Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Virginia Beach, Virginia
There is 1 open waiting list in the Virginia Beach area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach area. There are also 10 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Virginia Beach include Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, RAD, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV).
Latest Opening
Virginia Beach Department of Housing & Neighborhood Preservation opened its Other waitlist .
About Housing in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach, Virginia is served by one primary housing authority: the Virginia Beach Department of Housing & Neighborhood Preservation. This agency manages various affordable housing programs aimed at assisting eligible residents. Currently, there are no open waiting lists for housing assistance in Virginia Beach, with three lists presently closed.
The Virginia Beach Department of Housing & Neighborhood Preservation administers several key programs, including Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, and RAD (Rental Assistance Demonstration). Additionally, programs such as the Rental Security/Utility Deposit Program and the Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program are available. While these programs collectively support approximately 2,204 assisted housing units in the area, all associated waiting lists for these specific programs are currently closed.
Eligibility for most housing assistance programs is determined by income. For instance, a family of four seeking very low-income assistance in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News HUD Metro FMR Area must have an annual income no higher than $53,250 (FY2025). It is advisable for prospective applicants to regularly check for updates on waiting list openings directly with the Virginia Beach Department of Housing & Neighborhood Preservation. The state housing agency, Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA), also provides resources and information on affordable housing options across Virginia.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Virginia Beach
To apply for housing assistance in Virginia Beach, Virginia, submit an application directly to Virginia Beach Department of Housing & Neighborhood Preservation, 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 $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 Virginia Beach include Other, Public Housing, other, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Mainstream, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), RAD, Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program, Rental Security/Utility Deposit Program. 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).
Virginia Beach, Virginia Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach and have active housing programs.