What the Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority does

The Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority (HRHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and rental information programs in Hampton, Virginia. It owns and manages apartment complexes for low-income residents, administers vouchers that help people rent from private landlords, and handles applications for housing support in the city.

HRHA is not a single program — it is the local body that operates multiple programs at once. If you live in Hampton and need housing support, HRHA is the agency you contact. They manage waiting lists, process paperwork, conduct inspections, and handle the day-to-day work of connecting people to housing.

The authority also works on community development projects and property improvements within Hampton. Understanding which HRHA program fits your situation — and how to reach the right department — saves time and prevents applications from getting lost.

Key Takeaways

  • HRHA runs public housing apartments, rental vouchers, and emergency information programs all under one agency in Hampton.
  • You contact HRHA directly to learn which programs you may be able to access and to start the intake process.
  • Waiting lists for public housing and vouchers are often long and may be closed; HRHA can tell you the current status when you call.
  • HRHA requires proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a background check for most programs.
  • The agency conducts home inspections for voucher holders and public housing residents to may support units meet safety standards.

Public housing managed by HRHA

HRHA owns and operates apartment buildings throughout Hampton where residents pay rent based on their income — typically 30 percent of gross monthly income. These are not temporary shelters; they are permanent housing communities. Public housing units range from one-bedroom to four-bedroom apartments, and HRHA maintains the buildings and handles maintenance requests.

The waiting list for public housing in Hampton is typically long and often closed to new applications. When the list is open, HRHA prioritizes applicants based on factors like homelessness, living in substandard housing, or paying more than half their income toward rent. You can contact HRHA to ask whether the list is currently open and where your name would fall if you applied.

Once you move into public housing, HRHA conducts annual inspections to make sure the unit meets housing quality standards. Residents are responsible for keeping the unit clean and reporting maintenance problems promptly. Lease violations — such as unauthorized occupants, criminal activity, or repeated lease breaches — can result in eviction.

Housing vouchers and rental information

HRHA administers Housing Choice Vouchers (sometimes called Section 8 vouchers), which allow you to rent from a private landlord while HRHA pays a portion of your rent directly to the owner. You pay the difference — usually 30 percent of your income — and the voucher covers the rest, up to a limit set by HRHA.

The voucher waiting list is also typically long and frequently closed. Vouchers are portable, meaning you can use them to rent almost any apartment in Hampton or in nearby areas, as long as the landlord accepts vouchers and the unit passes HRHA inspection. Not all landlords participate, so finding a rental that accepts vouchers can take time.

HRHA also manages emergency rental information programs that may be available during periods of funding. These programs help people who have fallen behind on rent or are at risk of eviction. Funding for emergency information changes year to year, and programs may open and close. Contact HRHA to ask what programs are currently available.

How to contact HRHA and what to bring

The Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority is located in Hampton, Virginia. You can reach them by phone, mail, or in person at their main office. When you call or visit, have your Social Security number, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), and identification ready. If you are explore for housing, you will also need to provide information about household members and any disabilities that require reasonable accommodations.

HRHA staff can tell you which programs have open waiting lists, what the current wait time is, and what documents you need to submit. They can also explain income limits for each program — these limits change annually and vary based on household size. If you do not meet the income limit for one program, you may still be able to access another.

If you are currently homeless or living in an unsafe situation, mention that when you contact HRHA. Some programs prioritize people in crisis, and HRHA may be able to connect you with emergency shelter or other when ready resources while your process is being processed.

Income limits and household requirements

HRHA programs are limited to households earning below a certain income threshold. The limit depends on household size and changes each year based on the area median income. A family of four may have a different limit than a single person or a family of six. HRHA publishes these limits annually, and you can ask for the current year's limits when you contact them.

You must also meet citizenship or legal residency requirements. U.S. citizens and certain categories of legal immigrants can access HRHA programs. Undocumented immigrants are not able to use most HRHA housing programs, though some emergency information may be available depending on the funding source.

HRHA will conduct a background check that includes criminal history, eviction history, and rental payment history. A criminal record or past eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but HRHA uses this information to make decisions. If you have concerns about your background, ask HRHA what their specific policies are before you explore.

The inspection and move-in process

Whether you are moving into public housing or using a voucher to rent privately, HRHA must inspect the unit before you can move in. The inspection checks that the apartment meets housing quality standards — things like working plumbing, heat, electricity, safe stairs, and no pest infestations or mold. If the unit fails inspection, the landlord must fix the problems before you can occupy it.

For voucher holders, you find the apartment yourself, negotiate the lease with the landlord, and then HRHA inspects it. This means the landlord must agree to accept the voucher, sign a lease with HRHA, and allow the inspection. Some landlords refuse vouchers because of the inspection requirement or because they prefer to set their own rent. Finding a participating landlord can take weeks or months.

Once you move in, HRHA conducts annual inspections to make sure the unit continues to meet standards. If problems are found, the landlord has a set time to fix them. If repairs are not made, HRHA may stop paying the voucher or terminate the lease.

Waiting lists and how long they take

HRHA maintains separate waiting lists for public housing and for vouchers. Both lists are typically long — sometimes years long — and both are frequently closed to new applications. When a list is closed, HRHA is not accepting new names. When it reopens, there may be a limited window to explore before it closes again.

You can ask HRHA whether each list is open and, if it is, how long the current wait is. Wait times vary widely depending on program, household size, and priority status. Someone who is homeless may move up the list faster than someone who is currently housed. Even if you are on the list, your circumstances may change — if your income increases above the limit, you may be removed.

While you are waiting, your contact information must stay current. If HRHA cannot reach you when a unit or voucher becomes available, you may lose your spot. Update your phone number and address with HRHA if you move or change numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I make too much money for HRHA programs?

HRHA sets income limits each year based on household size. Call HRHA and give them your household size and gross monthly income, and they can tell you whether you fall within the limit. Income limits change annually, so even if you were over the limit last year, you may be under it now.

Can I use an HRHA voucher to rent anywhere in Virginia?

Housing Choice Vouchers are portable within a certain area, but not statewide. HRHA can tell you which cities and counties accept vouchers from Hampton. You can also port your voucher to another housing authority if you move, but you must request this and meet that authority's requirements.

What happens if my landlord wants to evict me from public housing?

HRHA must follow Virginia eviction law and give you notice of the reason. Common reasons include non-payment of rent, lease violations, or criminal activity. You have the right to a hearing before HRHA can evict you. Contact HRHA when ready if you receive an eviction notice to understand your options.

Do I have to pay process fees to HRHA?

No. HRHA does not charge fees to explore for public housing, vouchers, or most information programs. If someone claims to charge you to explore for HRHA housing, that is a scam. Contact HRHA directly to verify.

What if I need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability?

HRHA must provide reasonable accommodations under the Fair Housing Act. This might include a ground-floor unit, accessible parking, or modified appliances. Tell HRHA about your disability and what accommodation you need when you explore or as soon as possible after moving in.