Housing assistance in Virginia

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in Virginia

No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.

Key tenant laws in Virginia

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

No more than two months' rent. If the landlord also requires renter's or damage insurance, the premiums plus the deposit together may not be more than two months' rent.

Va. Code § 55.1-1226(A); §§ 55.1-1206, 55.1-1208

Deposit return deadline

Within 45 days after the tenancy ends or the tenant moves out, whichever is later, the landlord must give the tenant a written itemized list of deductions with any amount due. Deductions are limited to unpaid rent and late charges, damage beyond reasonable wear and tear, other charges in the lease, and actual damages for breaking the lease. The tenant may attend the move-out inspection, which must be done within 72 hours after the unit is turned over.

Va. Code § 55.1-1226

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

14 days' written notice to pay before the landlord can end the lease and file an unlawful detainer (eviction) case. This took effect July 1, 2026, replacing the old 5-day notice. The same 14 days applies to bounced checks and rejected electronic payments.

Va. Code § 55.1-1245(F) (as amended 2026)

Landlord entry notice

At least 72 hours' notice before routine maintenance the tenant did not ask for, and the work must be done within 14 days of the notice. For other entries, the landlord must give notice and come at reasonable times unless that is impractical. No notice is needed for maintenance the tenant requested, and no consent is needed in an emergency.

Va. Code § 55.1-1229(A)(4)

Rent increases and rent control

The Act has no statewide cap on rent increases. Landlords who own more than four rental units must give at least 60 days' written notice of a rent increase or nonrenewal before the end of a lease that has a renewal option or automatic renewal.

Va. Code § 55.1-1204(K)

If the landlord won’t make repairs

Repair and deduct: if the landlord takes no reasonable steps within 14 days of the tenant's written notice about a serious condition (such as no heat or water, or rodents), the tenant may hire a licensed contractor and deduct the actual cost, up to one month's rent or $1,500, whichever is more. Tenant's Assertion: the tenant may instead file in General District Court and pay rent into a court escrow. Until January 1, 2027, the tenant must be current on rent to file. Otherwise there is no rent withholding.

Va. Code §§ 55.1-1244.1, 55.1-1244

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve Virginia

• Shelter, rent help, and local services211
• HUD-approved housing counseling800-569-4287
• Housing discrimination complaints (HUD)800-669-9777
• Energy assistance referral (LIHEAP)866-674-6327
• Veterans at risk of homelessness877-424-3838
• Domestic violence hotline800-799-7233

More local contacts: HUD’s Virginia resource page.

Next steps

1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

1. Va. Code § 55.1-1226 Security depositsVirginia General Assembly (LIS)
2. Va. Code § 55.1-1245 Noncompliance with rental agreementVirginia General Assembly (LIS)
3. Va. Code § 55.1-1229 AccessVirginia General Assembly (LIS)
4. Va. Code § 55.1-1244.1 Tenant's remedy by repairVirginia General Assembly (LIS)
5. Va. Code § 55.1-1201 Applicability of chapter; local authorityVirginia General Assembly (LIS)
6. Va. Code Title 55.1, Chapter 12 (table of contents)Virginia General Assembly (LIS)
7. Statement of Tenant Rights and Responsibilities under the VRLTA (Last Updated July 1, 2026)Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development
8. Tenant and Landlord ResourcesVirginia Department of Housing and Community Development
9. Energy Assistance Program (EAP)Virginia Department of Social Services
10. Virginia Law HelpVirginia legal aid programs
11. Fight My Eviction – VPLC's Eviction Defense CenterVirginia Poverty Law Center
12. PHA Contact Information – VirginiaU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
13. Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing AuthorityNorfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority
14. Richmond Redevelopment & Housing AuthorityRichmond Redevelopment & Housing Authority
15. Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community DevelopmentFairfax County
16. Virginia HousingVirginia Housing