Roanoke, VA

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Roanoke, Virginia

There is 1 open waiting list in the Roanoke area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Roanoke, 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 Roanoke, 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.

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Agencies
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Open Now
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Closed

Affordable Housing in Roanoke, Virginia

Roanoke, Virginia is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications in the Roanoke area. There are also 1 open waitlist within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

Housing programs available in Roanoke include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (1 open).

Latest Opening

Roanoke Redevelopment & Housing Authority opened its Public Housing waitlist .

About Housing in Roanoke, Virginia

Roanoke, Virginia, is served by one primary housing authority, the Roanoke Redevelopment & Housing Authority (RRHA), which administers various affordable housing programs in the area. Approximately 3,856 assisted housing units are available across the Roanoke, VA HUD Metro FMR Area. The Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) also serves as the state housing agency for residents seeking assistance.

Currently, RRHA has one housing waitlist open, with two others closed. The Public Housing program waitlist is presently open to new applicants. However, the waitlists for Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Project-Based Voucher (PBV) programs are both closed at this time. To be eligible for many of these programs, households must meet specific income guidelines. For instance, a very low-income family of four in the Roanoke area would have an income limit of approximately $45,300 per year for FY2025. It is important for applicants to directly verify their eligibility and current waitlist status with the Roanoke Redevelopment & Housing Authority.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Roanoke

To apply for housing assistance in Roanoke, Virginia, submit an application directly to Roanoke Redevelopment & Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. 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 $45,300/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 Roanoke 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).

Roanoke, Virginia Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Roanoke, Virginia, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Roanoke, VA HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $45,300 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $90,600.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $19,050 $31,750 $50,750
2 Persons $21,800 $36,250 $58,000
3 Persons $26,650 $40,800 $65,250
4 Persons $32,150 $45,300 $72,500
5 Persons $37,650 $48,950 $78,300
6 Persons $43,150 $52,550 $84,100
7 Persons $48,650 $56,200 $89,900
8 Persons $54,150 $59,800 $95,700
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $90,600 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Roanoke 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there open Section 8 waiting lists in Roanoke?
Yes — there are currently 1 open waiting list in Roanoke, Virginia. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Roanoke if I don't live there?
In most cases, yes. While some PHAs give preference to local residents, there is no federal rule requiring you to live in a city to apply for its waiting list. Many applicants apply to housing authorities in multiple cities and states simultaneously to increase their chances of receiving assistance.
How long is the wait for Section 8 in Roanoke?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Roanoke wait times depend on the specific housing authority and program type. Contact the PHA directly for current estimates, and consider applying to multiple PHAs to improve your chances.
All housing authorities in Virginia