Housing Opportunities Made Equal (H.O.M.E.)
HOME in a non-profit organization that seeks to ensure equal access to housing for all people.
Senior Citizen's Handbook
Click above to get more information about this topic from the Senior Citizen Handbook created by the Virginia State Bar.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Website
Click above to go the the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Website to find out more information.
Virginia Fair Housing Office
This link directs you to the Virginia Fair Housing Office's website.
Virginia Housing Directory
Listing of housing resources that is specific to the area a person lives.
Public Housing
Public housing was established to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers federal aid to local Public Housing Authorities (PHA). The PHA’s manage housing for low-income residents at rents they can afford. HUD provides help and assistance in planning, developing, and managing the housing units. This article describes what public housing is, who is eligible for it and how to apply for it.
Virginia Fair Housing Office
This link directs you to the Virginia Fair Housing Office's website.
Your Rights as a Tenant
Under Virginia Law, tenants have certain rights when they move in, while they are renting, and before they can be evicted. The specific rights you have depend on whether or not your tenancy is covered by the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA). You are covered by the VRLTA if you live in an apartment building or in any type of multi-family housing. Multi-family housing means you share heating, hot water, entry and exit, or some other service with another unit in the same building. You also are covered if you live in a single family house and your landlord rents out more than ten single-family homes in a county or more than four single-family homes in a city. Throughout this handout we will tell you what general rights you have as a tenant and specify if there are any differences depending on whether you are covered by the VRLTA. If you are not covered by the VRLTA, there may be other laws that give you certain rights and protections.
Federally Subsidized Housing-Tenant-Based
Federally subsidized housing means that the government pays part or all of your rent. The part of your rent the government pays is called the “subsidy.” There are two types of federally subsidized housing. In one type, the subsidy is tied to the tenant. This is called “tenant-based assistance.” In the other type, the subsidy is tied to the housing unit. This is called “unit-based assistance.” This article is about tenant-based assisted housing.
Federally Subsidized Housing-Unit Based
Federally subsidized housing means that the government pays part or all of your rent. The part of your rent the government pays is called the “subsidy.” There are two types of federally subsidized housing. In one type, the subsidy is tied to the housing unit. This is called “unit-based assistance.” In the other type, the subsidy is tied to the tenant. This is called “tenant-based assistance.” This article is about unit-based assisted housing. Other articles on this web site are about tenant-based assisted housing.
What Happens if my Rental Housing is Destroyed?
This article describes your rights if your rental housing is destroyed by fire or other casualty.