Section 8 in Raleigh: What You Actually Get

Section 8 in Raleigh is a federal rent subsidy program run by the Housing Authority of the City of Raleigh (HACR). The program pays a portion of your rent directly to your landlord; you pay the rest. The amount HACR pays depends on your income and the size of your household, not on what your landlord charges. You choose your own apartment from the private rental market — it does not have to be public housing — as long as the landlord agrees to participate and the unit passes a safety inspection.

Raleigh's Section 8 program has a waiting list, and that list is currently closed to new applicants. When it reopens, HACR typically accepts applications for a limited period, then closes again. The wait from approval to receiving a voucher can range from several months to several years, depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many vouchers HACR has available.

Key Takeaways

  • The Housing Authority of the City of Raleigh administers Section 8, and you must explore directly to them — not to a landlord or a third party.
  • Raleigh's Section 8 waiting list is currently closed; you can contact HACR to learn when it reopens and how the process works when it does.
  • Your household income must fall below 50 percent of the area median income, which varies by household size and changes annually.
  • You pay 30 percent of your gross monthly income toward rent; HACR pays the landlord the difference up to the program's payment standard for your area.
  • Once you receive a voucher, you have a limited time to find an apartment and move in, or you lose the voucher.

Income Limits and Who Can explore

To be considered for Section 8 in Raleigh, your household income must not exceed 50 percent of the area median income (AMI). For 2024, that means a household of one person cannot earn more than roughly $35,000 per year; a household of four cannot earn more than roughly $56,000 per year. These numbers change each year and vary by household size. HACR publishes the current limits on their website and can confirm your household's limit when you call.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. HACR will ask for proof of identity, Social Security numbers for all household members, and documentation of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer). If you receive benefits like TANF, SSI, or SNAP, bring documentation of those as well — they count as income for Section 8 purposes.

Households with a member who has a criminal conviction may still be considered, but HACR has rules about which convictions disqualify you. Contact them directly to ask about your specific situation before you explore.

How Much You Pay and How Much HACR Pays

Under Section 8, you pay 30 percent of your gross monthly household income toward rent. If your household earns $1,500 per month, you pay $450 per month. HACR then pays your landlord the difference between what you pay and the unit's actual rent — but only up to HACR's payment standard for your area and bedroom size.

Raleigh's payment standards vary by the number of bedrooms. A one-bedroom unit has a different standard than a two-bedroom. If you find an apartment that rents for more than the payment standard, you can still rent it, but you will pay the difference out of pocket. If the rent is below the standard, you pay 30 percent of your income and HACR pays the rest.

You are responsible for utilities unless your lease says otherwise. Some landlords include utilities in the rent; others do not. HACR may adjust your portion of the rent downward if utilities are your responsibility and the cost is high, but this varies by lease and program rules.

The Waiting List and Timeline

Raleigh's Section 8 waiting list is not always open. HACR opens it for a set period — sometimes a few weeks, sometimes a few months — then closes it again. When the list is closed, you cannot explore. To find out when it reopens, contact HACR directly at their main office or check their website regularly.

Once you are on the waiting list, your position depends on the date and time you applied. HACR works through the list in order, but the speed depends on how many vouchers become available each year. In Raleigh, the wait has historically been several years, though this can change. Some people are called within months; others wait much longer.

When HACR calls you, you will have a limited time — usually 10 business days — to complete an orientation and provide final documentation. If you miss this important date, you may lose your place on the list. After that, you typically have 60 to 120 days to find an apartment, have it inspected, and move in. If you do not find a unit in time, your voucher expires.

Finding an Apartment and Getting It Approved

Once you have a voucher, you search for an apartment on your own. The landlord must agree to accept Section 8 — not all landlords do. When you find a unit, HACR will inspect it to make sure it meets housing quality standards: the roof does not leak, the heat works, there are no exposed wires, the plumbing functions, and so on. If the unit fails inspection, the landlord must make repairs before you can move in.

You and the landlord sign a lease. HACR then signs a contract with the landlord agreeing to pay their portion of the rent each month. The lease must include the rent amount and the move-in date. HACR will not pay until the lease is signed and the unit passes inspection.

Some landlords in Raleigh are reluctant to accept Section 8 because the payment process takes time and involves paperwork. If you have trouble finding a landlord, HACR can sometimes connect you with landlords who participate in the program, though this is not may provide.

What Happens If You Lose Your Voucher

If you do not find an apartment within your time limit, your voucher expires and you lose it. You would have to go back on the waiting list and wait again. If you move out of your apartment while you have a voucher, you can transfer it to a new unit, but you must follow HACR's process and stay within your time frame.

If your income rises above the program limit, HACR will eventually terminate your voucher. However, the program has rules that allow your rent to stay the same for a period even if your income goes up, so you are not when ready cut off. Ask HACR about their income recertification rules when you are approved.

If you violate the lease — for example, you do not pay your portion of the rent or you damage the unit — the landlord can evict you. HACR will also terminate your voucher if you are evicted for cause. You would lose both your housing and your Section 8 subsidy.

How to Contact HACR and Check the Waiting List Status

The Housing Authority of the City of Raleigh is located at 1313 New Bern Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27601. You can reach them by phone at (919) 833-7736. Their website is www.hacr.org, where you can find current waiting list status, income limits, and process information.

Call HACR first to confirm whether the waiting list is open. If it is closed, ask when they expect to reopen it. If it is open, ask what documents you need to bring and whether you can explore in person or by mail. Do not assume you know the current rules — they change, and HACR staff can answer your specific questions.

If you are currently homeless or in crisis, ask HACR whether they have any emergency or priority programs beyond the standard waiting list. Some housing authorities have rapid rehousing or other options for people in urgent situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for Section 8 if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You must have may be able to access immigration status. This includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and certain other categories. Undocumented immigrants are not may be able to access. HACR will ask for proof of status when you explore. If you are unsure whether you may have access to, call them before you gather documents.

What if my income goes up after I get a voucher?

HACR recertifies your income annually. If your income rises above the program limit, you may lose your voucher, but the program has interim recertification rules that can delay this. Your rent share may increase, but you will not be when ready terminated. Ask HACR about their specific recertification policy when you are approved.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher to rent outside Raleigh?

Section 8 vouchers are tied to the housing authority that issued them. HACR vouchers can generally be used in Raleigh and some surrounding areas, but not statewide. If you want to move to a different city, you would need to contact that city's housing authority. HACR can tell you which areas your voucher covers.

What if I find an apartment but the landlord refuses to accept Section 8?

The landlord has the right to refuse. You can ask HACR for a list of landlords who participate in the program, though availability is limited. Some nonprofits in Raleigh also help Section 8 holders find apartments. If you face repeated refusals, document them and contact HACR — they may have resources or advocacy options.

How long does the inspection process take?

HACR typically schedules an inspection within two to four weeks of receiving your lease and request. If the unit fails, the landlord has time to make repairs and request a re-inspection. The whole process can take several weeks, so plan accordingly when you are looking for an apartment.