What the Charleston Housing Authority does

The Charleston Housing Authority (CHA) is a public agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in Charleston, South Carolina. It does not build or own all the housing in the city — it administers specific programs that help lower-income households afford rent, and it operates public housing communities where tenants pay rent based on their income.

The CHA's main role is to run the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, manage public housing properties, and administer other rental information when funding is available. If you live in Charleston and need help paying rent, the CHA is usually the first place to contact, though wait times and program availability change throughout the year.

The agency is governed by a Board of Commissioners and employs staff who handle applications, lease approvals, inspections, and payments to landlords. It is separate from the city government, though it receives federal funding and must follow federal housing rules.

Key Takeaways

  • The Charleston Housing Authority runs the Section 8 voucher program and public housing, and is the main local source for rental information information in the city.
  • Section 8 vouchers are not first-come, first-served — the CHA maintains a waiting list that opens and closes depending on demand and funding.
  • Public housing rent is based on your income, typically 30 percent of what you earn, and is separate from the voucher program.
  • The CHA's office is located in downtown Charleston, and you can reach them by phone or in person to ask about current program status and what documents you will need.
  • Emergency rental information and other temporary programs may be available through the CHA when state or federal funding opens, but these are not permanent programs.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers in Charleston

The Section 8 program is the largest rental information program the CHA runs. A voucher is a document that allows you to rent from a private landlord while the CHA pays a portion of your rent directly to that landlord. You pay the difference — usually around 30 percent of your income — and the voucher covers the rest, up to a limit set by the CHA.

The CHA maintains a waiting list for Section 8 vouchers. The list opens periodically when the agency has capacity to add new households. When the list is open, you can request to be added. Once you are on the list, you wait until your name is called. Wait times vary — they can be months or years depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many vouchers become available.

To use a Section 8 voucher, you must find a landlord willing to participate in the program, and that landlord's property must pass a CHA inspection. Not all rental properties in Charleston accept Section 8 vouchers, so finding housing can take time even after you receive a voucher.

Public housing communities run by the CHA

The CHA owns and operates several public housing communities in Charleston where tenants rent apartments directly from the agency. Rent in public housing is calculated as 30 percent of your household income, so it adjusts if your income changes. You do not receive a voucher — you sign a lease with the CHA itself.

Public housing has its own waiting list, separate from Section 8. The CHA prioritizes applicants based on factors like homelessness, living in unsafe conditions, or paying more than 50 percent of income toward rent. The waiting list for public housing also opens and closes, and wait times vary by property.

Public housing communities have rules about who can live in the unit, how the property must be maintained, and what activities are allowed. The CHA can terminate your lease if you or household members violate lease terms, so it is important to understand the rules before you move in.

How to contact the Charleston Housing Authority

The CHA's main office is located at 701 East Bay Street in downtown Charleston. You can visit in person during business hours to ask about waiting lists, current program status, and what documents you need to bring. Phone lines are also available, though wait times can be long during peak hours.

When you contact the CHA, have your Social Security number, proof of income (pay stubs or tax returns), and identification ready. If you are asking about a specific program, ask whether the waiting list is currently open — this changes throughout the year as funding and demand shift.

The CHA website lists contact information and may have updates about program status, though the most reliable way to know if a program is open is to call or visit in person. Staff can tell you whether you meet the basic income and citizenship requirements and what the current wait time is.

Income limits and who can participate

The CHA's programs have income limits based on household size. These limits change yearly and are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Generally, you must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, and your household income must fall below the limit for your area.

Income includes wages, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and other regular money coming into your household. The CHA will ask you to document your income with recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements. If your income is zero or very low, you may still be able to participate — bring documentation of that as well.

Household composition matters for both income limits and rent calculation. If someone moves in or out, or if your income changes significantly, you must report it to the CHA. Changes can affect your rent amount or your continued participation in the program.

What happens after you are approved

If the CHA approves you for Section 8, you receive a voucher and a timeframe — usually 60 to 120 days — to find a rental property. You search for apartments on your own, and once you find a place, the landlord must agree to participate in Section 8 and the property must pass inspection.

The CHA inspects the property to make sure it meets housing quality standards. This includes checking that the roof, plumbing, electrical systems, and appliances work safely, and that the unit is clean and free of hazards. If the property fails inspection, the landlord must fix the problems before you can move in.

Once the inspection passes and the lease is signed, the CHA begins paying the landlord. You pay your portion of rent directly to the landlord each month. If your income or household changes, you must report it — the CHA will recalculate your rent share.

Emergency rental information and other temporary programs

Beyond Section 8 and public housing, the CHA may administer emergency rental information when state or federal funding becomes available. These programs typically help people who have fallen behind on rent due to job loss, illness, or other hardship. They are not permanent — they exist only when money is allocated and usually run out.

Emergency programs often have different rules than Section 8. They may cover back rent you already owe, require proof of a recent hardship, and pay the landlord directly. The CHA will announce when these programs open, usually through their website, local news, or partner organizations.

If you hear about an emergency program, contact the CHA when ready to ask whether it is currently open and what you need to bring. These funds move quickly and often close when money runs out, so do not wait if you are behind on rent.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Section 8 waiting list in Charleston?

Wait times vary and change as people move through the program or leave the list. The CHA can tell you the current wait time when you call or visit. Some people wait months; others wait years. The only way to know your specific position is to contact the CHA directly and ask.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher if I move out of Charleston?

Section 8 vouchers are portable, meaning you can move to another city and use your voucher there — but you must request a transfer and the receiving housing authority must have capacity. Contact the CHA before you move to start the transfer process.

What if my landlord will not accept Section 8?

Not all landlords participate in Section 8. You will need to find a landlord who does. The CHA can provide a list of properties that have participated before, though that list is not exhaustive. You can also search online or ask community organizations for landlords who accept vouchers.

Do I have to live in public housing or use Section 8, or are there other options?

The CHA runs these two main programs, but other organizations in Charleston may offer rental information, down payment help, or other housing support. Contact 211 (dial 2-1-1) to learn about other programs in your area that you might be able to use.

What happens if my income increases while I have a voucher?

Your rent share will increase — the CHA recalculates it based on your new income. You will still have the voucher and can keep living in your apartment, but you will pay more each month. Report income changes to the CHA as soon as they happen.