What the Charleston Housing Authority does

The City of Charleston Housing Authority (CCHA) is a public agency that owns and manages rental housing in Charleston, South Carolina, and administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program for the area. It does not build new housing or provide money directly to tenants — instead, it owns apartment complexes and single-family homes that it rents at below-market rates, and it distributes vouchers that help low-income households pay rent to private landlords. The Authority answers to a board of commissioners and operates under state and federal housing law.

CCHA serves households with incomes below 80 percent of the area median income, though most residents earn far less. The agency maintains a waiting list for both public housing and vouchers; both lists are typically closed to new applications because demand far exceeds available units. If you are looking for affordable housing in Charleston, CCHA is one option, but you should also explore other programs and landlords in the private market.

Key Takeaways

  • CCHA owns and rents apartments and houses directly, and also distributes Section 8 vouchers that work with private landlords — these are two separate programs with different waiting lists.
  • Both the public housing and voucher waiting lists are usually closed; you can contact CCHA to ask when they reopen or whether you can join a future list.
  • To be considered for either program, your household income must fall below 80 percent of the area median income for Charleston, and you must pass a background check.
  • CCHA is located at 701 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29403, and you can reach them by phone at (843) 723-3800 or visit their office in person during business hours.
  • Rent in CCHA housing is calculated as 30 percent of your household income, so your payment changes if your income changes.

CCHA public housing versus Section 8 vouchers

CCHA runs two separate programs. Public housing means CCHA owns the building and you rent directly from the Authority. You pay 30 percent of your household income as rent, utilities are usually included or subsidized, and CCHA handles maintenance and repairs. Public housing units are concentrated in specific neighborhoods; the largest developments include Mixson, Ferncliff, and Bridgeport.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers work differently. CCHA gives you a voucher worth a certain amount of money each month. You find a rental unit in the private market — any apartment or house whose landlord agrees to accept the voucher — and CCHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the difference out of pocket, which is typically 30 percent of your income. You keep the same voucher even if you move, as long as you stay within the CCHA jurisdiction and follow program rules.

Both programs have separate waiting lists. Some people prefer public housing because utilities are included and maintenance is handled by CCHA. Others prefer vouchers because they have more choice in where to live and can move without reapplying. Waiting times vary; public housing waiting lists can be years long, and voucher lists are often closed entirely.

Income limits and who can be considered

CCHA considers households whose gross monthly income is at or below 80 percent of the area median income for Charleston. The median income limit changes each year based on federal guidelines; you can call CCHA at (843) 723-3800 to ask the current limit for your household size. As a rough reference, the limit is typically around $50,000 to $65,000 per year for a family of four, but this varies year to year and by family composition.

You must also pass a background check. CCHA will review your criminal history, eviction history, and rental payment history. A prior eviction or criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify you, but CCHA has the authority to deny admission based on these factors. If you have concerns about your background, you can contact CCHA before explore to ask how they evaluate specific situations.

You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. CCHA will ask for proof of identity and citizenship or legal residency. If you are unsure whether you meet this requirement, bring your documents when you visit or call to ask.

How to learn about the waiting list is open

The only way to know whether CCHA is accepting new applications is to contact them directly. Waiting lists open and close based on how many units are available and how many people are already waiting. You can call (843) 723-3800 during business hours, visit the office at 701 East Bay Street, or check their website for current status.

If the list is closed, ask CCHA whether you can be added to a future list or whether they expect to reopen soon. Some housing authorities maintain a "future applicant" list so you can be notified when applications resume. Keep your contact information current with CCHA if you are on any waiting list, because they may not be able to reach you if you move or change your phone number.

While you wait, explore other options: private landlords who accept Section 8, emergency rental information programs run by the City of Charleston, and nonprofits like the Charleston Housing Trust that offer affordable units or down payment help.

What happens after you are admitted

If you are admitted to CCHA public housing, you will sign a lease and move into your unit. Your rent is recalculated every year based on your household income at that time. If your income increases, your rent increases; if it decreases, your rent decreases. You are responsible for following lease rules, which include maintaining the unit, not disturbing neighbors, and reporting maintenance problems promptly.

CCHA can terminate your lease if you violate lease terms, fail to pay rent, or engage in criminal activity. You have the right to a hearing before eviction. If you are having trouble paying rent or following lease rules, contact your CCHA case manager or the office to discuss your situation — the Authority may be able to help you stay housed.

If you receive a Section 8 voucher, you have a limited time (usually 120 days) to find a landlord who will accept it. CCHA will inspect the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards, and the landlord must sign a contract with CCHA. Once you move in, you pay your share of rent to the landlord each month, and CCHA pays their share directly to the landlord. You can move to a different unit or neighborhood as long as you stay within CCHA's jurisdiction and find a new landlord who accepts vouchers.

Rent calculation and what you actually pay

In CCHA public housing, your rent is always 30 percent of your gross household income. If your household income is $1,500 per month, your rent is $450. If your income rises to $2,000, your rent rises to $600. CCHA will ask you to report income changes, and they will recalculate your rent annually or when your circumstances change significantly.

Utilities are usually included in public housing rent or subsidized by CCHA, so you may pay little or nothing extra for electricity, water, and gas. Check your lease to see what is covered. In Section 8 vouchers, utilities are handled differently — the voucher amount is set based on the size of the unit and the area, and it accounts for typical utility costs. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent, plus any utilities not covered by the landlord.

If your income drops, tell CCHA when ready. Your rent will be recalculated downward, and you may become may be able to access for additional support. If you lose your job or have a major change in household income, CCHA may be able to help you stay in your home by lowering your rent.

Contact information and how to reach CCHA

The City of Charleston Housing Authority is located at 701 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29403. You can reach them by phone at (843) 723-3800 during business hours, Monday through Friday. The office is open to walk-in visitors, though you may have a shorter wait if you call ahead to schedule an appointment.

When you contact CCHA, have your household size, income information, and any documentation of your current housing situation ready. If you are calling about the waiting list, ask specifically whether applications are open for public housing, for Section 8 vouchers, or for both. If the list is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen and whether you can be placed on a future list.

You can also visit the CCHA website or stop by the office to pick up an process if one is available. Some information may also be available through the City of Charleston's main website or by calling 311 for city services.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get housing from CCHA?

Waiting times vary widely. For public housing, you may wait months to years depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many units become available. For Section 8 vouchers, the wait can be even longer — some areas have closed voucher lists for several years. Once you are admitted and receive a voucher, finding a landlord who accepts it can take weeks to months.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

A prior eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but CCHA will consider it as part of your background review. The age of the eviction, the reason for it, and your housing history since then all matter. Contact CCHA before explore to discuss your specific situation and ask how they evaluate eviction history.

Can I own a car or have savings and still be in CCHA housing?

Yes. CCHA looks at your income, not your assets. You can own a car, have a bank account, or own property and still be considered for housing. However, CCHA will count certain types of income — such as interest from savings or income from property — when calculating your rent and your may be able to access.

What if I need to move while I have a Section 8 voucher?

You can move within CCHA's jurisdiction as long as you find a new landlord who accepts Section 8 vouchers and the unit passes CCHA's housing quality inspection. You keep your voucher; you do not have to reapply. Notify CCHA before you move so they can update their records and arrange the inspection at your new unit.

Does CCHA help with utilities or other costs besides rent?

In public housing, utilities are usually included or subsidized. In Section 8 vouchers, utilities are your responsibility unless the landlord includes them in the rent. CCHA does not provide money for other costs like food, transportation, or childcare. For help with those expenses, contact the City of Charleston's social services department or call 211 for referrals to local information programs.