Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Fairfax, Virginia
There are 2 open waiting lists in the Fairfax area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Fairfax, 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 Fairfax, 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 Fairfax, Virginia
Fairfax, Virginia is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 2 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Fairfax area. There are also 31 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Fairfax include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, RAD.
Latest Opening
Fairfax County Redevelopment & Housing Authority opened its Single Room Occupancy (Coan Pond) waitlist .
About Housing in Fairfax, Virginia
Fairfax, Virginia, offers various affordable housing options primarily managed by the Fairfax County Redevelopment & Housing Authority (FCRHA). This area has approximately 5,329 assisted housing units. Currently, there are 2 open waitlists for housing assistance, with 4 waitlists closed. Applicants seeking immediate openings should note that the SRO and Single Room Occupancy (Coan Pond) programs currently have open waitlists.
While programs like Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, and RAD are available in Fairfax, their respective waitlists are presently closed. Eligibility for these programs often depends on household income. For instance, a family of four must generally earn below $81,950 per year to be considered Very Low Income within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area for Fiscal Year 2025. The Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) also serves as a state resource for housing information. Applicants are encouraged to regularly check for updates on waitlist statuses and program openings.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Fairfax
To apply for housing assistance in Fairfax, Virginia, submit an application directly to Fairfax County Redevelopment & Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 2 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 $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 Fairfax include Single Room Occupancy (Coan Pond), SRO, Public Housing, RAD, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). 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).
Fairfax, Virginia Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Fairfax, 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 Fairfax 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 Fairfax and have active housing programs.