What the Roanoke Housing Authority does

The Roanoke Housing Authority (RHA) is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in Roanoke, Virginia. It owns and operates apartment complexes for low-income residents and administers vouchers that help people pay rent in privately owned units. The Authority answers to a board of commissioners and operates under federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rules.

The RHA is separate from the city government, though it works with city agencies on housing policy. If you live in Roanoke and need affordable housing or rental help, the RHA is the main place to contact — not the city hall or county offices.

Key Takeaways

  • The Roanoke Housing Authority manages public housing apartments and rental vouchers for low-income households in Roanoke.
  • Public housing units are owned and operated directly by the RHA, while voucher programs let you rent from a private landlord with the Authority paying part of your rent.
  • Both programs have waiting lists, and how long you wait depends on local demand and your household circumstances.
  • You can contact the RHA directly to ask about current programs, waiting list status, and what documents you will need to provide.

Public housing apartments managed by the RHA

The Roanoke Housing Authority owns and manages apartment buildings throughout the city. These units are rented to households that meet income limits set by HUD. Rent is typically based on 30 percent of your household income, meaning lower-income families pay less than market rate.

Public housing is not temporary — you can stay as long as you remain income-may be able to access and follow lease rules. The RHA handles maintenance and repairs, and utilities are often included or subsidized. However, public housing units are in high demand, and waiting lists can be long.

Housing Choice Vouchers and Section 8

The RHA also administers Housing Choice Vouchers, sometimes called Section 8. This program gives you a voucher that covers a portion of your rent when you lease an apartment from a private landlord who agrees to participate. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent, usually 30 percent of your income.

The advantage of a voucher is choice — you can rent from many landlords across Roanoke rather than being limited to RHA-owned buildings. The disadvantage is that not all landlords accept vouchers, and finding a landlord willing to work with the program can take time. Like public housing, voucher waiting lists are typically long.

How to contact the Roanoke Housing Authority

The RHA office is located in Roanoke and can be reached by phone or in person. You can ask about current waiting lists, what programs are open, and what documents you need to bring. The staff can tell you whether a program is currently accepting new names or whether the list is closed.

When you contact them, have your Social Security number, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), and identification ready. If you are explore as a family, you will need information about all household members. The RHA will explain the next steps and tell you what to expect.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Both public housing and voucher programs maintain waiting lists. How long you wait depends on how many people are ahead of you and how many units or vouchers become available. Some waiting lists are several years long; others move faster depending on the program and your household type.

The RHA can tell you your position on the waiting list and give you an estimate of how long the wait typically is. Some programs prioritize households with specific needs — such as families with children, elderly residents, or people with disabilities — which can affect how quickly your name comes up.

Income limits and who can participate

To use RHA programs, your household income must fall below limits set by HUD. These limits change yearly and vary based on household size. A single person has a different limit than a family of four. The RHA can tell you the current limits and whether your income qualifies.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, have a valid Social Security number, and pass a background check. The RHA will review your rental history and criminal background. Some criminal convictions or evictions may disqualify you, though the RHA considers the details of each case.

What happens after you are placed in housing

Once you are assigned a public housing unit or receive a voucher, you sign a lease and move in. For public housing, the RHA is your landlord. For vouchers, the private landlord is your landlord, and the RHA pays its share directly to them. You are responsible for paying your portion of rent on time and following lease rules.

The RHA conducts periodic inspections of public housing units to may support they meet housing quality standards. If you have a maintenance problem, you report it to the RHA maintenance office. For voucher holders, the RHA inspects the unit before you move in and periodically after to make sure it meets standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I learn about the waiting list is open?

Call the Roanoke Housing Authority directly and ask whether they are currently accepting new applications for public housing or vouchers. Waiting lists open and close based on funding and demand, so the status changes. The RHA staff can tell you when ready whether you can explore now or when the list may reopen.

What is the difference between public housing and a voucher?

Public housing means the RHA owns the building and is your landlord. A voucher means you find your own apartment from a private landlord, and the RHA pays part of the rent. Vouchers give you more choice of where to live, but not all landlords accept them. Public housing is simpler to arrange but limited to RHA buildings.

Can I stay in public housing if my income goes up?

No. If your income rises above the limit, you will eventually have to move. The RHA typically gives you time to find new housing and may allow a gradual rent increase, but you cannot stay indefinitely if you exceed income limits. The exact rules depend on your lease and RHA policy.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

An eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but the RHA will review the details. They consider how long ago it happened, why it occurred, and whether you have since paid the debt. Each case is evaluated individually. Contact the RHA to discuss your situation.

Do I have to pay utilities in public housing?

It depends on the unit. Some RHA buildings include utilities in the rent; others require tenants to pay for water, gas, or electricity separately. The RHA will tell you what is included when you are offered a unit. For vouchers, you typically pay utilities directly to the utility company.