Learn About Section 8 Housing in North Carolina

Understanding Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers in North Carolina

Section 8 housing, formally known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, is a federal assistance program run by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). North Carolina participates in this program through local public housing authorities in each county and major city. The program provides rental subsidies that help low-income families, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities pay rent at privately owned housing units of their choice.

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The way Section 8 works is relatively straightforward. A tenant receives a voucher from their local housing authority that represents a portion of their rent. The housing authority typically pays the landlord a fixed amount each month, and the tenant pays the remaining portion, which is calculated based on their household income. Unlike public housing projects operated directly by housing authorities, Section 8 vouchers allow residents to choose where they live—in any area served by the program.

In North Carolina, Section 8 is administered through multiple housing authorities. The largest programs operate in areas like Mecklenburg County (Charlotte), Wake County (Raleigh), Guilford County (Greensboro), Durham County, and Forsyth County (Winston-Salem). Each housing authority maintains its own waiting list and processes its own paperwork. As of 2023, North Carolina's Section 8 programs serve approximately 50,000 households statewide, though the actual number of people needing housing assistance far exceeds available vouchers.

Understanding the program structure matters because where you live determines which housing authority oversees your voucher. If you live in Charlotte, you would work with the Charlotte Housing Authority. If you live in a smaller rural county, you would work with that county's housing authority. Each authority has different wait times, processing procedures, and available units. North Carolina's wait lists for Section 8 vouchers currently range from several months to several years depending on location, with some rural areas having shorter waits than urban centers.

Practical takeaway: Identify which housing authority serves your county or city in North Carolina, as this determines where you would need to go for information about the program in your area.

Income Limits and Program Requirements in North Carolina

Section 8 programs have income limits that determine who may participate. These limits are set annually by HUD and vary based on area median income and family size. In North Carolina, the income limits differ significantly between urban and rural areas. For example, in Mecklenburg County (Charlotte), a family of four in 2024 would generally need to have a gross annual income below approximately $57,500 to participate. In a rural North Carolina county, the limit for a family of four might be closer to $45,000 annually.

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It's important to understand that income limits apply to gross income—that is, income before taxes or deductions are taken out. Gross income includes wages from employment, social security benefits, disability payments, unemployment benefits, child support, alimony, and other regular income sources. Self-employment income, rental income, and interest from savings also count. However, certain types of income may be excluded or partially excluded, such as some educational grant money or specific types of disability benefits.

Beyond income, Section 8 programs require several other things. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or have eligible immigration status. The housing authority will verify citizenship or immigration documentation. Family members cannot have been convicted of certain serious crimes or engaged in drug-related criminal activity. The program also conducts background checks. Applicants must sign a lease with a participating landlord and must not owe money to any housing authority from a previous Section 8 tenancy.

North Carolina housing authorities also look at credit history and rental history. While some negative history might not automatically disqualify someone, a pattern of evictions, unpaid utilities, or property damage can affect placement. Each housing authority has some discretion in how strictly they evaluate these factors, but all must follow HUD guidelines. Some housing authorities in North Carolina offer housing search support or voucher counseling services to help participants understand their responsibilities and find suitable housing.

Rent burden is another important concept in Section 8. Generally, tenants pay the greater of 30 percent of their household gross income, $50, or the public housing authority's minimum rent (usually $25–$75). If the rent for a unit exceeds the voucher amount set by the housing authority for that area, the tenant would need to pay the difference out of pocket. This is called "paying over," and not all residents can afford it.

Practical takeaway: Calculate your household's gross monthly income and compare it against your county's current income limits. Gather documentation of income sources you'll need to verify, as housing authorities require proof of income.

How to Get Information About Section 8 in Your Area

Finding the right housing authority in North Carolina is the first step. The state has over 80 public housing authorities, ranging from large urban authorities to small rural ones. The most direct way to find your local authority is through HUD's official website, which maintains a complete directory. You can search by county or city name to find the correct housing authority's contact information, address, phone number, and website. Major housing authorities like Charlotte Housing Authority, Raleigh Housing Authority, and Greensboro Housing Authority have dedicated websites with forms, phone numbers, and office hours.

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Once you identify your housing authority, contacting them directly is essential. Most authorities have a phone line where staff can answer questions about their specific wait list status, current policies, required documentation, and how to receive information about the program. Some housing authorities have moved to online waiting list systems, while others still use paper-based applications. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many authorities adapted to accept applications by mail or online, and many continue offering these options. You can ask whether your area's authority currently has an open waiting list or if the list is closed to new registrations.

Documentation you should have ready when contacting your housing authority includes photo identification, proof of income for the past 30 days (such as recent pay stubs), documentation of any benefits received, information about household members and their Social Security numbers, and rental history information. If you're currently homeless or in unstable housing, some housing authorities have prioritization categories that may help you receive a voucher faster. These categories often include persons with disabilities, families with children, and people experiencing homelessness.

Many housing authorities in North Carolina have made information available online. The North Carolina Housing Finance & Development Authority maintains general information about housing programs, though individual housing authorities handle Section 8 directly. Some communities have non-profit organizations that partner with housing authorities to provide counseling or information. These groups, such as community action agencies found in most North Carolina counties, can often point you toward the right resources. Community action agencies often provide free pre-housing counseling that explains how Section 8 works and what to expect.

If you have questions about how Section 8 works or need help understanding the program, local legal aid organizations also provide free information to low-income individuals. Legal Aid of North Carolina, which has offices across the state, can explain your rights and responsibilities as a Section 8 participant. Many libraries in North Carolina also have public computers and librarians who can help you find housing authority contact information and navigate their websites.

Practical takeaway: Use HUD's housing authority locator to find the authority for your county, then call or visit their website to ask about current wait list status and what documentation you need to gather.

The Housing Search Process and Voucher Rules

Once a person receives a Section 8 voucher, the real work begins: finding a landlord who participates in the program and a rental unit that meets Section 8 standards. Not all rental properties are available for Section 8. Landlords must actively choose to participate, and they set their own rent rates. The housing authority establishes a "payment standard" for each area, which is the maximum rent amount the authority will pay. If a unit rents for more than the payment standard, the tenant would need to pay the difference themselves, if they choose that unit.

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One significant challenge in North Carolina and across the country is landlord participation. Many landlords hesitate to accept Section 8 vouchers because of administrative requirements, concerns about tenant screening, or historical discrimination. In some rural North Carolina areas, few landlords participate, making it difficult for voucher holders to find suitable housing. Urban areas like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro have more participating landlords, but competition for units is intense. The North Carolina Housing Coalition and local community organizations work to increase landlord participation through education and advocacy.

When searching for housing with