The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) owns 1,063 units of Public Housing. Public Housing units are managed and maintained by the Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The units were built or acquired using federal public housing funds. Units include townhouses, garden apartments and condominium units, and are located throughout the County.

The program generally serves households with incomes up to 50% of median income. Tenants pay 30% of their income for rent. The average income of tenant households is about $16,695. The FCRHA receives an annual operating subsidy from the federal government. Fairfax County's Public Housing program is evaluated annually by HUD using Public Housing Assessment System, (PHAS). In the most recently completed assessment for the period ending June 30, 2004, Fairfax County was designated as a "High Performer.

Criteria Used to Select Applicants

HCD screens applicants to determine that they meet the qualifications for the Public Housing Program by confirming information provided on the pre-application form, including checking credit records, rental references, and police records. Residents pay 30% of their household income for rent. Applicants must also qualify by income, based on household size.

Application Process

Applications are accepted year round. Applications are available online at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rha or by calling the Housing Application Center at 703-385-3662.

Current Federal Income Limits
Effective February 2008

*Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing income limits for the Washington, DC Metropolitan Statistical Area are as published by HUD; low-income limit is based on national median family income ($57,500).

Priority Group Definitions

Priority Group One:
An applicant may qualify for this priority if the Head or Spouse is employed, attending school, or participating in a job training program, for a combination of at least 30 hours per week; OR is 62 or older; OR meets HUD's definition of being disabled (see brochure); OR is the only adult in the household working less than 30 hours per week and who is the primary caretaker of a disabled dependent. In addition, the Head or Spouse lives or works in Fairfax County, and/or the City of Falls Church, and/or the City of Fairfax, and/or the Town of Herndon; AND during the past 90 days or longer, is paying more than 30% of all gross income (before taxes or deductions) for rent and utilities (excluding telephone and cable television costs); AND does not exceed the maximum income requirements.

Priority Group Two:
Head or Spouse lives or works in Fairfax County, and/or the City of Falls Church, and/or the City of Fairfax, and/or the Town of Herndon, and does not exceed the maximum income requirements. This group will not be invited for eligibility until all of the applicants in Priority Group One have been contacted for an interview.

Priority Group Three:
Head or Spouse does not live or work in Fairfax County, or the City of Falls Church, or the City of Fairfax, or the Town of Herndon, but does not exceed the maximum income requirements. This group will not be invited for eligibility until all of the applicants in Priority Group One and Group Two have been contacted for an interview.