What the Raleigh Housing Authority does

The Raleigh Housing Authority (RHA) is a public agency that owns and manages affordable rental housing in Raleigh, North Carolina. It does not set city housing policy or regulate private landlords — it is a landlord itself, operating public housing communities and administering the Section 8 voucher program for the city. If you live in an RHA property or hold an RHA voucher, the Authority is your landlord or the agency that pays part of your rent to a private landlord.

The RHA operates under federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This means its rent structures, lease terms, maintenance standards, and tenant rights follow federal law, not just North Carolina state law. The Authority also manages waiting lists for both public housing and vouchers, which can be years long depending on the program.

The RHA's main office is located in Raleigh, and it maintains several public housing communities throughout the city. You can reach the Authority by phone, mail, or in person to ask about current programs, waiting list status, or maintenance requests if you are already a resident.

Key Takeaways

  • The Raleigh Housing Authority owns and manages public housing and runs the Section 8 voucher program; it is not a city department that regulates private landlords.
  • Waiting lists for both public housing and Section 8 vouchers are typically years long, and the Authority opens and closes the list based on funding and turnover.
  • If you live in an RHA property or hold an RHA voucher, your lease and rent are governed by federal HUD rules, not just state or local law.
  • Maintenance requests, lease disputes, and rent payment issues go through the RHA directly, not through the city government.
  • The RHA's office can tell you whether the waiting list is open, how long the wait typically is, and what documents you will need to submit.

Public housing and Section 8 vouchers: the two main programs

The RHA runs two separate programs. Public housing means the Authority owns the building and you rent directly from it. Section 8 vouchers mean the Authority gives you a voucher that covers part of your rent at a private landlord's property — the landlord is not the RHA, but the RHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent each month.

Public housing is typically cheaper because rent is set at 30 percent of your household income (or a minimum amount, whichever is higher). Section 8 vouchers work the same way: you pay 30 percent of income, and the voucher covers the rest, up to a limit set by HUD for your area. Both programs require you to meet income limits, which vary by household size. The RHA can tell you the current income limits when you call.

Waiting lists for both programs are separate. You can be on both lists at once. The wait for public housing in Raleigh is typically several years, as is the wait for Section 8 vouchers. The Authority opens and closes the lists based on funding and how many people leave the program, so the list may be closed when you call.

How to find out about waiting lists and current openings

The RHA maintains waiting lists for public housing and Section 8 vouchers. To learn whether the list is open, how long the wait is, and what you need to bring, contact the Raleigh Housing Authority directly. You can call their main office, visit in person, or check their website for current information about list status.

When you call or visit, have your Social Security number, photo ID, and proof of income ready. The Authority will ask about your household size, income, and any special needs (such as a disability accommodation). If the list is open, they will give you an process form and tell you what documents to submit — typically proof of income, identification for all household members, and a list of references.

If the list is closed, ask when it typically reopens. Some programs reopen seasonally or when funding becomes available. You can also ask to be notified if the list opens again, though notification policies vary.

Rent and income limits in Raleigh

In both public housing and Section 8 vouchers, you pay 30 percent of your gross household income as rent, or a minimum rent amount set by the RHA, whichever is higher. The minimum rent is typically between $50 and $100 per month but varies by program and year. Your rent is recalculated each year when you renew your lease or voucher, based on your current income.

To be considered for either program, your household income must fall below a certain threshold. These limits change each year and depend on household size. For example, the income limit for a family of four is higher than for a single person. The RHA can tell you the current limits for your household size when you contact them.

If your income rises above the limit, you may lose your voucher or be moved to a different rent tier. If your income drops, your rent will drop as well. You are required to report income changes to the RHA within a certain time frame — usually 10 to 30 days — so your rent stays accurate.

Lease terms and tenant rights in RHA housing

When you sign an RHA lease, you are signing a federal lease governed by HUD rules. This means certain protections explore that may be stronger than North Carolina state law. For example, the RHA cannot evict you without cause, and it must follow specific procedures before filing for eviction in court.

Causes for eviction include non-payment of rent, lease violations (such as unauthorized occupants or criminal activity), or failure to report income changes. The RHA must give you written notice of the violation and a chance to fix it within a set time frame — usually 14 days for most violations. If you do not cure the violation, the RHA can file for eviction in court.

You have the right to request a hearing before the RHA takes action to evict you. This is called an informal hearing, and it gives you a chance to explain your side or show that you have fixed the problem. If you disagree with the RHA's decision after the informal hearing, you can request a formal hearing before an independent hearing officer.

Maintenance and repairs are the RHA's responsibility. If something breaks in your unit — plumbing, heating, appliances — you can submit a maintenance request. The RHA has response times for different types of repairs: emergency repairs (like no heat in winter) must be addressed within 24 hours, while routine repairs may take longer. If the RHA does not make repairs in a timely way, you may have grounds to withhold rent or file a complaint with HUD.

What to do if you have a problem with the RHA

If you have a dispute with the RHA — over rent, maintenance, a lease violation notice, or a threatened eviction — your first step is to contact the RHA directly. Ask to speak with a manager or the tenant services department. Explain the problem clearly and ask what the next step is. Many issues can be resolved with a phone call or a meeting.

If the RHA does not resolve the issue, you can file a grievance with the Authority. The RHA has a formal grievance process, and you can request a hearing. The grievance procedure is outlined in your lease. You typically have a limited time to file (often 14 to 30 days from the event), so act quickly.

If you believe the RHA has violated your rights under federal law, you can file a complaint with HUD. HUD oversees all public housing authorities and can investigate complaints about discrimination, retaliation, or failure to maintain the property. You can file a HUD complaint online, by mail, or by phone. HUD's Fair Housing Hotline is 1-800-669-9777.

If you are facing eviction, contact a legal aid organization in Raleigh or Wake County. Many offer free or low-cost help to tenants facing eviction. Legal aid can help you understand your rights, prepare for a hearing, or negotiate with the RHA.

How to contact the Raleigh Housing Authority

The Raleigh Housing Authority's main office is located in Raleigh. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about waiting lists, current programs, or to report a maintenance issue if you are a resident. The office also accepts walk-in visits, though you may have to wait or schedule an appointment depending on how busy they are.

When you call or visit, have your name, address (if you are a resident), and the reason for your call ready. If you are calling about a maintenance issue, describe the problem and when it started. If you are calling about the waiting list, have your household size and income information available so the staff can tell you whether you meet the income limit.

You can also check the RHA's website for information about current programs, waiting list status, and how to submit documents online if that option is available. Some housing authorities now accept applications and documents through a portal, which can be faster than mailing them in.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it usually take to get a Section 8 voucher or public housing in Raleigh?

The wait is typically several years for both programs, though it varies based on funding and how many people leave the program. The RHA can tell you the current average wait time when you call. Some people wait three to five years or longer. If the list is closed, you cannot add your name until it reopens.

What if my income goes up after I get a voucher or move into public housing?

You must report the income increase to the RHA within 10 to 30 days. Your rent will increase to 30 percent of your new income. If your income rises above the program limit, you may lose your voucher or be required to move. The RHA will tell you what happens when you report the change.

Can the RHA evict me without a reason?

No. The RHA must have a reason (called "just cause") to evict you, and it must follow federal procedures. Common reasons are non-payment of rent, lease violations, or failure to report income changes. The RHA must give you written notice and a chance to fix the problem before filing for eviction in court. You also have the right to a hearing.

What if the RHA will not fix something broken in my apartment?

Contact the RHA's maintenance department and submit a written request if possible. For emergency repairs (no heat, no water), call and ask for emergency response. If the RHA does not respond in a reasonable time, you can file a grievance or contact HUD. Do not withhold rent without legal information, as that can lead to eviction.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher at any apartment in Raleigh?

No. The voucher can only be used at properties where the landlord agrees to accept Section 8. The rent must also fall within the HUD limit for your area. The RHA can give you a list of landlords who accept vouchers, or you can search for properties and ask the landlord if they participate in the program.