What the Goldsboro Housing Authority does

The Goldsboro Housing Authority (GHA) is a public agency that owns and manages affordable rental housing in Goldsboro, North Carolina. It does not set policy for all housing in the city — it runs its own properties and programs. If you live in a GHA property or are looking to rent one, the Authority handles your lease, maintenance requests, and rent payments. If you need housing information from other sources, GHA can point you toward those programs, but they are run by different agencies.

GHA's main role is to keep affordable housing available for people whose income falls below certain thresholds. The Authority sets its own income limits, rent amounts, and tenant policies within state and federal rules. This means the specifics of what GHA offers — how much rent costs, what paperwork you need, how long the waiting list is — are decided by GHA itself, not by a state or federal office.

Key Takeaways

  • The Goldsboro Housing Authority owns and manages its own rental properties and sets its own policies within federal and state law.
  • Most GHA properties charge rent based on your income, typically 30 percent of what you earn each month.
  • You will need proof of income, identification, and a background check to be considered for a GHA lease.
  • GHA maintains a waiting list that can be months or years long depending on how many units are available and how many people are waiting.
  • Maintenance requests and lease disputes go through GHA's office, not through a separate landlord or property manager.

How to contact the Goldsboro Housing Authority

The GHA office is located in Goldsboro and handles all inquiries about available units, waiting lists, and lease questions. You can reach them by phone, in person, or by mail. The office staff can tell you whether units are currently available, how long the waiting list is, and what documents you will need to bring.

When you call or visit, have your income information ready — GHA will ask about your household size, monthly earnings, and any benefits you receive. They will also ask whether you have ever been evicted or have unpaid housing debts. These questions help GHA determine whether you meet their requirements, but the only way to know for certain is to speak directly with the office.

GHA's office hours and phone number are available through the City of Goldsboro's website or by calling the main city number. If you cannot reach GHA directly, the city's housing department can provide current contact information.

Income limits and rent calculation

GHA sets income limits based on the area median income for Wayne County, North Carolina. These limits change each year. The Authority uses them to decide who can rent a unit and how much rent you will pay. If your household income is above the limit, you will not be considered. If it is below the limit, your rent is usually calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly income.

This means two people with different incomes will pay different rents for the same unit. A household earning $1,500 per month pays roughly $450 in rent; a household earning $2,000 per month pays roughly $600. GHA also sets a minimum rent — usually between $50 and $100 per month — so even households with very low income pay something.

You will need to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer showing your income. If you receive Social Security, unemployment, child support, or other benefits, bring documentation of those as well. GHA will verify the information you provide.

The waiting list and how long it takes

Most GHA properties have a waiting list because there are more people who want to rent than there are units available. How long you wait depends on how many people are ahead of you and how often units become available. In some cases, the wait is a few months. In others, it can be a year or longer.

GHA typically processes applications in the order they are received, though some programs give priority to people with disabilities, elderly residents, or families with children. Ask the office whether your household qualifies for priority status. The office can also tell you approximately how many people are on the list and how many units usually open up each year.

While you are on the waiting list, your circumstances may change — your income might increase, you might move out of Goldsboro, or you might find other housing. Tell GHA if your situation changes so they can update your file or remove you from the list if you no longer need housing.

What documents you need to bring

GHA will ask for several types of documents before you can sign a lease. Bring a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and documentation of your income. Acceptable income documents include recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), tax returns from the past two years, a letter from your employer, or benefit statements from Social Security or other programs.

You will also need to consent to a background check and credit check. GHA uses these to assess whether you have a history of eviction, unpaid rent, or criminal activity that would make you a risk as a tenant. The specific criteria GHA uses are set by the Authority and may differ from other landlords' standards.

If you have experienced eviction or have unpaid housing debt, tell the GHA office before you explore. They can explain whether those issues will disqualify you or whether you can still be considered. Some authorities have policies that allow people with past housing problems to rent if enough time has passed or if circumstances have changed.

Maintenance and repairs in a GHA unit

When something breaks or needs repair in your GHA unit — a leaking faucet, broken heating, damaged walls — you report it to the GHA maintenance department, not to a private landlord. GHA is responsible for keeping the unit in livable condition under North Carolina housing codes. This includes heat, hot water, working plumbing, and a roof that does not leak.

Contact GHA's office to report a maintenance problem. They will create a work order and send a maintenance worker to your unit. For emergencies like no heat in winter or a burst pipe, call and explain that it is urgent. GHA must respond to emergency repairs more quickly than routine ones, though the exact timeline depends on the severity of the problem.

If GHA does not make repairs within a reasonable time, you have options under North Carolina law. You can send a written request for repairs and give GHA a important date. If they still do not respond, you may be able to pay for repairs yourself and deduct the cost from rent, or you may have grounds to break your lease. Before you take either step, document the problem with photos and keep copies of all written requests to GHA.

Lease rules and tenant responsibilities

Your GHA lease will spell out what you can and cannot do in your unit and in common areas. Most leases prohibit illegal activity, damage to the property beyond normal wear and tear, and disturbances that affect other tenants. GHA also typically requires that you maintain the unit in clean condition and follow all house rules.

If you violate the lease, GHA can issue a notice to cure — a written warning giving you time to fix the problem. If you do not cure it, GHA can begin eviction proceedings. The specific violations that lead to eviction, and how much time you have to fix them, are written in your lease and in North Carolina's Residential Tenancies Act.

You have rights as a GHA tenant under state law. GHA cannot evict you without cause, cannot retaliate against you for reporting maintenance problems, and must give you proper notice before ending your lease. If you believe GHA has violated your rights, you can contact a legal aid organization or the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency for guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get on the Goldsboro Housing Authority waiting list?

Contact the GHA office in person or by phone and ask to complete an process. You will need to provide proof of income, identification, and consent to a background check. The office will tell you where you fall on the waiting list and approximately how long the wait is. There is no fee to explore.

What if my income increases after I move into a GHA unit?

GHA will recalculate your rent based on your new income. Your rent may go up, but you will not be evicted. Some programs allow a grace period before the rent increase takes effect. Ask your GHA lease manager how income changes are handled and when the new rent amount will begin.

Can GHA evict me if I report a maintenance problem?

No. North Carolina law prohibits retaliation — GHA cannot evict you, raise your rent, or reduce services because you reported a repair problem. If you report maintenance issues and GHA then tries to evict you, contact a legal aid organization when ready. You may have a defense against the eviction.

What happens if I cannot pay my rent one month?

Contact GHA's office as soon as you know you will be late. Explain your situation and ask whether they offer payment plans or can connect you with emergency rental information. Do not ignore the missed payment — GHA can begin eviction proceedings if rent is unpaid. Some local programs help with emergency rent, and GHA staff can point you toward them.

Can I break my lease early if I need to move?

That depends on your lease and the reason you want to leave. Some leases allow early termination with notice and a penalty; others do not. Read your lease carefully or ask GHA what the policy is. If you have a legitimate reason — such as a job transfer or domestic violence — GHA may work with you, but you will need to discuss it with the office.