What the Myrtle Beach Housing Authority does

The Myrtle Beach Housing Authority (MBHA) is a local public agency that runs housing programs in Myrtle Beach and Horry County, South Carolina. It does not build or own most of the housing it manages — instead, it administers vouchers and rental information on behalf of the federal government and the state. The Authority acts as the middleman between you, your landlord, and the funding source.

MBHA's main job is to process paperwork, verify your income and household size, inspect rental units to make sure they meet housing standards, and send payments to landlords. It also maintains a waitlist for people seeking vouchers. The Authority is run by a Board of Commissioners and a Executive Director, and it has a physical office where you can submit documents and ask questions in person.

Key Takeaways

  • The Myrtle Beach Housing Authority administers Section 8 vouchers and other rental information programs, but does not own the apartments — landlords do.
  • You must visit the MBHA office in person or contact them by phone to learn about current programs, waitlist status, and what documents you need.
  • Income limits and rent contribution amounts vary by program and by household size, so the Authority will calculate your specific amount during intake.
  • The Authority inspects units before you move in to confirm they meet federal housing quality standards, and landlords must pass this inspection to participate.
  • Processing times depend on the program and current workload, so contact MBHA directly for a timeline on your specific situation.

Section 8 vouchers and how MBHA administers them

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is the largest program MBHA runs. When you receive a voucher, the Authority pays a portion of your rent directly to your landlord, and you pay the rest. The amount MBHA pays depends on your income, household size, and the local rent market. You are responsible for finding your own apartment — MBHA does not assign you a unit.

To use a Section 8 voucher, you must find a landlord willing to accept it. Not all landlords participate. Once you have found an apartment and signed a lease, MBHA inspects the unit to confirm it meets Housing Quality Standards (HQS). These standards cover things like working plumbing, safe electrical systems, adequate heat, and no lead paint hazards. If the unit fails inspection, the landlord must make repairs before you can move in and MBHA can begin paying rent.

MBHA maintains a waitlist for Section 8 vouchers. The waitlist is often closed because demand exceeds available vouchers. When it opens, you must explore in person at the MBHA office. The Authority will tell you the current waitlist status and whether new applications are being taken.

Income limits and rent you will pay

MBHA uses Area Median Income (AMI) to set income limits for its programs. AMI is calculated each year by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and varies by county. For Horry County, the current AMI is set by HUD, and MBHA uses a percentage of that figure to determine who can participate.

Your rent contribution is typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income, though MBHA may adjust this based on the program rules and your circumstances. If your income is very low, you may pay a minimum amount set by the Authority. MBHA will calculate your exact contribution during your intake interview — you cannot know the number until you provide pay stubs, tax returns, or other income documents.

If your income increases after you receive a voucher, MBHA will recalculate your contribution. If your income drops, you report it to the Authority and your payment may decrease. You must report all changes in household income and composition within 30 days.

How to contact MBHA and what to bring

The Myrtle Beach Housing Authority office is located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. You can reach them by phone or visit in person during business hours. The Authority's phone number and office address are available through the City of Myrtle Beach website or by calling 211 (a statewide referral line).

When you contact MBHA, have ready your Social Security number, photo ID, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), and information about your household — names, ages, and relationships of all people living with you. If you are explore for a voucher, ask whether the waitlist is open. If you are already in a program, ask about recertification important date and what documents you need to renew.

MBHA processes requests by mail and in person. Some documents can be submitted online through a tenant portal if MBHA offers one — ask when you call. Processing times vary. For new applications, expect several weeks to several months depending on the program and current volume.

Housing Quality Standards and unit inspections

Before MBHA will pay rent on any unit, an inspector from the Authority must visit the apartment and confirm it meets Housing Quality Standards. These are federal minimum standards, not luxury requirements. The unit must have working heat, safe electrical outlets, no water leaks, functioning plumbing, adequate lighting, and no pest infestations or mold. Lead paint hazards must be addressed if the building was built before 1978.

The landlord is responsible for making sure the unit passes inspection. If it fails, the landlord receives a list of repairs needed and a important date to complete them. MBHA will re-inspect after repairs are done. Until the unit passes, MBHA will not issue a voucher or begin paying rent.

After you move in, MBHA conducts annual inspections to confirm the unit still meets standards. If problems are found, the landlord must fix them within a set timeframe or MBHA will stop paying rent. This protects you — it means your home must meet minimum safety and livability standards as long as MBHA is paying.

Recertification and reporting changes

If you are currently receiving a voucher or rental information from MBHA, you must recertify your income and household information every year. MBHA will send you a notice with the recertification important date — typically 30 to 60 days before your lease anniversary or program anniversary date. You must submit updated income documents, household composition, and any other information the Authority requests.

You must also report changes between recertifications. If someone moves into your household, moves out, gets a job, loses a job, or your income changes significantly, contact MBHA within 30 days. Failing to report changes can result in overpayment (you owe money back) or termination of your voucher.

Recertification paperwork can usually be submitted by mail or in person. Some MBHA offices accept documents by email or through an online portal. Ask which method is fastest when you receive your recertification notice.

Waitlist status and how the process works

The Section 8 waitlist for MBHA is frequently closed. When it is closed, MBHA is not taking new applications. You can call the Authority to ask whether the list is open. If it is open, you must explore in person at the MBHA office with a photo ID and proof of residency (a utility bill or lease showing your current address in Myrtle Beach or Horry County).

Once you are on the waitlist, MBHA will contact you when a voucher becomes available. This can take months or years depending on how many people are ahead of you. MBHA will send you a letter with instructions on next steps. If you move or your contact information changes, you must update MBHA or you may miss the call.

Some people are prioritized on the waitlist — for example, people experiencing homelessness or those with disabilities may move up faster. Ask MBHA whether you may have access to for priority placement when you explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Section 8 voucher in a different city or state?

You can move with your voucher, but you must request a portability transfer from MBHA before you move. The new housing authority in your destination city must agree to administer your voucher. The process takes time, so contact MBHA at least 60 days before your planned move. If the new area has a long waitlist, you may not be able to transfer.

What happens if my landlord wants to raise the rent?

Your landlord can raise the rent, but MBHA must approve the new amount. The rent cannot exceed the local payment standard set by the Authority. If the new rent is too high, MBHA will not pay it and you will have to pay the difference or move. Discuss any rent increase with MBHA before you agree to it.

Can MBHA help me if I am behind on rent right now?

MBHA administers vouchers and ongoing rental information, not emergency back-rent programs. If you owe past-due rent, contact your local emergency rental information program through 211 or your city's community services office. MBHA can tell you where to find emergency funds, but they do not distribute them.

What if I lose my job and cannot afford my rent contribution?

Contact MBHA when ready and report the income change. The Authority will recalculate your rent contribution based on your new income. Your payment may drop significantly or to a minimum amount. You must report the change within 30 days — waiting longer can result in overpayment.

How do I know if my unit will pass the Housing Quality Standards inspection?

Ask your landlord to walk through the unit with you before MBHA inspects. Look for working heat, water, and electricity; no visible mold or water damage; clean walls and floors; and no pest problems. If you see issues, ask the landlord to fix them before the inspection. MBHA will provide a detailed inspection report if the unit fails.