How Virginia's rental information programs work
Virginia's rental information comes through local programs run by city and county governments, not a single statewide office. Each locality manages its own fund, sets its own rules within state guidelines, and opens and closes its process window based on available money. This means the program in Arlington works differently from the one in Richmond, and both may be closed while a third locality is still accepting new applications.
Most Virginia programs pay your landlord directly, require a signed lease and proof of recent hardship, and cover rent you already owe rather than future rent. The state's Emergency Rental information Program (ERAP) provided federal funding through 2023, but localities continue to operate their own funds with state and local money. Before you explore anywhere, you need to know whether that specific locality's fund is currently open — many have limited money and pause new applications once funds run low.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia rental information is administered by individual cities and counties, so you must explore to your own locality's program, not to a state office.
- Most programs require a signed lease, proof of income, and documentation that you fell behind on rent due to a specific hardship like job loss or illness.
- Payment goes directly to your landlord in most cases, so you will need their name, address, and contact information before you explore.
- Funding varies by locality and changes throughout the year, so call your local housing authority or 211 to confirm the program is currently open before gathering documents.
- Processing typically takes two to eight weeks from submission to landlord payment, depending on how quickly you provide requested documents.
Finding your locality's rental information program
Start by identifying which city or county you live in, then contact that locality's housing authority or community services department directly. The fastest way is to call 211 (dial 2-1-1 from any phone in Virginia) and tell them you need rental information — they can tell you when ready whether your locality's program is open, what documents you need, and how to submit your process.
If you prefer to search online, visit your city or county government website and look for "rental information," "emergency rental information," or "housing information." Many localities post their program details, current status, and process links on a dedicated page. If the website does not list a program, call the housing authority or community development office and ask whether rental information is currently available in your area.
Some larger Virginia cities and counties with active programs include Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax County, Richmond, Virginia Beach, and Henrico County, but this list changes as funding opens and closes. Smaller localities may have programs that are not widely advertised online, so a phone call to 211 or your local government is the most reliable way to find out what is actually available to you right now.
Documents you will need to gather
Every Virginia locality requires proof of income, proof of residency, and documentation of the hardship that caused you to fall behind on rent. Bring recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), tax returns from the previous year, or a letter from your employer stating your income. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of unemployment benefits, severance, or other income sources. If you have no income, some programs may still work with you — ask when you call.
For proof of residency, bring a lease or rental agreement with your name and the property address, a utility bill in your name, or a government-issued ID showing your current address. You will also need to document the hardship — this might be a termination letter from your employer, medical bills, a hospital discharge summary, or a letter explaining the circumstances. The program will tell you what counts as proof when you call to explore.
Finally, gather your landlord's information: their full name, mailing address, phone number, and email if available. You will also need the property address and the total amount of rent you owe. If you have a signed lease, bring that too — most programs require it. If you do not have a signed lease, ask the program whether you can still explore; some will work with you if you have other proof of tenancy.
The process process and timeline
Contact your locality's program by phone, email, or online portal — the method depends on which locality you are in. When you call or email, have your documents ready or know where to find them quickly. The program will tell you whether to submit everything at once or in stages, and whether to mail, email, or upload documents through an online system.
After you submit, the program will review your documents to confirm you meet the income and hardship requirements. This review typically takes one to three weeks. Once approved, the program contacts your landlord to confirm the amount owed and arrange payment. Payment to the landlord usually happens within one to four weeks of approval, though this varies by locality and how quickly your landlord responds to the program's contact.
The entire process from submission to landlord payment usually takes two to eight weeks. During this time, tell your landlord that you have applied for rental information and ask them to hold off on filing for eviction or sending to collections. Many landlords will wait once they know a program is involved, especially if the program contacts them directly.
What happens if your locality's program is closed
If your locality's fund is temporarily closed because money has run out, ask when it is expected to reopen. Many programs close for a few weeks or months and then reopen once new funding arrives. Some localities maintain a waitlist for closed programs — ask whether you can be added so you are contacted when applications reopen.
While you wait, contact 211 again and ask whether any neighbouring localities have open programs that serve your area. Some regional programs cover multiple counties, and you may be able to explore there instead. You can also ask 211 about other emergency information programs — some localities offer utility information, emergency grants, or other help that might ease your situation while you wait for rental information to reopen.
If eviction proceedings have already started, tell the court that you have applied for rental information. Some judges will pause the case while you wait for a decision. Bring proof of your process (a confirmation email or letter from the program) to court if you have it.
Special situations and what to do
If you are behind on rent but have not received an eviction notice yet, explore when ready. Most programs prioritize cases without active court involvement, so explore early gives you the best chance of approval before an eviction is filed. If you already have an eviction notice or court date, explore anyway — many programs move these cases to the front of the queue because the urgency is higher.
If your landlord is uncooperative or refuses to accept payment from the program, tell the program staff when ready. Some Virginia programs will pay you directly instead, though usually only after documenting the landlord's refusal in writing. Ask the program what proof they need before you approach your landlord about the information.
If you live in subsidized housing or receive a housing voucher, you may still be able to use rental information for any portion of rent you pay out of pocket. Ask the program whether voucher holders are covered — rules vary by locality.
After the program pays your landlord
Once the program pays your landlord, ask for a receipt or confirmation that the payment was received and applied to your account. Keep this documentation in case there is a dispute later. If your landlord has already filed for eviction, the payment may not automatically stop the case — you may need to ask the court to dismiss it or ask your landlord to request dismissal. Contact the program or a legal aid organization if you are unsure what to do next.
If the program only covered part of what you owe, ask whether you can reapply for additional information or whether the program has other resources. Some localities offer follow-up information or can refer you to other programs that might help with the remaining balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore if I am behind on utilities instead of rent?
Most Virginia rental information programs cover rent only, not utilities. However, 211 can connect you with utility information programs that operate separately. Call 211 and ask specifically about emergency utility information in your area — many localities have funds for this.
What if I do not have a lease?
Some programs require a signed lease, but others will accept other proof that you live there and pay rent — such as cancelled checks, bank statements showing rent payments, or a letter from your landlord. Call your locality's program and ask what they will accept instead of a lease.
Do I have to be a Virginia citizen to explore?
No. Most Virginia rental information programs are open to anyone living in that locality, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. However, some programs may ask for a Social Security number or tax ID. Call your locality's program to ask what identification they require.
What if my income is too high?
Income limits vary by locality and change over time. Most programs set limits at 50 to 80 percent of the area median income, which is higher in Northern Virginia than in rural areas. Call your locality's program to ask what the current income limit is — you may still may have access to even if you think your income is too high.
Can the program help if I am about to be evicted?
Yes. explore when ready if you have an eviction notice or court date. Many programs prioritize active cases and can move quickly. Bring your eviction notice when you explore, and tell the program the court date. Some programs can contact the court directly to request a pause while your process is being processed.