Bainbridge Court, RRHA public housing communityBainbridge Court, RRHA public housing community

Public Housing Program

Public housing provides decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income individuals and families, seniors, and people with disabilities. Applying for public housing takes some time and requires certain documents.

Already in public housing? Learn more about resident services and access resources & documents.

RRHA resident inside public housing building


Waiting List Application

What you’ll need to provide:

  • Email address
  • Current telephone number
  • References
  • Verified income

Application process:

  1. Register with the applicant portal and apply for all community waiting lists that fit your family composition. 
  2. RRHA will review your application to determine if you meet the eligibility guidelines for the waiting list(s), for example your family composition size is appropriate for the community.
  3. Accepted applicants will be placed on the waiting list, and rejected applicants will be notified in writing via email.

Note: No applicant is entitled to either be on the waiting list or in a specific position on the waiting list.

Apply Online

Visit the applicant portal and log in or register your email address for a new account.

Public Housing Communities

RRHA manages nearly 4,000 units in various family developments.


Eligibility Verification

Upon selection from the waiting list, you will receive an email with instructions for completing the online eligibility process.

RRHA determines eligibility based on three factors:

  1. Annual income
  2. Whether you qualify as a senior, a person with a disability, or as a individual/family
  3. U.S. citizenship/immigration status

You must complete the eligibility packet and provide the required documents by the provided deadline.

Once all documents and forms have been received, the Tenant Selection Office will conduct background verifications. When the Office has confirmed your eligibility, you’ll receive an email on the next steps with the new resident orientation.

Request Reasonable Accommodations

Fill out the 504 form if you are an individual with a disability and you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the application or housing process.

Email your completed form to tenantselection@rrha.com, Public Housing Residents submit form to your management office, and HCVP Participants submit form to hcvpleasing@rrha.com


New Resident Orientation

Congratulations! You have been determined eligible for housing with Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority’s Public Housing Program.

Please review the orientation presentation in its entirety, then complete the acknowledgment form and send it to your assigned Eligibility Specialist. Once the form has been received you will be considered ready for housing.

Public Housing Program FAQ

How are income levels determined?

We use income limits developed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which sets the low-income limits at 80% Area Median Income (AMI).

Household SizeGross Annual Income*
1$61,800
2$70,600
3$79,450
4$88,250
5$95,350
6$102,400
7$109,450
8$116,500
* Based on HUD’s 2024 low-income limits for Richmond, VA MSA – 80% Area Median Income (AMI).

I was selected from the waiting list, now what? When will I be notified?

Once your name has reached the top of the waiting list, RRHA will contact you via email to complete the eligibility process.

What if I move while on the waitlist?

Approximate waitlist times vary by bedroom size, type of unit and admission preferences. You must ensure your contact information (address, phone number, and email address) is updated immediately upon the change via the applicant portal.

Is there a security deposit?

A security deposit of $200 is required upon lease signing.  

How is rent determined?

Your rent is based on your family’s anticipated gross annual income less deductions, if any. A Program Eligibility Specialist will determine if you qualify for any allowable deductions.

The annual income is the anticipated total income from all sources received from the head of household spouse, each additional member of the family 18 years of age or older and unearned income for family members under 18 years of age.

The formula used in determining the total tenant payment is the highest of the following, rounded to the nearest dollar:

  • 30% of the monthly adjusted income (your annual income minus allowable deductions)
  • 10% of monthly income
  • A $50 minimum rent
  • Flat rents which are 80% of fair market rent

What will my lease look like?

View a sample RRHA lease

Resident Services is all about YOU


Look to Resident Services for programs and services that support your achievement, financial independence, and personal growth.

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RRHA resident, woman with glasses in community courtyard