How do I find second chance apartments in Norfolk?

Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — Norfolk has 60 affordable housing properties. Many accept tenants with criminal records on a case-by-case basis. Call the property manager, explain your situation honestly, and ask about their screening criteria. Private landlords and smaller complexes tend to be more flexible than large corporate-managed properties.

Will a felony disqualify me from renting in Norfolk?

Not necessarily. Many landlords in Norfolk do individual assessments rather than blanket rejections. The type of conviction, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation all matter. Virginia may have fair housing protections that limit how landlords can use criminal records in screening. Always ask about the specific policy before paying an application fee.

What is the average rent in Norfolk?

Rent varies widely in Norfolk. Subsidized housing through LIHTC or Section 8 programs typically costs 30% of your adjusted gross income, which can be significantly less than market rate. Contact local housing authorities for current availability and rates.

What are HUD housing counseling agencies?

HUD-approved housing counseling agencies provide free or low-cost advice on renting, buying, default/foreclosure prevention, and credit repair. Norfolk has 4 HUD-approved counseling agencies. They can help you understand your rights, navigate the application process, and find housing that works for your situation — including if you have a criminal record.

Can I get Section 8 housing with a criminal record in Virginia?

Most criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify you from Section 8 housing. The main disqualifications are: lifetime sex offender registration and methamphetamine production convictions. Individual housing authorities have discretion on other offenses. Apply directly to the Norfolk Housing Authority and be honest about your history. Wait times can be long, so apply as soon as possible.

Second Chance Apartments in Norfolk, VA

Last updated: 2026-03-25

Norfolk, VA Housing at a Glance

Affordable Properties

Oxford Houses

N/A

FMR 2BR Rent

Counseling Agencies

Finding Second Chance Housing in Norfolk

Finding an apartment with a criminal record in Norfolk can be challenging, but it is far from impossible. The Norfolk metro area has 60 affordable housing properties, including 39 LIHTC (tax credit) properties and 21 Section 8 properties. Many of these evaluate applicants individually rather than using blanket criminal record bans.

Your best strategy is to call properties directly before submitting an application. Ask the property manager about their screening criteria for criminal history. This saves you both time and non-refundable application fees. Private landlords and smaller complexes tend to be more flexible than large corporate management companies.

If you need help navigating the process, Norfolk has 4 HUD-approved housing counseling agencies that provide free assistance with finding housing, understanding your rights, and improving your rental application. These counselors know which local properties are most open to second chance tenants.

For those in recovery, there are 6 Oxford Houses in the Norfolk area providing self-supporting, sober living environments. These are an excellent option if you need stable housing while rebuilding your life.

Largest Affordable Housing Properties in Norfolk

These are the largest subsidized properties by unit count. Contact them directly to ask about availability and screening policies.

Property	Address	Type	Units
Mariners Watch	549 Mariners Way, Norfolk, VA 23503	LIHTC	434
Arbor Pointe	502 Grantham Rd, Norfolk, VA 23505	LIHTC	308
Grandy Village	3151 Kimball Ter, Norfolk, VA 23504	LIHTC	275
Mission College I	1318 Lead St, Norfolk, VA 23504	LIHTC	260
Braywood Manor	7000 Auburn Ave, Norfolk, VA 23513	Section 8	238
Riverpoint	452 Painter St, Norfolk, VA 23505	LIHTC	220
Archers Green	261 Suburban Pkwy, Norfolk, VA 23505	LIHTC	212
Cromwell House	114 Cromwell Parkway, Norfolk, VA 23505	LIHTC	205
Lakewood Plaza	5631 Tidewater Dr, Norfolk, VA 23509	Section 8	200
Lexington Park Apts	1225 Tidewater Dr, Norfolk, VA 23504	Section 8	180

Oxford Houses in Norfolk

Oxford Houses are self-supporting, democratically run sober living homes. Residents share expenses and maintain sobriety together.

Name	Address	Gender	Beds	Vacancies	Phone
Bayview GardensVACANCY	1622 Broadfield Road, Norfolk, VA	Men	7	3	(757) 383-6826
Little CreekVACANCY	2900 David Avenue, Norfolk, VA	Men	7	1	(757) 351-0165
New Horizon	314 East Mcginnis Circle, Norfolk, VA	Men	8	0	(757) 962-2406
Princess AnneVACANCY	5117 E Princess Anne Road, Norfolk, VA	Women	9	1	(757) 402-3420
SeaviewVACANCY	118 W Seaview Avenue, Norfolk, VA	Men	7	2	(757) 227-4458
Visible Changes (New House)VACANCY	3568 Ladd Ave, Norfolk, VA	Women	9	3	(757) 937-3277

Federal Halfway Houses (Residential Reentry Centers)

BOP-contracted facilities that provide transitional housing for individuals completing federal sentences.

CoreCivic, Inc. — Norfolk, VA · 443-837-6964

HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies

Free or low-cost housing counseling. These agencies can help you find housing, understand your rights, and navigate applications.

URBAN LEAGUE OF HAMPTON ROADS

7300 Newport Ave Ste 500, Norfolk, VA

757-627-0864website

Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Default/Foreclosure Workshop, Financial/Budget Counseling, Financial/Budget Workshop, Fair Housing Workshop, Homeless Counseling, Non-Delinquency Post-Purchase Workshop, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop, Rental Housing Counseling, Rental Housing Workshop

HOMENET (Norfolk RHA)

555 E Main St, Norfolk, VA

757-314-4202website

Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Financial/Budget Counseling, Financial/Budget Workshop, Fair Housing Workshop, Non-Delinquency Post-Purchase Workshop, Predatory Lending Workshop, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop, Rental Housing Counseling

CREDIT.ORG - VIRGINIA BRANCH

999 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA

757-657-4493info@credit.orgwebsite

Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Financial/Budget Workshop, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop, Rental Housing Counseling, Reverse Mortgage Counseling

CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES OF EASTERN VIRGINIA, INC. D/B/A THE UP CENTER

222 W 19th St, Norfolk, VA

757-622-7017website

Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Default/Foreclosure Workshop, Financial/Budget Counseling, Financial/Budget Workshop, Fair Housing Workshop, Non-Delinquency Post-Purchase Workshop, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop, Rental Housing Counseling, Reverse Mortgage Counseling

Tips for Finding Housing with a Record

1.Call properties directly before applying. Ask the manager about their screening policy for criminal records — this saves you time and application fees.
2.Try private landlords and smaller complexes first. Individual owners are often more flexible than corporate property management companies.
3.Prepare a "rental resume" with references from employers, parole/probation officers, past landlords, or community organizations that can vouch for you.
4.Offer a larger security deposit or several months of rent upfront if you can. This reduces the landlord's perceived risk.
5.Look into LIHTC (Low-Income Housing Tax Credit) properties — they have income requirements but many are more lenient on background checks than market-rate apartments.
6.Contact HUD-approved housing counseling agencies for free help navigating the process. They know which local properties work with people who have records.
7.Be honest about your history. If a landlord discovers you lied on an application, that is usually grounds for immediate lease termination.
8.Check if your conviction can be expunged or sealed. A clean record makes the housing search much easier. Visit our expungement guide for your state.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find second chance apartments in Norfolk?: Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — Norfolk has 60 affordable housing properties. Many accept tenants with criminal records on a case-by-case basis. Call the property manager, explain your situation honestly, and ask about their screening criteria. Private landlords and smaller complexes tend to be more flexible than large corporate-managed properties.
Will a felony disqualify me from renting in Norfolk?: Not necessarily. Many landlords in Norfolk do individual assessments rather than blanket rejections. The type of conviction, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation all matter. Virginia may have fair housing protections that limit how landlords can use criminal records in screening. Always ask about the specific policy before paying an application fee.
What is the average rent in Norfolk?: Rent varies widely in Norfolk. Subsidized housing through LIHTC or Section 8 programs typically costs 30% of your adjusted gross income, which can be significantly less than market rate. Contact local housing authorities for current availability and rates.
Are there sober living homes in Norfolk?: Yes. There are 6 Oxford Houses in the Norfolk area. Oxford Houses are democratically run, self-supporting sober living homes. Residents share expenses and hold each other accountable. Contact them directly for availability — some may have vacancies right now.
What are HUD housing counseling agencies?: HUD-approved housing counseling agencies provide free or low-cost advice on renting, buying, default/foreclosure prevention, and credit repair. Norfolk has 4 HUD-approved counseling agencies. They can help you understand your rights, navigate the application process, and find housing that works for your situation — including if you have a criminal record.
Can I get Section 8 housing with a criminal record in Virginia?: Most criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify you from Section 8 housing. The main disqualifications are: lifetime sex offender registration and methamphetamine production convictions. Individual housing authorities have discretion on other offenses. Apply directly to the Norfolk Housing Authority and be honest about your history. Wait times can be long, so apply as soon as possible.

Related Resources on This Site

More for your state

HousingSecond chance apartments in Richmond, VA
ExpungementVirginia expungement guide
Voting RightsFelon voting rights in Virginia
Gun RightsFelon gun rights in Virginia
DUI RecoveryDUI license recovery in Virginia
ProbationProbation & parole in Virginia
SR22 InsuranceSR22 insurance in Virginia
License ReinstatementLicense reinstatement in Virginia

Helpful guides

Food & BenefitsFood banks near you
Phone & InternetFree government phone (Lifeline program)
UtilitiesShutoff / disconnection protection
HealthHow to apply for Medicaid

Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Housing availability, screening policies, and rental rates change frequently. Always contact properties directly to confirm current availability and policies. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from housing — many properties evaluate applicants individually. For legal advice about your housing rights, contact a local HUD Fair Housing office or a legal aid organization.