Affordable housing demand in Virginia continues to rise, with rental costs increasing by an average of 8% annually in areas like Richmond and Arlington, while incomes have struggled to keep pace. Programs like Section 8 offer crucial support to bridge this gap, enabling low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities to secure safe, stable housing.

This guide provides updated insights into the program for 2025, including detailed eligibility requirements, application steps, and resources tailored to Virginia residents.

Understanding Section 8 in Virginia

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program connects low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities to safe and affordable housing options in the private market. Eligible participants pay about 30% of their adjusted income toward rent, with the program subsidizing the remainder up to a regional limit.

Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing in Virginia?

To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Virginia, households must meet certain income, citizenship, and residency requirements. Here are some of the eligibility requirements for Section 8 housing in Virginia:

Income Limits: Households must earn less than 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for their location. For example, in Arlington County, the 2025 AMI for a family of four is $140,000, making the eligibility limit $70,000.
Residency and Citizenship: Applicants must reside in Virginia and include at least one U.S. citizen or eligible immigrant.
Background and Rental History: Applicants must have a clean rental history and no recent serious criminal convictions.

In addition to these requirements, there may be other factors that impact eligibility for Section 8 housing in Virginia, such as criminal history or rental history. Check with your local housing authority for specific eligibility criteria in your area.

What is the Maximum Amount of Rent That Section 8 Will Pay in Virginia?

Section 8 rental assistance in Virginia is calculated based on the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area where the household is seeking housing. The FMR is the amount of rent that a household can expect to pay for a modest rental unit in a given area.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) publishes FMRs each year for all areas of the country, including Virginia. The FMRs are based on market data and are intended to reflect the average rental prices for a particular area.

The rental payment standards for Section 8 housing in Virginia are based on a percentage of the FMR. The payment standard is the maximum amount of rental assistance that a household can receive. The percentage used to determine the payment standard varies depending on the size of the household and the type of housing they are seeking.

For example, a household with one member seeking a one-bedroom unit may have a payment standard of 90% of the FMR, while a household with three members seeking a three-bedroom unit may have a payment standard of 110% of the FMR. These payment standards can vary by location and are determined by the local housing authority.

It's important to note that the payment standard is not the same as the actual rent that a landlord may charge. If the actual rent is higher than the payment standard, the household may be required to pay the difference out of pocket. Similarly, if the actual rent is lower than the payment standard, the household may be able to keep the difference as savings.

Income Limits for Section 8 Housing in Virginia

Income limits are an important factor in determining eligibility for Section 8 housing in Virginia. The income limits for Section 8 housing are based on the median income for the area where the household is seeking housing. In Virginia, income limits are adjusted annually and vary by household size and location.

The following are some of the income limits for Section 8 housing in Virginia for 2023:

In addition to these standard income limits, there are also income limits for extremely low-income households, which are defined as households with incomes below 30% of the area median income. These households may receive priority for Section 8 housing assistance.

To determine eligibility for Section 8 housing in Virginia, households must provide documentation of their income, such as pay stubs or tax returns. The housing authority will use this information to calculate the household's income and determine their eligibility for Section 8 housing.

Fair Market Rents for Section 8 Housing in Virginia

Fair Market Rents (FMRs) are an important factor in determining rental assistance for Section 8 housing in Virginia. FMRs are determined annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are based on local rental market data.

FMRs are calculated for different types of housing units, including one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, four-bedroom, and five-bedroom units. The FMRs for Virginia are determined at the county or metropolitan area level.

In Virginia, FMRs can vary widely depending on the location of the rental unit. For example, the FMR for a one-bedroom unit in Arlington County may be higher than the FMR for a one-bedroom unit in Chesterfield County. This reflects the differences in rental prices between different areas of the state.

The following table shows the average Fair Market Rents for Virginia.

FMRs are intended to reflect the average rental prices in a particular area and may not necessarily represent the actual rent charged by landlords. In some cases, the actual rent may be higher or lower than the FMR.

How Do I Apply for Section 8 Housing in Virginia?

To apply for Section 8 housing in Virginia, you will need to complete an application with your local housing authority. The application process may vary slightly depending on the housing authority, but generally involves the following steps:

Contact Your Local Housing Authority: Reach out to the housing authority serving your area, such as:

Submit an Application: Provide details about household size, income, and housing needs.
Verification Process: Submit documentation such as pay stubs, tax returns, and identification.
Join the Waiting List: Most applicants are placed on a waiting list due to high demand.
Receive a Voucher: Once approved, families can use vouchers to find suitable housing.

In Virginia, it is possible to apply for Section 8 housing online in some areas. To apply online, you will need to visit the website of your local housing authority and follow the instructions for submitting an online application.

Virginia Housing Authorities

Housing authorities play a critical role in administering Section 8 housing in Virginia. These organizations work to connect eligible households with rental assistance and other supportive services. In Virginia, there are a number of housing authorities that administer Section 8 housing programs. Some of the key housing authorities in Virginia include:

Housing Authority	Contact Information	Visit Website
Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority	703-549-7115 info@arha.us 801 North St. Asaph Street, Alexandria, VA 22314	Visit Website
Arlington County Housing Authority	703-228-1450 housingassistance@arlingtonva.us 2100 Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA 22204	Visit Website
Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority	804-780-4837 webmaster@rrha.com 901 Chamberlayne Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23220	Visit Website
Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority	757-623-1111 info@nrha.us 201 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510	Visit Website
Virginia Beach Housing and Neighborhood Preservation	757-385-5750 housing@vbgov.com 2424 Courthouse Drive, Building 18A, Virginia Beach, VA 23456	Visit Website

According to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, there are a total of 77 housing authorities in Virginia. To see a complete list of Virginia Housing Authorities, use our search tool.

Each housing authority is responsible for managing its own Section 8 housing program and may have slightly different eligibility requirements and application processes. To apply for Section 8 housing in Virginia, you will need to contact your local housing authority to learn more about their program.

In addition to administering Section 8 housing, housing authorities in Virginia may also provide other services to low-income households. These services may include public housing, housing counseling, and financial assistance programs. By working with local housing authorities, low-income households in Virginia can access a wide range of resources to help them find safe and affordable housing.

Section 8 Housing Virginia Waiting List

Many housing authorities maintain waiting lists for rental assistance in Virginia. These waiting lists can be long, with some households waiting months or even years to receive assistance. Here's what you need to know about waiting lists for Section 8 housing in Virginia:

How waiting lists are managed

Housing authorities in Virginia typically manage waiting lists on a first-come, first-served basis. This means that households are placed on the waiting list in the order that their application is received. Some housing authorities may also prioritize certain households, such as those who are homeless or living in substandard housing.

Checking your application status

If you have applied for Section 8 housing in Virginia, you can check your application status by contacting your local housing authority. Some housing authorities may also provide online tools for checking application status.

Navigating long waiting lists

If you are on a waiting list for Section 8 housing in Virginia, it's important to be patient and persistent. While it can be frustrating to wait for assistance, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of receiving rental assistance. For example, you may want to consider applying to multiple housing authorities in your area to increase your chances of being placed on a waiting list. You may also want to explore other low-income housing options, such as public housing or privately owned subsidized housing.

The following table shows the current waiting list status for Housing Authorities in Virginia.

  
        Housing Authority
        Waiting List Status
      
        Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority
        OPEN
      
        Arlington County Housing Authority
        CLOSED
      
        Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority
        OPEN
      
        Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority
        OPEN
      
        Virginia Beach Housing and Neighborhood Preservation
        CLOSED

By working with your local housing authority and staying engaged in the application process, you can increase your chances of receiving the rental assistance you need.

How Long Does it Take to Get Approved for Section 8 in Virginia?

The timeline for Section 8 housing application processing in Virginia can vary depending on a number of factors. Generally, the application process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Here's what you need to know about the timeline for Section 8 housing application processing in Virginia:

Application processing times: After you submit your application for Section 8 housing in Virginia, the housing authority will need to review your application and verify your eligibility for rental assistance. This process can take several weeks to several months, depending on the volume of applications received and the complexity of your application.
Factors that impact processing times: There are several factors that may impact the timeline for Section 8 housing application processing in Virginia. These factors include the volume of applications received, the availability of rental units, and the accuracy and completeness of your application and supporting documentation.
Following up on your application status: If you have applied for Section 8 housing in Virginia and are waiting for a response, it's important to stay engaged in the application process. You can contact your local housing authority to check on the status of your application and to provide any additional documentation or information that may be required.

It's important to be patient and persistent in following up on your application status and providing any required documentation.

Other Low Income Housing Options in Virginia

While Section 8 housing is an important resource for low-income households in Virginia, there are other housing options available as well. Here are a few alternative low-income housing options to consider:

Public Housing: Provides government-managed units with income-based rents.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Properties (LIHTC): Privately owned units offering reduced rents.

Emergency Housing Assistance: Programs like theVirginia Homeless Solutions Program provide immediate support.

There are a range of low-income housing options available in Virginia beyond Section 8 housing. By exploring these options and working with your local housing authority, you can find safe and affordable housing that meets your needs.

Strengthening Communities Through Affordable Housing

Affordable housing plays a pivotal role in strengthening Virginia’s communities. Section 8, public housing, and nonprofit initiatives provide essential support for families striving for stability. By using resources like the Affordable Housing Hub’s Virginia Page, residents can find practical tools and tailored solutions to secure housing and build a sustainable future.