North Carolina Section 8 Housing
/Introduction
North Carolina Section 8 Housing is a federal program that provides rental assistance to eligible low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. The program, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher program, is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and aims to help low-income households obtain safe and decent housing while also reducing their housing costs.
In North Carolina, the Section 8 program 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. The program is designed to help those who are struggling to pay for housing and improve their overall quality of life. In this article, we will discuss the eligibility requirements for Section 8 housing in North Carolina, the maximum amount of rent that Section 8 will pay, the income limits, fair market rents, the application process, waiting lists, and other low-income housing options in the state.
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)
It's important to note that 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.
It's important to note that 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.
It's important to note that the FMRs do not necessarily reflect the actual rents charged by landlords in a particular area. Landlords may charge higher or lower rents than the FMRs depending on market conditions, and the actual rents may be above or below the payment standard for Section 8 housing.
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:
Contact the local housing authority: Applicants can find the contact information for their local housing authority on the HUD website or by searching online. They can then call or email the housing authority to request an application or ask for more information.
Complete the application: The application form for Section 8 housing in North Carolina may be available online or in paper form. Applicants should carefully read the instructions and provide all requested information, including details about their household size, income, and housing history.
Submit the application: Once the application is completed, applicants must submit it to the local housing authority. Some housing authorities may allow applicants to submit the application online, while others may require a paper application to be mailed or dropped off in person.
Provide documentation: Applicants must provide supporting documentation with their application, such as proof of income, citizenship or eligible immigration status, and social security numbers for all household members.
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 |
Visit Website |
| Greensboro Housing Authority | 450 N Church St Greensboro, NC 27401 336-275-8501 |
Visit Website |
| 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 |
Visit Website |
| Charlotte Housing Authority | 1301 South Blvd, Ste 100 Charlotte, NC 28203 704-336-5183 |
Visit Website |
| Durham Housing Authority | 330 E Main St Durham, NC 27701 919-683-1551 |
Visit Website |
| Fayetteville Metropolitan Housing Authority | 400 Roxie Ave Fayetteville, NC 28304 910-483-3648 |
Visit Website |
| Greensboro Housing Authority | 450 N Church St Greensboro, NC 27401 336-275-8501 |
Visit Website |
| Raleigh Housing Authority | 900 Haynes St Raleigh, NC 27604 919-831-8300 |
Visit Website |
| Wilmington Housing Authority | 1524 S 16th St Wilmington, NC 28401 910-341-7700 |
Visit Website |
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.
It's important for Section 8 applicants and participants to be familiar with their local housing authority and its policies and procedures. They can contact the housing authority directly for more information about the Section 8 program in their 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 |
It's important to note that being on the waiting list does not guarantee that an applicant 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.
Other Low Income Housing Options in North Carolina
In addition to Section 8 housing, there are other low income housing options available in North Carolina for individuals and families who need affordable housing. Here are some examples of other low income housing options in North Carolina:
Public Housing: Public housing is owned and operated by local housing authorities and provides affordable housing to low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals. Rent is based on income, and residents may be eligible for rental assistance.
Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: LIHTC properties are privately owned affordable housing units that receive tax credits in exchange for offering affordable rents to low-income residents. These properties are often managed by nonprofit organizations or private management companies.
Rent-to-Own Housing: Rent-to-own housing programs offer a path to homeownership for low-income families by allowing them to rent a home with an option to buy at the end of the lease period. These programs typically require a down payment and a commitment to saving money for the eventual purchase.
Habitat for Humanity: Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that builds and renovates affordable homes for low-income families. Applicants must meet income and other eligibility requirements and contribute sweat equity to the construction process.
Emergency Shelters: Emergency shelters provide temporary housing for individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or a housing crisis. These shelters may be run by nonprofits or government agencies and offer a range of services to help individuals and families find permanent housing.
It's important to note that these other low income housing options may have different eligibility requirements, application processes, and availability. Individuals and families who are interested in these options should research and contact the specific programs or organizations for more information.
Conclusion
In summary, Section 8 housing is an important program that provides rental assistance to low-income individuals and families in North Carolina. To qualify for Section 8 housing, applicants must meet certain income and eligibility requirements, and the amount of rental assistance is based on the payment standard and fair market rents in their area.
If you are interested in applying for Section 8 housing or other low-income housing options in North Carolina, contact your local housing authority or research the specific programs and organizations in your area. Remember to have all required documentation ready and be patient throughout the application process.
