What the High Point Housing Authority does

The High Point Housing Authority is a local government agency that runs public housing and rental voucher programs in High Point, North Carolina. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits, and it manages public housing properties where rent is set based on what you earn. The Authority also handles waitlists, inspections, and lease enforcement for both programs.

The Authority is separate from the city government, though it operates under state law and federal funding rules. If you live in High Point and need rental help, the Authority is where you start — not a state office, not a national hotline, but the local office on your city's housing staff.

Key Takeaways

  • The High Point Housing Authority runs two main programs: public housing (where it owns or controls the building) and the Housing Choice Voucher program (where you find your own rental and the Authority pays part of the rent).
  • Both programs require your household income to fall below a set limit, which changes yearly and depends on family size.
  • Waitlists for both programs are usually open, but can close when demand is very high; you must contact the Authority directly to learn the current status.
  • The Authority's office is located in High Point and handles all applications, lease reviews, and rent payment disputes for the city.
  • You will need proof of income, identity, and residency to start any process with the Authority.

Public housing managed by the High Point Housing Authority

Public housing means the Authority owns or leases the building and rents units to low-income households. Your rent is calculated as a percentage of your gross monthly income — typically 30 percent — rather than a fixed dollar amount. The Authority sets the percentage and collects the rent directly.

Public housing in High Point includes scattered-site units (individual homes or small buildings throughout the city) and may include larger developments. The Authority inspects units regularly to may support they meet housing quality standards. If you live in public housing, the Authority is your landlord, and lease violations go through the Authority's process, not a private court.

To enter public housing, you must be on the waitlist. The waitlist is usually open, but you must call or visit the Authority's office to confirm and to learn how long the wait typically is in High Point. Waitlist times vary and can be months or years depending on demand and available units.

Housing Choice Vouchers and how they work

A Housing Choice Voucher (also called Section 8) is a payment from the Authority to your landlord. You find a rental unit on the private market, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and the Authority pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord each month. You pay the difference out of pocket, usually 30 percent of your income.

The voucher amount is set by the Authority based on the size of your household and the rental market in High Point. If you find a unit that rents for more than the voucher covers, you pay the overage. If the unit rents for less, you pay less. The landlord must pass a housing quality inspection before the Authority will issue the first payment.

Voucher holders must recertify their income and household composition yearly. If your income rises above the program limit, you may lose the voucher or be asked to pay a higher share of rent. The Authority will notify you of any changes and give you time to respond before making changes to your voucher.

Income limits and how they are set

Both public housing and vouchers have income limits based on the area median income (AMI) for High Point. The limit depends on your household size — a single person has a lower limit than a family of four. These limits are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are updated each year, usually in spring.

The High Point Housing Authority publishes its current income limits on its website or will provide them by phone. You must call the Authority's office to learn the exact limit for your household size in the current year. Income includes wages, Social Security, child support, and other regular payments — not one-time money or tax refunds.

If your income is at or below the limit when you explore, you are considered for the program. If your income rises after you are admitted, the Authority will work with you on next steps, which may include paying a higher rent share or eventually leaving the program.

How to contact the High Point Housing Authority and what to bring

The High Point Housing Authority's main office is located in High Point, North Carolina. You can reach the office by phone, email, or in person. The office handles all inquiries about waitlist status, voucher availability, public housing openings, and the process process. Call to confirm office hours before you visit, as hours may vary by season or staffing.

When you contact the Authority, have ready: a photo ID, proof of current income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements), proof of residency in High Point (utility bill or lease), and the names and birthdates of all household members. If you are explore for a voucher, you will also need to provide information about any criminal history or prior evictions, as the Authority reviews these factors.

The Authority will tell you whether the waitlist is open, how long the typical wait is, and what documents you need to submit. Some programs may ask you to attend an orientation or interview before your name goes on the waitlist. Ask about this when you call.

Inspections and lease requirements

Before the Authority pays rent on a voucher, the landlord's unit must pass a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection. An Authority inspector visits the unit and checks for working plumbing, heat, electricity, safe stairs, and other basic standards. The landlord pays for any repairs needed to pass inspection.

For public housing, the Authority inspects units on a regular schedule, usually every year or two. Tenants are notified in advance and given time to prepare. If repairs are needed, the Authority handles them as the property owner.

Both programs require a written lease. For vouchers, the lease is between you and the private landlord, but the Authority must approve the lease terms before payment begins. For public housing, the lease is with the Authority itself. Breaking a lease or violating its terms can result in eviction through the court system.

What happens if you have an eviction or criminal record

The High Point Housing Authority can deny admission based on criminal history or prior evictions, but it must follow specific HUD rules about what disqualifies you. A conviction for manufacturing methamphetamine is an automatic bar. Other felonies and misdemeanors are reviewed case-by-case, and the Authority must consider how long ago the offense occurred and whether you have since rehabilitated.

Prior evictions are also reviewed individually. An eviction from years ago may not disqualify you, especially if you can show stable housing since then. The Authority will ask about evictions on the process and may request court records or landlord references.

If you are denied, the Authority must provide a written reason and tell you how to request a hearing to dispute the decision. You have the right to present your side of the story before a final denial is made. Contact the Authority's office to learn about the appeal process if you are denied.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a voucher or public housing after I explore?

Waitlist times vary widely depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many units become available. In some cases it is months; in others it can be a year or more. The Authority can tell you the typical wait when you call. Once a unit or voucher is offered to you, you usually have a short window (often 10 to 14 days) to accept it or lose your place on the list.

Can I use my voucher to move to a different city?

Yes, but only after you have held the voucher for a certain period (usually one year) and only if the receiving city's housing authority agrees to take your voucher. This is called portability. You must contact the High Point Housing Authority first to request a portability transfer and learn whether the destination city has space in its program.

What if my rent goes up and I can no longer afford my share?

If you have a voucher and your landlord raises the rent, the Authority will not automatically raise its payment. You would have to pay the increase yourself, or you can ask the Authority to help you search for a different unit. If you live in public housing, your rent is recalculated based on your income at each recertification, not on market rent increases.

Do I have to work to get a voucher or public housing?

No. The programs are based on income, not employment status. Retirees, people receiving disability benefits, and unemployed people can all be considered as long as their total household income is below the limit. The Authority counts all sources of income, including benefits.

What if the Authority says the waitlist is closed?

When demand is very high, the Authority may close the waitlist temporarily to manage the number of applicants. You can ask when the list is expected to reopen and whether you can call back at a specific time to explore. Some programs allow you to submit a request to be notified when the list reopens.