Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in the City of Charlottesville, Virginia
The City of Charlottesville 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 $1,540 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
- $1,540
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 2% less 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
- 55%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 14% more than in Virginia
Only here
Renting in the City of Charlottesville: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Among the neighboring places, Nelson County has the lowest typical rent ($946), 39% below the $1,540 in the City of Charlottesville.
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The City of Charlottesville has the 10th lowest homeownership rate of the 133 places in Virginia (44%).
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At 55%, the City of Charlottesville ranks 13th among the 128 places in Virginia with this figure for the largest share of rent-burdened renters.
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 the City of Charlottesville. 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 the City of Charlottesville was $2,140 a month in September 2026: 3.5% 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 | $1,279 | $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 1 ZIP codes in the City of Charlottesville (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)
| 22908 | $1,280 | $1,450 | $1,650 | $2,000 | $2,460 |
|---|
- 22908 $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 the City of Charlottesville, 55% 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.
55%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
11,048 households rent in the City of Charlottesville
- Spend half or more of their income 31%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 45%
Compared with the state and the country
- Charlottesville 55%
- Virginia 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in the City of Charlottesville
HUD lists 26 properties with homes for low-income households in the City of Charlottesville: 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)
- 11
- HUD-assisted
- 11
- public housing
- 5
1,529 homes in all; 1,325 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Hearthwood Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2111 Michie Dr, Charlottesville 22901 200 low-income homes · Studio: 41 · 1 bd: 39 · 2 bd: 100 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 1997 · For families
- Blue Ridge Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 746 Prospect Ave, Charlottesville 22903 202 homes, 167 low-income · In service since 2014 · For families · (434) 295-3094
- Friendship Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 418 Garrett St, Charlottesville 22902 150 low-income homes · 2 bd: 80 · 3 bd: 54 · 4 bd: 16 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Westhaven Public housing 802 Hardy Dr, Charlottesville 22903 126 low-income homes · Run by Charlottesville Redev & Housing Authority · Average payment: $388 a month · Average wait: 54 months · (434) 326-4672
- Midway Manor HUD-assisted 100 Ridge St, Charlottesville 22902 98 low-income homes · For older adults · (434) 971-6770
- Friendship Court HUD-assisted 418 Garrett St, Charlottesville 22902 150 homes, 64 low-income · For families · (434) 295-8005
- Scattered Sites Public housing 2021 Michie Dr, Charlottesville 22901 62 low-income homes · Run by Charlottesville Redev & Housing Authority · Average payment: $456 a month · Average wait: 43 months · Homes at several sites · (434) 326-4672
- Crossings at Fourth & Pre Tax credit (LIHTC) 401 4th St NW, Charlottesville 22903 60 low-income homes · Studio: 60 · In service since 2012 · For older adults
- Carlton Views I Tax credit (LIHTC) 1337 Carlton Ave, Charlottesville 22902 54 low-income homes · 1 bd: 35 · 2 bd: 15 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2017 · For people with disabilities
- Crescent Halls Phase 1 Public housing 500 1st St S, Charlottesville 22902 105 homes, 53 low-income · Run by Charlottesville Redev & Housing Authority · Average payment: $308 a month · Average wait: 37 months · (434) 326-4672
- Monticello Vista Tax credit (LIHTC) 1400 Monticello Rd, Charlottesville 22902 50 low-income homes · Studio: 20 · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2010 · For people with disabilities
- Kindlewood - Phase 1 HUD-assisted 418 Garrett St, Charlottesville 22902 46 low-income homes · For families · (434) 817-0661
- Kindlewood - Phase 2 HUD-assisted 460 Garrett St, Charlottesville 22902 40 low-income homes · For families · (434) 817-0661
- Mews on Little High Street Tax credit (LIHTC) 1111 Little High St, Charlottesville 22902 40 homes, 39 low-income · In service since 2008 · For people with disabilities
- Timberlake Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 1512 E Market St, Charlottesville 22902 27 homes, 26 low-income · In service since 2014 · For older adults
- Scattered Sites Public housing 711 6th St SE, Charlottesville 22902 19 low-income homes · Run by Charlottesville Redev & Housing Authority · Average payment: $774 a month · Homes at several sites · (434) 326-4672
- Ephphatha Village HUD-assisted 1014 Ridge St, Charlottesville 22902 14 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (434) 295-3094
- South First ST Phase I Public housing 1052 1st St S, Charlottesville 22902 34 homes, 13 low-income · Run by Charlottesville Redev & Housing Authority · Average payment: $311 a month · Average wait: 96 months · Homes at several sites · (434) 326-4672
- Short 18th Street Tax credit (LIHTC) 1412 Short 18th St, Charlottesville 22902 12 low-income homes · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2012 · For people with disabilities
- Virnita Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 800 Rose Hill Dr, Charlottesville 22903 16 homes, 9 low-income · In service since 2008 · For families
- Wiseman House HUD-assisted 222 Shamrock Rd, Charlottesville 22903 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (434) 295-5973
- Carlton Avenue Group Home HUD-assisted 1212 Carlton Ave, Charlottesville 22902 4 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (434) 978-2007
- Grady Avenue Group Home HUD-assisted 1012 Grady Ave, Charlottesville 22903 4 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (434) 996-8425
- Monticello Manor HUD-assisted 402 Monticello Rd, Charlottesville 22902 4 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (434) 971-2525
- Spruce Street Group Home HUD-assisted 309 Spruce St, Charlottesville 22902 4 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (434) 971-2525
- 221 Ninth Street S W Tax credit (LIHTC) 221 9th St SW, Charlottesville 22903 1 low-income home · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 1994 · For families
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 the City of Charlottesville
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 the City of Charlottesville. 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
- Charlottesville Redev & Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 677 vouchers · 346 public housing units (434) 326-4672 Charlottesville Redev & Housing Authority: salesj@cvillerha.com
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 the City of Charlottesville
This HUD-approved agency has an office in the City of Charlottesville. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Greater Charlottesville Habitat for Humanity
967 2nd St SE, Charlottesville · Spanish
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 5 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in the City of Charlottesville. 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 the City of Charlottesville?
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 the City of Charlottesville?
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 the City of Charlottesville?
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 the City of Charlottesville?
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.
How many low-income apartments are there in the City of Charlottesville?
HUD lists 26 properties with homes for low-income households in the City of Charlottesville: 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 the City of Charlottesville?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In the City of Charlottesville, 55% of renter households are in that position; in Virginia, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).