What number am I on the list?
We do not give out numerical placement on the wait list because it is subject to change. However, we are able to tell you whether or not your name is still on the list. You must inform us in writing of any changes, particularly your mailing address so that we may contact you when your name comes up on the waiting list.  If we do not have a current address on file, we will be unable to contact you and we will remove your name from the waiting list for failure to respond.  Please help us help you by maintaining current information on file.

What laws protect my rights and responsibilities as a tenant or landlord?

The Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA) outlines the rights and responsibilities for both the Landlord and Tenant.  You may download a copy of the updated VRLTA by visiting the Office of Housing FORMS CENTER.

What do I do if my landlord will not fix a maintenance problem that I have reported to her/him?

The best way to deal with any complaint or issue with your landlord is to send her/him a written, dated and signed statement of the problem.  Remember to keep a copy for your records.  You should refer to your copy of your rental lease to familiarize yourself with maintenance responsibilities as outlined by the landlord.  Also, you should ALWAYS have a copy of the Virginia Residential Landlord/Tenant Act which outlines how to notify landlords and how long they are given to respond and correct maintenance issues.  If the landlord is unresponsive, you may contact the Charlottesville/Albemarle Legal Aid Society (CALAS) at (434) 977-0553.

What if a landlord has refused to rent a place to me because I have children?  Can he/she do that?  What can I do about it?

The Virginia Fair Housing Law prohibits discrimination in housing because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, elderliness, familial status or handicap.  Familial status means families in which one or more children under age 18 live with a parent, a legal guardian, or the designee of the parent or legal guardian with his/her written permission.  Familial status also includes pregnant women and anyone in the process of securing legal custody of a child.  Hence, a landlord cannot refuse to rent to you just because you have children.  The landlord can, however, refuse to approve your application for reasons of poor tenant history possibly due to the past behavior of your children.  The only communities legally allowed to discriminate on the basis of age are 55+ communities and there are restrictions.

If you believe you have been the victim of discrimination, first, write it down.  Record what happened with times, places, dates, names of those involved, and sequence of events.  You may contact the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-8530.

The Legal Aid Justice Center may also be able to help, by providing free legal advice to people who qualify.  They can be reached  at (434) 977-0553.

You may download a copy of the Virginia Residential Landlord/Tenant Act on the Albemarle County Office of Housing FORMS CENTER.

I am a property owner and am considering participating in the Housing Choice Voucher Program Rental Assistance Program.   Where can I get more information?

We would be happy to explain to you how the program works, as well as to answer any questions that you may have.  Our HQS Inspector, Clifford Hammill, is available to discuss the program with prospective landlords.  As Mr. Hammill is frequently in the field conducting housing inspections, please leave him a message at (434) 296-5839 and he will return your phone call as soon as possible.

What is the Family Self-Sufficiency Program?

Family Self-Sufficiency is a program designed to promote career development, economic self-sufficiency and to increase savings among families receiving rental assistance under the County's Housing Choice Voucher Programs.  There are two main features to FSS: an escrow account and case management.  A detailed summary of the program and its advantages for the Housing Choice Voucher Program participants can be found at http://www.cbpp.org/5-5-99hous.htm.  For further information, please contact an FSS Coordinator, Janice Carey-Johnson or Lyn Lang at (434) 296-5839.

I would like to find out about buying a house.  Where do I start?

The Office of Housing currently sponsors three HOMEBUYER's Clubs to help members prepare to purchase and own a home.  Monthly meetings are provided free to MEMBERS ONLY and follow a proven year-long curriculum, and are designed to enable individuals obtain detailed information about virtually every aspect of the homebuying process--from credit and budgeting, to financing and closing--in a friendly, supportive group setting.   For more information, please call Paul Harper at (434) 296-5842.

I am low-income and want to know how large a mortgage I can qualify for?

Mortgages are determined by looking at the gross monthly income (the income before taxes), the debt ratio (amount of debt you have), credit and other underwriting factors.  As a result, there may be two households that earn $35,000 a year but will qualify for two entirely different mortgage amounts due to different financial circumstances.  By working with the HOMEBUYER'S Club, you will have the opportunity to work with our Comprehensive Housing Counselor to identify your family's particular issues and will work to create a plan to maximize your mortgage potential.

The County of Albemarle Office of Housing provides all program services without regards to Race, Color, Sex, Religion, Creed, National or Ethnic Origin, Age, Familial Status, Handicap or Disability. The County of Albemarle Office Of Housing Is Accessible To Persons With Disabilities. Accessibility for the Hearing-Impaired Is Provided By Calling the Virginia Relay Center by Dialing 711.