Renting in the City of Portsmouth, Virginia: fair rents and Section 8

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $1,667; a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027; 7% less than in Virginia
Typical rent: $1,300; a month, Census, Average 2020–2024; 18% less than in Virginia
Wage needed: $32.06; an hour, 2 bedrooms; Or $66,680 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households: 60%; spend 30% or more of income on rent; 23% more than in Virginia

Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site) Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (external site)

Only here

Renting in the City of Portsmouth: what sets it apart

What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.

The City of Portsmouth has the lowest typical rent in its area: $1,300, less than any of its 6 neighboring places; next is the City of Norfolk ($1,321).
At 60%, the City of Portsmouth ranks 6th among the 128 places in Virginia with this figure for the largest share of rent-burdened renters.

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 Portsmouth. 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 Portsmouth was $1,642 a month in September 2026: 5.6% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data

Fair market rent and wage needed To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).

Fair market rent and wage needed. To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).
Size	Fair rent per month	Hourly wage	Income needed per year
Studio	$1,470	$28.27	$58,800
1 bedroom	$1,488	$28.62	$59,520
2 bedrooms	$1,667	$32.06	$66,680
3 bedrooms	$2,298	$44.19	$91,920
4 bedrooms	$2,710	$52.12	$108,400

HUD area: Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027

By ZIP code

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 7 ZIP codes in the City of Portsmouth (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,320 in 23707 to $1,590 in 23708. No ZIP code is above the county's fair market rent ($1,667).

Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)

Fair market rent by ZIP code and size, Fiscal year 2027. HUD area: Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC.

23701	$1,340	$1,360	$1,520	$2,100	$2,470
23702	$1,260	$1,280	$1,430	$1,970	$2,320
23703	$1,400	$1,420	$1,590	$2,190	$2,580
23704	$1,380	$1,390	$1,560	$2,150	$2,540
23707	$1,160	$1,180	$1,320	$1,820	$2,150
23708	$1,410	$1,420	$1,590	$2,200	$2,590
23709	$1,340	$1,360	$1,520	$2,100	$2,480

ZIP code 2 bd3 bd
23701 $1,520$2,100
23702 $1,430$1,970
23703 $1,590$2,190
23704 $1,560$2,150
23707 $1,320$1,820
23708 $1,590$2,200
23709 $1,520$2,100

Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)

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 Portsmouth, 60% 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.

60%

of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.

16,944 households rent in the City of Portsmouth

Spend half or more of their income 29%
Spend 30% or more, but less than half 31%
Spend less than 30% 40%

Compared with the state and the country

Portsmouth 60%
Virginia 49%
United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in the City of Portsmouth

HUD lists 41 properties with homes for low-income households in the City of Portsmouth: 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): 28
HUD-assisted: 9
public housing: 6

4,215 homes in all; 4,193 of them low-income, according to HUD.

London Oaks Tax credit (LIHTC) 2680 High St, Portsmouth 23707 296 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · 2 bd: 144 · 3 bd: 74 · 4 bd: 30 · In service since 2012 · For families
London Oaks HUD-assisted 1126 Virginia Ave, Portsmouth 23707 296 homes, 295 low-income · For families · (757) 399-6347
Swanson Homes Public housing 47 Merrimac Dr, Portsmouth 23704 210 homes, 209 low-income · Run by Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority · (757) 399-5261
Stone Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 6200 Hightower Rd, Portsmouth 23703 207 low-income homes · 1 bd: 39 · 2 bd: 100 · 3 bd: 68 · In service since 2001 · For families
Whispering Oaks Tax credit (LIHTC) 2507 Oakleaf Pl, Portsmouth 23707 180 low-income homes · In service since 2005 · For families
Effingham Plaza Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 715 Madison St, Portsmouth 23704 178 homes, 177 low-income · In service since 2010 · For older adults · (757) 393-4757
Mallard Cove Tax credit (LIHTC) 840 Lancer Dr, Portsmouth 23701 160 low-income homes · 2 bd: 80 · 3 bd: 80 · In service since 2002 · For families
Crescent Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 2804 Turnpike Rd, Portsmouth 23707 156 low-income homes · In service since 2008 · For families
Independence Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 5120 George Washington Hwy, Portsmouth 23702 152 low-income homes · 1 bd: 33 · 2 bd: 106 · 3 bd: 13 · In service since 2006 · For families
Dale Homes Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 2300 Columbus Ave, Portsmouth 23704 150 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 72 · 3 bd: 46 · In service since 2018 · For older adults
Dale Homes - Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 2300 Columbus Ave, Portsmouth 23704 146 low-income homes · 1 bd: 38 · 2 bd: 70 · 3 bd: 30 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2017 · For families
Southside Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 607 Jefferson St, Portsmouth 23704 134 low-income homes · 2 bd: 68 · 3 bd: 50 · 4 bd: 16 · In service since 2012 · For families
Southside Gardens HUD-assisted 707 7th St, Portsmouth 23704 134 low-income homes · For families · (757) 399-0271
Phoebus Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 602 Phoebus St, Portsmouth 23704 122 low-income homes · In service since 2011 · For older adults
Seaboard Square I Tax credit (LIHTC) 217 Wilson Dr, Portsmouth 23707 121 low-income homes · In service since 2012 · For families
Seaboard Square I Public housing 117 Corprew Dr, Portsmouth 23707 121 low-income homes · Run by Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority · Average payment: $496 a month · Average wait: 65 months · (757) 399-5261
Belle Hall Tax credit (LIHTC) 127 Cheyenne Trl, Portsmouth 23701 120 low-income homes · In service since 2009 · For families
Victory Square Seniors Tax credit (LIHTC) 900 County St, Portsmouth 23704 112 low-income homes · In service since 2005 · For older adults
Victory Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 2304 Victory Blvd, Portsmouth 23702 112 homes, 111 low-income · 2 bd: 84 · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 1998 · For families
Seaboard Square II Public housing 2905 Berkley Ave, Portsmouth 23707 100 low-income homes · Run by Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority · Average payment: $535 a month · Average wait: 59 months · (757) 399-5261
Arbour Reach Tax credit (LIHTC) 3602 Tejo Ln, Portsmouth 23703 92 low-income homes · 2 bd: 92 · In service since 1998 · For families
Mount Hermon Elderly HUD-assisted 2400 Cutherell St, Portsmouth 23707 90 low-income homes · For older adults · (757) 399-4406
Hamilton Place Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 3401 Turnpike Rd, Portsmouth 23707 84 low-income homes · In service since 2011 · For families
Hamilton Place Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 3401 Turnpike Rd, Portsmouth 23707 84 low-income homes · In service since 2013 · For families
Ansell Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 303 Ansell Ave, Portsmouth 23702 79 homes, 78 low-income · In service since 2005 · For families
South Bay Tax credit (LIHTC) 1600 South St, Portsmouth 23704 61 homes, 60 low-income · In service since 2011 · For families
Holley Square at Westbury Public housing 1313 County St, Portsmouth 23704 59 low-income homes · Run by Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority · Average payment: $626 a month · Average wait: 109 months · Homes at several sites · (757) 399-5261
Westbury 3a Tax credit (LIHTC) 1325 County St, Portsmouth 23704 59 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 21 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2006 · For families
Pine Street Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 711 Bismarck Myrick St, Portsmouth 23704 58 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2002 · For families
Westbury Public housing 700A Crabapple St, Portsmouth 23704 58 low-income homes · Run by Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority · Average payment: $500 a month · Average wait: 103 months · (757) 399-5261
King Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 606 Phoebus St, Portsmouth 23704 57 low-income homes · In service since 2008 · For families
Malvern Hills Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 426 King St, Portsmouth 23704 55 low-income homes · 1 bd: 55 · In service since 2015 · For older adults · (757) 393-0905
Hope Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 611 6th St, Portsmouth 23704 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2015 · For families
Commons at Greenwood Tax credit (LIHTC) 205 Bedford Ct, Portsmouth 23701 52 homes, 36 low-income · 2 bd: 36 · In service since 1995 · For older adults
Shea Terrace Senior Tax credit (LIHTC) 253 Constitution Ave, Portsmouth 23704 21 low-income homes · 1 bd: 17 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
Westbury Cottages Tax credit (LIHTC) Goodwin + South Street, Portsmouth 23704 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · In service since 2015 · For families
Westbury Cottages Public housing 1105 Richmond Ave, Portsmouth 23704 16 low-income homes · Run by Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority · Average payment: $387 a month · (757) 399-5261
Peake Lane Group Home HUD-assisted 5100 Peake Ln, Portsmouth 23703 5 low-income homes · For older adults · (757) 638-4646
Ross Court Group Home HUD-assisted 6 Ross Ct, Portsmouth 23701 5 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (757) 468-7000
Southampton Arch Group Home HUD-assisted 4603 Southampton Arch, Portsmouth 23703 5 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (757) 483-1158
Woodland Street HUD-assisted 12 Woodland St, Portsmouth 23702 4 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (757) 468-7000

2 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map

How to apply

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. Source: HUD
You apply for public housing at the housing agency that runs it. The agency looks at your yearly income, whether you are a family, an older adult or a person with a disability, and your U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. If you qualify, your name goes on a waiting list unless they can help you right away. Source: HUD
In tax-credit (LIHTC) apartments, the low-income homes have an income limit, a percentage of the area median income, and a rent cap. Source: 26 U.S.C. §42(g)
In buildings with Section 8 project-based assistance, only low-income households can move in. Source: 24 CFR §5.653(b)
A housing voucher (Section 8) is a separate kind of help: you apply at the public housing agency and use it to rent a home you choose. Source: HUD

This county's income limits Search HUD's map

In public housing, the average payment is what households pay on average for rent and utilities, and the average wait is the time on the list of those who moved in. HUD does not publish those figures where fewer than 11 households reported.

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 Portsmouth

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 Portsmouth. Here is what the rules say:

The rules, with their source

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
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)
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)
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)
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
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)

Mixed-status families: how assistance is figured

HUD income limits Yearly income of the whole family, before taxes.

HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC HUD Metro FMR Area.
People	Extremely low (30%)	Very low (50%)	Low
1 person	$22,650	$37,700	$60,350
2 people	$25,850	$43,100	$68,950
3 people	$29,100	$48,500	$77,550
4 people	$33,000	$53,850	$86,150
5 people	$38,680	$58,200	$93,050
6 people	$44,360	$62,500	$99,950
7 people	$50,040	$66,800	$106,850
8 people	$55,720	$71,100	$113,750

Area median income: $107,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

Studio $1,323 – $1,617
1 bedroom $1,339 – $1,637
2 bedrooms $1,500 – $1,834
3 bedrooms $2,068 – $2,528
4 bedrooms $2,439 – $2,981

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

Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 2,719 vouchers · 563 public housing units (757) 399-5261 Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority: awinston@prha.org

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 rule

Compare 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 Portsmouth

This HUD-approved agency has an office in the City of Portsmouth. They counsel for free or at low cost.

VH
Virginia Housing and Community Development Corp

719 High St, Portsmouth
- Pre-purchase counseling
- Homebuyer education workshops
- and 2 more
(866) 931-5760

See every agency in Virginia Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Tool

How much cash do you need to move in?

It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in the City of Portsmouth. 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

Open the full tool

Your move

State

We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.

Monthly rentHUD fair market rent$HUD two-bedroom fair market rent (FMR) in the City of Portsmouth (FY2027). Enter the rent of the home you want.What you can set aside each month$To see how long it takes to put it together.

Adjust advanced details

Deposit and rent in advance

The deposit, in

Months of rentDollars

Months of rent for the depositThat is $1,667. We start with an example; enter what you are asked for.Pay the first month before moving inThey also ask for the last month

Application fees$What each application charges, for all the ones you'll fill out.Utility deposits and connection$Electricity, gas, water and internet. Ask each company.The move$Planning example, not a price: $100 to $400 to rent a truck for a day for a move within your city. Get quotes.Pet deposit$Other costs$Boxes, locks, basic furniture.

Let's do the math

Cash to move in

$3,334

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month: $1,667
Security deposit: $1,667
Total: $3,334

The deposit cap

Pick your state to see whether its law caps the deposit.

Compare each state's rules →

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.

Guide: the security deposit Guide: avoiding rental scams Family budget How much rent can I afford?

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.

Guides

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in the City of Portsmouth?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,470; 1 bedroom: $1,488; 2 bedrooms: $1,667; 3 bedrooms: $2,298; 4 bedrooms: $2,710. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

How much do you need to earn to rent in the City of Portsmouth?

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,667) without spending more than 30% of income takes $32.06 an hour full time, or $66,680 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in the City of Portsmouth?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $53,850 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 Portsmouth?

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 $1,500 and $1,834 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in the City of Portsmouth?

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,320 in 23707 to $1,590 in 23708. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.

How many low-income apartments are there in the City of Portsmouth?

HUD lists 41 properties with homes for low-income households in the City of Portsmouth: 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 Portsmouth?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In the City of Portsmouth, 60% of renter households are in that position; in Virginia, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).

Sources and methodology

Fair market rents and income limits come from HUD; typical rent and the burden, from the Census. The wage needed is our calculation: fair market rent × 12 ÷ 30% ÷ full-time hours a year. The voucher rules were read in their official text on the date shown.

Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Small Area Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Low-income apartments Retrieved November 6, 2026
American Community Survey Average 2020–2024
Income Limits Fiscal year 2026
Public Housing Agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026

Program rules

24 CFR §888.113, Fair market rents for existing housing: Methodology Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.503, Payment standard areas, schedule, and amounts Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §5.603, Definitions (income) Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.201, Eligibility and targeting Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.1, Programs: purpose and structure Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.508, Maximum family share at initial occupancy Verified October 30, 2026
HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants Verified October 30, 2026

Renting in the City of Portsmouth , Virginia

Four numbers to start with

Renting in the City of Portsmouth: what sets it apart

What HUD sets for each size

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

How many households spend too much

Compared with the state and the country

Low-income apartments in the City of Portsmouth

The Section 8 voucher in the City of Portsmouth

The rules, with their source

Possible payment standard

Housing agencies that serve this place

Your rights as a tenant in Virginia

Where to get help with rent in the City of Portsmouth

How much cash do you need to move in?

Your move

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in the City of Portsmouth?

How much do you need to earn to rent in the City of Portsmouth?

Who qualifies for Section 8 in the City of Portsmouth?

How much does Section 8 pay in the City of Portsmouth?

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in the City of Portsmouth?

How many low-income apartments are there in the City of Portsmouth?

How many households spend too much on rent in the City of Portsmouth?