Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Alexandria, Virginia
All waiting lists in Alexandria are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Alexandria, Virginia and updates statuses nightly. Below you will find every PHA in the area with current waitlist status, program types, and direct application links.
If no lists are currently open in Alexandria, we recommend applying to nearby cities as well. There is no limit to the number of waiting lists you can join, and many housing authorities accept applications from non-residents.
Affordable Housing in Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria, Virginia is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Alexandria are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 36 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Alexandria include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, RAD.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Alexandria right now, there are 36 open lists within 50 miles. Most housing authorities accept applications from non-residents, so applying in neighboring cities is a practical strategy. Scroll down to "Nearby Cities" below for options.
About Housing in Alexandria, Virginia
For those seeking affordable housing in Alexandria, Virginia, the main provider is the Alexandria Redevelopment & Housing Authority (ARHA). ARHA administers a variety of programs aimed at assisting low-income individuals and families. Currently, all ten of ARHA's housing waitlists are closed, meaning new applications are not being accepted. Programs managed by ARHA include Affordable Market Rate Housing, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream, Mod Rehab, Moderate Rehab, Moderate Rehab Program, Moderate Rehabilitation, Moderate Rehabilitation Program, Other, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, and RAD programs.
Alexandria currently has approximately 3,105 assisted housing units available. To qualify for many of these programs, income limits apply. For instance, a family of four in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area may qualify as Very Low Income with an annual income up to $81,950 (FY2025). While ARHA's waitlists are presently closed, it is important to stay informed about future openings. Interested individuals should monitor ARHA's official communications for announcements regarding when waitlists may reopen. The state housing agency, Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA), also offers resources and information on housing initiatives throughout Virginia.
Housing Authorities in Alexandria
How to Apply for Section 8 in Alexandria
To apply for housing assistance in Alexandria, Virginia, submit an application directly to Alexandria Redevelopment & Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. All waitlists are currently closed, but openings happen with as little as 48 hours notice. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Before applying, gather the following documents for all household members: government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements), and proof of current address. For a family of four in this area, income must be below $81,950/year (Very Low Income threshold) to qualify for most programs. Having these ready before a waitlist opens can be the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Housing programs available in Alexandria include Moderate Rehabilitation, Other, Moderate Rehabilitation Program, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Affordable Market Rate Housing, Moderate Rehab Program, Public Housing, Moderate Rehab, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Mainstream, RAD, Mod Rehab. Applying to multiple program types simultaneously improves your chances of receiving assistance. After submitting, you will be placed on the waiting list based on the date of your application and any applicable preferences (veterans, elderly, disabled, working families, or local residents).
Alexandria, Virginia Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Alexandria, Virginia, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $81,950 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $163,900.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $34,450 | $57,400 | $74,800 |
| 2 Persons | $39,350 | $65,600 | $85,450 |
| 3 Persons | $44,250 | $73,800 | $96,150 |
| 4 Persons | $49,150 | $81,950 | $106,800 |
| 5 Persons | $53,100 | $88,550 | $115,350 |
| 6 Persons | $57,050 | $95,100 | $123,900 |
| 7 Persons | $60,950 | $101,650 | $132,450 |
| 8 Persons | $64,900 | $108,200 | $141,000 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Alexandria use these income limits to determine who qualifies for rental assistance. Your total household income before taxes is compared against the limit for your household size.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — Most Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing programs require your income to be at or below this level. This is the primary eligibility threshold.
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households at this level often receive priority on waiting lists. By law, housing authorities must allocate a portion of vouchers to extremely low-income families.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and locally funded initiatives, accept applicants up to this threshold. Contact individual housing authorities below for their specific requirements.
Nearby Cities with Housing Authorities
Applying to nearby cities increases your chances of receiving assistance sooner. These cities are within 75 miles of Alexandria and have active housing programs.