Searching through a list of Section 8 houses in Virginia will uncover many types of low-cost homes throughout the state that are available to approved applications of the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP). Section 8 rental housing lists are populated with houses, apartments, townhouses and more that have met safety and sanitary regulations. Section 8 housing lists in VA are available through a variety of ways.

Learn How to Find Section 8 Housing Lists in Virginia

The first step to using Virginia Section 8 rental housing lists is learning where to find them. Section 8 housing lists are available through an area from a broad range of sources. Online resources for Section 8 house listings are the best and fastest way to obtain information. Section 8 apartment listings are widely available in newspapers or other publications with a classifieds section. However, since there is more to Section 8 housing than the list of homes, online resources will offer more detailed information than in-person sources. If an online search for a Section 8 rental housing list is not available, however, then applicants can find lists through traditional means such as community boards and apartment booklets.

What Qualifies as a Section 8 Home in Virginia?

The houses and apartments on a Section 8 rental housing list are safe spaces which have met strict guidelines. The rules governing houses on a list of Section 8 rentals include such criteria as ventilation, water supplies, appliances and more. The guidelines are part of the Housing Quality Standards and are enforced by the PHA or Public Housing Agency governing your area. The specific guidelines are numerous, but a few are listed below:

• The house or apartment is properly insulated from weather like rain or snow.
• Heating and cooling options are available in the home and in working order.
• All paint must be intact with no flaking, chipping, etc.
• Appliances are all in working condition.
• Smoke detectors function and meet hearing impaired standards if necessary.

How Big of a House Can You be Approved for in Virginia?

For residents looking at a list of Section 8 houses in Virginia, the natural question is “How big of a house is available to me?” Unfortunately, if you are looking through a Section 8 housing list, the answer to that question is not an easy one to answer simply. Properties on a Section 8 house listing are governed by local PHAs so the rules for what homes are matched with families vary. However, in general, a big family, with three or more members, will receive a housing voucher for a large home, perhaps with two or three bedrooms. Vouchers are typically awarded to match family size to home size but may be used for any home which qualifies. Learn more about Section 8 benefits by downloading our guide.

Learn About Checking Your Credit Score Before Viewing Section 8 Apartment Listings in Virginia

Prior to browsing a Section 8 rental housing list in Virginia, you should first check your credit score. The home or apartment from the Section 8 housing list has a property manager who will conduct a credit check. The purpose is to determine if you are the right fit. If you are browsing Section 8 house listings in VA, then get a free credit check today to know where you stand. Good credit will offer the best rates and terms moving forward. You can review the five credit score rankings below:

• Excellent: A score of 750 or higher.
• Good: A score of 700-749.
• Fair: A score of 650-699.
• Poor: A score of 550-649.
• Very Poor: A score of 549 or lower.

Tips for Reading Virginia Section 8 House Listings

Like any house or apartment, properties on a Section 8 housing list are real estate like any other. Because of this,lists of Section 8 rentals will use the same language as many real estate websites. For residents unfamiliar with the shortened words and phrases of a real estate listing, getting familiar with such abbreviations will make the search for a home easier. If renters are looking at a list of Section 8 houses, they should get familiar with the shorthand, of which there are some examples below:

• The number of Bedrooms/Number of Bathrooms is displayed as 1/1, 2/1, 2/2, etc.
• The age of a home or apartment is represented as YO for Years Old.
• Washers and Dryers are listed as W/D.
• Central Heating and Air Conditioning (CH/A) or Central Air Conditioning (AC or A/C).
• Number of Floors is shown as 1F, 2F, etc.

Now that you know more abou Virginia lists of Section 8 rentals, finding your next home is easier than ever. Website: Local Offices. State: Virginia