Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in the City of Petersburg , Virginia
The City of Petersburg has a HUD fair market rent of $1,651 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,174 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $31.75 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,651
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 8% less than in Virginia
- Typical rent
- $1,174
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 26% less than in Virginia
- Wage needed
- $31.75
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $66,040 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 51%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 5% more than in Virginia
Only here
Renting in the City of Petersburg: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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At 39%, the City of Petersburg ranks 2nd among the 133 places in Virginia for the lowest homeownership rate.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in the City of Petersburg. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in the City of Petersburg was $1,365 a month in September 2026: 4.1% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,456 | $28.00 | $58,240 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,517 | $29.17 | $60,680 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,651 | $31.75 | $66,040 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,039 | $39.21 | $81,560 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,499 | $48.06 | $99,960 |
HUD area: Richmond, VA HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In the City of Petersburg, 51% of renter households are in that position; in Virginia, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
51%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
9,292 households rent in the City of Petersburg
- Spend half or more of their income 28%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
- Spend less than 30% 49%
Compared with the state and the country
- Petersburg 51%
- Virginia 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in the City of Petersburg
HUD lists 22 properties with homes for low-income households in the City of Petersburg: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 16
- HUD-assisted
- 5
- public housing
- 3
1,564 homes in all; 1,563 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Lieutenant's Run Tax credit (LIHTC) 102 Lieutenants Run Dr, Petersburg 23805 168 low-income homes · In service since 2006 · For families
- Petersburg East I Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 110 Croatan Dr, Petersburg 23803 168 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 36 · In service since 2006 · For families · (804) 733-3657
- Pinetree Tax credit (LIHTC) 3100 Pinetree Dr, Petersburg 23803 144 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 136 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1995 · For families
- Carriage House Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 135 W Old St, Petersburg 23803 118 low-income homes · In service since 2008 · For older adults · (804) 733-6225
- Jesse Lee Tax credit (LIHTC) 401 Roberts Ave, Petersburg 23805 108 low-income homes · In service since 2009 · For families
- Gillhaven Manor HUD-assisted 500 Farmer St, Petersburg 23803 101 homes, 100 low-income · For older adults · (804) 733-2255
- Lafayette House HUD-assisted 214 S Sycamore St, Petersburg 23803 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (804) 862-1450
- Westover Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 1917 Varina Ave, Petersburg 23805 84 low-income homes · 2 bd: 84 · In service since 2001 · For families
- Cavalier Senior Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Cavalier Drive, Petersburg 23805 80 low-income homes · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 50 · In service since 2017 · For older adults
- Petersburg East II Tax credit (LIHTC) 2376 Navajo Ct, Petersburg 23803 68 low-income homes · In service since 2005 · For families
- Cavalier II Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Cavalier Dr, Petersburg 23805 66 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Pin Oaks Public housing 6 Locust Ct, Petersburg 23803 58 low-income homes · Run by Petersburg Redevelopment & Housing Authority · Average payment: $302 a month · Average wait: 45 months · (804) 733-2200
- Landmark Apartments HUD-assisted 1 Stately Ct, Petersburg 23803 53 low-income homes · For families · (804) 861-5012
- Liberty Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 3061 Pinetree Dr, Petersburg 23803 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Bolling Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 35 W Fillmore St, Petersburg 23803 47 low-income homes · 1 bd: 44 · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
- Claiborne Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 518 Halifax St, Petersburg 23803 47 low-income homes · 1 bd: 34 · 2 bd: 13 · In service since 2012 · For older adults
- Henry Williams Tax credit (LIHTC) 555 S South St, Petersburg 23803 42 low-income homes · In service since 2013 · For families
- Washington Columns Tax credit (LIHTC) 647 W Washington St, Petersburg 23803 26 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 2002 · For older adults
- Jefferson Scott Landing Tax credit (LIHTC) 32 St Marks St, Petersburg 23803 14 low-income homes · 2 bd: 14 · In service since 1993 · For families
- Wythe Row Townhouses Tax credit (LIHTC) 304 E Wythe St, Petersburg 23803 12 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2000 · For families
- Pecan Acres Public housing 1609 N Valor Dr, Petersburg 23803 11 low-income homes · Run by Petersburg Redevelopment & Housing Authority · (804) 733-2200
- Cedar Lawn Public housing Petersburg 23803 1 low-income home · Run by Petersburg Redevelopment & Housing Authority · (804) 733-2200
2 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in the City of Petersburg
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in the City of Petersburg. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
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Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
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Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
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If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
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When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
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Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $23,850 | $39,750 | $63,600 |
| 2 people | $27,250 | $45,400 | $72,650 |
| 3 people | $30,650 | $51,100 | $81,750 |
| 4 people | $34,050 | $56,750 | $90,800 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $61,300 | $98,100 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $65,850 | $105,350 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $70,400 | $112,600 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $74,950 | $119,900 |
Area median income: $113,500. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Richmond, VA HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,310 – $1,602
- 1 bedroom $1,365 – $1,669
- 2 bedrooms $1,486 – $1,816
- 3 bedrooms $1,835 – $2,243
- 4 bedrooms $2,249 – $2,749
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Petersburg Redevelopment & Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,078 vouchers · 70 public housing units (804) 733-2200
Housing agencies in Virginia Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Virginia
What Virginia law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- How much can they charge for a deposit?
- Up to 2 months of rent
- Va. Code §55.1-1226(A)
- When must they return my deposit?
- 45 days
- Va. Code §55.1-1226(A)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 14 days
- Va. Code §55.1-1245(F)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 days
- Va. Code §55.1-1253(A)
- Only a court order can remove youVa. Code §55.1-1252
- Protection from retaliationVa. Code §55.1-1258(A)
- Repair and deduct from the rentVa. Code §55.1-1244.1(C)
Help
Where to get help with rent in the City of Petersburg
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Commonwealth Catholic Charities
510 W Poythress St, Hopewell · 9 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 5 more
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QUIN RIVERS, INC DBA Thrive Virginia
211 Rocketts Way, Henrico · 22 miles away
- Budget and credit workshops
- Fair housing pre-purchase workshops
- and 3 more
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Southside Community Development and Housing
1624 Hull St, Richmond · 22 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 4 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in the City of Petersburg. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Virginia, the average home bill was $149 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$3,302
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,651
- Security deposit
- $1,651
- Total
- $3,302
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in the City of Petersburg?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,456; 1 bedroom: $1,517; 2 bedrooms: $1,651; 3 bedrooms: $2,039; 4 bedrooms: $2,499. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in the City of Petersburg?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,651) without spending more than 30% of income takes $31.75 an hour full time, or $66,040 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in the City of Petersburg?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $56,750 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in the City of Petersburg?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,486 and $1,816 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
How many low-income apartments are there in the City of Petersburg?
HUD lists 22 properties with homes for low-income households in the City of Petersburg: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in the City of Petersburg?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In the City of Petersburg, 51% of renter households are in that position; in Virginia, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).