Where do I sign up for the VHDA First Time Home Buyer classes?

You can sign up through VHDA at their website. The Authority sponsors classes locally. You can see the schedule by clicking here. These classes have limited seating, to register please contact Ms. Alita Thomas, Homeownership Coordinator. Her phone number is (757) 391-2932 and her email is athomas@prha.org.

Once a Section 8 housing unit has passed inspection, when can the tenant move in?

The case manager will notify the tenant and landlord once occupancy has been approved. For additional information for Section 8 Landlords, please click here.

Does the Authority sell houses?

The Authority sells houses in Westbury and in other areas of the City. To see houses that are currently available, please click here.

Can I receive a grant to rehabilitate my home?

The Authority has available the HOME Rehabilitation Loan Program and the HOMECARE Loan Program. These programs provide loans for home repairs to families of modest means. Special assistance is given to elderly or disabled homeowners. For more information, please contact Ms. Alita Thomas, Homeownership Coordinator. Her telephone number is (757) 391-2932 and her email is athomas@prha.org.

How do I receive help if I think I’ve been discriminated against in housing?

Please see the information available in our Fair Housing section for immediate information. You can also contact the Authority at (757) 399-5261 or TDD at (800) 545-1833, ext. 869.

Who do I call if I have a question about or a problem with my landlord?

The Landlord Tenant Handbook is available for free download here. For additional questions or concerns, you can also contact the Authority at (757) 399-5261 or TDD at (800) 545-1833, ext. 869.

Can the Authority help if I need a job or want to further my education?

Yes! The Authority’s Family Self Sufficiency program is available to help with education, job training and can even help with child care and transportation. This service is available for any resident of our Publci Housing or Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) programs.

What lots does the Authority have available?

The lots that are available for redevelopment will usually be sold through a Request for Proposals process. Please review any Request for Proposals and submit your Proposal. The Authority does accept unsolicited Proposals, but please be aware that most of the Authority’s vacant lots are reserved for a purpose. If there are lots currently available, they will be listed at Available Lots.

The Authority owns land, how do I find out if I can buy it?

The Authority will list all Homes for Sale on this website, to see these please click here. Property available for redevelopment through new construction or renovation is usually sold through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process. Please review any Request for Proposals and submit your Proposal, based on the requirements listed in the RFP. The Authority does accept unsolicited Proposals, but please be aware that most of the Authority’s vacant lots are reserved for a purpose.

I have property that I want to sell; will the Authority purchase it from me?

The Authority will look at any property you wish to offer for sale. The decision to purchase rests on a variety of factors. For more information, please contact Mrs. Erika Maciula, Real Estate Assistant. Her phone number is (757) 391-2910 and her email is emaciula@prha.org.

How does a business place its name on the list to be contacted when Requests for Proposals and Invitations for Bid for goods and services are released?

Please send a letter of interest to:
Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority
Purchasing Department
P.O. Box 1098
Portsmouth, VA 23705

How does a business bid for Authority jobs?

The Authority advertises in the legal notices section of the Sunday issue of the Virginian Pilot and here on our website. If you see a job of interest to you, please pick up a package from the location listed in the advertisement and submit a bid or proposal.

Is there money available for investors, businesses or non-profits to expand or open in Portsmouth?

Through its Commercial Facade Improvement Loan Program, the Authority makes secured loans available to qualified Downtown Portsmouth businesses for exterior renovations to commercial or mixed-use buildings. The interest rate is Prime minus 2.0%, and the loan term is 10 years.

The City of Portsmouth has a number of Incentive Zones in the City of Portsmouth. For more information regarding available incentives, please visit the City of Portsmouth Department of Economic Development. Currently, the Authority does not have grant or loan monies available to investors, businesses or non-profits.

Are there loans available to finance new construction or rehabilitation?

There are loans available to rehabilitate homes through the HOME Loan Program. There are not currently loans available to finance new construction. The Authority only has monies to assist with residential, owner-occupied renovations. For businesses, please see the previous question.