How to Apply for Section 8 Housing in Richmond

Access to safe, affordable housing is a fundamental need for thousands of families, seniors, and individuals across Richmond, Virginia. For those with limited income, Section 8 housing assistance—officially known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program—offers a critical lifeline. Administered locally by the Richmond Housing Authority (RHA), this federal program helps eligible residents pay a portion of their rent while subsidizing the rest through direct payments to landlords. Applying for Section 8 in Richmond is not a simple form-filling process; it requires understanding eligibility, navigating a competitive waiting list, preparing documentation, and staying informed throughout the lengthy timeline. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the application process, from initial eligibility checks to securing a voucher and finding a qualifying rental unit. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or someone returning to the system after a gap, this resource provides the clarity, tools, and real-world insights needed to improve your chances of success.

Step-by-Step Guide

Understand Eligibility Requirements

Before beginning the application, you must determine if you meet the basic criteria set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and enforced by the Richmond Housing Authority. Eligibility is primarily based on household income, family composition, and citizenship status.

Your household’s annual gross income must be at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the Richmond metropolitan area. For 2024, this translates to:

• $39,850 for a single-person household
• $45,550 for a two-person household
• $51,250 for a three-person household
• $56,950 for a four-person household

These figures are adjusted annually and may vary slightly depending on household size and composition. Households earning up to 80% of AMI may qualify for other housing assistance programs, but only those at or below 50% AMI are prioritized for Section 8 vouchers.

In addition to income, all applicants must be U.S. citizens or have eligible immigration status. Non-citizens with qualified status—such as lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees—may be eligible. Applicants with a history of drug-related or violent criminal activity may be disqualified, though each case is reviewed individually. The RHA conducts background checks on all adult household members.

Check the Waiting List Status

The most critical—and often most frustrating—aspect of applying for Section 8 in Richmond is the waiting list. Due to high demand and limited funding, the RHA’s waiting list is typically closed for extended periods. When open, it fills within hours or days.

To determine if the list is currently open, visit the official Richmond Housing Authority website at www.richmondhousing.org. Do not rely on third-party sites or social media posts—only the RHA’s official portal provides accurate, real-time updates. You can also visit the RHA office in person at 1010 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219, during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) to confirm status.

If the waiting list is closed, register your interest by signing up for email notifications on the RHA website. You may also request to be added to a paper-based interest list by submitting a request form at the office. This does not guarantee placement on the active waiting list but ensures you receive notification when the next opening occurs.

Prepare Required Documentation

When the waiting list opens, you must submit a complete application. Incomplete applications are automatically disqualified. Gather the following documents before applying:

• Proof of identity for all household members (valid government-issued photo ID, birth certificates, or passport)
• Proof of Social Security numbers for all household members
• Proof of income for the past 12 months (pay stubs, tax returns, unemployment statements, Social Security award letters, or child support documentation)
• Verification of assets (bank statements, investment accounts, or property deeds)
• Proof of citizenship or eligible immigration status (naturalization certificate, green card, visa, or I-94 form)
• Proof of residency (utility bill, lease agreement, or mail with current address)
• Documentation of disabilities or special needs (if applicable)
• Any court orders or restraining orders related to household members

Keep copies of all documents. The RHA may request additional information during the verification phase. Missing or unclear documentation is one of the leading causes of application delays or denials.

Submit Your Application

When the waiting list opens, applications are accepted exclusively online through the RHA’s secure portal. Paper applications are not accepted during open enrollment periods. Ensure you have access to a reliable internet connection and a device with a working webcam and microphone, as some steps may require video verification.

Follow these steps to submit your application:

1. Go to www.richmondhousing.org/section8 during the open enrollment window.
2. Create a new account using a valid email address and strong password.
3. Complete the online application form, listing all household members, their relationships, ages, and income sources.
4. Upload scanned copies of all required documents in PDF or JPEG format. Ensure files are clearly legible and under 5MB each.
5. Review your application thoroughly before submission. You will not be able to edit it after submitting.
6. Submit the application and save your confirmation number. This number is your only proof of submission.

After submission, you will receive an automated email confirmation. Do not assume your application has been processed until you receive a follow-up letter from the RHA. Processing can take up to 14 business days.

Wait for Your Number to Be Called

Once your application is accepted, you are placed on a waiting list ranked by date and time of submission. The RHA uses a first-come, first-served system, with preferences given to households who are homeless, fleeing domestic violence, or living in substandard housing.

Wait times vary significantly. In recent years, applicants have waited between 18 months and 5 years to receive a voucher. There is no way to expedite your position on the list. Avoid paying anyone who claims they can move you up the list—this is a scam.

During this time, keep your contact information updated with the RHA. If your phone number, email, or mailing address changes, notify them immediately in writing. Failure to respond to correspondence may result in removal from the list.

Receive Your Voucher and Attend Briefing

When your name reaches the top of the list, you will receive a formal notification by mail. This letter will include instructions to attend a mandatory pre-voucher briefing session. Attendance is required—failure to attend will result in forfeiture of your voucher.

At the briefing, you will:

• Receive your Housing Choice Voucher
• Learn how the voucher payment works (typically covering the difference between 30% of your income and the rent, up to a payment standard)
• Understand your responsibilities as a voucher holder, including timely rent payments and property maintenance
• Receive a list of approved landlords and rental units in Richmond
• Receive a copy of the HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS) checklist

You will also be given a 60- to 120-day window to find a suitable rental unit. This is your active search period.

Find a Qualifying Rental Unit

Once you have your voucher, your next step is to find a landlord who accepts Section 8 vouchers. Not all landlords participate, so you may need to be persistent.

Use the RHA’s approved landlord list as a starting point. You may also search for listings on local real estate websites, community bulletin boards, or by contacting property management companies directly. When contacting landlords, always mention that you have a Section 8 voucher and are ready to pass a background and credit check.

The rental unit must meet HUD’s Housing Quality Standards (HQS). These include:

• Structural soundness (no major roof, wall, or foundation damage)
• Safe electrical and plumbing systems
• Proper heating and ventilation
• Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
• Lead-based paint compliance (for units built before 1978)
• Minimum square footage per occupant

The RHA will schedule an inspection of the unit before you sign a lease. If the unit fails inspection, you will have 10 days to find another option. The landlord may make repairs and request a re-inspection.

Sign the Lease and Begin Tenancy

Once the unit passes inspection, you and the landlord will sign a lease. The RHA will also sign a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract with the landlord. This contract outlines how much the agency will pay monthly and under what conditions.

You will pay 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent. The RHA pays the remainder directly to the landlord. You are responsible for utilities unless otherwise negotiated in the lease.

After signing, your tenancy begins. You must comply with all lease terms and RHA rules. Failure to pay your portion of rent or violating lease conditions can result in termination of your voucher.

Best Practices

Start Preparing Early

Even if the waiting list is closed, begin organizing your documents now. Collect pay stubs, tax records, and identification. Update your address on all official records. The more prepared you are, the faster you can submit when the list opens.

Use Multiple Contact Methods

Do not rely on one method to check the status of the waiting list. Visit the website daily during known open periods. Call the RHA office to confirm. Visit in person if possible. Many applicants miss openings because they assume the list is still closed.

Be Honest and Accurate

Never misrepresent your income, household size, or criminal history. The RHA cross-references data with state and federal databases. Inaccuracies lead to disqualification, and intentional fraud can result in criminal charges and permanent disqualification from federal housing programs.

Stay Organized

Keep a binder or digital folder with all your application materials, correspondence, and dates. Record every phone call, email, and visit with the RHA. Note the name of the person you spoke with and what was discussed. This documentation can help resolve disputes or delays.

Network Within the Community

Attend housing workshops hosted by local nonprofits, churches, or community centers. These events often provide free assistance with applications and updates on program changes. Organizations like the Richmond Area Housing Partnership and the Virginia Poverty Law Center offer free legal and housing counseling.

Consider Alternative Housing Programs

If you’re on the Section 8 waiting list, explore other affordable housing options. The RHA also administers public housing units and other subsidy programs. Some landlords offer income-based rent without federal assistance. Nonprofit housing developers may have openings with shorter wait times.

Update Information Promptly

If your income changes, someone moves in or out of your household, or your address changes, notify the RHA immediately. Failing to report changes can result in overpayment, penalties, or loss of benefits. Even small changes matter.

Protect Yourself from Scams

Scammers target Section 8 applicants by promising faster processing for a fee. No legitimate agency charges to apply for Section 8. The RHA does not charge application fees. If someone asks for money, walk away and report them to the RHA’s fraud hotline.

Tools and Resources

Official Richmond Housing Authority Website

www.richmondhousing.org is your primary resource. Here you can:

• Check waiting list status
• Download application forms
• View income limits and payment standards
• Access FAQs and policy documents
• Sign up for email alerts

HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher Program Portal

www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/mfh/hcv provides national guidelines, legal rights, and tenant handbooks. While the RHA administers the program locally, HUD sets the federal rules.

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)

www.dhcd.virginia.gov offers state-level resources, including information on local housing trusts, rental assistance programs, and eviction prevention services that may complement Section 8.

Richmond Area Housing Partnership

This nonprofit provides free counseling, application assistance, and landlord outreach. They host monthly workshops and can help you prepare for inspections and lease negotiations. Visit www.richmondhousingpartnership.org or call during business hours for an appointment.

Legal Aid Justice Center – Richmond Office

If you face discrimination, eviction, or denial of benefits, the Legal Aid Justice Center offers free legal representation to low-income residents. Their housing team specializes in Section 8 cases. Visit www.legalaidjusticecenter.org or call to schedule a consultation.

Online Rental Search Tools

Use these platforms to find Section 8-friendly rentals:

• Zillow – Use the “Section 8 accepted” filter
• Craigslist – Search “Section 8” in Richmond housing listings
• ApartmentList – Filter by “accepts vouchers”
• Richmond Renters Resource – A community-driven directory of affordable rentals

Document Scanning and Storage Apps

Use free or low-cost apps to digitize and organize your documents:

• Adobe Scan – Converts photos to clean PDFs
• Google Drive – Store files in the cloud with sharing access
• Dropbox – Secure backup with version history

Always password-protect sensitive documents and avoid emailing them unless using encrypted services.

Income and Benefit Calculators

Use HUD’s online calculator to estimate your rent contribution:

www.hud.gov/calculator

Input your household size, income, and location to get a realistic estimate of your portion of rent under Section 8. This helps you budget realistically when searching for apartments.

Real Examples

Example 1: Maria’s Journey from Application to Voucher

Maria, a single mother of two in Richmond, worked part-time as a home health aide and earned $28,000 annually. She applied for Section 8 in 2021 after her apartment was sold and she faced eviction. The waiting list was closed, so she signed up for email alerts and visited the RHA office monthly.

In June 2022, the list opened for 72 hours. Maria submitted her application within 30 minutes of the portal going live. She uploaded all documents, including her children’s birth certificates, pay stubs, and a letter from her employer verifying her hours.

She waited 28 months. During that time, she attended two free housing workshops and updated her income when she received a raise. When her number was called, she found a three-bedroom apartment in the North Side neighborhood. The unit passed inspection on the first try because she had reviewed the HQS checklist with a housing counselor.

Maria now pays $310 per month in rent. The RHA pays $790. She has been a tenant for 18 months and has never missed a payment. “I didn’t know how long it would take,” she says, “but staying organized and showing up to every meeting made the difference.”

Example 2: James and the Failed Inspection

James, a veteran receiving disability benefits, received his voucher in early 2023. He found a two-bedroom unit in South Richmond and signed a lease. The RHA scheduled an inspection two weeks later.

The inspector found three violations: a broken smoke detector, peeling lead paint in the kitchen (the unit was built in 1967), and a leaking bathroom faucet. James contacted the landlord, who agreed to make repairs. But the landlord waited three weeks to fix the paint, and James missed his 60-day window to find a new unit.

He was given a 30-day extension after explaining his situation to the RHA. He found a new apartment in the East End that had recently been renovated. The second inspection passed. James now lives in a safe, compliant home and has started volunteering at a local veterans’ housing group to help others avoid his mistakes.

Example 3: The Scam That Cost Them a Year

A family in East Richmond was approached by a man claiming to be an “RHA housing coordinator.” He said he could move them to the top of the waiting list for $500. They paid him in cash and received a fake letter on letterhead.

When they called the RHA to confirm their status, they learned they were still on the waiting list and had been scammed. The man was later arrested in a statewide fraud operation targeting Section 8 applicants. The family lost a year of progress and had to reapply from the bottom of the list.

They now share their story at community meetings: “No one can buy their way into Section 8. If it sounds too good to be true, it is.”

FAQs

How long is the Section 8 waiting list in Richmond?

The waiting list varies depending on funding and demand. In recent years, wait times have ranged from 18 months to over five years. The RHA does not provide estimated wait times—your position is determined by your application date and priority status.

Can I apply for Section 8 if I have a criminal record?

It depends. The RHA conducts background checks on all adult household members. Convictions for drug-related manufacturing or distribution, violent crimes, or sex offenses may disqualify you. Minor offenses or convictions older than five years may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. You may be asked to provide rehabilitation documentation.

Can I use my voucher to move outside of Richmond?

Yes. Section 8 vouchers are portable. Once you have a voucher, you can move to another jurisdiction that participates in the Housing Choice Voucher Program. You must notify the RHA in advance and complete a portability request form. The new housing authority must agree to accept your voucher.

What if my income increases after I get a voucher?

If your income rises, your rent contribution will increase proportionally (still capped at 30% of your adjusted income). You must report all changes. If your income exceeds 80% of the AMI, you may be phased out of the program, but you can remain in your unit if you pay the full rent.

Can I apply if I’m homeless?

Yes. Homeless individuals and families are given priority on the waiting list. You may also qualify for emergency housing assistance through the RHA’s Homeless Prevention Program. Contact the Richmond Area Housing Partnership for immediate support.

Do I need good credit to get Section 8?

No. Section 8 does not require a minimum credit score. However, landlords may run credit checks and can deny tenancy based on their own criteria. The RHA only verifies that you can pay your portion of rent and have not been evicted for nonpayment in the past three years.

Can I apply for Section 8 if I’m on Section 8 in another city?

If you are currently receiving Section 8 assistance in another area, you can transfer your voucher to Richmond through the portability process. Contact your current housing authority to initiate the transfer. You cannot hold two vouchers simultaneously.

What happens if I lose my voucher?

If you lose your voucher due to noncompliance (e.g., missed payments, lease violations, or failure to attend briefings), you may be removed from the program. You can reapply, but you will return to the bottom of the waiting list. There is no appeal process for administrative termination.

Is there help available to find a landlord who accepts vouchers?

Yes. The RHA provides a list of participating landlords. Nonprofits like the Richmond Area Housing Partnership also offer landlord outreach services and can help you negotiate with property owners. Some landlords are more willing to accept vouchers if they know the RHA pays on time.

Can I get Section 8 if I’m a student?

Generally, no. Full-time students under age 24 are not eligible unless they are a single parent, have a disability, or are over age 23. Part-time students may qualify if they meet income requirements and are not claimed as dependents on someone else’s tax return.

Conclusion

Applying for Section 8 housing in Richmond is not a quick or easy process, but it is one of the most effective pathways to stable, affordable housing for low-income residents. The journey requires patience, preparation, and persistence. From understanding eligibility and monitoring the waiting list to finding a compliant rental and navigating inspections, each step demands attention to detail and proactive communication.

The resources available—whether through the Richmond Housing Authority, community nonprofits, or state agencies—are designed to support you. But your success ultimately depends on your ability to stay organized, avoid scams, and remain engaged throughout the process. Thousands of families in Richmond have walked this path before you. With the right information and determination, you can too.

Do not wait until the last minute to prepare. Gather your documents now. Sign up for alerts. Attend workshops. Stay informed. Affordable housing is not a privilege—it is a right. And with this guide, you now have the tools to claim it.