Rent Assistance in Virginia

Last checked: November 2026. Benefits Explorer is a directory. We do not provide rent money or decide who gets help, and each program makes its own decisions.

Virginia channels its state housing crisis money through the Virginia Homeless Solutions Program, which funds targeted prevention and rapid re-housing in each community. You reach it through your community's primary crisis number in DHCD's Crisis Assistance Directory, not through a state application.

Northern Virginia's picture changed recently. Fairfax County's Emergency Rental Assistance Bridge Program concluded on October 12, 2026, leaving Coordinated Services Planning as the county's referral point. Arlington still describes emergency financial help paid directly to the rental property.

Virginia tenants also have a right of redemption in unpaid-rent cases, and it extends past the court date, so it pays to know your exact deadline.

Where to Start in Virginia

Virginia Homeless Solutions Program (DHCD)

State program funding local crisis response systems, including targeted prevention and rapid re-housing. Use DHCD's Crisis Assistance Directory or map, linked on this page, to find your community's primary contact number. Local rules and funds vary. The phone number here is DHCD's main line.

Visit website · Phone: 804-371-7000 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

211 Virginia

Free, confidential referrals with a searchable resource directory. Dial 2-1-1 or text CONNECT to 247211. Live help runs Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

Visit website · Phone: 2-1-1 · Accepting applications when last checked

Virginia Poverty Law Center Eviction Helpline

Statewide helpline for eviction questions, listed by Arlington County. VPLC also runs the Eviction Defense Center website with general information and tools.

Visit website · Phone: 833-663-8428 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Virginia Housing renter programs

The state housing finance agency runs the Housing Choice Voucher program and renter education on money management and rights. Its renter page does not describe emergency rent help.

Visit website · Phone: 877-843-2123 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Local Rent Help in Virginia

Arlington Emergency Financial Assistance (Arlington County)

The county Department of Human Services helps with rent and expenses, paying the rental property once eligibility is confirmed. After you call, a case worker contacts you within 5-7 business days for an assessment, then a committee reviews your documents. The Housing Information Center is 703-228-3765.

Visit website · Phone: 703-228-1300 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (Fairfax County)

The county's referral line for residents who need rent help, now that its bridge program has ended. Staff can explore other resources with you. Weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Visit website · Phone: 703-222-0880 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Greater Richmond Housing Resource Line (Richmond region)

Homeward directs people who are more than 3 days from losing housing to this line. If you are within 3 days, Homeward says to call the Homeless Connection Line at 804-972-0813.

Visit website · Phone: 804-422-5061 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Facing Eviction in Virginia?

A Virginia landlord must give written notice, and the period depends on the reason, then file in General District Court. Missing the court date means losing automatically. In unpaid-rent cases, paying everything owed including fees and costs by the court date should lead to dismissal. The losing side has 10 days to appeal. The sheriff must give at least 72 hours' written notice, and tenants may still pay what they owe until 48 hours before the scheduled eviction. Read the official guidance

Free or low-cost legal help: Virginia Law Help (Virginia Poverty Law Center). Statewide legal information site whose phone line connects you with your local legal aid office for possible free help. In Northern Virginia, Arlington County also lists Legal Services of Northern Virginia at 703-778-6800. Visit website · Phone: 866-534-5243

This page is general information, not legal advice. Don't ignore a notice or court papers, because eviction deadlines can be short.

Virginia Programs That Have Closed

You may still see these programs online. Check before you spend time on an application.

  • Fairfax County Emergency Rental Assistance Bridge Program (ERA-BP 4.0): Fairfax County says this program concluded as of October 12, 2026 and is no longer accepting applications.

More Help in Virginia

Want other options? See our full rent assistance guide, including how to spot a scam, or see your options. That form is not an application for rent assistance. If you submit it, Benefits Explorer and its partners may contact you.

Virginia Rent Assistance Questions

Is Fairfax County's rental assistance still open?

No. The county says ERA-BP 4.0 concluded on October 12, 2026 and it is not taking applications. Call Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880 to explore other resources.

Can I still pay rent to stop an eviction in Virginia?

In unpaid-rent cases, Virginia Law Help describes paying everything owed by the court date, and an extended right to pay until 48 hours before the scheduled eviction. Confirm the amount with your landlord and pay by cashier's check, certified check or money order.

How long does Arlington's emergency help take?

The county says a case worker contacts you within 5-7 business days of your call. After the assessment, a committee reviews documents, and any approved payment goes to the rental property.

Rent Assistance in Nearby States

Most programs only help people who live in their state. If you are moving or live near a state line, you can also check:

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