Virginia Beach Department of Housing & Neighborhood Preservation
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Last Updated
11 hours ago
Other Programs
7 programsThese 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.
The waiting list for the Virginia Beach HCV program is closed and no new applications are being accepted. The waiting list last reopened on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, and closed the same day. Applicants already on the list can check their status at assistancecheck.com.
Mainstream Vouchers provide rental assistance specifically for non-elderly persons with disabilities. The program helps individuals transition out of institutional settings or avoid institutionalization by subsidizing housing costs in the private market.
Project-Based Vouchers are tied to specific housing units rather than following the tenant. Landlords or developers partner with the housing authority to reserve units for eligible low-income families. Unlike tenant-based HCV vouchers, PBV assistance stays with the unit if the tenant moves.
Public Housing provides affordable rental units owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Units range from single-family homes to high-rise apartments, with rent typically set at 30% of household income.
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance, allowing housing authorities to leverage private funding for property rehabilitation while preserving long-term affordability for residents.
This program assists low-income households with security and/or utility deposits. Assistance is based on funding availability and is provided one-time. To begin the referral process, individuals should call the Regional Housing Crisis Hotline at (757) 227-5932. This is a referral-based program, n...
This program assists low-income homeless families or those at imminent risk of homelessness with rental vouchers. Initial assistance is for twelve months and may be renewed once, subject to funding. To begin the referral process, individuals should call the Regional Housing Crisis Hotline at (757...
Status History
Official Application
Contact Virginia Beach Department of Housing & Neighborhood Preservation directly at (757) 385-5750 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Contact the housing authority directly for application information.
WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Virginia Beach Department of Housing & Neighborhood Preservation
Check Current Status
Before applying, verify that the waiting list is currently open. Housing authorities only accept applications during designated open periods, which can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.
Gather Required Documents
Most PHAs require: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all household members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Submit Your Application
Contact Virginia Beach Department of Housing & Neighborhood Preservation directly at (757) 385-5750 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list, keep your contact information updated with the PHA. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Wait times vary from 6 months to over 5 years depending on demand. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs Offered at Virginia Beach Department of Housing & Neighborhood Preservation
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
The Housing Choice Voucher program 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 your area. Vouchers are portable, meaning you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Mainstream
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Virginia Beach Department of Housing & Neighborhood Preservation directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher
Project-Based Vouchers are attached to specific apartment complexes or units. 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
Public Housing units are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Units range from apartments to townhomes and are maintained by the PHA. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
RAD
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Virginia Beach Department of Housing & Neighborhood Preservation directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Rental Security/Utility Deposit Program
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Virginia Beach Department of Housing & Neighborhood Preservation directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Virginia Beach Department of Housing & Neighborhood Preservation directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Virginia Beach Department of Housing & Neighborhood Preservation free?
How long is the wait at Virginia Beach Department of Housing & Neighborhood Preservation?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Virginia Beach Department of Housing & Neighborhood Preservation?
Virginia Beach Department of Housing & Neighborhood Preservation Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Virginia Beach Department of Housing & Neighborhood Preservation are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $53,250. 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 | $22,400 | $37,300 | $59,650 |
| 2 Persons | $25,600 | $42,600 | $68,200 |
| 3 Persons | $28,800 | $47,950 | $76,700 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $53,250 | $85,200 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $57,550 | $92,050 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $61,800 | $98,850 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $66,050 | $105,650 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $70,300 | $112,500 |
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.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to Virginia Beach Department of Housing & Neighborhood Preservation — including across state lines.