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About County of Albemarle/Office of Housing

The County of Albemarle/Office of Housing (PHA Code: VA036) is located in Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Virginia. This office is responsible for managing approximately 574 assisted housing units, primarily through Section 8 vouchers, to serve local residents.

Currently, the Family Unification Program (FUP) waitlist is open for new applications. Other programs, including the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, and the Albemarle Housing Investment Fund (AHIF), are closed to new applicants. The FUP program recently changed from closed to open, while the Mainstream program's status shifted from unknown to closed.

Applicants should note the income limits, such as the Very Low Income threshold for a family of four, which is $62,900 per year for the Charlottesville, VA MSA area. This criterion helps determine eligibility for available housing assistance.

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Family Unification Program (FUP) Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

Apr 6, 2023

How to Apply

Referral

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

The HCV Waiting List remains open indefinitely to accept Family Unification Program Voucher Referrals only, which must be made through Albemarle County's Department of Social Services as a Public Child Welfare Agency.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

Apr 6, 2023

How to Apply

Referral

Additional Notes

The HCV Waiting List is open indefinitely to accept Family Unification Program (FUP) Voucher Referrals only, which must be made through Albemarle County's Department of Social Services as a Public Child Welfare Agency.

Other Programs

10 programs

These programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.

AHIF
Closed

This is a funding program, not a direct housing program with a continuous waiting list.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Albemarle Housing Investment Fund (AHIF)
Closed

This is a funding program, not a direct housing program with a continuous waiting list for individuals.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Mainstream Voucher
Closed

When open, applications are selected via a lottery system and ranked by local preferences including homelessness, living/working in Albemarle County, veteran status, domestic violence, and disability.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Other
Closed

The Albemarle Housing Investment Fund (AHIF) is a funding program, not a direct housing program with a continuous waiting list. Applications were last accepted through the County's application portal until January 31, 2026.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Other (Albemarle Housing Investment Fund - AHIF)
Closed

This is a funding program, not a direct housing program with a continuous waiting list for individuals. Applications for grant funding were accepted through the County's application portal until January 31, 2026.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Other Voucher Programs
Closed

No specific details found regarding this program's waiting list status beyond being closed.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
Closed

When open, applications are selected via a lottery system and ranked by local preferences including homelessness, living/working in Albemarle County, veteran status, domestic violence, and disability.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Public Housing
Closed

When open, applications are selected via a lottery system and ranked by local preferences including homelessness, living/working in Albemarle County, veteran status, domestic violence, and disability.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)
Closed

When open, applications are selected via a lottery system and ranked by local preferences including homelessness, living/working in Albemarle County, veteran status, domestic violence, and disability.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
other
Closed

The Family Unification Program (FUP) Voucher waiting list is currently closed for general applications, but the HCV waiting list remains open indefinitely to accept FUP Voucher Referrals only.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.

Status History

HCV Opened 6 hours ago
HCV Closed Yesterday
HCV Opened 2 days ago
RAD Closed Jul 1, 2026
FUP Opened Jun 29, 2026

Deadline: Apr 13, 2023

FUP Closed Jun 21, 2026
FUP Opened Apr 4, 2026
Mainstream Closed Mar 24, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 17, 2026
PBV Opening Soon Mar 9, 2026
PBV Closed Mar 6, 2026
PBV Opened Mar 4, 2026

Deadline: Nov 14, 2025

Mainstream unknown Feb 19, 2026
PBV Closed Feb 19, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 19, 2026
Public Housing unknown Feb 18, 2026
Mainstream Closed Feb 18, 2026
PBV Closed Feb 18, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 18, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official County of Albemarle/Office of Housing portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 1600 5th St
City Charlottesville, VA 22902
PHA Code VA036
Section 8 Units 574

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.

How to Apply at County of Albemarle/Office of Housing

1

Check Current Status

County of Albemarle/Office of Housing currently has 2 open waiting lists (FUP, HCV). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at County of Albemarle/Office of Housing, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $62,900/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.

3

Submit Your Application

Apply directly through the official County of Albemarle/Office of Housing portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at County of Albemarle/Office of Housing, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. County of Albemarle/Office of Housing manages approximately 574 assisted housing units (574 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Charlottesville. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at County of Albemarle/Office of Housing

FUP open

The FUP program at County of Albemarle/Office of Housing provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Charlottesville. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open

The Housing Choice Voucher program at County of Albemarle/Office of Housing provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Charlottesville. This program serves approximately 574 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

AHIF closed

The AHIF program at County of Albemarle/Office of Housing provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Charlottesville. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Albemarle Housing Investment Fund (AHIF) closed

The Albemarle Housing Investment Fund (AHIF) program at County of Albemarle/Office of Housing provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Charlottesville. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed

Mainstream Vouchers at County of Albemarle/Office of Housing are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.

Other closed

The Other program at County of Albemarle/Office of Housing provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Charlottesville. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Other (Albemarle Housing Investment Fund - AHIF) closed

The Other (Albemarle Housing Investment Fund - AHIF) program at County of Albemarle/Office of Housing provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Charlottesville. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Other Voucher Programs closed

The Other Voucher Programs program at County of Albemarle/Office of Housing provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Charlottesville. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

PBV Project-Based Voucher closed

Project-Based Vouchers at County of Albemarle/Office of Housing are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Charlottesville. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.

Public Housing Public Housing closed

Public Housing units at County of Albemarle/Office of Housing are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed

The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at County of Albemarle/Office of Housing converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Charlottesville maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.

other closed

The other program at County of Albemarle/Office of Housing provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Charlottesville. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at County of Albemarle/Office of Housing free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. County of Albemarle/Office of Housing administers 12 programs (FUP, HCV, AHIF, Albemarle Housing Investment Fund (AHIF), Mainstream, Other, Other (Albemarle Housing Investment Fund - AHIF), Other Voucher Programs, PBV, Public Housing, RAD, other) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority's official portal or in person at their office at 1600 5th St, Charlottesville, VA.
How long is the wait at County of Albemarle/Office of Housing?
Wait times at County of Albemarle/Office of Housing depend on demand in Charlottesville, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 574 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on July 16, 2026 when the HCV list changed from "closed" to "open." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact County of Albemarle/Office of Housing directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of County of Albemarle/Office of Housing, including Charlottesville Redevelopment & Housing Authority (2 mi), Waynesboro Redevelopment & Housing Authority (21 mi), Buckingham Housing Development Corporation Inc. (27 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Virginia and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Virginia.
How do I contact County of Albemarle/Office of Housing?
You can reach County of Albemarle/Office of Housing by phone at (434) 296-5832. Their office is located at 1600 5th St, Charlottesville, VA 22902. You can also email them at spethia@albemarle.org. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for County of Albemarle/Office of Housing?
Income limits for County of Albemarle/Office of Housing are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Charlottesville, VA MSA (currently $125,800). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $62,900. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

County of Albemarle/Office of Housing Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the County of Albemarle/Office of Housing are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Charlottesville, VA MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $62,900. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $26,450 $44,050 $70,500
2 Persons $30,200 $50,350 $80,550
3 Persons $34,000 $56,650 $90,600
4 Persons $37,750 $62,900 $100,650
5 Persons $40,800 $67,950 $108,750
6 Persons $43,800 $73,000 $116,800
7 Persons $48,650 $78,000 $124,850
8 Persons $54,150 $83,050 $132,900
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $125,800 Effective April 1, 2025
What do these income limits mean?

Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.

Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.

Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.