Public Housing in Virginia: What You Need to Know About Eligibility, Limits, and Options

When it comes to public housing in Virginia, government-supported rental programs designed to help low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities find safe, affordable homes. Also known as subsidized housing, it’s not a single program—it’s a mix of local housing authority units, federal Section 8 vouchers, and state-funded options that work differently across cities like Richmond, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach. Unlike some states, Virginia doesn’t have rent control or rent caps, which means even subsidized units can face rising costs if funding doesn’t keep up.

Section 8 income limits in Virginia, the federal guidelines that determine who qualifies for housing vouchers. Also known as HUD income thresholds, these change yearly and vary by county—what’s eligible in rural Buchanan County isn’t the same as in Fairfax. For a family of four, the limit might be $55,000 in one area and $85,000 in another, depending on median income. If you’re over the limit, you’re not automatically out of luck—some programs have waitlists or offer transitional support. Then there’s housing assistance in Virginia, the broader umbrella covering emergency shelters, utility help, and rental subsidies beyond Section 8. Also known as affordable housing programs, these are often run by nonprofits or local governments and can include things like move-in grants or landlord incentive programs. Many people assume public housing means living in a big tower, but in Virginia, most Section 8 recipients live in private apartments, townhomes, or single-family homes—the government pays part of the rent directly to the landlord.

What you won’t find in Virginia is a simple, statewide application. Each county runs its own housing authority, and waitlists can be years long. Some areas have closed lists for months or even years. If you’re applying, you need to know your county’s rules, have your income documents ready, and be prepared for background checks. And if you’re turned down, you have rights—landlords can’t refuse a Section 8 voucher just because they don’t like it. Virginia law protects voucher holders from discrimination.

There’s also a gap between what’s available and what’s needed. Thousands are on waiting lists, and new units aren’t being built fast enough. That’s why many turn to alternatives: shared housing, rent-to-own options, or even moving to nearby states with faster processing. But if you’re in Virginia and need help, knowing the exact rules for your area is the first step. Below, you’ll find real answers about income limits, what happens when a landlord doesn’t return a deposit, how Section 8 works in practice, and what to do if you’re caught in the system’s delays. No theory. No guesswork. Just what people in Virginia are actually dealing with right now.