Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Portsmouth, Virginia
All waiting lists in Portsmouth are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth, Virginia
Portsmouth, Virginia is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth, Virginia
Portsmouth, Virginia, is served by a single housing authority, the Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority (PRHA), which manages various affordable housing programs. Currently, all 8 of PRHA's waiting lists are closed to new applications. These programs include Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream, Other, Other Disabled, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, and Single Room Occupancy (SRO). While lists are closed, it is important for prospective applicants to understand the types of assistance available for future openings.
Across the Portsmouth area, there are approximately 3,283 assisted housing units. To qualify for most programs, income limits apply. For instance, a family of four in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News HUD Metro FMR Area must typically earn no more than $53,250 per year to be considered Very Low Income for FY2025. These limits can vary based on family size and specific program guidelines.
Applicants seeking assistance should regularly check directly with the Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority for updates on when waiting lists might reopen. The Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) also offers state-level resources and information on affordable housing initiatives across Virginia.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Portsmouth
To apply for housing assistance in Portsmouth, Virginia, submit an application directly to Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth include Single Room Occupancy (SRO), SRO, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Other Disabled, Mainstream, Other, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). 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).
Portsmouth, Virginia Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth and have active housing programs.