The Columbia Housing Authority handles public housing and rental information in Richland County

The Columbia Housing Authority (CHA) is a local agency that owns and manages public housing units and runs rental information programs in the Columbia area. It is a separate entity from the federal government, though it receives federal funding and operates under federal rules. If you live in Richland County and need affordable housing or have questions about a CHA property you rent, CHA is the office you contact directly — not a state or federal agency.

CHA manages several hundred public housing units across Columbia and also administers voucher programs that help tenants pay rent in privately owned buildings. The agency also handles applications for people seeking affordable housing. Understanding which CHA program might fit your situation and how to reach the right department saves time.

Key Takeaways

  • The Columbia Housing Authority is a local agency that manages public housing units and rental information vouchers in Richland County.
  • You can reach CHA by phone at 803-733-1314 or visit their office at 1231 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29201 during business hours.
  • CHA maintains a waiting list for public housing and voucher programs; the list is sometimes closed when demand is high, so call first to confirm it is open.
  • If you already rent from CHA or hold a voucher, contact your property manager or case worker directly for maintenance requests, payment questions, or lease issues.
  • CHA's website at columbiahousing.org has process forms, program descriptions, and contact information for specific departments.

How to reach the Columbia Housing Authority

The main CHA office is located at 1231 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29201. You can call the general line at 803-733-1314 during business hours. The office is typically open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours may vary by department. If you need to speak with someone about a specific program — such as public housing, vouchers, or maintenance — ask the receptionist to transfer you or provide the direct number for that department.

CHA's website at columbiahousing.org lists department phone numbers, mailing addresses, and email contacts for different services. You can also read process forms and program information from the website. If you prefer to submit documents by mail, the main office address is the standard mailing location, though some departments may have separate submission procedures.

Understanding CHA's public housing program

CHA owns and operates public housing units — apartments and townhouses that CHA owns and rents to low-income households. Rent is typically set at 30 percent of your household income, though the exact amount depends on your income and family size. To be considered for public housing, you must meet income limits set by the federal government, which vary by family size and change annually.

CHA maintains a waiting list for public housing. When demand is high, the list closes temporarily and reopens when units become available or funding allows. Before you travel to the office or spend time on an process, call 803-733-1314 and ask whether the public housing waiting list is currently open. If it is closed, ask when it typically reopens so you can plan to explore later.

How the Housing Choice Voucher program works

The Housing Choice Voucher program (sometimes called Section 8) is different from public housing. CHA gives you a voucher that subsidizes your rent at a privately owned apartment or house. You find your own place, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and CHA pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord. You pay the difference out of pocket, typically 30 percent of your income.

Like public housing, the voucher program has income limits and a waiting list. The waiting list for vouchers is often longer than the public housing list and may be closed more frequently. Call CHA to ask whether voucher applications are being taken. If the list is closed, ask to be placed on a notification list so CHA can contact you when it reopens.

What to do if you already live in CHA housing

If you rent from CHA or hold a CHA voucher, your first contact for day-to-day issues should be your property manager or case worker, not the main office. Property managers handle maintenance requests, lease questions, and rent payment issues at individual CHA properties. Your lease or welcome packet should list your property manager's phone number and office hours.

For maintenance emergencies — such as no heat, water leaks, or electrical problems — call your property manager when ready. If the issue is urgent and outside business hours, the property manager's voicemail should provide an emergency number. For voucher holders, your case worker handles questions about your voucher amount, lease approval, and program rules. Contact information for your case worker should be in your voucher paperwork.

Income limits and other requirements

CHA programs have income limits based on family size and the federal poverty guidelines. These limits change each year. For example, a single person might have a limit around $30,000 to $35,000 annually, while a family of four might have a limit around $50,000 to $55,000, though these figures vary. Call CHA or check their website to learn the current year's limits for your household size.

Beyond income, CHA will review your rental history, credit, and background. You will need to provide proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), identification, and a Social Security number for each household member. CHA may also conduct a background check. Having a clean rental history and no recent evictions strengthens your case, though CHA considers each process individually.

What happens after you submit an process

After you submit an process, CHA will verify your income and contact your previous landlords or employers. This process typically takes several weeks to a few months, depending on how quickly you provide requested documents and how busy CHA is. CHA will contact you by phone or mail with a decision.

If you are placed on a waiting list, CHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. Waiting times vary widely — sometimes a few months, sometimes several years, depending on demand and the number of units available. If your contact information changes, notify CHA when ready so they can reach you when your name comes up.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to hear back after I explore to CHA?

Verification typically takes four to eight weeks, though it can be longer if CHA needs additional documents from you or if they are processing many applications. After verification, you may be placed on a waiting list. Waiting times depend on how many units are available and how many people are ahead of you on the list.

Can I explore for both public housing and a voucher at the same time?

Yes. You can submit separate applications for public housing and the voucher program. Some people are on both waiting lists and accept whichever becomes available first. Call CHA to confirm both lists are open before explore.

What if I need to report a maintenance problem in my CHA unit?

Contact your property manager directly. Their number should be on your lease or welcome packet. For emergencies outside business hours, the voicemail should provide an emergency contact. Do not call the main CHA office for routine maintenance — your property manager handles those requests.

Does CHA help with emergency rent if I am behind on payments?

CHA does not run an emergency rental information program. However, Richland County and the City of Columbia may have emergency rental funds. Contact your local 211 service (dial 2-1-1) or search online for "emergency rental information Columbia SC" to find current programs in your area.

What if I was denied for CHA housing — can I appeal?

Yes. CHA must provide you with a written reason for denial and information about how to request a hearing. The appeal process and timeline are outlined in the denial letter. Contact CHA's main office if you do not receive this information or have questions about appealing.