What the Chesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority does

The Chesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority (CRHA) is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in Chesapeake, Virginia. It operates housing for low-income residents, administers vouchers that help people rent from private landlords, and maintains the properties it owns. CRHA answers to the city of Chesapeake and follows federal housing rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

CRHA is separate from the Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) and from HUD itself. It is the direct landlord for public housing residents and the voucher administrator for families using rental information. If you live in Chesapeake and need information about public housing or vouchers, CRHA is the office you contact — not a state or federal hotline.

Key Takeaways

  • CRHA manages public housing properties and Section 8 vouchers for Chesapeake residents, and you contact them directly for questions about either program.
  • Public housing is owned and operated by CRHA; Section 8 vouchers let you rent from a private landlord while CRHA pays part of your rent.
  • Both programs have waiting lists, and CRHA opens and closes them based on how many people are waiting and how much funding is available.
  • You can reach CRHA by phone, mail, or in person at their main office; they also have a website with forms and program information.
  • CRHA collects rent from residents and uses that money plus federal funding to maintain properties and pay voucher subsidies.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers

CRHA runs two separate programs. Public housing means CRHA owns the building and you rent directly from them. You pay a portion of your income as rent — typically 30 percent of what you earn — and CRHA covers the rest from federal funds. Public housing includes apartments, townhouses, and family communities throughout Chesapeake.

Section 8 vouchers work differently. CRHA gives you a voucher that you take to a private landlord. The landlord agrees to accept the voucher, you pay your share of the rent, and CRHA pays the landlord the difference. You choose where to live (within program rules), and the landlord is private, not CRHA. Both programs require income limits, and both have waiting lists.

The choice between them depends on availability and your situation. Public housing has a fixed number of units; vouchers have a fixed number of vouchers. Waiting lists for each can be years long, and CRHA may close one or both when the list grows too large.

How to contact CRHA and what to expect

CRHA's main office is located in Chesapeake. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about waiting lists, current programs, or how to request an process. Their website lists the office address, phone number, and hours. You can also visit in person to pick up forms or ask questions face-to-face.

When you call or visit, have your income information ready. CRHA staff will tell you whether waiting lists are open, how long the wait typically is, and what documents you need to explore. They can also explain the difference between public housing and vouchers and help you decide which program fits your situation.

Response times vary. Some questions are answered the same day; others require staff to look up your file or check program status. If you are calling about an existing lease or a maintenance issue in public housing, have your unit number or lease information available.

Waiting lists and how they work

Both public housing and Section 8 vouchers use waiting lists. When you submit an process, CRHA adds you to the list in the order they receive it. As units or vouchers become available, CRHA contacts people from the list in order and offers them housing or a voucher.

Waiting times depend on how many people are ahead of you and how fast units or vouchers open up. In some cases, the wait is months; in others, it can be several years. CRHA may close the waiting list temporarily when it grows too long, then reopen it later when funding or turnover allows.

You can ask CRHA where you stand on the list and what the typical wait time is. Some applicants are prioritized — for example, people experiencing homelessness or those with disabilities may move up the list. Ask CRHA whether you may have access to for priority status when you explore.

Income limits and who can explore

CRHA programs are for low-income households. The income limit depends on family size and changes each year based on the area median income. A family of four might have a limit of around 50 percent of the area median income, but the exact number varies year to year and is set by HUD.

You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. CRHA will ask for proof of income, identity, and residency. If you have a criminal history, CRHA has rules about what disqualifies you; these are federal rules, not CRHA's choice. You can ask CRHA directly whether your situation would disqualify you before you explore.

Household composition matters. CRHA counts all people living with you, and the size of the unit you can get depends on how many people are in your household. A single person qualifies for a studio or one-bedroom; a family of five needs at least a three-bedroom.

Rent and how much you pay

In public housing, you pay 30 percent of your gross monthly income as rent, or the minimum rent set by CRHA, whichever is higher. The minimum is usually between $50 and $100 per month. CRHA keeps this rent and uses it to maintain the building, pay utilities, and cover operating costs.

In Section 8, you pay a share of the rent to the private landlord, and CRHA pays the rest directly to the landlord. Your share is typically 30 percent of your income, but it can be less if the landlord's rent is very low. The landlord sets the rent, not CRHA, but CRHA sets a maximum it will pay based on the neighborhood and unit size.

If your income changes, you must report it to CRHA. Your rent will be recalculated, and you may pay more or less. CRHA will give you notice before the change takes effect.

Maintenance and repairs in public housing

CRHA is responsible for maintaining public housing units. If something breaks — a pipe, a window, an appliance — you report it to CRHA's maintenance department. They have a process for emergency repairs (like no heat in winter) and routine repairs (like a broken cabinet).

Emergency repairs are usually handled within 24 to 48 hours. Routine repairs may take longer, depending on the backlog. You can call or submit a work order online or in person. Keep a record of when you reported the problem and what was said.

If CRHA does not make repairs in a reasonable time, you have rights under your lease and under housing law. You can contact a legal aid organization or the city housing inspector if you believe CRHA is not maintaining the unit properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get public housing or a Section 8 voucher?

It depends on the waiting list. Some areas have waits of a few months; others are several years. CRHA can tell you the current wait time when you call. Waiting lists can close when they get too long, so you may not be able to explore right now even if you meet the income limit.

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

Yes. You can be on both waiting lists. If you get offered one before the other, you can accept it and stay on the other list, or you can decline and wait for the program you prefer. Ask CRHA about their policy on this when you explore.

What happens if I lose my job or my income drops?

Tell CRHA right away. Your rent will be recalculated based on your new income, and it will likely go down. CRHA may ask for proof of your new income, like a termination letter or recent pay stubs. Do not wait to report the change.

Can I be evicted from public housing?

Yes. CRHA can evict you for not paying rent, breaking lease rules, or other violations. You have the right to a hearing before eviction. If you are having trouble paying rent or following lease rules, contact CRHA to discuss your options before it reaches eviction.

What if I move out of Chesapeake but want to keep my Section 8 voucher?

You may be able to transfer your voucher to another housing authority if you move to a different city. This is called portability. Contact CRHA before you move to ask whether your voucher can be ported and what the process is. Not all vouchers can be ported, and the receiving authority must have funding available.