Virginia Housing’s QAP includes a first leasing preference to support some of Virginia’s most vulnerable individuals and families. Virginia Housing partners with approved Referring Agents to refer eligible applicants who meet the leasing preference.
Referred applicants face many barriers to being a renter, including having little to no income, criminal history and minimal or negative credit history. The Tenant Selection Plan (TSP) should include screening criteria that match the characteristics of the first leasing preference and remove as many barriers to housing as possible, including a low-threshold admission policy for specific populations increases access to housing options for the target population. Review the Virginia Housing Tenant Selection Plan best practice guidelines to ensure equitable access to units and apply reasonable tenant selection criteria.
