What the Virginia Beach Housing Authority does
The Virginia Beach Housing Authority (VBHA) is a local government agency that owns and manages public housing, administers the Section 8 voucher program, and runs other affordable housing programs in Virginia Beach. It does not build or finance housing itself — it operates properties and distributes federal funding to help people afford rent. If you live in Virginia Beach and need affordable housing information, VBHA is usually the first place to contact because it controls the waiting lists and knows which programs have openings.
VBHA serves renters with low to moderate incomes. The agency manages roughly 3,000 public housing units across the city and administers Section 8 vouchers that allow tenants to rent from private landlords while VBHA pays a portion of the rent. It also runs programs for people experiencing homelessness and manages housing for elderly and disabled residents.
Key Takeaways
- VBHA manages public housing units and Section 8 vouchers, but both have waiting lists that can be years long depending on the program.
- You can contact VBHA directly to ask about current waiting list status, income limits, and which programs are accepting new names.
- Public housing and Section 8 have different may be able to access rules — your income, family size, and citizenship status all affect which programs you can enter.
- VBHA's main office is located in Virginia Beach, and you can reach them by phone, mail, or in person to request information about housing options.
- If you are experiencing homelessness or a housing crisis, VBHA can refer you to emergency information programs that may move faster than the main waiting lists.
Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers
VBHA operates two main programs, and they work differently. Public housing means VBHA owns the building and you rent directly from the authority. You pay rent based on your income — usually 30 percent of your gross monthly income, with VBHA covering the rest. Public housing units are scattered across Virginia Beach in various neighborhoods and building types.
Section 8 vouchers work the opposite way. You find a rental property on the private market, the landlord agrees to accept Section 8, and VBHA pays the landlord directly for a portion of the rent. You pay the difference out of pocket. Section 8 gives you more choice in where to live because you are not limited to VBHA-owned buildings, but landlords have to agree to participate, and not all do.
Both programs have waiting lists. Public housing waiting lists in Virginia Beach typically have a wait of several years depending on family size and bedroom need. Section 8 waiting lists also move slowly. VBHA periodically opens and closes these lists based on funding and turnover, so the current status changes. You can call VBHA to ask whether either list is open and how long the wait currently is.
Income limits and who can participate
VBHA programs have income limits based on family size and the area's median income. For public housing and Section 8, your household income cannot exceed 80 percent of the area median income, though some programs serve lower-income households. The exact dollar amount changes yearly and depends on how many people live in your household.
You must also meet citizenship or immigration requirements. U.S. citizens and certain non-citizens with valid immigration status can participate. VBHA will ask for proof of identity and immigration status when you explore. If you are unsure whether your status qualifies, ask VBHA directly — they can tell you without requiring you to submit documents when ready.
Other factors matter too: VBHA checks your rental history, criminal background, and whether you owe money to any housing authority. A poor rental history or eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but VBHA considers it. If you have concerns about your background, you can contact VBHA before formally requesting information to understand how they evaluate it.
How to contact VBHA and request information
The Virginia Beach Housing Authority's main office is located at 901 Semple Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. You can reach them by phone at (757) 385-0800 during business hours. VBHA also accepts mail and walk-in visits, though calling first is usually faster if you have a specific question.
When you contact VBHA, have ready: your household size, current income (approximate is fine for an initial question), and the type of housing you are looking for. Ask whether the waiting list for your program is open, how long the current wait is, and what documents you will need to provide if you decide to request information. VBHA staff can answer these questions over the phone.
VBHA also has a website where you can find general information about programs and sometimes read forms. The website address and current contact information are available through the City of Virginia Beach's official website or by calling the main number above.
Emergency housing and rapid rehousing
If you are experiencing homelessness or facing eviction, VBHA can refer you to emergency information programs that may move faster than the standard waiting lists. Virginia Beach has rapid rehousing programs and emergency shelter that operate separately from public housing and Section 8. These programs prioritize people in when ready crisis and can sometimes place you within weeks rather than years.
To access emergency programs, contact VBHA and explain your situation, or reach out to the City of Virginia Beach's Department of Human Services. They coordinate with VBHA and other agencies to match people with the right emergency resource. If you have nowhere to sleep tonight, call 211 (a free referral line) and they will direct you to the nearest shelter or emergency information.
What happens after you request information
Once you contact VBHA and ask about a program, they will send you information about waiting list status and next steps. If the waiting list is open, they will explain what documents you need to provide — typically proof of income, identity, residency in Virginia Beach, and immigration status. You do not have to submit these when ready; you can take time to gather them.
If you decide to proceed, you will submit your documents to VBHA. They will verify your information and place you on the waiting list in the order your complete request was received. VBHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available, which can take months or years depending on the program and your family size.
While you are on the waiting list, your circumstances may change — your income might increase, you might move, or your family size might shift. Tell VBHA about major changes because they affect your position on the list and your continued may be able to access.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the waiting list for public housing in Virginia Beach?
The wait varies by family size and bedroom need, but it is typically several years. VBHA can tell you the current wait time when you call. Some bedroom sizes have shorter waits than others, so ask about the specific size you need.
Can I be on both the public housing and Section 8 waiting lists at the same time?
Yes. You can request information about both programs and be on both waiting lists simultaneously. If you receive a voucher or unit from one program, you will be removed from the other list.
What if I have an eviction on my record?
An eviction does not automatically disqualify you from VBHA programs. VBHA considers the reason for the eviction and how long ago it happened. Contact VBHA to discuss your specific situation before you formally request information.
Do I have to live in Virginia Beach to participate?
You must be a resident of Virginia Beach or have a job in Virginia Beach to participate in most VBHA programs. VBHA can clarify the residency requirement for the specific program you are interested in.
What if I cannot afford the process fee?
VBHA does not charge an process fee to request information or be placed on a waiting list. If anyone claims to charge you to explore for VBHA housing, that is a scam. Contact VBHA directly to report it.