Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Norfolk, Virginia
All waiting lists in Norfolk are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Norfolk, 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 Norfolk, 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 Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Norfolk are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 11 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Norfolk include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Norfolk right now, there are 11 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 Norfolk, Virginia
Affordable housing assistance in Norfolk, Virginia is primarily managed by the Norfolk Redevelopment & Housing Authority (NRHA). Currently, the NRHA has three waiting lists, all of which are closed to new applications. This means that individuals and families seeking assistance are unable to apply for housing programs at this time.
The programs available through NRHA include Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Project-Based Voucher (PBV), and Public Housing programs. While all lists for these programs are currently closed, they collectively serve approximately 7,451 assisted housing units in the area. Eligibility for these programs typically involves income restrictions. For example, 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 higher than $53,250, based on FY2025 guidelines.
As waiting lists can reopen without significant notice, it is advisable for those seeking affordable housing to regularly check for updates directly from the Norfolk Redevelopment & Housing Authority. Additionally, the Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) is the state housing agency that may offer other resources or information regarding affordable housing options across Virginia.
Housing Authorities in Norfolk
How to Apply for Section 8 in Norfolk
To apply for housing assistance in Norfolk, Virginia, submit an application directly to Norfolk 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 $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 Norfolk include Public Housing, 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).
Norfolk, Virginia Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Norfolk, 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk and have active housing programs.