What Charleston Housing Authority does and how to reach them

Charleston Housing Authority (CHA) is the public agency that runs public housing, rental information programs, and housing choice vouchers in Charleston, South Carolina. They manage properties where residents pay rent based on income, and they administer the Section 8 voucher program that helps low-income households rent from private landlords. If you need to contact them about public housing, a voucher, or rental information, you reach them directly — not through a state office or federal hotline.

The main office is located at 701 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29403. You can call them at (843) 723-3800 during business hours. Their website is charlestonhousing.org, where you can find current program information, process forms, and updates on waitlist status. Many questions can be answered by phone or through their website before you visit in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Charleston Housing Authority manages public housing units, Section 8 vouchers, and rental information programs for low-income residents in the Charleston area.
  • You contact CHA directly at (843) 723-3800 or visit their office at 701 East Bay Street to ask about programs, check waitlist status, or submit documents.
  • Most CHA programs have waitlists that open and close based on funding, so calling first tells you whether a program is currently accepting new requests.
  • You will need proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a valid ID to start any CHA program process.
  • CHA also handles emergency rental information through local funding, though availability changes throughout the year.

Public housing and how the waitlist works

CHA owns and operates public housing apartments throughout Charleston. Rent is calculated as 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income, which means lower-income households pay less. To get on the waitlist, you contact CHA directly and ask to be added. The waitlist is typically closed when funding is full, and CHA reopens it when units become available or new money comes in.

Wait times vary widely depending on the type of unit you need (one-bedroom, two-bedroom, accessible unit) and how many people are ahead of you. Some waitlists have moved quickly in recent years; others have had multi-year waits. CHA can tell you the current wait time for your household size when you call. You stay on the list until you are offered a unit, you ask to be removed, or you do not respond when CHA contacts you about an available apartment.

Section 8 vouchers and private rental information

The Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly called Section 8, gives you a voucher that covers part of your rent when you rent from a private landlord. You find the apartment yourself, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and CHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the difference out of pocket, usually 30 percent of your income.

The Section 8 waitlist in Charleston is also typically closed, and CHA opens it only when they have funding for new vouchers. When the list is open, you can request to be added by contacting CHA. The process from process to receiving a voucher usually takes several months. Once you have a voucher, you have a set amount of time to find an apartment and have CHA inspect it before the voucher becomes active.

Emergency rental information and eviction prevention

CHA administers emergency rental information funds that pay landlords directly when tenants fall behind on rent due to hardship. These funds come from federal and state sources and are separate from the regular Section 8 or public housing programs. Availability changes throughout the year as money is spent and replenished.

To learn whether emergency rental information is currently open, call CHA at (843) 723-3800 and ask. If funds are available, you will need a signed lease, proof of income, and documentation of the hardship (such as a job loss letter or medical bill). CHA typically pays the landlord directly and covers rent you already owe rather than future rent. Processing usually takes two to six weeks.

Documents you need to bring or send

Most CHA programs require the same core documents. Have ready a valid government-issued ID, proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, birth certificate, or immigration documents), and recent pay stubs or a letter from your employer showing income. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of unemployment benefits or other income sources.

You will also need to provide the names and birthdates of everyone in your household. If you are explore for Section 8 or public housing, CHA will run a background check and contact previous landlords. For emergency rental information, bring your lease and proof of the hardship — such as a termination letter, medical records, or a notice from your landlord. CHA staff can tell you exactly what they need when you call or visit.

How to check your waitlist status

Once you are on a CHA waitlist, you can check your status by calling (843) 723-3800 and speaking with a staff member. Have your process number ready if you have one. CHA can tell you your position on the list, the current wait time, and whether anything has changed with your process.

Some housing authorities offer online portals where you can check status yourself, but you should confirm with CHA whether this option is available. If you move or your contact information changes, notify CHA when ready so they can reach you when a unit or voucher becomes available. If CHA cannot reach you when they offer you housing, you may be removed from the list.

What happens after you are offered housing

When CHA offers you a public housing unit or a Section 8 voucher, you have a limited time to respond and accept it — usually a few days to a week. If you accept a public housing unit, CHA will schedule a move-in date and conduct an inspection of the apartment. You sign a lease with CHA, and rent is due on the first of each month.

If you accept a Section 8 voucher, you have a set period (usually 60 days) to find an apartment, have the landlord agree to accept the voucher, and have CHA inspect the unit. Once the inspection passes, the voucher becomes active and the landlord begins receiving payments from CHA. You are responsible for paying your share of the rent on time each month.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Wait times depend on your household size, the type of unit you need, and how many people are on the list ahead of you. Some waitlists have moved in one to two years; others have taken longer. Call CHA at (843) 723-3800 to ask the current wait time for your situation.

Can I be on multiple CHA waitlists at the same time?

You can be on the public housing waitlist and the Section 8 waitlist at the same time. Some people do this to increase their chances of getting housing sooner. Contact CHA to ask about being added to both lists.

What if I have an eviction notice or owe back rent?

An active eviction does not automatically disqualify you from CHA programs, but it may delay processing. If you owe back rent, emergency rental information may help pay the landlord directly. Call CHA to discuss your situation and ask what options are available.

Do I have to live in Charleston to use CHA programs?

CHA serves the Charleston area. Residency requirements vary by program, so call (843) 723-3800 to confirm whether you meet the geographic requirements for the program you are interested in.

What if the waitlist is closed when I call?

If the waitlist is closed, ask CHA when it is expected to reopen and whether you can request to be notified when it opens. Some people call back periodically to check status. You can also ask about emergency rental information or other programs that might be available.