Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in the City of Colonial Heights, Virginia
The City of Colonial Heights has a HUD fair market rent of $1,651 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,234 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $31.75 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,651
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 8% less than in Virginia
- Typical rent
- $1,234
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 22% less than in Virginia
- Wage needed
- $31.75
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $66,040 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
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 Colonial Heights. 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 Colonial Heights was $1,609 a month in September 2026. 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 | $1,456 | $28.00 | $58,240 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,517 | $29.17 | $60,680 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,651 | $31.75 | $66,040 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,039 | $39.21 | $81,560 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,499 | $48.06 | $99,960 |
HUD area: Richmond, VA HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
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 Colonial Heights, 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.
2,403 households rent in the City of Colonial Heights
- Spend half or more of their income 35%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 20%
- Spend less than 30% 45%
Compared with the state and the country
- Colonial Heights 55%
- Virginia 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in the City of Colonial Heights
HUD lists 5 properties with homes for low-income households in the City of Colonial Heights: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC). They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 5
526 homes in all; 513 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Clearfield Apts at Dunlop Far Tax credit (LIHTC) 118 Clearfield Cir, Colonial Heights 23834 144 low-income homes · In service since 2005 · For families
- Oaks of Dunlop Tax credit (LIHTC) 800 Old Oak Ln, Colonial Heights 23834 144 homes, 132 low-income · In service since 1991 · For families
- Riverview Tax credit (LIHTC) 207 Archer Ave, Colonial Heights 23834 88 low-income homes · In service since 2003 · For families
- Dunlop Farms Tax credit (LIHTC) 1000 Dunlop Pl, Colonial Heights 23834 88 homes, 87 low-income · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- Terrace View Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Lakeview Park Rd, Colonial Heights 23834 62 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 42 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 1999 · For families
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 Colonial Heights
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 the City of Colonial Heights; the state's agencies can help you. 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)
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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
-
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 | $23,850 | $39,750 | $63,600 |
| 2 people | $27,250 | $45,400 | $72,650 |
| 3 people | $30,650 | $51,100 | $81,750 |
| 4 people | $34,050 | $56,750 | $90,800 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $61,300 | $98,100 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $65,850 | $105,350 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $70,400 | $112,600 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $74,950 | $119,900 |
Area median income: $113,500. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Richmond, VA HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,310 – $1,602
- 1 bedroom $1,365 – $1,669
- 2 bedrooms $1,486 – $1,816
- 3 bedrooms $1,835 – $2,243
- 4 bedrooms $2,249 – $2,749
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 the City of Colonial Heights. You can apply at another agency in your state: you do not have to live where you apply. Source: HUD
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 Colonial Heights
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Commonwealth Catholic Charities
510 W Poythress St, Hopewell · 6 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 5 more
-
QUIN RIVERS, INC DBA Thrive Virginia
211 Rocketts Way, Henrico · 18 miles away
- Budget and credit workshops
- Fair housing pre-purchase workshops
- and 3 more
-
Southside Community Development and Housing
1624 Hull St, Richmond · 18 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 4 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in the City of Colonial Heights. 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
$3,302
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,651
- Security deposit
- $1,651
- Total
- $3,302
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 Colonial Heights?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,456; 1 bedroom: $1,517; 2 bedrooms: $1,651; 3 bedrooms: $2,039; 4 bedrooms: $2,499. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in the City of Colonial Heights?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,651) without spending more than 30% of income takes $31.75 an hour full time, or $66,040 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in the City of Colonial Heights?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $56,750 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 Colonial Heights?
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 $1,486 and $1,816 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
How many low-income apartments are there in the City of Colonial Heights?
HUD lists 5 properties with homes for low-income households in the City of Colonial Heights: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC). 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 Colonial Heights?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In the City of Colonial Heights, 55% of renter households are in that position; in Virginia, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).