What the Raleigh Housing Authority does

The Raleigh Housing Authority (RHA) is a local government agency that runs public housing and the Section 8 voucher program in Raleigh and surrounding areas. It does not provide cash information or rental help directly — instead, it owns or subsidizes rental properties and issues vouchers that reduce what tenants pay in rent. The agency also manages waiting lists for both programs, which are usually years long.

RHA serves Wake County and parts of surrounding counties. If you live in Raleigh proper, you explore to RHA. If you live in a nearby town or unincorporated area, you may fall under RHA's jurisdiction, but some areas have their own housing authorities — calling RHA first will tell you which one covers your address.

Key Takeaways

  • RHA runs two main programs: public housing (apartments it owns) and Section 8 vouchers (subsidies you use at any landlord's property).
  • Both programs have waiting lists that are typically closed or have multi-year waits, so you should call or check the website to see if applications are open.
  • To explore, you must live or work in Raleigh or Wake County, have a Social Security number, and provide proof of income and residency.
  • RHA's office is located at 1313 New Bern Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27601, and you can reach them by phone at (919) 833-7321.
  • If you are experiencing a housing crisis now, RHA waiting lists will not help — contact your local 211 service or the Raleigh Community Development Department for emergency rental information.

Public housing vs. Section 8 vouchers: which program is which

RHA owns or operates public housing properties throughout Raleigh. These are apartment complexes or scattered-site units where RHA is the landlord. Your rent is based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income — and RHA covers the rest. You explore to live in a specific property or a portfolio of properties, and once you are on the waiting list, RHA calls you when a unit becomes available.

Section 8 vouchers work differently. RHA gives you a voucher (a subsidy) that you take to any landlord willing to accept it. You find your own apartment, the landlord agrees to rent to you, and RHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent while you pay the rest. The amount you pay is still based on your income, usually 30 percent. You have more choice in where you live, but you have to find a landlord who will participate — not all do.

Both programs require you to be on a waiting list. Both are usually closed to new applications because the lists are so long. RHA prioritizes people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, and families with children, but even those groups may wait years.

How to learn about RHA is taking applications

The fastest way is to call RHA directly at (919) 833-7321 during business hours. Ask whether the public housing waiting list and the Section 8 waiting list are open. The status changes — a list may be closed for months or years, then reopen briefly, then close again. A phone call takes five minutes and tells you whether it is worth explore right now.

You can also visit the RHA website at raleighhousing.org to check the current status. The website lists which programs are accepting applications and provides downloadable process forms. If you do not have internet access, you can visit the office in person at 1313 New Bern Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27601, Monday through Friday during business hours.

What you need to bring when you explore

RHA requires the same documents for both public housing and Section 8. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are usually not accepted. You will need proof of identity (a driver's license, passport, or state ID), a Social Security card or a letter from Social Security, and proof of residency in Raleigh or Wake County (a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency dated within the last 60 days).

You will also need to show your income. Bring recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), a letter from your employer, or tax returns if you are self-employed. If you receive benefits — unemployment, Social Security, TANF, SNAP — bring the award letter or a recent statement. If you have no income, bring a statement explaining that. RHA will also ask about any assets you own (savings, vehicles, property) and will verify your information by contacting your employer and bank.

If you have a criminal history, bring documentation of what happened and when. RHA has rules about certain convictions, but it does not automatically deny people with records — it reviews each case. If you have an eviction history, bring the court papers or a letter from your previous landlord explaining what happened.

The waiting list and how long it takes

Once you are approved and placed on a waiting list, the timeline depends on the program and your priority. Public housing waiting lists in Raleigh are typically several years long. Section 8 waiting lists are also very long, though they sometimes move faster because there are more vouchers available. RHA will contact you by phone or mail when a unit or voucher becomes available — this can take months or years.

Your position on the list can change if your circumstances change. If you become homeless or experience a documented hardship, you may be moved up. If your income increases significantly, you may be moved down or removed. RHA will notify you of any changes.

While you are waiting, your information must stay current. If you move, change your phone number, or change your income, contact RHA to update your file. If RHA cannot reach you when a unit or voucher becomes available, you may lose your spot.

What happens after you are approved for a voucher or unit

If you receive a Section 8 voucher, you have a set amount of time (usually 120 days) to find an apartment and have the landlord sign a lease. RHA will inspect the unit to make sure it meets housing standards — it must be safe, have working utilities, and meet local building codes. Once the inspection passes, RHA and the landlord sign a contract, and you move in. You pay your portion of the rent each month; RHA pays the landlord directly.

If you are approved for public housing, RHA will offer you a unit when one becomes available. You can refuse one offer without losing your place on the list, but refusing a second offer usually removes you. Once you accept a unit, you sign a lease with RHA and move in. Your rent is recalculated each year based on your income.

In both cases, you must follow the lease and RHA's rules. This includes keeping the unit clean, reporting maintenance problems, and not subletting. If you violate the lease, RHA can evict you.

If you need help now and cannot wait for a list

RHA waiting lists do not help with when ready housing crises. If you are behind on rent, facing eviction, or homeless now, contact the Raleigh Community Development Department at (919) 996-3000 to ask about emergency rental information. You can also call 211 (dial 2-1-1 from any phone) to be connected to local emergency housing resources, food banks, and other services.

Some nonprofits in Raleigh also provide rapid rehousing, emergency shelter, and rental information. Catholic Charities, the Raleigh Rescue Mission, and the Wake County Human Services department all run programs that move faster than RHA's waiting lists. A 211 call will connect you to whichever program has funding available right now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to live in Raleigh to explore to RHA?

You must live or work in Raleigh or Wake County. If you work in Raleigh but live outside the county, you can still explore. If you live and work outside RHA's service area, you would explore to your local housing authority instead.

What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?

RHA does not automatically deny people with records. It reviews each case individually. Bring documentation of what happened and when. Some convictions (violent felonies, drug manufacturing) may disqualify you, but others will not. An eviction from years ago is viewed differently than a recent one. Being honest and providing context helps.

Can I explore to both public housing and Section 8 at the same time?

Yes. You can be on both waiting lists simultaneously. If you receive a voucher or are offered a public housing unit, you can accept it and withdraw from the other list, or stay on both lists if you want to keep your options open.

What if the waiting lists are closed when I call?

Check back periodically — lists reopen, though it may take months or years. You can also ask RHA to notify you when applications open again. In the meantime, explore emergency rental information, nonprofit housing programs, and other local resources through 211.

How much will I pay in rent if I get a voucher or public housing?

You typically pay 30 percent of your gross monthly income as rent. If your income is very low, some programs have a minimum rent (often $50 to $100 per month). RHA will calculate your exact rent based on your income at the time you move in and will recalculate it each year.