What the Asheboro Housing Authority does

The Asheboro Housing Authority is a local government agency that runs public housing and rental voucher programs in Asheboro, North Carolina. It owns and manages apartment buildings where residents pay rent based on their income, and it distributes Housing Choice Vouchers (formerly called Section 8) that help people rent from private landlords. The Authority does not provide cash information or pay utilities directly — it either owns your housing or subsidizes your rent to a private owner.

The Authority serves Randolph County residents who meet income limits. Income thresholds change yearly and depend on family size, but generally you must earn less than 50 to 80 percent of the area median income to be considered. The Authority maintains a waiting list for both public housing and vouchers because demand exceeds available units.

You cannot walk in and get housing the same day. Both programs require you to submit paperwork, verify your income and background, and wait for an opening. The timeline from process to move-in typically ranges from several months to over a year, depending on the program and current waiting list length.

Key Takeaways

  • The Asheboro Housing Authority runs public housing (apartments it owns) and Housing Choice Vouchers (rent subsidies for private apartments), but not emergency rental information or other programs.
  • You must meet income limits based on family size, which the Authority updates each year and can tell you over the phone.
  • Both programs use waiting lists, and you must explore in person or by mail with proof of income, identity, and residency to get on one.
  • Public housing rent is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly income, while voucher rent depends on the apartment and the local market.
  • The Authority conducts background checks and may deny you for certain criminal convictions, outstanding debt to the Authority, or false statements on your process.

How to contact the Asheboro Housing Authority

The Asheboro Housing Authority office is located at 1415 East Dixie Drive, Asheboro, NC 27203. You can reach them by phone at (336) 625-5915 during business hours, Monday through Friday. Call to ask about current waiting list status, income limits for your household size, and what documents you need to bring.

You can also visit the office in person to pick up an process or submit one. Some housing authorities accept mail applications, but you should confirm by phone whether Asheboro does before sending documents. Do not email sensitive information like Social Security numbers or bank statements unless the Authority specifically instructs you to.

Public housing: what you pay and what's included

In Asheboro Housing Authority public housing, your rent is always 30 percent of your gross monthly household income. If your household earns $1,500 per month, you pay $450. If you earn $2,000, you pay $600. The Authority covers utilities, maintenance, and building insurance — you do not pay those separately.

Public housing units are typically one-, two-, or three-bedroom apartments in buildings the Authority owns. You sign a lease with the Authority as your landlord. If your income drops, your rent drops. If your income rises, your rent rises on your lease renewal date (usually yearly). The Authority recertifies your income annually and may ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements to verify.

You must maintain the unit in good condition and follow lease rules. The Authority can evict you for non-payment of rent, lease violations, or criminal activity. If you are evicted from public housing, you may be barred from future Authority programs.

Housing Choice Vouchers: how the subsidy works

A Housing Choice Voucher is a monthly payment the Authority sends directly to a private landlord on your behalf. You find an apartment on the open market, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and the Authority pays a portion of the rent. You pay the difference between what the Authority pays and what the landlord charges.

The amount the Authority pays is based on the Fair Market Rent for your area and bedroom size, set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development each year. In Asheboro, Fair Market Rent varies by neighborhood and unit type. You can ask the Authority what the current Fair Market Rent is for a one-bedroom or two-bedroom in your area.

Your share of the rent is typically 30 percent of your gross household income, the same calculation as public housing. If Fair Market Rent for a two-bedroom is $900 and you earn $1,500 monthly, the Authority pays up to $900 and you pay $450 (30 percent of income). If you find an apartment renting for $950, you pay $50 out of pocket plus your $450 share, totaling $500.

You are responsible for finding a landlord willing to accept the voucher. Not all landlords participate. Once you find one, the Authority inspects the unit to may support it meets housing quality standards before issuing the voucher. The inspection covers things like working plumbing, heat, electrical outlets, and structural safety.

Income limits and who can get on the waiting list

The Asheboro Housing Authority sets income limits each year based on area median income. A single person might have a limit around $30,000 to $35,000 annually, while a family of four might be around $50,000 to $60,000. These numbers change yearly, so call the Authority to learn the current limits for your household size.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. The Authority will ask for proof of citizenship or a valid work visa. You cannot be on the waiting list if you are not a legal resident.

The Authority may deny you if you have an outstanding debt to any housing authority, a history of lease violations, or certain criminal convictions. Drug-related convictions, violent crimes, and sex offenses typically result in denial. The Authority has discretion and may consider the age of the conviction and circumstances, but you should ask directly whether a specific offense will disqualify you.

The waiting list and timeline to move in

Both public housing and vouchers use waiting lists. When you submit an process, the Authority places you on the list in the order received (or sometimes by priority if the Authority uses preferences for homeless people, people with disabilities, or other groups). You remain on the list until you are offered a unit or voucher, or until you withdraw.

Waiting times vary widely. In some areas, public housing waiting lists are several years long. Voucher waiting lists can be shorter or longer depending on how many vouchers the Authority has and how many people are ahead of you. Call the Authority to ask how long the current wait is for each program. Some housing authorities close their waiting lists when they are too long and reopen them periodically.

Once you reach the top of the list and a unit or voucher becomes available, the Authority will contact you. You typically have a limited time (often 10 to 14 days) to respond and confirm you still want the housing. If you do not respond, you may be removed from the list or moved to the bottom.

Documents you need to bring or submit

When you explore, bring or send proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and proof of residency in Randolph County (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency). If you are unemployed, bring documentation of unemployment benefits or a statement explaining your situation.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number and sign a release allowing the Authority to check your background and credit. The Authority will contact your current or previous landlords to verify your rental history. If you have been evicted, disclose it — the Authority will find out anyway, and honesty helps your case.

Bring the names and phone numbers of people who can verify your identity and housing history. The Authority may call these references. Have your bank account information ready if you want rent payments to be made electronically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be on the waiting list for both public housing and vouchers at the same time?

Yes. Many housing authorities allow you to be on both lists simultaneously. You can accept whichever becomes available first. Call the Asheboro Housing Authority to confirm their policy, as it may differ from other authorities.

What happens if my income goes above the limit after I move in?

You do not have to move when ready. The Authority will recertify your income at your lease renewal, usually once per year. If your income stays above the limit for a set period (often one year), you may be asked to leave or your rent may increase to market rate. The Authority will explain the timeline when it happens.

Can I transfer my voucher if I move to a different city?

Possibly, but it depends on the other housing authority's waiting list and policies. Some authorities accept transfers; others do not. You would need to contact the housing authority in your new city and ask whether they can port your voucher. The Asheboro Housing Authority can also advise you on this process.

What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?

The Authority considers the type of offense, how long ago it occurred, and your circumstances since then. Drug convictions and violent crimes are serious barriers, but older offenses or minor infractions may not disqualify you. Call the Authority and describe your situation honestly — they can tell you whether you are likely to be denied before you spend time on an process.

Do I have to pay an process fee?

No. The Asheboro Housing Authority does not charge a fee to explore for public housing or vouchers. Be cautious of anyone claiming to charge you to get on a waiting list or to speed up the process — that is a scam.