Housing Choice Voucher
Program
The Housing Choice Voucher Program is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to decent, safe, and affordable housing in the private market.
Housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, and allows you to find housing (single-family homes, townhouses, mobile homes, and apartments) that fits your needs.
Waiting lists open periodically for the HCV program.
Find an administrator in your area
Housing Choice Voucher Program
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Income Requirements
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets income limits that determine eligibility for assisted housing programs. HUD develops income limits based on Median Family Income estimates and Fair Market Rent areas. You may qualify for the Housing Choice Voucher Program if your household does not exceed the very low-income limit.
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Information for Housing Quality Standards
Most rental housing, including single-family homes, apartments and mobile homes, qualifies for the HCV Program as long as it is in decent, safe and sanitary condition, as defined by regulation.
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Where We Operate
Virginia Housing partners with local housing agencies across the Commonwealth to administer the HCV Program. The local housing agency works directly with you to determine your eligibility and oversee your participation.
If you do not see an administrator in your area, please click here to view HUD direct administrators.
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How are Payments Determined?
Once you are admitted to the Housing Choice Voucher Program and lease a unit, Virginia Housing makes a monthly payment to your landlord on your behalf based on a percentage of your income. As a program participant, you are responsible for paying any remaining amount not subsidized by the voucher.
- FY2024 Fair Market Rents: Virginia Statewide FMR Summary
- Small Area Fair Market Rents
- Housing Choice Voucher Payment Standards
- Small Area Voucher Payment Standards
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How to Apply
Generally, you must apply for the HCV Program when there is an open waitlist. Each of our agencies maintains a separate waiting list that covers their service areas. You must apply online when a waiting list opens. Our local housing agencies advertise waiting list openings in local area newspapers.
Waiting list openings are also posted to our website: VirginiaHousing.com. -
Virginia Housing HCVP Overview Videos and Courses
The briefing videos below will provide you with an overview of how to get started as well as the roles and responsibilities of being in the HCV Program.
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Documents and Resources
Virginia Housing receives its funding for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Documents
- Note: All HCV Program Landlords must comply with this requirement. Please read.
Resources
- Utility Allowance
- Program Requirements for Tenants and Landlords
- Resources for Renters
- Search for Housing
- Energy Assistance (EA) - Virginia Department of Social Services
Landlords and Participants Lease-Up Information
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Resources for Landlords
The program provides rental assistance payments to qualified landlords on behalf of eligible tenants.