What the Greenville Housing Authority does

The Greenville Housing Authority (GHA) is a public agency that owns and manages affordable rental housing in Greenville, South Carolina. It does not decide who gets housing vouchers statewide — that is the job of the South Carolina Housing Finance and Development Authority. Instead, GHA runs its own public housing developments and administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) for Greenville County residents.

GHA's main role is to lease apartments and houses to low-income families, elderly people, and people with disabilities at below-market rent. It also helps some renters pay for housing in the private market through vouchers. The agency is independent from the city and county governments, though it receives federal funding and must follow federal rules.

If you live in Greenville and need affordable housing, GHA is the place to contact directly. If you live outside Greenville County, you will need to contact your own local housing authority.

Key Takeaways

  • The Greenville Housing Authority manages public housing developments and Section 8 vouchers for Greenville County residents only.
  • Both programs have waiting lists, and GHA prioritizes applicants based on factors like homelessness, very low income, and displacement.
  • You can contact GHA by phone, mail, or in person at their main office to ask about current openings and waiting list status.
  • Public housing rent is based on your income, typically 30 percent of your gross monthly earnings.
  • Section 8 vouchers let you rent from a private landlord, and GHA pays part of the rent directly to the landlord.

GHA's public housing developments

GHA owns and operates several apartment complexes and scattered-site homes throughout Greenville. These are not temporary housing — they are permanent rental homes for people who meet income limits. Rent is calculated as 30 percent of your gross household income, which means your share goes down if your income drops and up if it rises.

To live in GHA public housing, your household income must fall below 80 percent of the area median income. For Greenville County, this threshold varies by household size. GHA also considers your credit history, rental history, and criminal background, though having a record does not automatically disqualify you.

Public housing has a waiting list. How long you wait depends on how many units are available and where you want to live. Some developments have shorter waits than others. GHA prioritizes people who are homeless, living in substandard housing, or paying more than 50 percent of their income toward rent.

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program

Section 8 vouchers let you rent an apartment or house from a private landlord, and GHA pays a portion of your rent directly to the landlord. You pay the difference — usually 30 percent of your income. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher and meet GHA's housing quality standards.

The Section 8 waiting list in Greenville is typically long and often closed to new applicants. When it is open, GHA accepts applications for a limited time. You can call GHA to find out whether the list is currently open and whether you meet the basic income requirements.

If you receive a voucher, you have a set amount of time to find a rental property. The landlord must pass a housing inspection, and the lease must be approved by GHA before you move in. Once you are in the program, you stay on it as long as your income remains below the limit and you follow the lease and program rules.

How to contact the Greenville Housing Authority

GHA's main office is located in Greenville. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about waiting lists, current openings, and what documents you will need to bring. You can also visit in person or mail a request for information.

When you call or visit, have your household size, current income, and rental history ready. GHA staff can tell you whether you likely meet income limits and how long the waiting list is for the program you are interested in. They can also explain what happens after you submit an process.

If you are experiencing homelessness or a housing crisis, mention that when you contact GHA. The agency may be able to move you up the priority list or connect you with emergency resources while you wait.

Income limits and rent calculations

GHA uses federal income limits to determine who can live in public housing or receive a Section 8 voucher. These limits are set each year and vary by household size. A single person has a different limit than a family of four.

Rent in public housing is always 30 percent of your gross monthly household income. If your income is $1,500 a month, you pay $450. If it drops to $1,200, your rent drops to $360. GHA recertifies your income once a year, so your rent can change.

For Section 8 vouchers, the calculation is similar, but the voucher amount is based on the fair market rent for your area. If the fair market rent is $900 and you earn $1,500 a month, GHA might pay $630 and you pay $270. The exact split depends on the voucher amount and your income.

What happens after you submit an process

Once you turn in an process, GHA will verify your income, check your rental history, and run a background check. This process usually takes several weeks. You will be contacted if GHA needs more information or documents from you.

If you are approved, you will be placed on the waiting list in priority order. Your position depends on your circumstances — homelessness, very low income, and displacement move you higher. You will wait until a unit becomes available or a voucher is issued.

If you are denied, GHA will tell you why and explain your right to request a hearing. You can also ask GHA to reconsider if your circumstances have changed or if you have new information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does GHA help people outside Greenville County?

No. The Greenville Housing Authority serves only Greenville County residents. If you live in another county, contact your local housing authority. You can find it through the South Carolina Housing Finance and Development Authority website or by calling 211.

What if I have a criminal record?

GHA considers criminal history but does not automatically deny applicants. Violent crimes and drug-related convictions are taken more seriously than other offenses. Contact GHA directly to discuss your situation — they can tell you whether your record will likely disqualify you.

Can I be on both the public housing and Section 8 waiting lists at the same time?

Yes. You can explore for both programs. Being on one list does not prevent you from being on the other. However, once you are housed in one program, you must leave the other waiting list.

How often does GHA open its waiting list?

GHA opens and closes its waiting lists based on demand and funding. Public housing waiting lists may stay open longer than Section 8 lists. Call GHA to find out the current status — they can tell you whether you can explore now or when the next opening might be.

What documents do I need to bring to explore?

You will need proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters), a photo ID, proof of residency in Greenville County, and information about your household members. GHA can give you a complete list when you call or visit. Having documents ready speeds up the process.