What the Portsmouth Housing Authority does

The City of Portsmouth Housing Authority is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental vouchers in Portsmouth, Virginia. It does not provide emergency information or one-time grants — it runs long-term housing programs where you live in a unit or use a voucher to rent from a private landlord. The Authority owns and maintains public housing properties, and it administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (formerly Section 8), which pays a portion of your rent to a landlord you choose.

The Authority is separate from the city government itself, though it is a public agency. It answers to a board of commissioners and receives federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If you are looking for emergency rent help or one-time information, you will need a different program — the Authority handles ongoing housing, not crisis relief.

Key Takeaways

  • The Portsmouth Housing Authority runs two main programs: public housing it owns directly, and Housing Choice Vouchers that let you rent from a private landlord while the Authority pays part of your rent.
  • Both programs require you to meet income limits, which vary by family size and change yearly; the Authority publishes current limits on its website or by phone.
  • Public housing has a waiting list that can be months or years long depending on the unit type you need; vouchers also have waiting lists but sometimes move faster.
  • You must provide proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a background check; the Authority will contact previous landlords and employers.
  • Once you are housed, you pay a portion of your income as rent (usually 30 percent) and the Authority or voucher covers the rest, up to a limit.

Public housing versus Housing Choice Vouchers

Public housing means you rent a unit that the Portsmouth Housing Authority owns. The Authority maintains the building, handles repairs, and collects rent from you. You pay roughly 30 percent of your household income as rent; the Authority covers the rest from federal funds. Units are scattered throughout Portsmouth — some are in older apartment complexes, others are townhouses or single-family homes.

A Housing Choice Voucher is a monthly payment the Authority sends to a landlord of your choice. You find a rental property on the private market, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and the Authority pays the landlord directly. You pay your share (usually 30 percent of income), and the voucher covers the difference up to a maximum amount called the "payment standard." This gives you more choice in where you live, but you have to find a landlord willing to participate.

Both programs have waiting lists. Public housing waiting lists are often longer because the Authority has a fixed number of units. Voucher waiting lists vary — sometimes they are open, sometimes they close when the Authority reaches its federal funding limit. Call the Authority at its main number to ask which list is currently open.

Income limits and household size

The Portsmouth Housing Authority sets income limits based on the federal poverty guidelines, adjusted for family size. A single person has a lower limit than a family of four. These limits change every year, usually in April, when HUD releases new figures. If your household income is above the limit for your family size, you will not be accepted into either program.

Income includes wages, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and unemployment benefits. It does not include some benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in certain cases — the Authority will tell you how they count your specific income sources when you call or visit. If you are unsure whether you fall within the limit, contact the Authority directly; they can give you the current numbers and explain how your income will be counted.

How to request information and get on a waiting list

Contact the Portsmouth Housing Authority directly by phone, mail, or in person at their main office. You can ask about current waiting list status, income limits, and what documents you will need to bring. The Authority will tell you whether the public housing list or voucher list is open, how long the wait typically is, and what the next steps are.

When you are ready to explore, you will fill out an process form and provide documents: proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters), proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, green card, or birth certificate), and identification. The Authority will run a background check and contact previous landlords and employers. This process usually takes several weeks.

If you are approved, you move to the active waiting list. For public housing, the Authority will contact you when a unit matching your family size becomes available. For vouchers, you receive your voucher and have a set time (usually 60 days) to find a landlord and a property that meets the Authority's standards.

What happens after you are approved

Once you move into public housing or use your voucher to rent, you will pay rent monthly to the Authority (public housing) or to your landlord (voucher). Your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your household income, or the full rent if 30 percent exceeds the market rate — whichever is less. If your income changes, you must report it to the Authority; your rent may go up or down.

The Authority or your landlord can evict you for non-payment of rent, lease violations, or criminal activity. You have the right to a hearing before eviction. The Authority also conducts annual inspections of public housing units and inspects voucher properties to make sure they meet housing quality standards. If repairs are needed, the Authority (for public housing) or the landlord (for vouchers) must make them within a set timeframe.

Waiting list times and what affects them

Waiting times for Portsmouth Housing Authority programs vary widely. Public housing waiting lists can be six months to several years depending on the unit type — smaller units often have shorter waits than family-sized apartments. Voucher waiting lists move at different speeds depending on how many vouchers the Authority has and how many people are ahead of you.

The Authority may prioritize certain households: those experiencing homelessness, families with very low income, or people with disabilities may move up the list. Ask the Authority whether you may have access to for priority status when you explore. You can also ask to be placed on multiple lists if you are willing to accept either public housing or a voucher.

Documents you will need to bring

Bring original documents or certified copies. The Authority will ask for:

  • Photo identification (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
  • Proof of income: recent pay stubs, tax returns from the past two years, or benefit letters (Social Security, unemployment, child support)
  • Proof of citizenship or legal residency: U.S. birth certificate, passport, green card, or employment authorization document
  • Proof of Social Security number: Social Security card or tax return
  • Proof of current address: utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency

If you receive benefits, bring the most recent award letter or benefit statement. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns and a profit-and-loss statement. If you have no income, bring a letter from a social service agency or a signed statement explaining your situation. The Authority may ask for additional documents depending on your circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the Portsmouth Housing Authority's phone number and office address?

Search online for "Portsmouth Housing Authority Virginia" or "Portsmouth VA public housing." The Authority's main office address and phone number appear on the city of Portsmouth's official website. You can also call the city's main line and ask for a referral to the Housing Authority.

Can I be on both the public housing and voucher waiting lists at the same time?

Yes. You can request to be on both lists. This increases your chances of being housed sooner, since you are competing for two different pools of units. Tell the Authority you want to be on both lists when you explore.

What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?

The Authority will review your background, but a criminal record or past eviction does not automatically disqualify you. The Authority looks at the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and whether you have addressed the issue. Contact the Authority to discuss your specific situation before explore.

Do I have to work to live in Portsmouth Housing Authority housing?

No. You do not have to be employed. The Authority houses people on fixed income, disability, unemployment, and other benefits. Your income must fall within the limit, but the source of that income does not matter.

What if my income goes up after I move in?

You must report income changes to the Authority. Your rent will increase to reflect the new income, but you will not be evicted. If your income rises above the program limit and stays there for a certain period, the Authority may ask you to leave, but this process takes time and you will receive notice.