Virginia Housing Development Authority
Richmond, Virginia
Last Updated
19 hours ago
About Virginia Housing Development Authority
Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA), located in Richmond, Richmond City County, Virginia (PHA Code: VA901), manages approximately 10,161 assisted housing units. This includes 10,161 Section 8 vouchers, providing vital housing assistance.
VHDA offers various housing programs. The Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program is currently open for applications. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and the Public Housing program are presently closed to new applicants. The status of the Mainstream and RAD programs is not currently known.
Applicants should be aware of specific income requirements. For a family of four classified as Very Low Income in the Richmond, VA HUD Metro FMR Area, the current income limit is $56,750 per year. Potential applicants should verify current eligibility criteria and program availability directly with the authority.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Oct 1, 2020
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This waitlist is for Efficiency apartments under the Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Senior Section 8 Project-Based Voucher program and has been open since at least October 1, 2020, until further notice.
Other Programs
4 programsThese 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.
The Housing Choice Voucher Program waitlist is currently closed. Applications are generally accepted online when a waitlist opens, and openings are advertised in local newspapers and on the Virginia Housing website.
Public Housing waitlists were last open from March 10, 2025, to April 10, 2025. Eligibility is based on annual income, senior/disability status, and U.S. citizenship/immigration status. Various bedroom sizes are offered in family communities. No announced opening for new applications.
Mainstream Vouchers provide rental assistance specifically for non-elderly persons with disabilities. The program helps individuals transition out of institutional settings or avoid institutionalization by subsidizing housing costs in the private market.
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance, allowing housing authorities to leverage private funding for property rehabilitation while preserving long-term affordability for residents.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Virginia Housing Development Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Go to Official SiteWARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Virginia Housing Development Authority
Check Current Status
Virginia Housing Development Authority currently has 1 open waiting list (PBV). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Virginia Housing Development 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 $56,750/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.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official Virginia Housing Development Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Virginia Housing Development Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Virginia Housing Development Authority manages approximately 10,161 assisted housing units (10,161 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Richmond. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Virginia Housing Development Authority
PBV Project-Based Voucher open
Project-Based Vouchers at Virginia Housing Development Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Richmond. 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.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Virginia Housing Development 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 Richmond. This program serves approximately 10,161 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Public Housing Public Housing closed
Public Housing units at Virginia Housing Development Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed
Mainstream Vouchers at Virginia Housing Development 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.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Virginia Housing Development Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Richmond maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Virginia Housing Development Authority free?
How long is the wait at Virginia Housing Development Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Virginia Housing Development Authority?
What are the income limits for Virginia Housing Development Authority?
Virginia Housing Development Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Virginia Housing Development Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Richmond, VA HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $56,750. 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 | $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 |
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.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to Virginia Housing Development Authority — including across state lines.