Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Chesapeake, Virginia
There are 5 open waiting lists in the Chesapeake area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Chesapeake, 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 Chesapeake, 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 Chesapeake, Virginia
Chesapeake, Virginia is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 5 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Chesapeake area. There are also 6 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Chesapeake include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Public Housing. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: PBV (1 open).
Latest Opening
Chesapeake Redevelopment & Housing Authority opened its Conventional and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit waitlist on Mar 31, 2026.
About Housing in Chesapeake, Virginia
For those seeking affordable housing in Chesapeake, Virginia, the primary resource is the Chesapeake Redevelopment & Housing Authority. This authority manages access to various housing assistance programs in the area. Currently, there are four open waiting lists and five closed lists. Applicants should prioritize programs with open lists, which include Conventional Housing, Conventional and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, the HomeOwnership Program (HOP), and Other (Conventional Housing). Programs like HCV, Mainstream, PBV, Public Housing, and another distinct 'Other' program currently have closed waitlists and are not accepting new applications.
Chesapeake offers approximately 2,261 assisted housing units to qualifying residents. Income limits are a key factor for eligibility; for instance, a family of four seeking very low-income assistance in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC HUD Metro FMR Area must have an annual income no greater than $53,250 for Fiscal Year 2025. It is crucial to check the specific income requirements for each program when applying. The Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) also provides state-level housing initiatives and resources. Prospective applicants are advised to regularly check for updates on waitlist openings and eligibility criteria to ensure they have the most current information.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Chesapeake
To apply for housing assistance in Chesapeake, Virginia, submit an application directly to Chesapeake Redevelopment & Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 5 waiting lists are accepting applications — apply as soon as possible, as open enrollment periods can close with short 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 $53,250/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 Chesapeake include Conventional and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, Conventional Housing, HomeOwnership Program (HOP), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Other (Conventional Housing), Public Housing, other, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Other, Mainstream. 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).
Chesapeake, Virginia Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Chesapeake, Virginia, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $53,250 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $106,500.
| 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 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake and have active housing programs.