What the Durham Housing Authority does

The Durham Housing Authority (DHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and rental information programs in Durham, North Carolina. It does not build or own all the housing in the city — it manages specific properties and voucher programs that help lower-income households afford rent. The DHA answers to a board of commissioners and operates with federal funding, mainly from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The agency runs two main programs: public housing (where DHA owns the building) and the Housing Choice Voucher program (where you rent from a private landlord and the voucher helps pay part of your rent). Both have waiting lists, and both have income limits that determine who can participate. The DHA office is located in Durham, and you contact them directly to learn about current openings and requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • The Durham Housing Authority manages public housing properties and Housing Choice Vouchers, two separate programs with their own waiting lists and rules.
  • Both programs have income limits based on your household size, and you must meet those limits to be considered.
  • Waiting lists are often closed or have long wait times, so you should contact DHA directly to find out the current status before you plan around a program.
  • The DHA office in Durham can tell you what documents you need to bring and what the next steps are for your situation.
  • If you are experiencing a housing crisis right now, local emergency rental information or 211 may help faster than waiting for a DHA program to open.

Public housing managed by the Durham Housing Authority

Public housing means the DHA owns the building and you are a tenant in a DHA-owned unit. The DHA operates several public housing communities in Durham. Rent is based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income, though the exact amount depends on your lease and any deductions you may have access to for. You pay the DHA directly, not a private landlord.

To live in DHA public housing, your household income must fall below a certain threshold. That threshold changes each year and depends on your household size. For example, the income limit for a family of four is different from the limit for a single person. The DHA can tell you the current limits when you contact them.

Public housing waiting lists in Durham are often closed. When they are open, the wait can be months or years depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many units become available. You can ask the DHA whether the list is currently open and, if so, how long the typical wait is.

Housing Choice Vouchers and how they work

A Housing Choice Voucher is a subsidy that helps you pay rent in a privately owned apartment or house. You find your own place (within limits), sign a lease with the landlord, and the voucher covers part of the rent. You pay the rest directly to the landlord. The voucher amount is set by HUD and varies by bedroom size and neighborhood.

The landlord must agree to accept the voucher and sign a contract with the DHA. Not all landlords participate, so you may need to search for a unit in a building whose owner is willing to work with the program. The DHA provides a list of participating landlords and can explain the rules to both you and the landlord.

Like public housing, the voucher program has income limits and a waiting list. The waiting list is often closed in Durham. When it is open, the wait time depends on how many households are on the list and how many vouchers become available each year. The DHA can tell you the current status and what to expect.

Income limits and household size

Both public housing and vouchers have income limits set by HUD. Your household's gross monthly income must be at or below the limit for your household size. Household size includes everyone living with you, including children and dependents. The limits are adjusted each year and vary slightly by location within Durham.

The DHA uses your most recent tax return, pay stubs, and other documents to verify your income. If you are self-employed, unemployed, or have irregular income, bring documentation that shows your actual earnings. The DHA will explain what counts as income and what deductions may explore to your situation.

If your income is above the limit, you do not meet the requirement for that program at that time. Income limits do not change for individual households — they are set by HUD for the whole area. If your income drops later, you can contact the DHA to see whether you now meet the requirement.

How to contact the Durham Housing Authority

The Durham Housing Authority office is located in Durham, North Carolina. You can reach them by phone, email, or by visiting in person. The DHA website lists the office address, phone number, and hours. Call or visit to ask whether the waiting list for public housing or vouchers is currently open, what documents you need, and what the next steps are.

When you contact the DHA, have your household information ready: the number of people in your household, your current income, and whether you have any special needs (such as a disability or a service animal). The DHA staff can tell you whether you meet the basic requirements and what to do next.

If the waiting list is closed, ask when it typically reopens or whether you can be placed on a future list. Some programs reopen seasonally or when funding becomes available. The DHA can give you a realistic timeline for your area.

When the DHA waiting list is closed or has a long wait

Waiting lists for public housing and vouchers are often closed in Durham because demand is high and funding is limited. A long wait does not mean you will never get help — it means you may wait months or years. During that time, you need to find housing on your own.

If you are currently facing eviction or cannot afford rent, do not wait for the DHA list to open. Contact your local 211 service or the Durham County Department of Social Services to learn about emergency rental information, rapid rehousing, or other programs that may help right away. These programs move faster than the DHA waiting list and may cover rent you already owe.

You can be on the DHA waiting list and also look for help through other programs at the same time. There is no rule against it. In fact, most people in housing crisis do both — they explore to the DHA for long-term stability and seek emergency help for when ready needs.

Documents you will need

The DHA will ask you to bring documents that prove your identity, income, household composition, and residency. Typical documents include a government-issued ID, recent pay stubs or tax returns, proof of Social Security numbers for all household members, and proof that you live in Durham (such as a utility bill or lease). If you are unemployed, bring documentation of unemployment benefits or other income sources.

If you have a disability or need a reasonable accommodation, bring documentation from a doctor or healthcare provider. The DHA must follow fair housing law and cannot deny you based on disability. If you have a service animal, bring documentation of that as well.

The DHA will tell you exactly which documents are required for your situation when you contact them. Do not assume — ask. Bringing the wrong documents wastes a trip, and the DHA staff can tell you what to gather before you come in.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If the waiting list is open and you meet the income requirement, the DHA will place you on the list. From there, the wait depends on how many people are ahead of you and how many units or vouchers become available. In Durham, this can range from several months to several years. The DHA can give you a realistic estimate based on current list size.

Can I be on both the public housing list and the voucher list at the same time?

Yes. The two programs are separate, and you can be on both waiting lists. Some people prefer one over the other, but explore to both increases your chances of getting help sooner. Ask the DHA how the process works to each program.

What if my income goes up after I move into public housing or get a voucher?

Your rent will increase. In public housing, rent is recalculated based on your new income, usually 30 percent of gross income. With a voucher, your share of the rent may increase, though the voucher amount itself does not change. Report income changes to the DHA right away — they will ask you to provide updated pay stubs or tax returns.

Does the DHA help with utilities or other housing costs?

Public housing and vouchers cover rent only. Utilities, internet, and other costs are your responsibility. Some utility information programs exist in Durham through the Department of Social Services or community action agencies, but they are separate from the DHA.

What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?

The DHA can consider your background but cannot automatically deny you based on a criminal record or past eviction. They look at the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and other factors. Contact the DHA directly to discuss your situation — they can tell you whether you meet the requirements.