What the Chesapeake Redevelopment Housing Authority does

The Chesapeake Redevelopment Housing Authority (CRHA) is the public housing agency for the city of Chesapeake, Virginia. It owns and manages public housing units, administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, and runs other rental information programs for low-income residents. CRHA is a separate entity from the city government, though it receives federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

If you live in Chesapeake and are looking for affordable rental housing or a voucher to use with a private landlord, CRHA is the office you contact. They maintain waiting lists, process applications, conduct income verification, and manage lease agreements with tenants. They do not set their own rules — federal law and HUD regulations determine who can receive information and how much rent you pay.

Key Takeaways

  • CRHA manages both public housing units it owns directly and Section 8 vouchers that work with private landlords in Chesapeake.
  • You must meet federal income limits based on household size, and CRHA will verify your income using tax returns, pay stubs, and other documents.
  • Most CRHA programs have waiting lists that close and reopen depending on how many people are already waiting; you can call to ask whether a list is currently open.
  • Your rent in CRHA housing is typically 30 percent of your adjusted gross income, with CRHA paying the remainder to the landlord or property manager.
  • CRHA's office is located in Chesapeake, and you can reach them by phone or visit in person to ask about current programs and waiting list status.

Public housing units versus Section 8 vouchers

CRHA offers two main types of information. Public housing means CRHA owns the building and you rent directly from them. You live in a unit managed by CRHA staff, and CRHA collects your rent payment. Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers mean you find your own rental unit with a private landlord, and CRHA gives you a voucher that covers part of the rent. The landlord still receives payment, but part comes from CRHA and part comes from you.

Public housing is often easier to move into if you are on the waiting list, because CRHA controls the units and can house you quickly once your turn comes. Section 8 vouchers give you more choice about where to live, but you have to find a landlord willing to accept the voucher, and the search can take time. Both programs charge you 30 percent of your adjusted gross income as rent; CRHA or the voucher program covers the rest.

Waiting lists for both programs exist separately. A public housing waiting list and a Section 8 waiting list are not the same. You can be on both lists at the same time, but you explore to each one independently. CRHA will tell you the current status of each list when you call or visit.

Income limits and household size

CRHA uses federal income limits that change each year. The limit depends on your household size and is set by HUD based on the area median income for the Chesapeake region. A single person has a lower limit than a family of four. Your household includes everyone living with you who is related to you or is a dependent, plus any live-in aide.

To verify your income, CRHA will ask for recent tax returns, current pay stubs, and sometimes bank statements or letters from employers. If you are self-employed, retired, or receiving benefits, you will need to provide proof of that income. CRHA counts income before taxes and deductions, though some types of income are excluded — for example, some benefits for disabled people or certain education grants do not count toward the limit.

If your income is above the limit when you first explore, you cannot receive information. If your income rises after you move into CRHA housing or receive a voucher, your rent will increase, but you will not be removed from the program unless your income stays above the limit for a set period. CRHA will explain the rules when you explore.

How to contact CRHA and check waiting list status

The Chesapeake Redevelopment Housing Authority has a main office in Chesapeake where you can visit in person or call by phone. You can ask about current programs, whether waiting lists are open, and what documents you need to bring. The office staff can also answer questions about income limits, rent calculations, and the difference between public housing and vouchers.

Waiting lists open and close based on demand. When a list is closed, new people cannot be added, but existing applicants remain on the list. CRHA will reopen the list when staff capacity allows. Calling ahead is the fastest way to learn whether you can explore right now or whether you need to wait for the list to reopen.

You can also visit CRHA's website, which may have information about current programs, office hours, and contact numbers. Some housing authorities post waiting list status online, though you may still need to call to confirm or to ask specific questions about your situation.

What happens after you explore

Once you submit an process, CRHA will review it to make sure it is complete. They will ask you to provide documents proving your income, household composition, and citizenship or immigration status. This verification process usually takes two to four weeks, though it can be longer if documents are missing or if CRHA needs to contact your employer or benefits agency.

If you meet the income and other requirements, CRHA will place you on the waiting list in the order your process was received. You do not move to the top of the list based on need or urgency — the list is first-come, first-served. CRHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available for your household size.

For public housing, CRHA will offer you a specific unit. You can view it and decide whether to accept. If you refuse, you stay on the list but may move down depending on CRHA's policy. For Section 8 vouchers, CRHA will give you the voucher and a important date to find a landlord. You then search for a rental unit, and CRHA inspects it to make sure it meets housing standards before approving the lease.

Rent and tenant responsibilities

Your rent in CRHA housing is 30 percent of your adjusted gross income, calculated annually. If your income changes, your rent changes. CRHA will recalculate your rent each year during your lease renewal. You are responsible for paying your portion of the rent on time each month. If you do not pay, CRHA can begin eviction proceedings.

You are also responsible for keeping the unit clean and in good condition, following lease rules, and reporting maintenance problems to CRHA. CRHA will inspect your unit periodically to make sure it is being maintained. If you damage the unit beyond normal wear and tear, you may be charged for repairs.

If you receive a Section 8 voucher, you pay your portion of the rent to the landlord, and the landlord receives CRHA's portion directly. You are still responsible for following the lease and keeping the unit in good condition. If you stop paying your share, the landlord can evict you, and CRHA will take back the voucher.

When your circumstances change

You must report changes in your household to CRHA within a set time frame, usually 30 days. Changes include someone moving in or out, a change in income, a new job, or a change in benefits. CRHA uses this information to recalculate your rent and to make sure you still meet program requirements.

If your income increases significantly, your rent will go up. If your income decreases, your rent will go down. If someone moves out of your household, your rent may change and your unit size may no longer be appropriate — CRHA may ask you to move to a smaller unit.

If you are receiving a Section 8 voucher and you move to a different rental unit, you must notify CRHA and get approval for the new address before you sign a new lease. CRHA will inspect the new unit to make sure it meets standards. If you move outside of Chesapeake, you may be able to transfer your voucher to another housing authority, but you must ask CRHA about portability rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a unit or voucher after I explore?

The waiting list can be months or years long depending on the program and current demand. There is no set timeline. CRHA will contact you when something becomes available for your household size. You stay on the list in the order you applied, so calling to check your position occasionally is reasonable, but there is no way to speed up the process.

Can I own a car or have savings and still receive CRHA information?

CRHA does not have asset limits for most programs, meaning you can have savings, own a car, or own other property and still be assisted. The main requirement is that your income is below the limit. Some older CRHA rules had asset limits, but federal policy changed. Ask CRHA directly to confirm the current rule for your situation.

What if I have an eviction in my past?

CRHA can deny you based on an eviction history, but they do not automatically reject everyone with an eviction. They look at how long ago it happened, why it happened, and whether you have paid any judgments. Tell CRHA about the eviction when you explore rather than hoping they do not find out. Some housing authorities are more flexible than others about past evictions.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher outside of Chesapeake?

You may be able to move your voucher to another city if that housing authority accepts portability. This means you keep your CRHA voucher but lease a unit in a different area, and that area's housing authority administers the voucher. You must ask CRHA about portability before you move. Not all housing authorities participate in portability, and some have restrictions.

What if I disagree with CRHA's decision about my process or rent?

CRHA must give you a written explanation of any denial or adverse action. You have the right to request a hearing to dispute the decision. CRHA will provide information about how to request a hearing and what to expect. Bring documents and witnesses if you have them. The hearing officer will review your case and make a decision.