What Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority Does
Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority (PRHA) is the public housing agency for Portsmouth, 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 in the city. PRHA does not provide cash information or benefits directly to your bank account — it pays landlords on your behalf or provides vouchers you use to rent from private landlords.
PRHA operates under federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). That means the income limits, rent calculations, and waiting list procedures follow a national framework, but PRHA staff make the final decisions about who gets housed and when. The agency is located in Portsmouth and serves only Portsmouth residents — if you live in a different Virginia city or county, you will work with a different housing authority.
Key Takeaways
- PRHA manages public housing units and Section 8 vouchers; you cannot get both at the same time, and both have waiting lists that can be years long.
- Your household income must fall below the HUD limit for Portsmouth, which changes yearly and depends on family size.
- You must provide proof of income, identity, Social Security numbers for all household members, and rental history before PRHA can process your request.
- PRHA's main office is in Portsmouth; you contact them directly by phone or in person to ask about current waiting list status and what documents to bring.
- If you are currently homeless or facing eviction, mention that when you contact PRHA, as some programs prioritize urgent situations.
Public Housing vs. Section 8 Vouchers: Which Program PRHA Offers
PRHA runs two separate programs. Public housing means PRHA owns the building and you rent directly from the authority. You pay rent based on your income — typically 30 percent of your monthly gross income, though PRHA calculates this and tells you the exact amount. Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers mean PRHA gives you a voucher worth a certain dollar amount each month, and you use it to rent from a private landlord who accepts the program. The landlord gets paid partly by PRHA and partly by you.
You cannot hold both a public housing lease and a Section 8 voucher at the same time. Both programs have waiting lists. Public housing waiting lists in Portsmouth can be several years long, and Section 8 waiting lists are often closed — meaning PRHA is not taking new requests because the list is too large. Contact PRHA directly to learn whether either list is currently open and how long the wait typically is.
The rent you pay is the same calculation under both programs: 30 percent of your household's monthly gross income, with a minimum amount set by PRHA. If your income is very low, you may pay the minimum rather than 30 percent. PRHA will tell you the exact amount once they review your income documents.
Income Limits and What PRHA Counts as Income
Your household's total gross income must be at or below the limit HUD sets for Portsmouth each year. The limit depends on how many people live with you. For example, a one-person household has a lower limit than a four-person household. HUD updates these limits every April, so the number changes yearly. Contact PRHA or check their website to learn the current limit for your household size.
PRHA counts most money your household receives as income: wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, disability payments, unemployment benefits, child support, and alimony. They do not count certain things, such as food stamps (SNAP), some types of child care information, or the first $480 per year of child support received. If you receive income that seems unusual or you are unsure whether PRHA will count it, ask them directly — the rules are specific and PRHA staff can tell you whether your situation affects your income total.
You must bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, benefit award letters, or bank statements showing income. PRHA will ask for documents from the last 30 to 60 days. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns and profit-and-loss statements. If you receive no income, bring a letter from your employer or benefit agency stating that, or a signed statement explaining your situation.
Documents You Need Before Contacting PRHA
Gather these documents before you call or visit PRHA. You do not need to have them all before you ask about waiting lists, but you will need them to complete the full process.
| Document Type | What PRHA Uses It For | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of income | Verify your household's total monthly or yearly earnings | Recent pay stubs, tax returns, Social Security award letter, unemployment statement, child support agreement |
| Photo ID | Confirm your identity | Driver's license, state ID, passport |
| Social Security numbers | Background check and verification | Social Security card or letter from SSA; required for all household members age 6 and older |
| Proof of residency | Confirm you live in Portsmouth | Lease, utility bill, mail from a government agency with your current address |
| Rental history | Check whether you paid rent on time and left units in good condition | Contact information for current and previous landlords; PRHA will call them |
| Birth certificates | Verify household composition and citizenship or legal residency | Original or certified copy for all household members |
If you do not have a document, ask PRHA what alternative proof they will accept. For example, if you have no photo ID, PRHA may accept a combination of other documents. If you are homeless and do not have a current address, tell PRHA — they have procedures for people without stable housing.
How to Contact Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority
PRHA's main office is located in Portsmouth, Virginia. You can reach them by phone, visit in person, or check their website for current contact information and office hours. When you call, ask specifically whether the public housing waiting list or Section 8 waiting list is currently open. If a list is closed, ask when it typically reopens or whether PRHA has other programs available.
Have your household size and approximate income ready when you call. PRHA staff can tell you in a few minutes whether you likely fall within the income limit, which saves you a trip if you do not. If you are currently homeless, facing eviction, or in an urgent housing situation, mention that when you call — PRHA may have faster pathways or other resources for people in crisis.
If you cannot reach PRHA by phone or prefer to explore in person, visit their office during business hours. Bring the documents listed above, or at least bring proof of income and identity so staff can review your situation and tell you what else you need. PRHA can also mail you an process if you request one, though the in-person or phone route is usually faster.
What Happens After You Submit Your Information
Once PRHA receives your information, they will verify your income, check your rental history by calling previous landlords, run a background check, and confirm you meet the income limit. This process typically takes two to four weeks. PRHA will contact you by phone or mail to tell you whether you have been placed on a waiting list and, if so, your position on that list.
If you are placed on a waiting list, your position depends on when you submitted your information and whether PRHA has preferences for certain situations — for example, some programs prioritize people who are homeless or have disabilities. Waiting times vary widely. Public housing waiting lists in Portsmouth have been known to be several years long, while Section 8 lists may be closed entirely. PRHA will give you a realistic estimate when they contact you.
While you are on the waiting list, your circumstances may change — your income may increase, you may move out of Portsmouth, or you may find housing elsewhere. Tell PRHA when ready if your situation changes, because it may affect your position on the list or your continued interest in the program. PRHA may also ask you to update your information periodically to confirm you still want housing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be on both the public housing waiting list and the Section 8 waiting list at the same time?
Yes, you can request to be on both lists at the same time. However, once you are offered housing or a voucher through one program, you must accept or decline it. If you accept, you are removed from the other list. If you decline, PRHA may remove you from both lists or require you to reapply.
What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?
PRHA will review your background, including criminal history and evictions. They do not automatically deny you for either, but they do consider the details — when it happened, what the offense or eviction was for, and what you have done since. Contact PRHA and ask about their specific policies before you explore, so you understand how your history may affect your chances.
Do I have to pay an process fee?
No. PRHA does not charge a fee to explore for public housing or Section 8 vouchers. If anyone claims to charge you to explore, that is a scam. Contact PRHA directly to report it.
What if I am not a U.S. citizen?
PRHA can house some non-citizens, but the rules are strict. You must have a valid immigration status recognized by HUD — such as lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee. Bring your immigration documents when you explore. If you are unsure whether your status qualifies, ask PRHA before you submit your full process.
How long will I wait for housing or a voucher?
Waiting times vary. Public housing waiting lists in Portsmouth have historically been several years long. Section 8 waiting lists are often closed. When you contact PRHA, ask for a realistic estimate based on current demand. Some people wait months; others wait years. PRHA will tell you where you stand once you are on the list.