Eviction Prevention

The Department of Neighborhood Services is leading the city’s efforts to prevent evictions. The Eviction Prevention Center provides financial assistance and other resources to eligible Norfolk renters who are facing evictions due to unforeseen hardships. This is not a long-term rental assistance program and assistance is only available once within a 12-month period.

The Norfolk Eviction Prevention Center program does not provide emergency assistance. Therefore, if your landlord has obtained possession of the property, or you have received a 72-hour notice, you should refer to the available resources section below.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

The on-line portal is now open to accept applications.

All assistance is subject to change based on availability of funding and other factors as determined by the City of Norfolk.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

Eligibility Requirements

Have not received a 72-hour notice or your landlord has not taken possession of the property.
Must live in rental property located In Norfolk.
Current rental ledger must be submitted within 3 business days of your application submission.
A current ledger must be submitted within 3 business days of your application submission. The ledger must include the tenant or tenants name, name of the person or entity to whom you make your rental payment, rental address and a running balance of rental charges and payments made on your account. Click here for an example of a rental ledger.
Past due rental balance must be a minimum of $100 and cannot exceed $5,000. However, the maximum amount of assistance is up to $3,250 per household.
Have the ability to make partial rent arrears payments and continue to pay ongoing rent.
Not exceed gross household income of 80% area median income. Click here for the most recent low-to-moderate income limit chart.
Landlord must be willing to participate in the program.
Have not received assistance from the Eviction Prevention Center within the last 12 months.

Before you begin

Gather household income from all sources who are listed on the lease and adults 18 years of age and over that contribute to household rent. Example: paystubs, social security, disability, and other benefit letters, etc.,
Utility bills (electric, water gas).
Gather your landlord’s name, email, and contact number.
Request a current rental ledger* from your landlord and/or leasing agent. This information is required to complete your application and should be emailed to evictionprevention@norfolk.gov within 3 business days of your on-line application submission. This is a very important step in the process and your application will be closed if you do not meet the 3-day deadline.

*The rental ledger is a report that shows in detail rental payments made to your landlord.

If you meet the requirements above, click the link below:

City of Norfolk Residents Apply Here

If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the application, due to a disability, please call 757.664.6363.

Additional Resources

Housing

Regional Housing Crisis Hotline Contact them for assistance with housing matters, including rental assistance. The number to call is 757-587-4202.

Utilities

Dominion Virginia Energy Work with them directly for payment plans to avoid disconnects; website has additional links for potential assistance programs when available.

Virginia Natural Gas Direct assistance program has currently closed but contact them for payment arrangement options.

Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) Contact them for assistance with paying your water bill. The number to call is 888-373-9908.

Hampton Roads Sanitation District No current direct relief programs, contact to address arrears.

Cooling Assistance – Through Virginia DSS June 15-Aug 15. Cooling, Utility Bills, and Equipment. Must have in household an individual 60 years or older, person with disability, or child under age 6.

Salvation Army Hampton Roads H20 Water Assistance and EnergyShare (under "what we do") is the Norfolk agency providing access to EnergyShare.

Workforce Development Opportunities

NorfolkWorks Job Resource Center - Assistance is available for professional résumé writing, job leads for local employers, online application assistance, career assessments and career exploration, searches for jobs and training, access to job banks and other listings of available jobs, connections to workforce partners, events, and employment opportunities.

The Hampton Roads Workforce Development Council (HRWDC) - The Hampton Roads Workforce Council provides strategic workforce development solutions designed to assist businesses in accessing qualified workers and job seekers in search of suitable job openings and training opportunities to bolster their earning potential. Click here to contact the HRWDC.

Financial Literacy

Bank On Hampton Roads - is a partnership of participating banks, credit unions and community organizations across Hampton Roads designed to help you take control of your finances. Bank On offers free financial literacy courses and matched savings program.

Other Assistance

Urban League of Hampton Roads (ULHR) Childcare Assistance. Courtesy of Dollar Tree, ULHR will provide funding support for community members who are in need of financial assistance to pay for their child’s Day Care fees. For more information call ULHR at 757-966-9613.

CommonHelp is for other assistance programs, including food stamps, TANF, and more:

2-1-1 Virginia provides statewide information on assistance programs. Call 2-1-1 from any phone, OR Text to connect 247211.

Resources757 provides information on a wide variety of resources available. This is a regional resource page so be sure to check if the resource you find serves Norfolk residents.