Last Updated

17 hours ago

About Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority

The Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority (PHA Code: VA001) is located in Portsmouth, Portsmouth County, Virginia. This authority manages approximately 3,283 assisted housing units, comprising 2,719 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and 564 Public Housing units. Programs offered include HCV, Mainstream, Other, Other Disabled, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, and Single Room Occupancy (SRO).

Currently, all waiting lists for Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority programs are closed. These closed programs cover various housing assistance options. The income limit for a very low-income family of four in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC HUD Metro FMR Area is $53,250 per year.

Recent activity indicates that the Public Housing and PBV waitlists have changed from closed to opening soon. Applicants should monitor for future announcements regarding the availability of these specific programs.

Opening Soon

1 upcoming

Public Housing Waitlist

Opens in 13 days
Opening: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
13
Days
17
Hrs
14
Min
Current Status

Currently Closed — Opens Apr 21, 2026

Application Window

Apr 21, 2026 – Apr 24, 2026

Details

Applications for newly constructed Lexington Seniors Apartments will be accepted online only from April 21, 2026, at 9:00 AM, until April 24, 2026, at 4:00 PM for 1- and 2-bedroom units.

You'll be notified when this waitlist opens. Get your documents ready now.

Other Programs

7 programs

These programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

The waiting list is closed. Applicants are placed on the waiting list based on date and time of their application and any established local preferences. An applicant's gross annual income must not exceed 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Mainstream Voucher
Closed

All waiting lists in Portsmouth, including for Mainstream vouchers, are currently closed.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Other
Closed

The waiting list for Accessible Units (1, 2, and 3-bedroom units for other disabled persons) is closed.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Other Disabled
Closed

Accessible Units, 1, 2 and 3-Bedroom Other Disabled Waiting List is closed.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
Closed

All waiting lists in Portsmouth, including for Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), are currently closed.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
SRO
Closed

The wait list is currently closed for the Single Room Occupancy (SRO) program.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Single Room Occupancy (SRO)
Closed

The website explicitly states, "The Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority is NO LONGER accepting ONLINE applications for the Single Room Occupancy (SRO) program at this time."

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.

Status History

Public Housing Opening Soon Mar 14, 2026
PBV Opening Soon Mar 9, 2026
Mainstream Closed Feb 19, 2026

Official Application

Contact Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority directly at (757) 399-5261 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Contact the housing authority directly for application information.

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 3116 South St
City Portsmouth, VA 23707
PHA Code VA001
Section 8 Units 2,719
Public Housing Units 564

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.

How to Apply at Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

All waiting lists at Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority are currently closed, but 1 list is expected to open soon. Prepare your documents now so you can apply immediately when the window opens.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $53,250/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.

3

Submit Your Application

Contact Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority directly at (757) 399-5261 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority manages approximately 3,283 assisted housing units (2,719 Section 8, 564 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Portsmouth. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Portsmouth. This program serves approximately 2,719 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed

Mainstream Vouchers at Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.

Other closed

The Other program at Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Portsmouth. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Other Disabled closed

The Other Disabled program at Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Portsmouth. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

PBV Project-Based Voucher closed

Project-Based Vouchers at Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Portsmouth. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.

Public Housing Public Housing closed

Public Housing units at Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority manages approximately 564 Public Housing units in Portsmouth. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

SRO closed

The SRO program at Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Portsmouth. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Single Room Occupancy (SRO) closed

The Single Room Occupancy (SRO) program at Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Portsmouth. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority administers 8 programs (HCV, Mainstream, Other, Other Disabled, PBV, Public Housing, SRO, Single Room Occupancy (SRO)) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority or in person at their office at 3116 South St, Portsmouth, VA.
How long is the wait at Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority?
Wait times at Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority depend on demand in Portsmouth, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 3,283 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on March 14, 2026 when the Public Housing list changed from "closed" to "opening_soon." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority, including Norfolk Redevelopment & Housing Authority (3 mi), Chesapeake Redevelopment & Housing Authority (6 mi), Newport News Redevelopment & Housng Authority (11 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Virginia and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Virginia.
How do I contact Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority?
You can reach Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority by phone at (757) 399-5261. Their office is located at 3116 South St, Portsmouth, VA 23707. You can also email them at awinston@prha.org. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority?
Income limits for Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC HUD Metro FMR Area (currently $106,500). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $53,250. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $53,250. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.

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
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $106,500 Effective April 1, 2025
What do these income limits mean?

Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.

Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.

Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.