What the Norfolk Housing Authority does

The Norfolk Housing Authority is a local government agency that runs public housing and rental information programs in Norfolk, Virginia. It owns and manages apartment buildings where residents pay rent based on their income, and it also administers vouchers that let people rent from private landlords while the Authority pays part of the rent. The Authority is separate from the city government but works with it on housing policy.

If you live in Norfolk and need affordable housing, the Authority is the main place to contact. It does not run programs for other cities in the region — each locality has its own housing authority. The Authority's main office is in downtown Norfolk, and you can reach it by phone, mail, or in person during business hours.

Key Takeaways

  • The Norfolk Housing Authority manages public housing apartments and rental vouchers for low-income residents in Norfolk only.
  • Public housing rent is calculated as 30 percent of your household income, and you must meet income limits to live there.
  • Rental vouchers (Section 8) let you rent from a private landlord while the Authority pays a portion of the rent, but waitlists are typically years long.
  • You can contact the Authority by phone, mail, or in person to ask about current programs and waitlist status.
  • The Authority also runs emergency information programs that vary by year and funding, so calling to ask what is currently open is the fastest way to find out what you might use.

Public housing apartments and income limits

The Norfolk Housing Authority owns and operates apartment buildings throughout the city where residents pay rent based on what they earn. Your rent is set at 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income, which means it changes if your income changes. The Authority sets maximum income limits for who can move in — these limits depend on household size and are updated yearly. If your income rises above the limit after you move in, you typically have a grace period before you must leave, though the rules vary by property.

Public housing is not temporary. Once you are accepted, you can stay as long as you meet the lease terms and income rules. The Authority maintains the buildings and handles repairs, so you do not pay for maintenance the way you would in a private rental. However, you must follow lease rules about guests, pets, and upkeep of your unit.

Section 8 vouchers and the waitlist

The Norfolk Housing Authority also administers Section 8 vouchers, which are federal rental subsidies. When you hold a voucher, you can rent from any private landlord who accepts the program, and the Authority pays the landlord a portion of the rent while you pay the rest (usually 30 percent of your income). This gives you more choice in where you live than public housing does, but vouchers are in high demand and waitlists are typically several years long.

The Authority opens its Section 8 waitlist only when funding allows, and it closes again once a certain number of people have applied. You cannot straightforward call and get on the list — you have to explore during an open period. The Authority announces when the waitlist opens through local media, its website, and community organizations. If you are on the waitlist, the Authority will contact you when a voucher becomes available, which can take years.

How to contact the Norfolk Housing Authority

The Norfolk Housing Authority's main office is located at 723 Redgate Avenue, Norfolk, Virginia 23510. You can call them during business hours to ask about public housing availability, Section 8 waitlist status, or other programs. The phone number and current hours are on their official website. You can also visit in person to pick up applications or ask questions face-to-face.

When you call or visit, have your household size, income information, and any special needs (such as disability accommodations) ready to discuss. Staff can tell you whether you meet income limits for public housing, whether the Section 8 waitlist is currently open, and what documents you will need to explore. If the waitlist is closed, ask when it typically opens again or whether other programs might help you in the meantime.

Emergency and temporary information programs

Beyond public housing and vouchers, the Norfolk Housing Authority sometimes administers emergency rental information, utility bill help, or other temporary programs funded by state or federal grants. These programs come and go depending on funding, and the amounts and rules change year to year. The Authority may help with back rent, eviction prevention, or deposits for people facing when ready housing crises.

The only way to know what is currently open is to call the Authority directly and ask what emergency programs they are running. Do not assume a program exists just because it did last year. If you are facing eviction or cannot pay rent, mention that when you call — the Authority can tell you what options exist right now and what paperwork you need to bring.

Income limits and how they affect your housing

The Norfolk Housing Authority uses federal income limits to decide who can move into public housing and who stays may be able to access once they are there. These limits are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and are based on the area's median income. A household of one person has a different limit than a household of four, and the limits change each year.

If you are in public housing and your income rises above the limit, you do not automatically have to leave. Most properties give you a grace period — often one year — before you must move out. During that time, your rent may increase. If you are explore for public housing, the Authority will tell you the current income limit for your household size when you ask about availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get public housing from the Norfolk Housing Authority?

It depends on availability and how many people are on the waiting list. Some properties have openings within weeks, while others may take months. When you explore, ask the Authority how many people are ahead of you for the specific property you want. They can give you a rough idea of wait time based on recent turnover.

Can I explore for Section 8 if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status to receive Section 8 or public housing. The Authority will ask for proof of citizenship or immigration documents when you explore. If you are unsure about your status, ask the Authority directly — they can tell you whether you meet the requirement.

What happens if my income goes down while I am in public housing?

Your rent will go down because it is based on 30 percent of your income. You will need to report the income change to the Authority, usually by submitting new pay stubs or a letter from your employer. The Authority will recalculate your rent and adjust it going forward.

Does the Norfolk Housing Authority help people who are homeless?

The Authority runs public housing and vouchers, which require a current address and lease history. If you are homeless, contact the city's homeless services office or a local shelter — they can connect you with emergency housing and help you work toward public housing or a voucher once you have stable housing. The Authority can tell you which organizations in Norfolk handle homelessness services.

What if I cannot reach the Norfolk Housing Authority by phone?

Visit their office in person during business hours, or check their website for email contact information. You can also call 211 (a free helpline) and ask for the Norfolk Housing Authority's current contact details and hours. If the Authority's main line is busy, ask if there is a specific department or extension for the program you need.