North Carolina Section 8 Housing
/North Carolina faces significant housing challenges in 2025, with rising rental costs and a shortage of affordable housing options impacting thousands of families across the state. In cities like Charlotte and Raleigh, median rents have climbed above $1,500, while rural areas are not immune to affordability issues. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, fewer than 40 affordable homes exist for every 100 extremely low-income renters in North Carolina.
Section 8 is a federally funded program administered by local housing authorities, providing rental assistance to individuals and families. This guide explores how the program works in North Carolina, including eligibility requirements, application steps, and alternative housing options.
Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing in North Carolina?
To qualify for Section 8 housing in North Carolina, applicants must meet certain income and other eligibility requirements.
Income limits for Section 8 housing in North Carolina are based on the area median income (AMI) and the family size. Generally, households with incomes at or below 50% of the AMI are eligible for Section 8 housing. However, some local housing authorities may have different income limits based on the cost of living in their area. Additionally, households with incomes at or below 30% of the AMI may be given priority for assistance.
Apart from the income requirements, applicants must meet other eligibility criteria to qualify for Section 8 housing in North Carolina. Some of the eligibility requirements include:
Proof of citizenship or eligible immigration status
Clean criminal record for all adult household members
Good rental history
Compliance with the family obligations, such as attending homeownership and financial education classes (if applicable)
Meeting these eligibility criteria does not guarantee that an applicant will receive Section 8 housing assistance, as demand for rental subsidies often exceeds the available resources.
What is the Maximum Amount of Rent That Section 8 Will Pay in North Carolina?
The payment standard is the maximum amount of rent that Section 8 will pay for a rental unit. In North Carolina, the payment standard is determined based on the fair market rents (FMRs) for the area, which are established by HUD.
The payment standard is calculated by multiplying the FMR for the specific unit size by the payment standard percentage set by the local housing authority. The payment standard percentage can vary between 90% and 110% depending on the local housing market conditions.
For example, if the FMR for a two-bedroom unit in a particular area is $1,000 and the local housing authority has set the payment standard percentage at 100%, then the payment standard for that unit would be $1,000. If the payment standard percentage was 110%, then the payment standard would be $1,100.
It's important to note that the payment standard does not necessarily reflect the actual rent amount that a landlord may charge for a rental unit. If the landlord's rent is lower than the payment standard, the tenant may pay less out of pocket for rent, while if the rent is higher than the payment standard, the tenant may have to cover the difference.
Income Limits for Section 8 Housing in North Carolina
The income limits for Section 8 housing in North Carolina are based on the area median income (AMI) and the family size. The AMI is the midpoint of a region's income distribution, and it is updated annually by HUD.
The income limits for Section 8 housing are calculated as a percentage of the AMI, with lower-income households having higher percentages. In North Carolina, households with incomes at or below 50% of the AMI are generally eligible for Section 8 housing, while households with incomes at or below 30% of the AMI may receive priority for assistance.
The income limits are also adjusted based on the family size. Larger families generally have higher income limits than smaller families. For example, a family of four in North Carolina with an income of $30,000 would meet the income requirements for Section 8 housing, while a family of two with the same income would not.
The following table shows the current income limits in North Carolina.
Income limits can vary between different housing authorities in North Carolina, depending on the cost of living in their area. Additionally, income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the AMI, so it's important for applicants to check the current income limits when applying for Section 8 housing.
Fair Market Rents for Section 8 Housing in North Carolina
Fair market rents (FMRs) are the rents that HUD determines to be typical for rental units of a particular size and type in a specific area. FMRs are used to determine the payment standard for Section 8 housing in North Carolina.
HUD calculates the FMRs using several data sources, including surveys of local rents and rental market conditions. The FMRs are updated annually to reflect changes in the rental market. The following table shows the current Fair Market Rents in North Carolina.
How Do I Apply for Section 8 Housing in North Carolina?
To apply for Section 8 housing in North Carolina, applicants must first find the local housing authority that serves their area. Each housing authority has its own application process, but generally, the process involves the following steps:
Locate Your Local Housing Authority: Each area has its own housing authority managing Section 8 applications. Major agencies include:
Complete the Application: Provide accurate information about household size, income, and any special circumstances.
Submit Required Documents: Include proof of income, identification, and any additional materials requested by your local housing authority.
Await Confirmation: Once processed, eligible applicants are placed on a waiting list if immediate assistance isn’t available.
Keep in mind that the application process can vary by housing authority, and some housing authorities may have waiting lists for Section 8 housing. Applicants should check with their local housing authority for specific information about the application process and waiting times.
North Carolina Housing Authorities
The Section 8 housing program in North Carolina is administered by various local housing authorities across the state. These housing authorities receive funding from HUD and work with landlords to provide rental subsidies to eligible individuals and families.
Here is a list of some of the housing authorities in North Carolina that administer Section 8 housing programs:
| Housing Authority | Contact Information | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Asheville Housing Authority | 165 S French Broad Ave Asheville, NC 28801 828-239-3510 |
Visit Website |
| Durham Housing Authority | 330 E Main St Durham, NC 27701 919-683-1551 |
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| Greensboro Housing Authority | 450 N Church St Greensboro, NC 27401 336-275-8501 |
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| Wilmington Housing Authority | 1524 S 16th St Wilmington, NC 28401 910-341-7700 |
Visit Website |
| Asheville Housing Authority | 165 S French Broad Ave Asheville, NC 28801 828-239-3510 |
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| Charlotte Housing Authority | 1301 South Blvd, Ste 100 Charlotte, NC 28203 704-336-5183 |
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| Durham Housing Authority | 330 E Main St Durham, NC 27701 919-683-1551 |
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| Fayetteville Metropolitan Housing Authority | 400 Roxie Ave Fayetteville, NC 28304 910-483-3648 |
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| Greensboro Housing Authority | 450 N Church St Greensboro, NC 27401 336-275-8501 |
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| Raleigh Housing Authority | 900 Haynes St Raleigh, NC 27604 919-831-8300 |
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| Wilmington Housing Authority | 1524 S 16th St Wilmington, NC 28401 910-341-7700 |
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Each housing authority has its own policies and procedures for administering the Section 8 program, but generally, their responsibilities include:
Determining applicant eligibility: Housing authorities review applications and supporting documentation to determine eligibility for Section 8 housing. They may conduct interviews and background checks as part of the application process.
Administering waiting lists: Housing authorities maintain waiting lists for Section 8 housing and manage the placement of eligible applicants on those lists.
Inspecting rental units: Housing authorities inspect rental units to ensure that they meet HUD's housing quality standards before approving them for Section 8 rental subsidies.
Paying rental subsidies: Housing authorities are responsible for paying rental subsidies to landlords on behalf of Section 8 participants.
Providing support services: Housing authorities may provide support services to Section 8 participants, such as homeownership and financial education classes.
Contact your housing authority directly for more information about the Section 8 program in your area.
Section 8 Housing North Carolina Waiting List
Due to the high demand for Section 8 housing in North Carolina, many local housing authorities have waiting lists for rental assistance. The waiting lists are managed by the housing authorities and prioritize applicants based on their level of need and the availability of rental subsidies.
To apply for Section 8 housing in North Carolina, applicants must first complete an application and submit it to their local housing authority. Once their application is reviewed and deemed eligible, applicants are placed on the waiting list.
The length of the waiting list can vary depending on the number of applicants and the availability of rental subsidies. Some waiting lists may be several years long, while others may be shorter. Housing authorities are required to update waiting lists annually and may remove applicants who are no longer eligible or no longer wish to receive assistance.
Applicants can check the status of their application on the waiting list by contacting their local housing authority. Many housing authorities have online portals where applicants can check their status and update their information. It's important for applicants to keep their contact information up to date to ensure they receive notification when their name reaches the top of the waiting list.
The following table shows the current status of waiting lists in North Carolina.
| Housing Authority | Waiting List Status |
|---|---|
| Asheville Housing Authority | Closed |
| Charlotte Housing Authority | Open |
| Durham Housing Authority | Closed |
| Fayetteville Metropolitan Housing Authority | Open |
| Gastonia Housing Authority | Closed |
| Greensboro Housing Authority | Closed |
| High Point Housing Authority | Open |
| Raleigh Housing Authority | Closed |
| Wilmington Housing Authority | Closed |
Although being on the waiting list does increase your chances of securing housing, it does not guarantee that an you will receive Section 8 rental assistance. The availability of rental subsidies is limited, and housing authorities may prioritize applicants based on factors such as homelessness or disability.
How Long Does it Take to Get Approved for Section 8 in North Carolina?
The timeline for getting approved for Section 8 rental assistance in North Carolina can vary depending on several factors. While there is no set timeline for the application process, here is a general overview of the steps involved and the factors that can affect the processing time:
Application submission: Once the application is completed and submitted to the local housing authority, the processing time can vary from a few days to several weeks. This initial processing time is usually spent on verifying the applicant's eligibility and reviewing their supporting documentation.
Waiting list: Once an applicant is deemed eligible for Section 8 rental assistance, they are placed on a waiting list. The length of the waiting list can vary depending on the number of applicants and the availability of rental subsidies. Some waiting lists may be several years long, while others may be shorter.
Housing search: Once an applicant reaches the top of the waiting list, they can begin searching for a rental unit that meets the Section 8 program requirements. The time it takes to find a suitable rental unit can vary depending on the applicant's preferences and the availability of rental units that meet the program requirements.
Inspection: Once a rental unit is identified, the local housing authority must inspect the unit to ensure that it meets HUD's housing quality standards before approving it for rental subsidies. The time it takes to schedule and conduct an inspection can vary depending on the availability of inspectors and the complexity of the inspection.
Factors that can affect the processing time include the volume of applications received, the accuracy and completeness of the application and supporting documentation, and the availability of rental subsidies. Additionally, some local housing authorities may have longer processing times than others, depending on their staffing and resources.
Public Housing: Local housing authorities manage affordable units with rent set at 30% of household income.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: Private landlords offer reduced rents in exchange for federal tax incentives.
Emergency Rental Assistance Programs (ERAP): Short-term aid for renters facing eviction or utility shutoffs.
Nonprofits and Charities: Organizations like Habitat for Humanity provide affordable homeownership opportunities and rental support.
Section 8: A Cornerstone for Affordable Housing in North Carolina
As rental costs continue to rise across North Carolina, the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program remains a cornerstone of affordable housing solutions. By understanding eligibility, navigating waiting lists, and exploring additional resources, residents can secure safe and stable homes in 2025.
