If you are looking for affordable housing in Norfolk, Virginia, in 2026, here is the most important information you can read. The Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) has opened several of its waiting lists for 2026, including the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) waiting list, the public housing waiting list, and various Project-Based Voucher (PBV) programs. All applications must be submitted online via the NRHA’s Yardi RentCafé portal, and you will need to create a free account to apply.
Here is everything you need to know about the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority waiting list 2026, including current waitlist status, eligibility requirements, required documents, application steps, and how to check your application status.
What is NRHA?
The Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) is the local public housing agency for Norfolk, Virginia. It manages something such as :
- Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program (commonly called Section 8)
- Public Housing for families, seniors, and people with disabilities
- Properties with Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) that are tied to specific buildings.
The NRHA operates under the guidelines of HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) and manages several affordable housing communities in nearby cities such as Norfolk and Portsmouth.
NRHA Waiting List 2026: Open or Close
As of July 7, 2026, NRHA has had multiple open waiting lists, but the availability changes quickly, so you must check the official website. The key programs that have been opened in 2026 are:
1. Housing Choice Voucher (HCV / Section 8) Waitlist
- Opened: Monday, July 6, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
- Closed: Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
- Application Method: Online only at https://housing.nrha.us
- Account: You must create a Yardi RentCafé account (no registration code needed)
2. Public Housing Waitlist
- Reopened: May 2026 for select NRHA communities
- Type: Open for families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities (depending on the specific community)
- Application Method: Online via NRHA’s housing portal
3. Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlists
NRHA opened multiple PBV waitlists across early–mid 2026. These were time-limited and many have already closed:
- Grandy Village Revitalization (PBV & LIHTC)
- Application period: March 23 – April 3, 2026
- Two-bedroom units at 60%–80% AMI
- Closed as of early April 2026.
- PBV for General and Senior Households
- Application period: March 16 – March 30, 2026
- Included multiple communities (The Ashton, The Banks at Berkley, Holley Pointe, etc.)
- Application window closed.
- PBV for Homeless Single Individuals Only
- Application period: March 16 – March 30, 2026
- Included Church Street Station, South Bay Apartments, Heron’s Landing
- Closed as of late March/early April 2026.
- Crescent Square PBV Waitlist
- Announced in early January 2026
- Likely closed after its application period
NRHA updates its waitlist page regularly. Some PBV lists may reopen for new projects, so check the official site for the current status.
Who Can Apply for NRHA Housing in 2026?
Applicants generally must meet income and eligibility requirements established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the NRHA.
Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Eligibility
To qualify for the HCV program, your household generally must be:
- Be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor.
- Meet HUD income limits.
- At or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Norfolk.
- A U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen (per HUD rules).
- Able to meet basic program requirements (e.g., criminal history, rental history).
NRHA lists income limits by household size. For a 4-person household (example figures):
- 30% Extremely Low Income: $33,000
- 50% Very Low Income: $53,250
- 80% Low Income: $85,200
These numbers change with annual updates, so always check the current chart on NRHA’s site.
Income Requirements
| 30% Extremely Low Income | 50% Very Low Income | 80% Low Income | |
| 1 Person | $22,650 | $37,300 | $59,650 |
| 2 Persons | $25,850 | $42,600 | $68,200 |
| 3 Persons | $29,100 | $47,950 | $76,700 |
| 4 Persons | $33,000 | $53,250 | $85,200 |
| 5 Persons | $38,680 | $57,550 | $92,050 |
| 6 Persons | $44,360 | $61,800 | $98,850 |
| 7 Persons | $50,040 | $66,050 | $105,650 |
| 8 Persons | $55,720 | $70,300 | $112,500 |
Public Housing Eligibility
Public Housing programs serve:
- Family households
- Senior households
- Households with disabilities
Some waitlists are opened for specific groups (such as the elderly or persons with disabilities), while others are for general families. Additionally, income limits vary depending on the program and family size.
PBV Eligibility
PBV programs are tied to specific properties and often have:
- Target populations (e.g., seniors, homeless individuals, working families)
- Income ranges (commonly 60%–80% AMI)
- Unit-type restrictions (e.g., two-bedroom only)
Each PBV waitlist has its own rules listed during the application period.
How to Apply for NRHA Waiting Lists in 2026
Step 1: Create a Yardi RentCafé Account
All NRHA applications are submitted online through Yardi RentCafé:
- Go to the official website of the NRHA RentCafe Applicant Portal. https://housing.nrha.us.
- Click to create a new account/ Applicant Login option.
- Enter your name, email, phone, household size, and basic income information.
- No registration code is needed for general waitlists like HCV and Public Housing.
Step 2: Choose the Correct Waitlist
Once logged in, you can see which waitlists are:
- Open – you can apply now.
- Closed – application period has ended.
Each waitlist is clearly labeled (e.g., “Housing Choice Voucher,” “Public Housing – Family,” “PBV – Grandy Village”) with open/closed status.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
- Follow the on-screen instructions for the specific waitlist.
- Answer eligibility questions (income, household type, disability status, etc.).
- Review and submit your application.
You will generally receive confirmation that your application has been received. The timeframe for selection or notification may vary depending on the program, and there is no guarantee regarding it.
How to Check NRHA Waiting List Status
After applying for the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority Application, applicants can check the status easily.
- You need to log in to your account on RentCafe Applicant Portal account.
- Update contact information
- View application status
- Respond to requests for additional documents.
It is important to keep your mailing address, email, and phone number up to date. Failure to receive information or notifications from the NRHA could affect your application.
Contact Information for NRHA
For questions about NRHA waiting lists or housing programs:
- Phone: (757) 624-8615
- TDD: 800-545-1833
- Address: 201 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Website: https://nrha.us
- Application Portal: https://housing.nrha.us
Conclusion
The Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) 2026 waiting list presents a significant opportunity for eligible families seeking affordable housing in Norfolk, Virginia. While many housing programs open for enrollment only at specific times, the NRHA regularly announces the opening of waiting lists for select communities.
If you wish to apply for the NRHA Application, please keep an eye on official NRHA announcements, have your documents ready in advance, and submit your application as soon as the waiting list opens to increase your chances of being included.