37402 221 low-income homes · Studio: 32 · 1 bd: 188 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 1996 · For older adults, people with disabilities · (423) 266-2334
- The Villages at Alton Park Public housing 288 Water St, Chattanooga 37410 275 homes, 199 low-income · Run by Chattanooga Housing Authority · Average payment: $340 a month · Average wait: 81 months · (423) 752-4893
- Chestnut Flats Tax credit (LIHTC) 2120 Chestnut St, Chattanooga 37408 199 low-income homes · 1 bd: 93 · 2 bd: 60 · 3 bd: 46 · In service since 2019 · For families
- Bayberry Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2300 Wilson St, Chattanooga 37406 164 homes, 163 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 105 · 3 bd: 35 · In service since 2017 · For families · (423) 680-6325
- Boynton Overlook Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1201 Boynton Dr, Chattanooga 37402 162 low-income homes · Studio: 15 · 1 bd: 123 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2004 · For families · (423) 756-4680
- Jaycee Tower Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 W Martin Luther King Blvd, Chattanooga 37402 202 homes, 161 low-income · Studio: 70 · 1 bd: 132 · In service since 2017 · For older adults
- Mary Walker Towers HUD-assisted 2501 Market St, Chattanooga 37408 153 low-income homes · For older adults · (423) 752-4893
- Rainbow Creek Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 7604 Standifer Gap Rd, Chattanooga 37421 150 low-income homes · 2 bd: 112 · 3 bd: 38 · In service since 2000 · For people with disabilities, families
- Dogwood Place Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 201 Eads St, East Ridge 37412 140 low-income homes · 2 bd: 100 · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 2004
- River View Towers HUD-assisted 500 W Ml King Blvd, Chattanooga 37402 161 homes, 138 low-income · For older adults · (423) 266-8740
- Dogwood Manor HUD-assisted 959 Gateway Ave, Chattanooga 37402 136 low-income homes · For older adults · (423) 752-4893
- Gateway Towers Public housing 1100 Gateway Ave, Chattanooga 37402 199 homes, 130 low-income · Run by Chattanooga Housing Authority · Average payment: $458 a month · (423) 752-4893
- Silvertree Seniors Chattanooga Apartments HUD-assisted 5465 North Ter, Chattanooga 37411 125 homes, 124 low-income · For older adults · (423) 344-8361
- Ridgeway Apts HUD-assisted 1212 Poplar St, Chattanooga 37402 120 low-income homes · For families · (423) 267-1088
- Whiteside Faith Manor HUD-assisted 735 E 10th St, Chattanooga 37403 117 low-income homes · For older adults · (423) 266-8325
- Campbell Ridge HUD-assisted 3401 Campbell St, Chattanooga 37406 144 homes, 115 low-income · For families · (423) 624-0311
- Emerald Villages HUD-assisted 107 Devel Ln, Chattanooga 37405 111 low-income homes · For families · (423) 752-4187
- Hixson Court Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3825 Hixson Pike, Chattanooga 37415 108 low-income homes · In service since 2007 · For people with disabilities
- Northgate Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 1664 Greendale Way, Hixson 37343 108 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · 2 bd: 60 · In service since 2008 · For people with disabilities, families
- Villages at Alton Park Phase III Tax credit (LIHTC) 3750 Hughes Ave, Chattanooga 37410 102 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 46 · 3 bd: 44 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities, families
- Villages at Alton Park Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 3750 Hughes Ave, Chattanooga 37410 101 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 47 · 3 bd: 38 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2005 · For people with disabilities, families
- Hidden Acres HUD-assisted 4518 Hixson Pike, Hixson 37343 100 homes, 99 low-income · For people with disabilities · (423) 870-4293
- Eastwood Manor HUD-assisted 3831 Wilcox Blvd, Chattanooga 37411 98 low-income homes · For older adults · (423) 622-5761
- Greenwood Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) 3008 Dee Dr, Chattanooga 37406 98 low-income homes · 2 bd: 58 · 3 bd: 32 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2008 · For people with disabilities, families
- Greenwood Terrace Apartments HUD-assisted 3056 Dee Dr, Chattanooga 37406 98 low-income homes · For families · (423) 752-4188
- John Calvin Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 364 Northgate Mall Dr, Hixson 37343 95 low-income homes · 1 bd: 95 · In service since 2008 · For older adults, people with disabilities · (423) 877-4324
- Cummings Place Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 22 Starview Ln, Chattanooga 37419 92 low-income homes · 2 bd: 71 · 3 bd: 21 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Alton Place Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 233 Croll Ct, Chattanooga 37410 88 low-income homes · 2 bd: 67 · 3 bd: 21 · In service since 2012 · For families
- Vista Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 10405 Card Rd, Soddy Daisy 37379 78 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 46 · In service since 2008 · For people with disabilities, families
- Villages at Alton Park Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 301 Water St, Chattanooga 37410 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 34 · 4 bd: 3 · In service since 2005 · For people with disabilities, families
- Stoneridge Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1020 W 37th St, Chattanooga 37410 70 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2005 · For people with disabilities
- Granite Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) 1404 2 N Chamberlain Ave, Chattanooga 37406 60 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 48 · In service since 2001 · For people with disabilities, families
- Johnson Apts (chattanooga) Tax credit (LIHTC) 2195 Camden St, Chattanooga 37406 57 low-income homes · 2 bd: 38 · 3 bd: 19 · In service since 2007 · For people with disabilities, families
- Timber Ridge Cooperative I HUD-assisted 201 Timber Knoll Dr, Chattanooga 37421 96 homes, 52 low-income · For families · (423) 894-0214
- Maple Hill Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1993 Maple Hills Way, Chattanooga 37406 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 35 · 3 bd: 13 · In service since 2012 · For people with disabilities, families
- Alexian Court Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 4603 Saint Elmo Ave, Chattanooga 37409 47 low-income homes · Studio: 2 · 1 bd: 23 · 2 bd: 22 · In service since 2003
- Orchard Knob Apartments HUD-assisted 1627 E 5th St, Chattanooga 37404 44 homes, 43 low-income · For older adults · (423) 622-0040
- Dodson Avenue Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 457 Dodson Ave, Chattanooga 37404 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2000 · For people with disabilities, families
- The Oaks at Camden Public housing 2157 Camden Oaks Dr, Chattanooga 37406 57 homes, 37 low-income · Run by Chattanooga Housing Authority · Average payment: $336 a month · Average wait: 85 months · (423) 752-4893
- Orange Grove I HUD-assisted 2739 Folts Dr, Chattanooga 37415 54 homes, 34 low-income · For people with disabilities · (423) 629-1451
- Maple Hills Apartments Public housing 1901 Maple Hills Way, Chattanooga 37406 48 homes, 33 low-income · Run by Chattanooga Housing Authority · Average payment: $527 a month · Average wait: 64 months · (423) 752-4893
- Timber Ridge Cooperative II HUD-assisted 201 Timber Knoll Dr, Chattanooga 37421 60 homes, 32 low-income · For families · (423) 894-0214
- Hillsdale Place Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1524 Old Ringgold Rd, Chattanooga 37404 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2007 · For people with disabilities, families
- Orange Grove II HUD-assisted 3770 Wilcox Blvd, Chattanooga 37411 36 homes, 20 low-income · For people with disabilities · (423) 629-1451
- Cne Affordable Housing Vii Tax credit (LIHTC) 779 E Martin L King Blvd, Chattanooga 37403 20 low-income homes · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2001 · For people with disabilities
- Fifth Street Rental Tax credit (LIHTC) 522 E 5th St, Chattanooga 37403 20 low-income homes · Studio: 13 · 1 bd: 5 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 1997 · For people with disabilities
- Mitchell & Read Quads Tax credit (LIHTC) 1711 Read Ave, Chattanooga 37408 20 low-income homes · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 1997
- Fairmount Apartments HUD-assisted 1151 Fairmount Ave, Chattanooga 37405 18 low-income homes · For families
- Hill City Rental Tax credit (LIHTC) 16 Wert St, Chattanooga 37405 18 low-income homes · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 1996 · For people with disabilities, families
- Hill City Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) 610 Merriam St, Chattanooga 37405 18 low-income homes · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2000 · For people with disabilities, families
- Woodlawn Apartments HUD-assisted 3806 Mission View Ave, Chattanooga 37411 16 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (423) 624-8385
- Fort Negley Apts Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 1514 Mitchell Ave, Chattanooga 37408 13 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 4 bd: 1 · In service since 1993
- Orange Grove Development No. Seven, Inc. HUD-assisted 335 N Seminole Dr, Chattanooga 37411 15 homes, 12 low-income · For people with disabilities · (423) 629-1451
- Walden Group Home HUD-assisted 700 Ladd Ave, Chattanooga 37405 11 homes, 10 low-income · For people with disabilities · (423) 265-6390
- Oxford Place HUD-assisted 1301 Saint Thomas St, Chattanooga 37412 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (423) 624-6591
- Orange Grove Development No. 5 HUD-assisted 1119 Carter Dr, Chattanooga 37415 12 homes, 8 low-income · For people with disabilities · (423) 629-1451
- Orange Grove Development No. Four, Inc. HUD-assisted 304 S Sweetbriar Ave, Chattanooga 37411 10 homes, 8 low-income · For people with disabilities · (423) 629-1451
- Orange Grove No. 6 HUD-assisted 4296 Highwood Dr, Chattanooga 37415 10 homes, 8 low-income · For people with disabilities · (423) 629-1451
- Orange Grove Development No. Two HUD-assisted 7433 Min Tom Dr, Chattanooga 37421 9 homes, 8 low-income · For people with disabilities · (423) 629-1451
- Woodhaven Apartments HUD-assisted 35 Aim Way, Chattanooga 37411 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (423) 624-6591
- Orange Grove Development No. Three, Inc. HUD-assisted 4540 Delashmitt Rd, Hixson 37343 5 homes, 4 low-income · For people with disabilities · (423) 629-1451
4 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 Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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 | $20,450 | $34,100 | $54,550 |
| 2 people | $23,400 | $39,000 | $62,350 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $43,850 | $70,150 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $48,700 | $77,900 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $52,600 | $84,150 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $56,500 | $90,400 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $60,400 | $96,600 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $64,300 | $102,850 |
Area median income: $97,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Chattanooga, TN-GA MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,063 – $1,299
- 1 bedroom $1,108 – $1,354
- 2 bedrooms $1,206 – $1,474
- 3 bedrooms $1,491 – $1,823
- 4 bedrooms $1,585 – $1,937
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
- Chattanooga Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 3,924 vouchers · 1,751 public housing units (423) 752-4893 Chattanooga Housing Authority: ed@chahousing.org
Housing agencies in Tennessee Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Tennessee
What Tennessee 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.
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 14 days
- T.C.A. §66-28-505(a)(1)-(2)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 days
- T.C.A. §66-28-512(b)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Hamilton County
These HUD-approved agencies have offices in Hamilton County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
CCCS of Rochester-Chattanooga
5600 Brainerd Rd, Chattanooga · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 6 more
-
Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise, Inc.
1500 Chestnut St Ste 102, Chattanooga
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Pre-purchase counseling
- and 2 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Hamilton 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 Tennessee, the average home bill was $143 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
$2,680
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,340
- Security deposit
- $1,340
- Total
- $2,680
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 Hamilton County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,181; 1 bedroom: $1,231; 2 bedrooms: $1,340; 3 bedrooms: $1,657; 4 bedrooms: $1,761. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Hamilton County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,340) without spending more than 30% of income takes $25.77 an hour full time, or $53,600 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Hamilton County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $48,700 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 Hamilton 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 $1,206 and $1,474 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Hamilton County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,000 in 37308 to $1,820 in 37363. 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 Hamilton County?
HUD lists 65 properties with homes for low-income households in Hamilton 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 Hamilton County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Hamilton County, 45% of renter households are in that position; in Tennessee, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).