Second Chance Apartments in Virginia Beach, VA
Last updated:
Virginia Beach, VA Housing at a Glance
46
Affordable Properties
23
Oxford Houses
$1,713
FMR 2BR Rent
0
Counseling Agencies
Finding Second Chance Housing in Virginia Beach
Finding an apartment with a criminal record in Virginia Beach can be challenging, but it is far from impossible. The Virginia Beach metro area has 46 affordable housing properties, including 36 LIHTC (tax credit) properties and 10 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, Virginia Beach has 0 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 23 Oxford Houses in the Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach
These are the largest subsidized properties by unit count. Contact them directly to ask about availability and screening policies.
| Property | Address | Type | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin Canal Village | 3805 Keelboat Cir, Virginia Beach, VA 23453 | LIHTC | 300 |
| Hamptons | 5781 Lake Edward Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 | LIHTC | 212 |
| Atlantis | 101 Ocean Side Ct, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 | LIHTC | 208 |
| Mayfair I & II | 107 S Comanche Ct, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 | LIHTC | 196 |
| Commons At Princess Anne | 4924 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 | LIHTC | 186 |
| Ocean Gate East | 1453 Gate Tree Ct, Virginia Beach, VA 23454 | LIHTC | 174 |
| Thalia Landing | 4114 Pitch Pine Ct, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 | LIHTC | 154 |
| Pipers Landing Apts | 401 Rivers Post Ct, Virginia Beach, VA 23454 | LIHTC | 153 |
| 200 West I | 200 Price Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 | LIHTC | 152 |
| Greenlakes | 3218 Green Lakes Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 | LIHTC | 150 |
Oxford Houses in Virginia Beach
Oxford Houses are self-supporting, democratically run sober living homes. Residents share expenses and maintain sobriety together.
Fair Market Rent — Virginia Beach Metro Area
HUD sets Fair Market Rents (FMR) annually to determine Section 8 voucher amounts. The 2-bedroom FMR in Virginia Beach is:
$1,713/month (2BR)
With subsidized housing (LIHTC or Section 8), you typically pay 30% of your adjusted gross income — often significantly less than market rate.
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 Virginia Beach?
- Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — Virginia Beach has 46 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 Virginia Beach?
- Not necessarily. Many landlords in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach?
- The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in the Virginia Beach metro area is $1,713/month. Subsidized housing through LIHTC or Section 8 programs typically costs 30% of your adjusted gross income, which can be significantly less than market rate.
- Are there sober living homes in Virginia Beach?
- Yes. There are 23 Oxford Houses in the Virginia Beach 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. Virginia Beach has 0 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 Virginia Beach 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
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- Phone & InternetFree government phone (Lifeline program)
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