What the North Charleston Housing Authority does

The North Charleston Housing Authority (NCHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and rental voucher programs in North Charleston, South Carolina. It does not operate statewide — it serves only North Charleston residents. The agency manages public housing units (apartments it owns), administers Section 8 vouchers (subsidies you use at a private landlord's property), and handles waiting lists for both programs.

NCHA is separate from the state housing authority and from HUD, though HUD funds and oversees it. If you live in North Charleston and need affordable housing information, NCHA is the local body you contact. If you live outside North Charleston — in Charleston proper, in Goose Creek, in Summerville — you contact a different housing authority or your county social services office.

Key Takeaways

  • The North Charleston Housing Authority runs public housing and Section 8 voucher programs only in North Charleston city limits, not in surrounding areas.
  • Both programs have waiting lists that can be years long, and NCHA opens and closes them based on funding and turnover.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen or may have access to immigrant, have income below the area median, and pass a background check to be considered for either program.
  • Contact NCHA directly by phone or in person to learn whether waiting lists are open and what documents you need to bring.
  • If you need emergency rent help, contact your city or county emergency rental information program, not NCHA — they handle different funds.

How to contact the North Charleston Housing Authority

The North Charleston Housing Authority office is located at 2571 Azalea Drive, North Charleston, SC 29405. The main phone number is (843) 740-3500. You can visit in person during business hours or call to ask about current program status, waiting list openings, and what documents to bring.

When you call, have your Social Security number ready and be prepared to give your household size and current income range. The staff can tell you in one call whether the waiting list for public housing or Section 8 is open, whether you might meet income limits, and what the next step is. If the waiting list is closed, ask when it typically reopens — NCHA staff know the seasonal or funding patterns.

Public housing through NCHA

NCHA owns and manages public housing apartments in North Charleston. These are units where NCHA is the landlord. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, so the lower your income, the lower your rent. You do not choose the unit — NCHA assigns you to available housing based on family size and preferences (such as accessibility needs).

The waiting list for public housing is typically long and often closed. When it is open, NCHA takes applications in person or by mail. You will need proof of income, a Social Security card, a photo ID, proof of residency in North Charleston, and documentation of any disabilities or accessibility needs. Background checks include criminal history, eviction history, and drug-related convictions. NCHA has the authority to deny housing based on these factors, though policy allows for consideration of how long ago an incident occurred.

Once you are on the waiting list, NCHA contacts you when a unit becomes available. The wait can be several years depending on family size and unit availability. During the wait, your circumstances may change — if your income rises significantly or you move out of North Charleston, notify NCHA so they can update your file.

Section 8 vouchers through NCHA

A Section 8 voucher is a subsidy that lets you rent from a private landlord instead of living in public housing. NCHA gives you the voucher, and you find an apartment on the private market. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher. NCHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent (usually 70 to 80 percent), and you pay the rest (usually 30 percent of your income).

The Section 8 waiting list is also typically closed and very long when open. Income limits are the same as for public housing — your household income must be below 50 percent of the area median income for North Charleston. For a family of four, this is usually around $35,000 to $40,000 per year, though the exact figure changes annually. NCHA will confirm the current limit when you call.

If you receive a voucher, you have a limited time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find an apartment. The landlord must pass NCHA's inspection, and the rent cannot exceed NCHA's payment standard for your area and unit size. Once you move in, you stay on the program as long as you meet income limits and follow lease rules. If your income rises above the limit, you may be asked to pay more or to leave the program.

Income limits and household composition

Both public housing and Section 8 have income limits based on family size. NCHA uses the federal poverty guidelines plus a percentage set by HUD. A single person, a couple, a family of four, and a family of six each have different limits. The limits also vary slightly year to year.

When you contact NCHA, ask for the current income limit for your household size. Bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer showing your income. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of unemployment benefits or other income sources. Self-employment income requires tax returns from the past two years. NCHA counts income from all household members age 18 and older.

Background check and disqualifying factors

NCHA runs a criminal background check and checks your eviction and rental payment history. Disqualifying factors typically include drug-related convictions, violent crime convictions, and sex offender registration. However, NCHA considers the age of the offense, the circumstances, and your rehabilitation. A conviction from 15 years ago is treated differently than one from last year.

Eviction history is also reviewed. If you were evicted for nonpayment, NCHA wants to see that you have since paid the debt or have a plan to do so. If you were evicted for lease violations (noise, damage, unauthorized occupants), NCHA will ask about the circumstances. You have the right to dispute information in your background check — if NCHA denies you based on a record you believe is inaccurate, ask for a copy of the report and request a hearing to challenge it.

What to do if the waiting list is closed

If NCHA's waiting lists are closed, you have several options. First, ask NCHA staff when the list typically reopens — some agencies open lists seasonally or when funding becomes available. Second, contact other housing authorities in the region: Charleston Housing Authority (if you can move to Charleston proper), Berkeley County Housing Authority (if you can move to Goose Creek or Moncks Corner), or Dorchester County Housing Authority (if you can move to Summerville or Ladson).

Third, look into emergency rental information if you are behind on rent or at risk of eviction. North Charleston's emergency rental information program is run by the city, not by NCHA. Contact the North Charleston Community Services Department or call 211 South Carolina to be referred to the current program. Fourth, contact local nonprofits that help with housing: Lowcountry Housing Trust, Community Housing of Charleston, or the Affordable Housing Coalition of the Lowcountry may have resources or know of other programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher from NCHA?

The wait depends on the size of the waiting list and how many vouchers become available. In North Charleston, the wait is typically several years. Once you receive a voucher, you have 60 to 120 days to find an apartment. The entire process from process to move-in can take three to five years or longer.

Can I explore to NCHA if I have an eviction on my record?

Yes, but NCHA will review the reason and how long ago it occurred. If you were evicted for nonpayment and have since paid the debt, bring proof of payment. If you were evicted for lease violations, explain what happened and what you have done differently since. NCHA considers context, not just the fact of eviction.

What if I move out of North Charleston after I am on the waiting list?

Notify NCHA when ready. If you move outside North Charleston, you will be removed from the waiting list because NCHA serves only North Charleston residents. If you move back to North Charleston later, you can reapply, but you will go to the back of the list.

Does NCHA help with emergency rent or eviction prevention?

No. NCHA runs housing programs for long-term affordable housing. For emergency rent help or eviction prevention, contact North Charleston's emergency rental information program or call 211 South Carolina. These are separate programs with different funding and faster timelines.

What if I don't meet the income limit but still need affordable housing?

Contact nonprofits that develop affordable housing: Lowcountry Housing Trust and Community Housing of Charleston build and manage apartments with income limits that may be higher than NCHA's. You can also ask NCHA about any mixed-income programs or ask for a referral to other resources in the area.