To protect our applicants, agents, and contractors, Virginia Housing has decided to suspend the application process for our Rental Unit Accessibility Program and Granting Freedom Program to reduce the risk of community-spread COVID-19. We are continuing to monitor the situation. Once the safety of all parties can be ensured and we return to our regular routine, Virginia Housing will re-open the program for eligible applicants.

Grants Up to $6,000 for Accessibility Modifications in Rental Homes

VHDA offers accessibility grants to eligible people with disabilities who are renting their homes. The money can be used to install ramps, grab bars and other modifications to make your home easier to navigate. It’s not a loan, so no repayment is ever needed. Scroll down for information or to apply.

Accessible Rental Housing

We recognize the need for affordable, accessible housing options that promote independence and dignity for people with disabilities. Use the links below to find information and resources that can help make it possible for disabled individuals to live successfully in the community of their choice.

If you’re a veteran with a service-related disability, you may qualify for VHDA’s Granting Freedom program. For information, please visit vhda.com/GrantingFreedom.

Accessibility Grants

Improve Daily Living for People with Disabilities
Each of us is born with a desire for independence. When physical and sensory disabilities threaten that independence, improved accessibility is one key to restoring it. However, improving accessibility - especially in rental housing - is often easier said than done. Landlords are required by fair housing laws to permit modifications to an apartment to make it barrier-free. However, tenants usually bear the cost of these modifications which can be substantial. Fortunately, help is available in the form of accessibility grants administered through VHDA and our Rental Unit Accessibility Modification (RUAM) program.

Who is Eligible?

 A grant of up to $6,000 per rental unit is available to tenants with disabilities who earn 80% or less of the area median income (AMI).

Application Process
All applications must be made through accepted agents. 

Below are the Handbook, Application and program documents required for this grant.

RUAM Handbook

RUAM Application Package

   What You Should Know Before You Hire A Contactor

   Department of Justice and HUD reasonable modifications

More Information

Access Virginia is an online housing registry that helps Virginians with disabilities find accessible, affordable apartments and learn about accessibility requirements. 

Granting Freedom
This VHDA grant pays for modifications to make living spaces more accessible for military veterans who sustained injury during service.

Need Help Finding a Contractor

The Virginia Board for People with Disabilities
Serves as Virginia’s Developmental Disabilities Planning Council for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

The Virginia Association of Centers for Independent Living
A statewide association of Centers for Independent Living (CILs) that advocates for the integration and inclusion of people with disabilities into all aspects of society.

Virginia Centers for Independent Living 
Centers for Independent Living (CILs) provide services and advocacy to promote the leadership, independence, and productivity of people with disabilities. CILs work with both individuals, as well as the local communities, to remove barriers to independence and ensuring equality of persons with disabilities. Select an Area on the map to view the designated CIL for that area.