What the Durham Housing Authority Does
The Durham Housing Authority (DHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program in Durham, North Carolina. It does not build or own most of the housing stock in the city — it manages federally funded programs that help lower-income households afford rent. The agency leases units from private landlords, subsidizes rent for voucher holders, and maintains public housing properties.
DHA operates from a single main office and manages a waiting list for both public housing and vouchers. The waiting list is typically closed, meaning you cannot add your name when demand exceeds available units. When it opens, applications are usually accepted for a limited period — sometimes a few weeks. You can call or visit the office to ask whether the list is currently open.
The agency also administers other programs including Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS), which pairs housing information with job training and savings accounts, and Project-Based Rental information, where subsidies are tied to specific properties rather than to individual households.
Key Takeaways
- DHA's waiting list for public housing and vouchers is usually closed and only opens for short periods when the agency accepts new applications.
- Section 8 vouchers let you rent from a private landlord while DHA pays a portion of your rent directly to the property owner.
- Public housing means you rent a unit owned and managed by DHA itself, with rent set at 30 percent of your household income.
- You must meet income limits (usually 50 to 80 percent of the area median income) and pass a background check to be considered.
- Contact DHA directly by phone or in person to learn current waiting list status, because it changes throughout the year.
Public Housing vs. Section 8 Vouchers
DHA manages two separate programs, and they work differently. Public housing means you rent a unit that DHA owns. Your rent is always 30 percent of your gross household income, with no upper limit on the unit's actual cost. DHA covers the rest. Public housing units are scattered throughout Durham, and DHA handles all maintenance and repairs.
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers work the opposite way. You find a rental unit on the private market — any unit, any landlord — and DHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the difference, which is typically 30 percent of your income. The landlord must agree to participate in the program and accept the voucher. You keep the voucher as long as you remain income-may be able to access and follow program rules, even if you move to a different unit or a different city.
Public housing has a shorter waiting list in most cities, but Durham's situation varies. Call DHA to ask which program currently has shorter wait times and whether either list is open.
Income Limits and Who Can explore
DHA sets income limits based on family size and the area median income (AMI) for the Durham area. Most households must earn no more than 50 percent of AMI to be considered for public housing, though some units are reserved for households at 80 percent of AMI. Section 8 vouchers typically have a 50 percent AMI limit as well, but this can vary by program.
For a family of four in Durham, the 50 percent AMI threshold is roughly $35,000 to $40,000 annually, though this figure changes yearly. DHA will tell you the exact limit for your household size when you contact them. You must provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer to prove income.
You also must pass a background check. DHA will review your rental history, criminal history, and credit. A prior eviction, unpaid rent, or certain criminal convictions can disqualify you, though DHA has some discretion. If you have concerns about your history, ask DHA what their specific policies are before you explore.
How to Get on the Waiting List
When DHA's waiting list is open, you can explore in person at their main office or sometimes by mail. You will need to bring or submit proof of income, identification, Social Security numbers for all household members, and proof of residency in Durham. DHA staff will help you fill out the process and answer questions about your household.
The process process itself takes about 30 minutes to an hour. DHA will give you a receipt showing your process date and waiting list position. Your position is based on the date you applied, not on need or other factors — this is called date order preference.
After you explore, DHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. This can take months or years, depending on how many people are ahead of you. You must keep your contact information current with DHA. If they cannot reach you when your turn comes, you may lose your spot.
What Documents You Need
| Document Type | What It Proves | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Income verification | Your household's monthly or annual earnings | Recent pay stubs, tax returns, Social Security award letter, unemployment statement |
| Identification | Your identity and citizenship or legal residency | Driver's license, passport, state ID, birth certificate |
| Social Security numbers | Identity of all household members | Social Security card, tax return, W-2 |
| Proof of residency | That you live in Durham | Utility bill, lease, mail from a government agency |
| Rental history | Your record as a tenant | Contact information for current and previous landlords (DHA will call them) |
Bring originals or certified copies if possible. DHA may ask for additional documents depending on your situation — for example, if you receive child support, a court order; if you are self-employed, profit-and-loss statements; if you are unemployed, a letter from your last employer or a job search log.
Waiting Times and What Happens Next
Wait times for DHA housing vary widely. Public housing in Durham typically has a wait of one to three years, though this depends on how many units become available and how many people are on the list. Section 8 vouchers may have a longer wait. DHA does not publish exact wait times, so call them directly for a realistic estimate based on your process date.
While you wait, DHA may contact you to verify that your information is still correct. You must respond within a set timeframe — usually 10 to 14 days — or you may be removed from the list. Keep your phone number and address current with DHA.
When a unit or voucher is available, DHA will call you. If you accept, you will move forward to a lease signing or voucher briefing. If you decline, you may be removed from the list or moved to the bottom, depending on DHA policy. Ask about this when you explore.
Rent and Ongoing Requirements
In public housing, your rent is always 30 percent of your gross household income. If your income changes, your rent changes. You must report income changes to DHA within 30 days. DHA will recalculate your rent and send you a new lease.
With a Section 8 voucher, you also pay roughly 30 percent of your income, but the voucher amount (what DHA pays) is based on the unit's fair market rent and your income. If you find a cheaper unit, you pay less. If you find a more expensive unit, you may have to pay more out of pocket, or the unit may be too expensive for your voucher.
In both programs, you must maintain the unit in good condition, follow lease rules, and report any changes in household composition or income. If you violate lease terms or your income rises above the limit, DHA can terminate your information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Durham Housing Authority waiting list open right now?
The waiting list status changes throughout the year. Call DHA at their main office number or visit in person to ask whether applications are currently being accepted. They can also tell you the current wait time for each program.
What if I have an eviction on my record?
A prior eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but DHA will review it. If the eviction was recent (within the last few years) or if you owe money to the landlord, it may be harder to get approved. Ask DHA about their specific policy on eviction history when you contact them.
Can I explore for both public housing and a Section 8 voucher at the same time?
Yes. The two programs have separate waiting lists, and you can be on both. If you are offered housing from one program, you can usually decline and stay on the other list, but ask DHA about their specific rules before you explore.
What happens if my income increases while I am on the waiting list?
Being on the waiting list does not lock in your income. If your income rises above the program limit before you are offered a unit, you may become ineligible. DHA will verify your income when you are offered housing, so report any significant income changes to them.
Can I transfer to a different unit if I am already in public housing?
Yes, but you must request a transfer through DHA and wait for a unit to become available. Transfers are usually granted for reasons like overcrowding, accessibility needs, or lease violations at your current unit. Ask DHA about their transfer policy.