What the Chesapeake Housing Authority Does

The Chesapeake Housing Authority (CHA) is a local government agency that runs public housing and rental voucher programs in Chesapeake, Virginia. It does not provide emergency information or one-time grants. Instead, it manages long-term housing for low-income households through two main programs: public housing units that CHA owns directly, and Section 8 vouchers that let you rent from a private landlord while CHA pays part of your rent.

CHA serves residents of Chesapeake city limits only. If you live outside Chesapeake, you will need to contact your own local housing authority. The agency maintains a waiting list for both programs because demand exceeds available units. Getting on a waiting list does not mean you will receive housing quickly — waits typically run from months to several years depending on the program and your household size.

Key Takeaways

  • CHA runs public housing (units it owns) and Section 8 vouchers (rent information for private apartments), but does not offer emergency rental help or grants.
  • You must live in Chesapeake city limits and meet income limits based on your household size to be considered for either program.
  • Both programs have waiting lists; you cannot receive housing without being on the list first, and waits can extend for years.
  • CHA requires proof of income, citizenship or may be able to access immigration status, and a background check before you can move into housing.
  • You can contact CHA directly by phone or in person at their main office to ask about current waiting list status and what documents to bring.

Public Housing Through Chesapeake Housing Authority

Public housing means CHA owns the building and you rent directly from them. CHA maintains several public housing communities in Chesapeake, ranging from single-family homes to apartment complexes. Your rent is set at 30 percent of your household's adjusted gross income, which is usually much lower than market rent in the area. CHA covers maintenance, utilities in some cases, and property management.

To get on the public housing waiting list, you must live in Chesapeake, meet the income limit for your household size, and pass a background check. Income limits change yearly; as of recent years, a family of four could earn roughly $40,000 to $50,000 annually, but you should contact CHA directly for the current year's limits because they vary. You will need to provide proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements), proof of residency in Chesapeake, and identification for all household members.

Once you are on the waiting list, CHA will contact you when a unit matching your household size becomes available. The wait can be several years. When you are offered a unit, you will have a limited time to accept or decline. If you decline, you stay on the list but may move down in priority. If you accept, you sign a lease and move in, paying rent based on your income.

Section 8 Vouchers and How They Work

A Section 8 voucher is a rental subsidy that lets you choose your own apartment from a private landlord who accepts the program. CHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent (usually 70 to 80 percent), and you pay the rest out of pocket, capped at 30 percent of your income. This gives you more housing choices than public housing but requires finding a landlord willing to participate.

Income limits for Section 8 are similar to public housing but sometimes slightly higher. You must live in Chesapeake, pass a background check, and provide proof of income and residency. The Section 8 waiting list is often longer than the public housing list because the program serves more people with fewer constraints on where you can live.

If you receive a Section 8 voucher, you have a limited time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find an apartment that meets CHA's housing quality standards and whose rent falls within the voucher amount. Not all landlords accept Section 8, so you will need to search actively. Once you find a place, the landlord must pass an inspection and agree to the lease terms. CHA then issues the voucher, and you move in. You keep the voucher as long as you remain income-may be able to access and follow lease rules.

Income Limits and Who Can Participate

Both public housing and Section 8 are limited to households earning below a certain threshold. Chesapeake Housing Authority sets these limits based on area median income (AMI) and household size. A single person might have a limit around $30,000 to $35,000 annually, while a family of four might be around $45,000 to $55,000. These numbers shift each year, so you must check with CHA for the current year.

Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, disability benefits, unemployment, child support, and other regular sources. Some income is excluded — for example, student financial aid and certain disability work incentives do not count. CHA will ask you to document all income sources with recent pay stubs, tax returns, benefit award letters, or bank statements.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. CHA will ask for proof, such as a birth certificate, passport, green card, or work authorization document. If any household member lacks may be able to access status, that person cannot be listed on the lease, though they may live in the unit if other members are may be able to access.

Background Checks and Disqualifying Factors

CHA runs a criminal background check on all adult household members before approving you for housing. Certain convictions can disqualify you permanently or temporarily. Felony drug convictions, violent felonies, and sex offenses typically result in permanent denial. Other criminal history may be reviewed case-by-case, and CHA may deny you based on the nature and recency of the offense.

CHA also checks your rental history. If you have been evicted, owe money to a previous landlord, or have a history of lease violations, you may be denied. Unpaid utility bills or damage to previous rental units can also result in denial. CHA is required by federal law to deny housing to anyone with a drug-related felony conviction within the past 10 years, though some exceptions exist for people who have completed rehabilitation.

If you are denied, CHA must provide a written reason. You have the right to request a hearing to dispute the decision. Contact CHA's main office to ask about the appeal process if you are denied.

How to Contact Chesapeake Housing Authority and explore

Chesapeake Housing Authority's main office is located in Chesapeake, Virginia. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about waiting list status, current income limits, and what documents to bring. The phone number and office address are available on the CHA website or through a local 211 call (dial 2-1-1 from any phone).

To get on a waiting list, you will typically visit the office in person or request an process by mail. Bring proof of residency in Chesapeake (utility bill, lease, or government mail), identification for all household members, and recent proof of income. Some programs allow online applications; ask CHA whether this option is available.

After you submit your process, CHA will verify your information and notify you whether you have been added to the waiting list. If you are denied, you will receive written notice of the reason. If you are added to the list, CHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. Keep your contact information updated with CHA so they can reach you.

Waiting Lists and Timeline Expectations

Both public housing and Section 8 waiting lists in Chesapeake are typically closed or have long waits. When a list is open, CHA may accept applications for a limited time before closing it again. You should contact CHA directly to find out whether the list is currently open and what the estimated wait time is for your household size.

Wait times vary widely. Public housing waits might range from one to five years depending on the size of unit you need. Section 8 waits can be even longer in some cases. Priority is usually given to households with the greatest need — for example, homeless families or people with disabilities may move up the list faster than others.

While you are on the waiting list, your circumstances may change. If your income increases above the limit, you may be removed from the list. If you move out of Chesapeake, you will be removed. If your contact information changes, you must notify CHA when ready so they can reach you when a unit becomes available. Missing CHA's call or letter can result in losing your spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for both public housing and Section 8 at the same time?

Yes. You can be on both waiting lists simultaneously. If you are offered a unit or voucher from one program, you can accept it and remain on the other list, or you can decline and stay on both lists. However, once you move into public housing or receive a Section 8 voucher, you cannot hold both at the same time.

What happens if my income goes up after I move in?

If you are in public housing, your rent will increase to 30 percent of your new income. If you are on Section 8, you may eventually be removed from the program if your income stays above the limit for a certain period. CHA will notify you of any changes. Report income changes to CHA promptly to avoid overpayment or other issues.

Do I have to move out if I no longer meet the income limit?

Not when ready. CHA typically allows a grace period before removing someone whose income has risen. However, you will eventually be required to leave if your income remains above the limit. The exact timeline depends on CHA policy and federal rules. Contact CHA to understand your specific situation.

What if I need help paying for an apartment right now and cannot wait for the list?

CHA does not provide emergency rental information. You should contact your local 211 service or Chesapeake's social services department to ask about emergency rental funds, utility information, or other short-term help. Some nonprofits in the area also offer emergency information. CHA housing is a long-term solution, not when ready relief.

Can I transfer to a different public housing unit if my family size changes?

Yes. If your household grows or shrinks significantly, you can request a transfer to a unit of appropriate size. CHA will move you when a suitable unit becomes available, though this may take time. Contact your CHA property manager to request a transfer.