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Virginia Beach, VA Rental Property Rules: Section 8 Voucher Acceptance (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

Administering agency
Virginia Beach DHNP
Tenant share
About 30% of income
Inspection standard
HQS
Refusal
Prohibited

Summary

The Virginia Beach Department of Housing and Neighborhood Preservation administers Housing Choice Vouchers locally. Landlords accepting vouchers must pass Housing Quality Standards inspections and sign a HAP contract.

source of funds, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or military status; 2. Discriminate against any person in the terms, conditions, or privileges of sale or rental of a dwelling, or in the provision of services or facilities in the connection therewith to any person because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, source of funds, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or military status; 3. Make, print, or publish, or cause to be made, printed, or published any notice, statement, or advertisement, with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation, or discrimination or an intention to make any suc

Source: Virginia Beach DHNPView official code

Full Breakdown

Virginia Beach DHNP runs the local Section 8 program, including waitlist management, briefings, and Housing Quality Standards inspections. Landlords sign a Housing Assistance Payments contract that fixes rent reasonableness, payment timing, and inspection access. Tenant portion is generally 30 percent of adjusted income. Annual recertification updates household income and rent splits. State law now bans source-of-income discrimination, so Virginia Beach landlords cannot refuse vouchers. Properties must meet HQS within 30 days of approval; failed re-inspections suspend HAP payments until corrected.

Violations & Fines

Failing HQS inspections beyond cure periods can suspend HAP payments. Refusing voucher applicants outright violates VA Code §36-96.3 and triggers Fair Housing penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I list my Virginia Beach unit for vouchers?
Contact DHNP to request HQS inspection and complete a HAP contract. Many landlords post on AffordableHousing.com and the city's housing portal.
When does HAP start paying?
HAP payments begin once the unit passes HQS inspection and the contract is fully executed. Pre-contract rent is the tenant's responsibility only.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Virginia Beach

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSignificant RestrictionsRepairs & HabitabilitySome RestrictionsSecurity Deposit RulesSome RestrictionsSource-of-Income DiscriminationSome RestrictionsRental RegistrationSignificant RestrictionsRent ControlFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome Restrictions

All Virginia Beach rules

Compare Virginia Beach to another location·View the Virginia rental property rules overview

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