Demand for affordable rental housing for households with low- and moderate-income is high in Fairfax County. Tens of thousands of residents are housed through Fairfax County affordable rental housing subsidy programs as well as privately owned affordable rental housing options.
The information below provides a brief overview of the Fairfax County Affordable Rental Housing Programs and Privately Owned Affordable Rental Housing Options with links to more specific program details – including eligibility requirements, application, and waitlist information.
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (formerly known as “Section 8”) is a federally funded program designed to assist families with low-income with their housing needs. Participants in the HCV program receive assistance to rent private market homes. Participants find their own apartment, condominium, townhouse or single-family homes and pay approximately 30-35% of their adjusted income towards rent and utilities. The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority pays the balance of the household rent directly to the landlord.
The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority owns more than 1,000 units of affordable rental housing which were built or acquired with the use of federal housing funds. These units – formerly known as “public housing” – include townhouses, garden apartments and condominiums located throughout the County. The program serves households with incomes of up to 50 percent of the Area Median Income, and residents pay 30 to 35 percent of their income for rent.
The Fairfax County Rental Program includes a portfolio of nearly 2,500 rental units built or acquired by the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority with funds other than federal housing funds. The program includes housing for individuals, families, seniors (see link below), and supportive housing for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities. Homes include apartments, townhomes, and condominiums located within communities across Fairfax County. Income limits, rents and other eligibility criteria may vary depending on the program to which each unit is connected.
The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority owns nine affordable independent living communities for low- and moderate-income older adults, as well as two licensed assisted living communities. All properties are available to applicants aged 62 and above. There are a few communities with units that are available to individuals ages 55 and above. Maximum limits apply and these limits may vary by property (and unit) depending on the program to which they are tied.
The Magnet Housing program provides affordable rental housing for contracted teachers and bus drivers, public safety recruits (Police, Fire and Rescue, Sheriff’s Office), and nurses and other allied health professionals at INOVA. Participants sign a two-year lease for all properties in the program. Employment with Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, or INOVA is mandatory for participation.
Fairfax County has a wide variety of “committed affordable” rental housing options where the units are not owned or operated by the county. Rents at “committed affordable” properties are guaranteed by agreement with federal, state, or local governments, to be affordable to households with low- and moderate-income for a specified period of time. Units in this category include those provided through programs like the county’s Affordable Dwelling Unit and Workforce Dwelling Unit Programs, or the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program.