What the Charleston Housing Authority does

The Charleston Housing Authority (CHA) is a public agency that owns and manages public housing in Charleston, South Carolina, and administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program for the area. It does not build or rent private apartments — it runs federally funded housing for people whose income falls below set limits. CHA operates public housing developments where tenants pay rent based on their income, and it distributes vouchers that allow people to rent from private landlords while the program subsidizes part of the cost.

CHA serves the city of Charleston proper and some surrounding areas. The agency's main office is located in downtown Charleston, and it maintains several public housing communities across the city. If you live in Charleston and need affordable housing, CHA is the body that determines whether you meet income limits, maintains waiting lists, and processes your paperwork.

Key Takeaways

  • CHA runs two main programs: public housing (where CHA owns the building) and Section 8 vouchers (where you rent from a private landlord and CHA pays part of your rent).
  • Both programs require your household income to fall below specific limits set by the federal government, which change each year based on area median income.
  • CHA maintains waiting lists for both programs, and wait times can be months or years depending on the program and current demand.
  • You must explore directly with CHA in person, by mail, or through their office — there is no online process portal.
  • CHA can tell you the current wait time and whether a program is accepting new applications when you contact them.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers

CHA's public housing consists of apartment buildings and communities that the authority owns and operates. You live in a CHA-owned unit, pay rent based on your household income (usually 30 percent of your gross monthly income), and CHA covers the rest of the operating cost through federal funding. Public housing is permanent — once you are approved and housed, you can stay as long as you meet lease terms and income limits.

Section 8 vouchers work differently. CHA gives you a voucher that represents a subsidy amount. You find your own apartment from a private landlord who accepts Section 8, negotiate a lease, and CHA pays the landlord the subsidy portion while you pay the tenant portion (again, typically 30 percent of your income). You choose where to live within the Charleston area, and you keep the voucher as long as you remain income-may be able to access and follow program rules. If you move, you take the voucher with you.

Public housing has shorter wait times in some cases because supply is fixed and turnover is predictable. Section 8 vouchers often have longer waits because demand is higher and funding is limited. CHA can tell you the current wait time for each program when you call or visit.

Income limits and who can explore

Both CHA public housing and Section 8 vouchers have income limits based on household size. These limits are set by the federal government and adjusted yearly. For 2024, a single person's income limit is lower than a family of four's, and the limits vary slightly depending on whether you are explore for public housing or a voucher.

You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status to be considered. CHA will ask for proof of citizenship or immigration documents during the process process. Your household income is calculated using gross monthly income from all sources — wages, Social Security, child support, unemployment benefits, and other regular income. Assets above a certain threshold may also count toward income limits.

If your income exceeds the limit, you will not be approved. If your income is at or below the limit, you can move forward in the process. Income limits change annually, so even if you were denied in a previous year, you may now be within range.

how the process works and what documents you need

CHA does not have an online process system. You must explore in person at the CHA main office, by mail, or sometimes through community outreach events. When you explore, bring a photo ID, proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements), proof of residency in the Charleston area, and Social Security numbers for all household members.

If you are explore for Section 8, you will also need to provide references and information about your rental history. CHA will contact previous landlords to verify that you paid rent on time and maintained the property. If you have an eviction on your record, you may still be considered, but CHA will review the circumstances.

After you submit your process, CHA will verify your information and place you on the waiting list if you meet basic requirements. You will receive written confirmation of your process and your position on the list. Wait times vary — public housing may be 6 months to 2 years, and Section 8 vouchers may be 2 to 5 years or longer, depending on current demand and funding.

What happens after you are approved

When your name reaches the top of the waiting list and a unit or voucher becomes available, CHA will contact you. For public housing, CHA will show you available units and you choose one that fits your household size and needs. You sign a lease with CHA, pay your portion of rent, and move in. CHA handles maintenance and repairs to the building.

For Section 8, CHA will issue you a voucher and give you a time window (usually 60 to 120 days) to find an apartment. You search for units in the private market, negotiate with the landlord, and once you have a lease, CHA inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards. If it passes, CHA signs a contract with the landlord and you move in.

In both cases, you must recertify your income annually. If your income rises above the limit, you may lose your housing or voucher. If your income drops, your rent payment may decrease. CHA will send you a recertification form each year and you must return it on time.

Contact information and next steps

The Charleston Housing Authority main office is located at 701 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29403. You can reach them by phone at (843) 723-7141. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though you should call ahead to confirm current hours.

When you call, ask about current wait times for both public housing and Section 8 vouchers, and ask whether CHA is currently accepting new applications. Some programs pause applications when the waiting list is very long. CHA staff can also tell you what documents to bring if you plan to explore in person.

You can also visit the CHA website for additional information about programs and community resources. If you need help understanding the process process or have questions about your status on the waiting list, CHA staff can answer them during office hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get housing after I explore?

Wait times depend on the program and current demand. Public housing wait times in Charleston typically range from 6 months to 2 years. Section 8 voucher wait times are often longer — 2 to 5 years or more. CHA can tell you the exact current wait time when you call or visit. Some people never reach the top of the list if they move away or their circumstances change.

Can I explore for both public housing and Section 8 at the same time?

Yes. You can be on both waiting lists simultaneously. If you are offered a unit or voucher from one program, you can accept it and remain on the other list in case something becomes available sooner. Let CHA know if you accept housing so they can update your status.

What if my income is slightly above the limit?

If your income exceeds the limit, you will not be approved at that time. However, income limits change each year, and your circumstances may change. You can reapply in the future if your income drops or if the limit increases. Call CHA to ask about the current year's limits for your household size.

Do I have to stay in public housing forever?

No. You can leave at any time by giving notice to CHA, usually 30 days. If you leave, you lose your housing. If your income rises above the limit during recertification, CHA may also terminate your lease, though they typically give you time to find other housing. With Section 8, you can move to a different apartment or leave the program whenever you choose.

What if I have an eviction or bad credit?

CHA will review your rental history and may deny you based on an eviction, but each case is considered individually. If the eviction was years ago or resulted from circumstances beyond your control, CHA may still approve you. Bad credit alone does not disqualify you from public housing, though it may affect Section 8 approval. Call CHA to discuss your specific situation.