Housing Resources
Access to safe, stable housing is an important part of a strong community. The City of Buena Vista works with regional, state, and nonprofit partners to connect residents, renters, homeowners, and property owners with helpful housing programs and information.
Whether you are looking for housing or seeking resources related to the home you already have, the information below can help guide you to available programs and assistance.
In the Housing Market
These resources are helpful for individuals and families who are currently searching for housing in Buena Vista, whether renting or purchasing a home.
Looking for a Rental
If you are searching for a rental home or apartment, the following resources may help you locate available housing, understand tenant rights, and explore rental assistance programs.
- Virginia Housing Renter Resources – Information about finding apartments, tenant rights & responsibilities, Housing Choice Voucher program, and housing counselors.
- Virginia Fair Housing Office | Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
- Virginia Housing Rental Unit Accessibility Modification (RUAM) Grants – Tenants may apply for up to $8,000 worth of accessibility improvements to a rental unit, such as ramps, door widening, walk-in showers and grab bars, etc.
- Residential Land Use Regulations
- Residential Rental Inspection Program
Buying a Home
If you are planning to purchase a home, these resources provide guidance on the homebuying process, financial assistance programs, and tools that can help make homeownership more accessible.
- Downpaymentresource.com – Online database of homebuyer assistance programs.
- Virginia Housing – New homebuyer resources.
- Resources for Homebuyers & Homeowners
Housing Resources & Support
These resources are designed for residents who already have housing but may be looking for support programs, information, or guidance related to their home.
Resources for Homeowners
If you own and occupy a home in Buena Vista, or if you’re looking to join us as a homeowner and resident, you may find the following resources helpful.
- Utility bill assistance – Program through the Virginia Department of Social Services for emergency assistance with heating or cooling utility bills
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) – Provides whole-house weatherization/energy efficiency upgrades up to $8,000. The program is administered locally by Total Action for Progress (TAP); see website for details.
- USDA Rural Development Section 504 Single-Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants – Provides loan of up to $40,000 (or grants to those over 62 years) for home repair and maintenance projects.
- SERCAP Programs for Homeowners – Multiple programs to provide free or low-cost services for home repair.
- Rockbridge Area Habitat for Humanity – Home repairs for low-income persons and new home construction.
Resources for Landlords
If you own or manage rental property in Buena Vista, you may find the following resources helpful.
- Buena Vista Guide to Residential Land Use Regulations
- Virginia Housing Renter Resources – Information about landlord/tenant rights & responsibilities and other rental resources.
- Virginia Fair Housing Office | Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
Utility & Housing Assistance
Programs that may assist residents with housing stability, energy costs, and other related needs.
- Utility bill assistance – Program through the Virginia Department of Social Services for emergency assistance with heating or cooling utility bills.
- Virginia Housing Renter Resources – Information about finding apartments, tenant rights & responsibilities, Housing Choice Voucher program, and housing counselors.
- Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) of Virginia – Resources for renters and homeowners addressing housing stability counseling, housing discrimination, and foreclosure prevention. HOME is focused on central Virginia, so not all their services are available in Buena Vista.
- Virginia Housing Rental Unit Accessibility Modification (RUAM) Grants – Tenants may apply for up to $8,000 worth of accessibility improvements to a rental unit, such as ramps, door widening, walk-in showers, and grab bars etc.
- Rockbridge Area Rental Assistance Office – Administers the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) in Buena Vista. As of December 2022, not accepting applications.
- Virginia Fair Housing Office | Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation