What Norfolk Public Housing Authority does

Norfolk Public Housing Authority (NPHA) is the local government agency that runs public housing and rental voucher programs in Norfolk, Virginia. It owns and manages public housing apartments, administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, and handles waitlists for both. NPHA does not run emergency rental information or homelessness programs — those are separate city or state initiatives — but it is the only place to go if you want to live in public housing or get a voucher in Norfolk.

NPHA is a separate entity from the City of Norfolk government, though it receives federal funding and must follow federal housing rules. It has its own board, its own staff, and its own waitlists. If you call the City of Norfolk housing office, they will refer you to NPHA directly.

Key Takeaways

  • Norfolk Public Housing Authority runs two separate programs: public housing (apartments it owns) and Section 8 vouchers (rent subsidies you use at a private landlord's property).
  • Both programs have waitlists, and both require you to meet income limits that vary by family size — roughly 50% of the area median income for public housing and up to 80% for vouchers.
  • You must contact NPHA directly to get on a waitlist; the authority does not accept applications through the city or through any online portal.
  • NPHA's main office is at 723 Redgate Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510, and you can reach them by phone or by visiting in person during business hours.
  • Waitlist times vary widely depending on the program and current demand; NPHA can tell you the current wait when you call.

Public housing apartments run by NPHA

NPHA owns and operates public housing complexes throughout Norfolk. These are apartments where NPHA is the landlord. Your rent is based on your income — typically 30% of your gross monthly income — rather than the market rate. You must meet income limits to move in, but once you are a resident, your rent stays affordable even if your income rises (though it may increase).

Public housing in Norfolk includes family apartments, senior housing, and housing for people with disabilities. The specific complexes, their sizes, and their current availability change over time. When you contact NPHA, ask which properties have openings or the shortest waitlists for your household type.

Income limits for public housing are set by the federal government and adjusted yearly. For Norfolk, the limit is roughly 50% of the area median income, which means a family of four earning more than approximately $38,000 to $42,000 per year (the exact figure changes annually) would not meet the income requirement. NPHA can confirm the current year's limits when you call.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

A Section 8 voucher is a rental subsidy that NPHA gives you to use at a private landlord's apartment. You find the apartment yourself, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and NPHA pays part of the rent directly to the landlord. You pay the difference — usually 30% of your income — out of pocket. The voucher covers the rest, up to a maximum amount called the payment standard, which varies by bedroom size and neighborhood.

Section 8 income limits in Norfolk are higher than public housing limits — up to roughly 80% of area median income. A family of four can earn significantly more and still be within range. Like public housing, the exact limits are set federally and change yearly.

The Section 8 waitlist in Norfolk is typically longer than the public housing waitlist. Wait times can range from one to several years depending on current demand and funding. NPHA maintains a single waitlist and processes requests in the order they are received, though some preferences (such as homelessness or living in public housing already) may move you up.

How to contact NPHA and get on a waitlist

You must contact NPHA directly — by phone, mail, or in person — to request a waitlist process. There is no online process system for Norfolk. Call NPHA's main office at 757-628-2800 during business hours to ask about current waitlist status and to request an process packet.

The main office address is 723 Redgate Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510. You can visit in person to pick up an process or mail in a request. When you call or visit, have your household size, income range, and any special needs (such as accessibility requirements) ready to discuss.

NPHA will mail you an process form or give you one in person. The form asks for proof of income, identification, Social Security numbers for all household members, and information about any prior housing or evictions. You return the completed process to NPHA by mail or in person.

Documents you will need to provide

NPHA requires proof of income for all working household members. Acceptable documents include recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), tax returns from the past year, a letter from your employer, or benefit statements if you receive Social Security, disability, or unemployment. If you have no income, you may still be able to get on the waitlist, but you will need to document that.

You will also need a photo ID for the head of household and Social Security cards or numbers for all household members. If you have a disability and need reasonable accommodations during the process process or in your housing, tell NPHA when you explore so they can plan ahead.

If you have an eviction history or prior housing issues, NPHA will ask about them. A past eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but NPHA will review the circumstances. Be honest on your process; NPHA will verify information anyway.

What happens after you submit your process

NPHA will review your process to confirm you meet income limits and household size requirements. This review typically takes two to four weeks. NPHA will contact you by phone or mail to let you know if you have been added to the waitlist.

Once you are on the waitlist, your position depends on when your process was received. NPHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available and you are next in line. This can take months or years depending on the program and current demand.

While you are waiting, keep your contact information current with NPHA. If you move, change your phone number, or have a change in household size or income, call NPHA to update your file. If NPHA cannot reach you when a unit becomes available, you may lose your place on the waitlist.

Income limits and rent calculations

NPHA uses federal income limits that are updated each year. Income includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security, disability benefits, unemployment, child support, and other regular sources. One-time payments like tax refunds or gifts do not count as income.

For public housing, your rent is calculated as 30% of your gross monthly income. If your income is $1,500 per month, your rent would be $450. If you have no income, NPHA charges a minimum rent, which is typically $50 to $100 per month depending on the property.

For Section 8 vouchers, you also pay 30% of your income, but NPHA's payment to the landlord is capped at the payment standard for your area and bedroom size. If the apartment costs more than the payment standard, you pay the difference. If it costs less, you pay less.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waitlist for public housing or Section 8 in Norfolk?

Wait times vary by program and change based on funding and demand. Public housing waitlists are typically shorter than Section 8 waitlists, but both can range from several months to several years. Call NPHA at 757-628-2800 to ask about the current wait for your household type.

Can I get on the waitlist if I have an eviction on my record?

Yes, you can still get on the waitlist. NPHA reviews evictions case by case and does not automatically reject applicants. Be honest about the reason for the eviction on your process — NPHA will verify it anyway. Recent evictions may delay approval, but older ones are less likely to disqualify you.

What is the difference between public housing and a Section 8 voucher?

Public housing means NPHA owns the apartment and is your landlord. A Section 8 voucher means you find a private apartment and NPHA pays part of the rent to the landlord. With public housing, NPHA sets the rent based on your income. With Section 8, the landlord sets the rent, but NPHA caps how much it will pay.

Do I have to live in Norfolk to get on the NPHA waitlist?

NPHA serves Norfolk residents. You typically need to show a connection to Norfolk, such as employment, family, or current residence in the city. Call NPHA to ask about residency requirements for your situation.

What if my income goes up after I move into public housing?

Your rent will increase, but you will not be evicted. NPHA recalculates rent annually based on your current income. If your income rises significantly, your rent rises with it, but you remain a resident. This is different from the private market, where a rent increase might force you to move.