What the Charleston Housing Authority does

The Charleston Housing Authority (CHA) is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Charleston, South Carolina. It operates public housing units and administers the Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly called Section 8. The CHA does not build or own all the housing it helps fund — it contracts with private landlords and manages the vouchers that help tenants pay rent.

The agency serves low-income families, elderly people, and people with disabilities. If you live in Charleston and need affordable housing, the CHA is the local body that determines what programs may be available to you and maintains the waiting lists for those programs.

Key Takeaways

  • The Charleston Housing Authority runs two main programs: public housing (units it owns or controls) and Housing Choice Vouchers (payments to private landlords on your behalf).
  • Both programs have waiting lists that can be years long, and the CHA opens and closes them based on funding and demand.
  • You must meet income limits and other requirements to be considered, and the CHA will verify your information before you are placed on a list.
  • The CHA office is located in downtown Charleston, and you can contact them by phone or visit in person to ask about current openings and next steps.

Public housing versus Housing Choice Vouchers

The CHA owns or controls public housing units scattered throughout Charleston. These are apartments or townhouses where you pay rent directly to the CHA, and your rent is based on your income — typically 30 percent of what you earn each month. The CHA maintains the buildings and handles repairs.

Housing Choice Vouchers work differently. The CHA gives you a voucher (a document showing your rent subsidy amount), and you find a private landlord willing to accept it. You pay your share of the rent, and the CHA pays the landlord the difference. You have more choice in where you live, but you must find a landlord who participates in the program and will accept the voucher amount.

Both programs have long waiting lists. The CHA opens applications periodically when funding allows, but does not always accept new names. Waiting times vary — some people wait months, others years — depending on how many units become available and where your income level falls on the priority list.

Income limits and who can be considered

The CHA has income limits based on family size. These limits change each year and are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). A family of four, for example, might have a limit around $60,000 annually, but this varies. You must earn less than the limit to be considered for either program.

Beyond income, the CHA checks your background, rental history, and credit. You cannot have been evicted for non-payment in the past three years, and you cannot have a criminal record involving drugs or violence (though some offenses may be considered on a case-by-case basis). The CHA also verifies that you are a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status.

If you have a disability, you may have access to accommodations or priority consideration in some cases. The CHA has a process for requesting reasonable accommodations if you need them.

How to find out about current openings

The Charleston Housing Authority's main office is at 701 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29403. You can call them at (843) 723-7141 to ask whether they are currently accepting applications for public housing or vouchers. This is the fastest way to learn whether a waiting list is open, because the CHA opens and closes them based on funding.

You can also visit the office in person during business hours. Bring a photo ID and be prepared to answer questions about your household size, income, and current housing situation. If a list is open, staff can tell you what documents you will need to bring back to complete the process.

The CHA website may have information about programs, but the phone line or in-person visit is more reliable for learning whether applications are being taken right now. Waiting lists can close without notice when they reach capacity.

What documents you will need

When you contact the CHA or visit to explore, have these items ready: a photo ID, proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of citizenship or may be able to access immigration status, and information about anyone living in your household. If you are currently renting, bring a copy of your lease.

The CHA will also ask about any criminal history and may request permission to run a background check. If you have a disability and need an accommodation during the process, tell the CHA staff when you first contact them.

Exact requirements can vary depending on which program you are interested in, so ask the CHA what they need before you make a trip to the office. Having documents ready speeds up the process.

What happens after you explore

Once you submit an process, the CHA verifies your information — income, background, rental history, and immigration status. This can take several weeks. If everything checks out, you are placed on the waiting list for the program you applied for.

Your position on the list depends on factors like your income level, family size, and whether you have a disability or other priority status. The CHA contacts people from the list as units or vouchers become available. This can happen quickly or take years, depending on how many people are ahead of you.

The CHA will contact you by phone or mail when a unit or voucher is offered. You will have a limited time to respond and accept it. If you turn down an offer, you may lose your place on the list or move to the bottom, depending on the program rules.

Contact information and office hours

Charleston Housing Authority 701 East Bay Street Charleston, SC 29403 Phone: (843) 723-7141

Call ahead to confirm office hours or to ask about current program openings. The CHA staff can answer questions about waiting lists, income limits, and what to bring when you visit. If you have questions about a voucher you already hold or a unit you currently rent from the CHA, ask for the appropriate department when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for public housing in Charleston?

Waiting times vary widely and change as units become available. Some people wait months, others wait years. The CHA can tell you the current average wait time when you call or visit. Your position on the list depends on your income level and family size, not just when you applied.

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

Yes. You can explore for both programs if both lists are open. Being on one list does not prevent you from being on the other. However, once you are offered and accept housing or a voucher from one program, you are typically removed from the other list.

What if I was denied because of my background or credit?

The CHA must provide a reason for denial in writing. You have the right to request a hearing to dispute the decision. Contact the CHA office to ask about the appeal process and what evidence you can present to challenge the denial.

Do I have to live in Charleston to use a Housing Choice Voucher?

No. Once you receive a voucher from the Charleston Housing Authority, you can use it to rent in other areas, though the voucher amount may change based on the rental market in that location. You must notify the CHA if you plan to move outside Charleston.

What if I cannot afford the rent even with a voucher?

Your share of rent is typically 30 percent of your income. If the voucher amount is less than what a landlord charges, you would need to pay the difference out of pocket. The CHA can tell you what voucher amounts are available in different neighborhoods to help you search for affordable units.