Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Richmond, Virginia
There is 1 open waiting list in the Richmond area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Richmond, 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 Richmond, 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 Richmond, Virginia
Richmond, Virginia is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications in the Richmond area. There are also 1 open waitlist within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Richmond include Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, RAD, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV).
Latest Opening
Richmond Redevelopment & Housing Authority opened its SRO waitlist on Oct 1, 2020.
About Housing in Richmond, Virginia
Federal rental assistance in Richmond, Richmond City is administered by 2 housing authorities: Richmond Redevelopment & Housing Authority and Virginia Housing Development Authority. Together they administer roughly 17,710 assisted housing units — 3,336 public housing units and 14,374 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 14 waiting lists across these agencies. As of Aug 9, 2026, 1 is accepting applications. Another 1 open list is within 50 miles; most agencies accept applications from non-residents.
HUD sets income eligibility for this area as Richmond, VA HUD Metro FMR Area. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $56,750 per year, and as Low Income at or below $90,800 (HUD FY2025 limits).
Housing Authorities in Richmond
How to Apply for Section 8 in Richmond
To apply for housing assistance in Richmond, Virginia, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Richmond area (listed above). Right now, 1 waiting list is 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 $56,750/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 Richmond include SRO, Mainstream, RAD, Senior Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Other. 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).
Richmond, Virginia Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Richmond, Virginia, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Richmond, VA HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $56,750 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $113,500.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $23,850 | $39,750 | $63,600 |
| 2 Persons | $27,250 | $45,400 | $72,650 |
| 3 Persons | $30,650 | $51,100 | $81,750 |
| 4 Persons | $34,050 | $56,750 | $90,800 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $61,300 | $98,100 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $65,850 | $105,350 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $70,400 | $112,600 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $74,950 | $119,900 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Richmond 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 Richmond and have active housing programs.