What Section 8 Looks Like in North Carolina
Section 8 in North Carolina is run by local housing authorities in each county, not by a single statewide office. This means the waiting list, rent limits, and how fast your process moves depend on which county you live in. Charlotte's housing authority works differently from Raleigh's, which works differently from a rural county's program.
North Carolina's Section 8 program pays a portion of your rent directly to your landlord. You pay the rest — usually 30 percent of your income, though this can vary. The housing authority sends the payment to the landlord each month, and you stay in the same apartment as long as you meet the program's rules.
Most North Carolina counties have a closed waiting list right now, meaning you cannot add your name to the list at this moment. Some lists reopen for a few weeks every year or two. A few smaller counties may still be accepting names. The only way to know for your county is to call the local housing authority directly — their website will tell you whether the list is open or closed.
Key Takeaways
- Your local county housing authority runs Section 8, not the state, so income limits and wait times differ by location.
- Most North Carolina counties have closed waiting lists, but some reopen briefly each year — call your local authority to find out when.
- You must have a valid lease with a landlord willing to accept Section 8 before you can receive a voucher.
- Section 8 pays the landlord directly, and you pay roughly 30 percent of your household income toward rent each month.
- Income limits vary by county and household size, but generally range from about $25,000 to $35,000 annually for a single person.
Income Limits and Household Composition Rules
North Carolina uses the federal poverty guidelines, adjusted for household size and county. A single person in most counties must earn less than roughly $25,000 to $28,000 per year. A family of four typically faces a limit around $40,000 to $45,000. These numbers shift slightly each year and vary by county, so the housing authority for your specific county will give you the exact threshold when you call.
Your household includes anyone living with you who is related to you by blood, marriage, or adoption, plus any children in your legal custody. Unrelated roommates do not count as part of your household for income purposes. If you have a live-in caregiver, they may or may not count depending on whether they receive payment — ask your housing authority.
The housing authority will ask for proof of income from the past 30 days. This means recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer, bank statements showing deposits, or tax returns if you are self-employed. If you receive unemployment, Social Security, child support, or other benefits, bring documentation of those too. Any income your household receives counts toward the limit, including income from household members who are not on the lease.
Finding Your Local Housing Authority and Checking Waiting List Status
North Carolina has a housing authority in each county. The easiest way to find yours is to search "[Your County Name] Housing Authority" online, or call 211 and ask for the housing authority in your county. They will give you the phone number and address.
When you call, ask three things: whether the waiting list is open, what the current income limit is for your household size, and what documents you need to bring if the list opens. Write down the answers. If the list is closed, ask when it typically reopens — some counties reopen every year, others every two or three years.
A few counties that sometimes have open or shorter waiting lists include smaller rural areas, but this changes frequently. Do not assume any county's list is open based on what you read online — call to confirm. Waiting lists can close within days of reopening.
Documents You Will Need to Bring
Every housing authority in North Carolina requires the same core documents. Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return), and proof of income for the past 30 days. If you receive benefits, bring the award letter or benefit statement.
You will also need proof of residency in North Carolina — a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency with your current address. If you are homeless or living in a shelter, ask the housing authority what counts as proof of residency in your situation.
If you have a criminal record, bring documentation of what happened and when. North Carolina does not automatically disqualify people with records, but the housing authority will review your history. Certain crimes — drug manufacturing, sex offenses, or violence — may disqualify you, but many other convictions do not. Ask the housing authority directly if you are unsure.
Bring proof of citizenship or legal residency status. This can be a birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, or a valid visa. If you do not have these documents, ask the housing authority what alternatives they accept.
What Disqualifies You or Delays Your process
North Carolina housing authorities will deny your process if you owe money to a previous housing authority or if you were evicted from a Section 8 unit for violating program rules. They will also deny you if you have a felony drug conviction within the past 10 years, or if you are a registered sex offender.
If your income is above the limit for your household size, you do not meet the basic requirement. If you cannot provide proof of income or residency, your process will be delayed until you do. If you do not have a valid lease with a landlord willing to accept Section 8, you cannot move forward — the housing authority will not issue a voucher without one.
Eviction history does not automatically disqualify you, but the housing authority will investigate. If you were evicted for non-payment of rent, they may ask for proof that you have resolved the debt or that circumstances have changed. If you were evicted for lease violations unrelated to rent, the outcome depends on what the violation was.
If you have a criminal record, the housing authority will review it. Convictions for drug manufacturing, sex offenses, or crimes of violence may disqualify you. Other convictions typically do not, but the housing authority has discretion. Ask them directly about your specific situation.
How Long the Process Takes and What Happens Next
If the waiting list is open and you submit your process, the housing authority will review it within 30 to 60 days. They will contact you if they need more documents. Once you are approved, your name goes on the waiting list. How long you wait for a voucher depends on the county — some counties have waits of one to two years, others much longer.
When your name reaches the top of the list, the housing authority will contact you and give you a voucher. You then have a set amount of time — usually 60 to 90 days — to find an apartment and a landlord willing to accept Section 8. The landlord must pass an inspection, and the rent cannot exceed the housing authority's payment standard for your area.
Once the landlord passes inspection and you sign the lease, Section 8 begins paying. You will pay roughly 30 percent of your income as rent, and Section 8 pays the rest directly to the landlord. You must recertify your income every year, usually by submitting recent pay stubs or benefit letters.
Rent Limits and Payment Standards by County
North Carolina sets a payment standard for each county — this is the maximum rent the housing authority will pay for a one-bedroom, two-bedroom, or larger unit. Payment standards vary widely. A one-bedroom in a rural county might have a payment standard of $700, while a one-bedroom in Charlotte or Raleigh might be $1,100 or higher.
Your share of the rent is 30 percent of your household income, rounded to the nearest dollar. If your income is $1,500 per month, you pay $450. Section 8 pays the difference between your share and the actual rent, up to the payment standard. If the rent exceeds the payment standard, you pay the overage yourself.
Contact your local housing authority to learn the payment standard for your county and the unit size you need. This number changes annually, usually in April.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be on the waiting list in more than one county?
Yes. If you work in one county and live in another, or if you are considering moving, you can explore to multiple housing authorities. Each county maintains its own list and makes its own decisions. However, once you receive a voucher from one authority, you must use it — you cannot hold vouchers from multiple counties simultaneously.
What if I have a criminal record?
North Carolina does not automatically disqualify people with records. The housing authority will review your history. Felony drug convictions within the past 10 years and sex offenses typically disqualify you. Other convictions are reviewed case by case. Call your local housing authority and describe your situation — they can tell you whether you likely meet their standards.
Do I need to own a home or have perfect credit?
No. Section 8 does not require you to own property or have good credit. You need a valid lease with a landlord willing to accept Section 8. The landlord must pass an inspection, but there is no credit check for you as the tenant.
What happens if I lose my job while on Section 8?
You must report the change to your housing authority during your next recertification or within 30 days, depending on your county's rules. Your rent payment may decrease because it is based on your income. You will not lose Section 8 because of job loss alone, but you must keep your income documentation current.
Can I move to a different apartment while on Section 8?
Yes. You can request a transfer voucher and move to a different unit in the same county, as long as the new rent does not exceed the payment standard and the landlord passes inspection. Some housing authorities allow moves after you have been in your current unit for at least one year. Call your housing authority to learn their specific rules.