Table of Contents
North Carolina Section 8 housing introduction
The Housing Choice Voucher program, also referred to as North Carolina Section 8 Housing, is a federal initiative managed by HUD. It offers rental aid to qualifying low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. The program’s primary objective is to assist these households in securing affordable and suitable housing, thereby alleviating their housing expenses.
The North Carolina Section 8 housing program in North Carolina is managed by local housing authorities and offers rental assistance to those in need. These authorities receive funding from HUD and collaborate with landlords to provide subsidies to eligible individuals and families. The program aims to improve the quality of life for those struggling to afford housing.
This article will cover the eligibility criteria, maximum rent payments, income limits, fair market rents, application process, waiting lists, and other low-income housing alternatives in the state. You can find all Section 8 Housing Guide by state on the Section 8 Housing page.
Qualification for North Carolina Section 8 Housing
In order to be eligible for Section 8 housing in North Carolina, individuals must meet specific income and eligibility criteria. The income limits for Section 8 housing are determined based on the area median income (AMI) and the size of the family. Generally, households with incomes equal to or below 50% of the AMI qualify for North Carolina Section 8 housing. However, certain local housing authorities may have different income limits depending on the cost of living in their particular area. Additionally, households with incomes equal to or below 30% of the AMI may receive priority for assistance.
In addition to meeting the income requirements, there are various other criteria that applicants must fulfill in order to qualify for Section 8 housing in North Carolina. These eligibility requirements encompass a range of factors.
- Proof of citizenship or eligible immigration status
- Clean criminal record
- Good rental history
- Compliance with the family obligations
Meeting the eligibility criteria for Section 8 housing assistance does not guarantee receipt of rental subsidies, as there is often a shortage of resources compared to the high demand for assistance.
The rent relief of North Carolina section 8 housing
The payment standard for rental units under North Carolina Section 8 in North Carolina is the highest amount of rent that will be covered by the program. This standard is determined based on the fair market rents (FMRs) set by HUD for the specific area.
The payment standard is determined by multiplying the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a particular unit size by the payment standard percentage established by the local housing authority. This percentage can range from 90% to 110% depending on the conditions of the local housing market.
To illustrate, suppose the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a two-bedroom apartment in a specific region is $1,000. If the local housing authority designates the payment standard percentage as 100%, then the payment standard for that unit would also be $1,000. However, if the payment standard percentage is increased to 110%, the payment standard would be raised to $1,100.
It is essential to understand that the payment standard does not always correspond to the actual rental amount set by the landlord. If the landlord charges less than the payment standard, the tenant will pay a lower rent amount, but if the rent is higher than the payment standard, the tenant will need to pay the additional amount.
Income limits for North Carolina Section 8 Housing
The eligibility criteria for North Carolina Section 8 housing in North Carolina depend on the area’s median income (AMI) and the size of the family. The AMI represents the middle point of the income distribution in a specific region, and it is revised on a yearly basis by HUD.
The eligibility criteria for Section 8 housing in North Carolina are determined based on the household’s income as a percentage of the Area Median Income (AMI). Lower-income households are given higher percentages, making them more likely to qualify for assistance. Generally, households with incomes equal to or below 50% of the AMI are eligible, while those with incomes equal to or below 30% of the AMI may receive priority for assistance.
The income limits for North Carolina Section 8 housing in North Carolina vary depending on the size of the family. Generally, larger families have higher income limits compared to smaller families. For instance, a family of four earning $30,000 would be eligible for North Carolina Section 8 housing, whereas a family of two with the same income would not meet the requirements. The table below displays the current income limits for North Carolina.
| Family Size | Extremely Low Income Limit | Very Low Income Limit | Low Income Limit |
| 1 | $18,450 | $30,750 | $49,200 |
| 2 | $21,050 | $35,100 | $56,160 |
| 3 | $23,700 | $39,450 | $63,120 |
| 4 | $26,350 | $43,800 | $70,080 |
| 5 | $28,500 | $47,300 | $75,840 |
| 6 | $30,650 | $50,800 | $81,600 |
| 7 | $32,800 | $54,300 | $87,360 |
| 8 | $34,950 | $57,800 | $93,120 |
It is crucial to understand that income limits for North Carolina Section 8 housing in North Carolina can differ among housing authorities due to variations in the local cost of living. Moreover, these income limits are revised each year to align with changes in the Area Median Income (AMI). Therefore, it is vital for individuals seeking Section 8 housing to verify the up-to-date income limits during their application process.
Fair market rental for North Carolina Section 8 Housing
Fair market rents (FMRs) are rental prices that are considered average for specific types and sizes of rental units in a particular area. These rents are used by HUD to establish the payment standard for Section 8 housing in North Carolina. To determine FMRs, HUD collects data from various sources, such as surveys on local rents and rental market conditions. The FMRs are updated on an annual basis to account for changes in the rental market. The table below displays the current Fair Market Rents in North Carolina.
| Bedrooms | 2023 Fair Market Rent |
| Studio | $889 |
| 1 BR | $957 |
| 2 BR | $1,147 |
| 3 BR | $1,400 |
| 4 BR | $1,598 |
It is crucial to understand that the Fair Market Rents (FMRs) may not accurately represent the rents charged by landlords in a specific location. Landlords have the flexibility to set rents higher or lower than the FMRs based on market conditions, resulting in actual rents that can be either above or below the payment standard for Section 8 housing.
Application for North Carolina Section 8 Housing
In order to apply for North Carolina Section 8 housing in North Carolina, individuals must first identify the housing authority that covers their specific location. Each housing authority has its own unique application procedure, but generally, the process entails the following steps:
- Contact the local housing authority: To obtain the contact details of their nearby housing authority, applicants can visit the official HUD website or conduct an online search. Subsequently, they can initiate contact with the housing authority via phone or email to procure an application or seek additional information.
- Complete the application: The SNorth Carolina ection 8 housing application in North Carolina can be obtained either online or in paper format. It is crucial for applicants to thoroughly review the instructions and ensure that they provide all the necessary information, such as their household size, income, and housing background.
- Submit the application: After finishing the application, applicants must send it to the housing authority in their area. Depending on the housing authority, applicants may have the option to submit the application online or they may need to send a physical copy through mail or in person.
- Provide documentation: Applicants are required to submit supporting documents along with their application, including evidence of their income, citizenship or eligible immigration status, and the social security numbers of all individuals living in their household.
It is important to note that the process of applying for North Carolina Section 8 housing can differ depending on the housing authority. Additionally, some housing authorities may have waiting lists for Section 8 housing. Therefore, individuals should contact their local housing authority to obtain detailed information regarding the application process and the length of waiting periods.
North Carolina Housing Authorities
The North Carolina Section 8 housing program in North Carolina is managed by multiple local housing authorities throughout the state. These authorities receive financial support from HUD and collaborate with landlords to offer rental assistance to qualifying individuals and families. Below is a compilation of several housing authorities in North Carolina that oversee Section 8 housing programs.
Please visit the North Carolina Housing Authority page to find contact information to confirm your eligibility.
| Housing Authority | Contact Information | Website |
| Asheville Housing Authority | 165 S French Broad AveAsheville, NC 28801828-239-3510 | Visit Website |
| Durham Housing Authority | 330 E Main StDurham, NC 27701919-683-1551 | Visit Website |
| Greensboro Housing Authority | 450 N Church StGreensboro, NC 27401336-275-8501 | Visit Website |
| Wilmington Housing Authority | 1524 S 16th StWilmington, NC 28401910-341-7700 | Visit Website |
| Asheville Housing Authority | 165 S French Broad AveAsheville, NC 28801828-239-3510 | Visit Website |
| Charlotte Housing Authority | 1301 South Blvd, Ste 100Charlotte, NC 28203704-336-5183 | Visit Website |
| Durham Housing Authority | 330 E Main StDurham, NC 27701919-683-1551 | Visit Website |
| Fayetteville Metropolitan Housing Authority | 400 Roxie AveFayetteville, NC 28304910-483-3648 | Visit Website |
| Greensboro Housing Authority | 450 N Church StGreensboro, NC 27401336-275-8501 | Visit Website |
| Raleigh Housing Authority | 900 Haynes StRaleigh, NC 27604919-831-8300 | Visit Website |
| Wilmington Housing Authority | 1524 S 16th StWilmington, NC 28401910-341-7700 | Visit Website |
Every housing authority has its own set of rules and protocols for managing the SNorth Carolina ection 8 program. However, in general, their duties encompass the following:
- Determining applicant eligibility
- Administering waiting lists
- Inspecting rental units
- Providing support services
Having knowledge about their local housing authority and its policies and procedures is crucial for Section 8 applicants and participants. To gain more insight into the Section 8 program in their specific region, they should reach out to the housing authority directly.
North Carolina Section 8 Housing Waiting List
Because there is a significant need for Section 8 housing in North Carolina, numerous housing authorities in the area have waiting lists for rental assistance. These lists are overseen by the housing authorities and prioritize applicants based on their level of need and the availability of rental subsidies.
In order to be considered for North Carolina Section 8 housing in North Carolina, individuals must begin by filling out an application and then submitting it to the housing authority in their local area. Following the submission, the application will undergo a thorough review process to determine if the individual meets the necessary criteria for eligibility. If deemed eligible, the individual’s name will be added to the waiting list for Section 8 housing.
The length of waiting lists for rental subsidies in North Carolina can vary depending on the number of applicants and the availability of subsidies. Some waiting lists may be several years long, while others may be shorter. Housing authorities update these lists annually and may remove applicants who are no longer eligible or no longer interested in receiving assistance. Applicants can check their status on the waiting list by contacting their local housing authority or using online portals. It is important for applicants to keep their contact information up to date to ensure they receive notification when their name reaches the top of the list.
Also you can find more housing authority information on the North Carolina Section 8 Waiting List page.
| 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 |
Waiting for North Carolina Section 8 Housing
The time it takes to get approved for Section 8 rental assistance in North Carolina can vary due to various factors. The application process does not have a fixed timeline, but here is a general outline of the steps involved and factors that can impact the processing time:
- Application submission: The amount of time it takes for the local housing authority to process and review a completed application can range from a few days to several weeks. During this initial processing period, the housing authority will verify the applicant’s eligibility and carefully examine the supporting documents provided.
- Waiting list: After determining an applicant’s eligibility for Section 8 rental assistance, they are placed on a waiting list, which can vary in length based on the number of applicants and the availability of rental subsidies. The waiting lists can range from several years to shorter durations.
- Housing search: After reaching the top of the waiting list, applicants are allowed to start looking for a rental unit that complies with the Section 8 program requirements. The duration of this search can vary depending on the applicant’s preferences and the availability of rental units that meet the program requirements.
- Inspection: After a rental unit is found, the local housing authority needs to inspect it to make sure it meets HUD’s housing quality standards before allowing it for rental subsidies. The duration for scheduling and conducting the inspection can differ based on the inspectors’ availability and the complexity of the inspection.
There are several factors that can impact the time it takes to process applications for housing. These factors include the number of applications received, how accurate and complete the application and supporting documents are, and the availability of rental subsidies. Furthermore, the processing time can vary among different local housing authorities due to differences in staffing and resources.
Low-income housing with no waiting list North Carolina
Other than North Carolina Section 8 housing, there are various affordable housing options in North Carolina for individuals and families with low incomes. Here are a few examples of such alternatives.
- Public Housing: Public housing is a form of affordable housing that is owned and managed by local housing authorities. It is specifically designed to cater to the housing needs of low-income families, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities. The amount of rent charged to residents is determined by their income levels, and they may also qualify for additional financial support to help cover their rental costs.
- Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: LIHTC properties refer to affordable housing units that are privately owned and receive tax credits. In return for these tax credits, the owners are required to provide affordable rents to low-income individuals. Nonprofit organizations or private management companies are typically responsible for the management of these properties.
- Rent-to-Own Housing: Rent-to-own housing initiatives present an opportunity for low-income households to become homeowners. Under these programs, families can rent a property initially and have the option to purchase it at the end of the lease duration. To participate, individuals must provide a down payment and demonstrate a commitment to saving money for the eventual acquisition of the home.
- Habitat for Humanity: Habitat for Humanity is a charitable organization that constructs and remodels cost-effective residences for families with limited financial resources. Individuals applying for assistance must fulfill specific income and eligibility criteria, as well as actively participate in the physical labor involved in the building process.
- Emergency Shelters: Emergency shelters offer temporary housing for people and families facing homelessness or housing emergencies. These shelters, which can be operated by nonprofits or government entities, provide various services to assist individuals and families in locating permanent housing.
It is crucial to understand that the various low-income housing alternatives mentioned may have varying criteria for eligibility, application procedures, and availability. Those who are interested in these options should conduct their own research and reach out to the respective programs or organizations for further details.
Conclusion
North Carolina Section 8 housing is a crucial program in North Carolina that offers rental aid to individuals and families with low incomes. To be eligible, applicants need to meet specific income and eligibility criteria, and the amount of assistance is determined by the payment standard and fair market rents in their locality. If you’re interested in applying for Section 8 housing or other low-income housing options in North Carolina, reach out to your local housing authority or conduct research on relevant programs and organizations in your area. Ensure you have all necessary documentation prepared and maintain patience during the application process.