Living in Subsidized Housing

• Subsidized housing facilities provide a clean, safe alternative for families that cannot afford to pay a market rental rate. Approved Virginia families will pay a rent based on their monthly incomes. The family will sign a lease with the housing authority located in the family's area. The lease includes standard components such as the length of tenancy, amount of rent due and any special provisions for living in the subsidized unit. Breaking the lease agreement can cause the family to be evicted from the unit.
  
  

Income Limits

• To qualify for subsidized housing, a family must meet low-income standards. Families who make less than 50 percent of the median income in Virginia qualify for the program. Families who make less than 30 percent of the median income receive preference. The housing authority bases income level on household size. For example, the Fairfax County Office of Public Affairs reports that as of 2011, a family of four in Virginia can make up to $51,750 to qualify as a low-income applicant and up to $31,050 to qualify as a very low-income applicant.
  
  

Qualifications

• People with minor children, the elderly and the disabled must report this information on their applications. While anyone can qualify for subsidized housing, special-needs cases will receive preference. The family will also undergo a background check. The housing authority will review the prospective tenant's rental history, criminal background and references. The housing authority reserves the right to refuse an applicant who it feels may become troublesome in the subsidized housing facility.
  
  

Applying

• Applicants can apply for public housing in Virginia by visiting a local housing authority office or a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regional office. Applicants will need to provide information on everyone in the household including age, sex, income level and special needs. Applicants will also need to provide the caseworker with any special circumstances the household has. For example, a family currently living in substandard housing may receive preference over other applicants. The caseworker may require an at home interview to complete the application.