Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Albemarle County, Virginia
Albemarle County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,642 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,692 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $31.58 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,642
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 8% less than in Virginia
- Typical rent
- $1,692
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 7% more than in Virginia
- Wage needed
- $31.58
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $65,680 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 50%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 3% more than in Virginia
Only here
Renting in Albemarle County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Albemarle County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,692, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is the City of Charlottesville ($1,540).
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 Albemarle 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 Albemarle County was $1,941 a month in September 2026: about the same as 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 | $1,279 | $24.60 | $51,160 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,442 | $27.73 | $57,680 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,642 | $31.58 | $65,680 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,997 | $38.40 | $79,880 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,458 | $47.27 | $98,320 |
HUD area: Charlottesville, VA 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 17 ZIP codes in Albemarle County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,650 in 22931 to $1,940 in 22932. 17 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,642).
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)
| 22901 | Charlottesville, VA | $1,360 | $1,530 | $1,750 | $2,130 | $2,610 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22902 | Charlottesville, VA | $1,440 | $1,630 | $1,850 | $2,250 | $2,770 |
| 22903 | Charlottesville, VA | $1,330 | $1,500 | $1,710 | $2,070 | $2,550 |
| 22904 | Charlottesville, VA | $1,330 | $1,500 | $1,710 | $2,070 | $2,550 |
| 22911 | Charlottesville, VA | $1,490 | $1,680 | $1,910 | $2,330 | $2,860 |
| 22923 | Charlottesville, VA | $1,350 | $1,540 | $1,760 | $2,190 | $2,540 |
| 22923 | Orange County, VA | $1,350 | $1,540 | $1,760 | $2,190 | $2,540 |
| 22931 | Charlottesville, VA | $1,280 | $1,450 | $1,650 | $2,000 | $2,460 |
| 22932 | Charlottesville, VA | $1,510 | $1,710 | $1,940 | $2,350 | $2,900 |
| 22936 | Charlottesville, VA | $1,380 | $1,590 | $1,780 | $2,160 | $2,660 |
| 22937 | Charlottesville, VA | $1,280 | $1,450 | $1,650 | $2,000 | $2,460 |
| 22940 | Charlottesville, VA | $1,390 | $1,570 | $1,790 | $2,180 | $2,690 |
| 22943 | Charlottesville, VA | $1,280 | $1,450 | $1,650 | $2,000 | $2,460 |
| 22946 | Charlottesville, VA | $1,280 | $1,450 | $1,650 | $2,000 | $2,460 |
| 22947 | Charlottesville, VA | $1,410 | $1,590 | $1,800 | $2,200 | $2,700 |
| 22947 | Louisa County, VA | $1,410 | $1,590 | $1,800 | $2,200 | $2,700 |
| 22959 | Charlottesville, VA | $1,280 | $1,450 | $1,650 | $2,000 | $2,460 |
- 22901 · Charlottesville, VA $1,750$2,130
- 22902 · Charlottesville, VA $1,850$2,250
- 22903 · Charlottesville, VA $1,710$2,070
- 22904 · Charlottesville, VA $1,710$2,070
- 22911 · Charlottesville, VA $1,910$2,330
- 22923 · Charlottesville, VA $1,760$2,190
- 22923 · Orange County, VA $1,760$2,190
- 22931 · Charlottesville, VA $1,650$2,000
- 22932 · Charlottesville, VA $1,940$2,350
- 22936 · Charlottesville, VA $1,780$2,160
- 22937 · Charlottesville, VA $1,650$2,000
- 22940 · Charlottesville, VA $1,790$2,180
- 22943 · Charlottesville, VA $1,650$2,000
- 22946 · Charlottesville, VA $1,650$2,000
- 22947 · Charlottesville, VA $1,800$2,200
- 22947 · Louisa County, VA $1,800$2,200
- 22959 · Charlottesville, VA $1,650$2,000
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 Albemarle County, 50% of renter households are in that position; in Virginia, 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.
50%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
15,643 households rent in Albemarle County
- Spend half or more of their income 26%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
- Spend less than 30% 50%
Compared with the state and the country
- Albemarle 50%
- Virginia 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Albemarle County
HUD lists 13 properties with homes for low-income households in Albemarle County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 11
- HUD-assisted
- 2
1,186 homes in all; 1,146 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Mallside Forest Tax credit (LIHTC) 816 Mallside Forest Ct, Charlottesville 22901 160 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 68 · 3 bd: 60 · In service since 1999 · For families
- Wilton Farm Tax credit (LIHTC) 1430 Wilton Farm Rd, Charlottesville 22911 144 low-income homes · 2 bd: 79 · 3 bd: 54 · 4 bd: 11 · In service since 1992 · For families
- Rio Hill Tax credit (LIHTC) 1612 Rio Hill Dr, Charlottesville 22901 139 low-income homes · 2 bd: 103 · 3 bd: 36 · In service since 1995 · For families
- Woods Edge (albemarle County) Tax credit (LIHTC) 829 Mallside Forest Ct, Charlottesville 22901 97 homes, 96 low-income · 1 bd: 77 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 2002 · For older adults
- Brookdale Tax credit (LIHTC) 910 Upper Brook Ct, Charlottesville 22903 96 low-income homes · 2 bd: 72 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2020 · For families
- Park's Edge Tax credit (LIHTC) 191 Whitewood Rd, Charlottesville 22901 96 low-income homes · 1 bd: 19 · 2 bd: 58 · 3 bd: 19 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Park View at South Pantops Tax credit (LIHTC) 210 S Pantops Dr, Charlottesville 22911 90 low-income homes · 1 bd: 54 · 2 bd: 36 · In service since 2007 · For older adults
- Treesdale Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 1410 Treesdale Park Ln, Charlottesville 22901 88 low-income homes · 2 bd: 64 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2012 · For families
- Timberland Park Tax credit (LIHTC) Old Lynchburg Road, Charlottesville 22903 80 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 56 · In service since 2018 · For families
- Crozet Meadows Tax credit (LIHTC) 5784 Meadows Dr, Crozet 22932 66 low-income homes · In service since 2011 · For older adults
- Scottsville Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 300 Page St, Scottsville 24590 34 low-income homes · In service since 2013 · For older adults
- The Meadowlands HUD-assisted 5800 Meadows Dr, Crozet 22932 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (434) 812-2550
- The Meadows HUD-assisted 5800 Meadows Dr, Crozet 22932 66 homes, 27 low-income · For older adults · (804) 823-4683
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 Albemarle 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 Albemarle 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 | $29,050 | $48,450 | $74,800 |
| 2 people | $33,200 | $55,350 | $85,450 |
| 3 people | $37,350 | $62,250 | $96,150 |
| 4 people | $41,500 | $69,150 | $106,800 |
| 5 people | $44,850 | $74,700 | $115,350 |
| 6 people | $48,150 | $80,250 | $123,900 |
| 7 people | $51,500 | $85,750 | $132,450 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $91,300 | $141,000 |
Area median income: $139,800. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Charlottesville, VA MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,151 – $1,407
- 1 bedroom $1,298 – $1,586
- 2 bedrooms $1,478 – $1,806
- 3 bedrooms $1,797 – $2,197
- 4 bedrooms $2,212 – $2,704
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
- County of Albemarle/Office of Housing Section 8 vouchers · 574 vouchers (434) 296-5832 County of Albemarle/Office of Housing: spethia@albemarle.org
Housing agencies in Virginia Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Virginia
What Virginia 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
- Va. Code §55.1-1226(A)
- When must they return my deposit?
- 45 days
- Va. Code §55.1-1226(A)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 14 days
- Va. Code §55.1-1245(F)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 days
- Va. Code §55.1-1253(A)
- Only a court order can remove youVa. Code §55.1-1252
- Protection from retaliationVa. Code §55.1-1258(A)
- Repair and deduct from the rentVa. Code §55.1-1244.1(C)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Albemarle County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Albemarle County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Piedmont Housing Alliance
682 Berkmar Cir, Charlottesville
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 10 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Albemarle 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 Virginia, the average home bill was $149 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
$3,284
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,642
- Security deposit
- $1,642
- Total
- $3,284
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 Albemarle County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,279; 1 bedroom: $1,442; 2 bedrooms: $1,642; 3 bedrooms: $1,997; 4 bedrooms: $2,458. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Albemarle County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,642) without spending more than 30% of income takes $31.58 an hour full time, or $65,680 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Albemarle County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $69,150 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 Albemarle 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 $1,478 and $1,806 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Albemarle County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,650 in 22931 to $1,940 in 22932. 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 Albemarle County?
HUD lists 13 properties with homes for low-income households in Albemarle 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 Albemarle County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Albemarle County, 50% of renter households are in that position; in Virginia, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).