Looking for a Place to Live?

Critical Questions
When looking for a place to live two immediate questions come to mind:
  • What type of housing do I need?
  • How do I search for that type of housing?
Housing Types
There are a variety of housing types out there, each appropriate to individuals with specific needs and circumstances.
  • Housing can be temporary,  as in a homeless shelter for someone who has no other place to stay.
  • Housing can be short-term, as in transitional housing that, for a limited term, helps the formerly homeless gain life skills and become ready for independence.  
  • Independent
  • housing can be rental or homeownership opportunities.
  • Housing may be subsidized (permanently or temporarily) or unsubsidized.
  • Housing may be in facilities developed for specific populations, e.g. elderly and disabled.
Conducting a Housing Search
There are also a variety of guidelines to keep in mind as you go about conducting a housing search. These include: 
  • Determining your needs and preferences
  • Understanding how much you can afford
  • Understanding your rights and responsibilities
Virginia Housing Development Authority
The Virginia Housing Development Authority has sponsored a website to assist people who are looking for housing and/or rental properties.  VirginiaHousingSearch.com is a housing locator service that provides detailed information about rental properties and helps people find housing to best fit their needs.

This fast, easy-to-use FREE search lets people look for rental housing using a wide variety of criteria and special mapping features. Housing listings display detailed information about each unit. The service also provides links to housing resources and helpful tools for renters such as an affordability calculator, rental checklist, and information about renter rights and responsibilities.

Virginia Housing Development Authority