What the Roanoke Housing Authority does

The Roanoke Housing Authority (RHA) is a public agency that owns and manages affordable rental housing in Roanoke, Virginia. It does not set city housing policy or regulate private landlords — it is a landlord itself. The Authority runs public housing developments, administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (formerly Section 8), and manages other rental information programs for low-income households in the city.

The RHA operates under federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This means the programs it runs, the rent tenants pay, and the standards for maintenance are all governed by federal law, not just local rules. Understanding which RHA program might fit your situation requires knowing what each one covers and how long the waiting list typically is.

Key Takeaways

  • The Roanoke Housing Authority runs public housing developments and the Housing Choice Voucher program, both funded by federal money and subject to HUD rules.
  • Public housing and voucher programs both have waiting lists, and the length of the wait depends on how many people are ahead of you and whether the program is currently accepting new names.
  • Rent in RHA housing is set at 30 percent of your household income, not a fixed dollar amount, so your payment changes if your income changes.
  • The RHA's main office is located in Roanoke, and you can contact them directly to ask about current waiting list status and what documents you will need to provide.

RHA public housing versus Housing Choice Vouchers

The RHA operates two main programs. Public housing means the Authority owns the building and you rent directly from them. Housing Choice Vouchers mean the Authority gives you a voucher (a subsidy) that you use to rent from a private landlord anywhere in the Roanoke area. Both programs serve households with low income, but the experience is different.

In public housing, the RHA is your landlord. They handle maintenance, set lease terms, and collect rent. In the voucher program, you find your own rental unit and negotiate with a private landlord, but the RHA pays a portion of the rent directly to that landlord. Vouchers give you more choice about where to live, but public housing may have shorter waiting times depending on current demand.

How rent works in RHA housing

In both public housing and voucher programs, your rent is calculated the same way: 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income. This is a federal rule, not an RHA choice. If your income is $1,500 per month, your rent is $450. If your income drops to $1,200, your rent drops to $360.

Because rent is tied to income, you must report changes in household earnings, employment status, or household size to the RHA. If you get a job, your rent will go up. If you lose a job or a household member moves out, your rent may go down. The RHA will ask you to recertify your income periodically — usually once a year — and you will need to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or other proof of income.

Waiting lists and how to get on them

Both public housing and vouchers have waiting lists. How long you wait depends on how many households are ahead of you and whether the program is currently accepting new applications. The RHA sometimes closes its waiting lists when they become very long, then reopens them later when units become available or funding increases.

To find out whether the waiting list is open and how long the current wait is, you need to contact the Roanoke Housing Authority directly. You can reach them at their main office in Roanoke. When you call or visit, ask specifically whether they are taking new names for public housing, for vouchers, or for both. If a list is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen.

Once you are on a waiting list, the RHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. The order in which people are called depends on the date they were added to the list, though some programs give priority to people with urgent housing needs (such as those experiencing homelessness). Do not assume you will hear from them quickly — waiting times can range from months to several years.

What documents you will need

To get on a waiting list or to move into an RHA unit, you will need to provide proof of identity, income, and household composition. Standard documents include a government-issued ID, recent pay stubs or tax returns, proof of citizenship or may be able to access immigration status, and birth certificates or custody papers for any children in your household.

The exact list of documents varies slightly depending on your situation. If you are unemployed, you may need to provide unemployment benefit statements or a letter from a job search program. If you receive benefits, you will need benefit award letters. The RHA will give you a complete list when you explore. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are usually not accepted.

How to contact the Roanoke Housing Authority

The RHA's main office is located in Roanoke and handles applications, waiting list inquiries, and lease questions. You can visit in person, call, or sometimes submit questions online through their website. When you contact them, have your name, phone number, and a brief description of what you need ready.

If you are currently in an RHA unit and have a maintenance problem, contact your property manager or the RHA's maintenance line. Maintenance requests are usually handled separately from the main office. If you have a dispute with the RHA about your lease, rent calculation, or eviction, you have the right to a hearing before the RHA's board — the RHA will explain this process if it becomes necessary.

Other RHA programs and resources

Beyond public housing and vouchers, the RHA may administer other programs depending on federal funding. These can include emergency rental information, family self-sufficiency programs, or housing for people with disabilities. Availability and rules for these programs change as funding comes and goes.

The RHA also works with local nonprofits and city agencies on housing issues. If you are looking for help with eviction prevention, utility information, or other housing-related problems, the RHA staff can sometimes point you toward other resources in Roanoke, even if the RHA itself cannot help directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it usually take to get a voucher or public housing unit?

Wait times vary widely depending on how many people are on the list and how many units become available. Some people wait months; others wait years. The only way to know your specific wait time is to contact the RHA and ask. They can tell you approximately where you fall on the list when you explore.

Can I use a Housing Choice Voucher anywhere in Roanoke?

Vouchers can be used in the Roanoke area, but not everywhere. The voucher is only good in units that meet RHA standards and in areas covered by the program. The RHA will explain the geographic limits and unit standards when you receive a voucher. Not all landlords accept vouchers, so you may need to search actively.

What happens if my income goes up while I am in RHA housing?

Your rent will increase to 30 percent of your new income. You must report income changes to the RHA. If you do not report an increase, the RHA will discover it during your annual recertification and will adjust your rent retroactively, which can result in a bill for back rent.

Can the RHA evict me, and what are my rights?

Yes, the RHA can evict you for lease violations such as non-payment of rent, property damage, or criminal activity. You have the right to a hearing before the RHA's board before an eviction goes to court. The RHA must give you written notice of the violation and a chance to respond. If you receive an eviction notice, contact the RHA when ready to ask about the hearing process.

What if I disagree with how the RHA calculated my rent?

Ask the RHA to explain the calculation in writing. If you still disagree, you can request a hearing before the RHA's board to dispute the amount. Bring documentation of your income — pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters — to support your position. The board will review the evidence and make a decision.