What the Raleigh Housing Authority does

The Raleigh Housing Authority (RHA) is a public agency that owns and manages public housing in Raleigh, North Carolina, and administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) for Wake County. It does not set rent prices for private landlords or regulate the private rental market — it runs specific programs for people who meet income limits and other requirements.

RHA owns and maintains public housing properties where tenants pay rent based on their income, typically 30 percent of what they earn. It also distributes vouchers that help people with low incomes rent from private landlords, with the voucher covering part of the rent and the tenant paying the rest.

The agency is separate from the City of Raleigh government, though it works with city and county officials. It has its own board of commissioners and operates under federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rules.

Key Takeaways

  • RHA runs public housing properties and the Section 8 voucher program for Wake County, serving people whose income falls below set limits.
  • Public housing rent is based on your income, usually 30 percent of gross monthly earnings, not market rates.
  • The Section 8 voucher program has a waiting list that is often closed; you can contact RHA to learn when it reopens.
  • RHA's main office is located in Raleigh, and you can reach them by phone, mail, or in person to ask about current programs and waiting lists.
  • If you have a complaint about your housing or RHA's actions, you can file a grievance through RHA's formal process or contact HUD.

Public housing managed by RHA

RHA owns several public housing communities in Raleigh where tenants rent apartments or homes at income-based rates. These properties are maintained by RHA staff, and rent covers only operating costs — it does not go to private owners or investors.

To live in RHA public housing, your household income must fall below the limit set each year by HUD. The limit changes based on family size and is higher in Raleigh than in rural areas. You also must pass a background check and meet lease requirements, which include maintaining the unit and following community rules.

Rent is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly income, or the HUD-set minimum rent, whichever is higher. If your income changes, your rent adjusts at the next lease renewal. RHA covers utilities, maintenance, and repairs as part of the lease.

Section 8 vouchers and the waiting list

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program gives you a voucher worth a set amount each month that you can use to rent from a private landlord who accepts the program. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent, usually 30 percent of your income.

RHA's Section 8 waiting list is often closed because demand far exceeds available vouchers. When the list is open, RHA accepts applications for a limited time — sometimes a few weeks. You can contact RHA to ask when the next opening is expected and whether you can get on a notification list.

If you receive a voucher, you search for a rental property yourself, and the landlord must agree to accept Section 8. RHA inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards, then signs a contract with the landlord. The voucher is yours to use as long as you stay within income limits and follow program rules.

How to contact Raleigh Housing Authority

RHA's main office is located at 1313 New Bern Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27601. You can reach them by phone at (919) 831-7400 during business hours, Monday through Friday. The agency also accepts mail and walk-in visits, though calling ahead can reduce wait times.

When you contact RHA, have your name, address, and phone number ready. If you are asking about waiting lists, ask specifically whether the list is open and whether you can request notification when it reopens. If you have questions about a specific program or your lease, have your lease or case number available.

RHA's website includes information about current programs, waiting list status, and how to submit documents online. You can also find links to tenant resources and grievance procedures on the website.

Income limits and who can live in RHA housing

HUD sets income limits each year based on the area median income for Wake County. For public housing and Section 8, your household income must not exceed 80 percent of the area median income, though most programs prioritize people earning 50 percent or less of median income.

Income limits vary by family size. A single person's limit is lower than a family of four's limit. RHA counts gross income before taxes, including wages, Social Security, child support, and other regular payments. Some income sources, such as student financial aid, may not count toward the limit.

When you explore, RHA will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or other proof of income. If your income exceeds the limit, you will not be found to meet the requirement. If your income later rises above the limit while you are in public housing, RHA will work with you on a transition plan rather than when ready removing you.

Tenant rights and grievance procedures

RHA tenants have the right to a lease that follows federal public housing rules, notice before eviction, and a chance to respond to lease violations. If RHA wants to evict you, it must give you written notice of the reason and a chance to request a hearing before an impartial officer.

If you disagree with an RHA decision — such as a rent calculation, a maintenance issue, or a lease violation notice — you can file a grievance. RHA has a formal grievance process that includes a hearing where you can present your side. You do not need a lawyer, though you can bring one.

If you believe RHA has violated your rights under federal housing law, you can also file a complaint with HUD's Office of Inspector General or contact a legal aid organization in Wake County. RHA must post information about the grievance process in all buildings and provide it to you in writing.

Maintenance, repairs, and habitability standards

RHA is responsible for maintaining all public housing units to meet HUD's housing quality standards. This includes working plumbing, heating, electrical systems, and a roof free of leaks. If something breaks, you report it to RHA's maintenance office, and they are required to respond within a set timeframe depending on the severity.

For urgent repairs — no heat in winter, no water, broken locks — RHA must respond quickly, usually within 24 to 48 hours. For non-urgent repairs, the timeline is longer, typically 14 to 30 days. If RHA does not make repairs, you can file a grievance or contact HUD.

You are responsible for keeping your unit clean and not damaging it beyond normal wear and tear. RHA can charge you for damage you cause, and this charge can be deducted from your security deposit or added to your final bill when you move out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Section 8 waiting list in Raleigh?

RHA does not publish the exact length of the waiting list, and it changes as people move through the program or are removed for not meeting requirements. When the list is open, RHA will tell you the approximate wait time when you explore. You can call (919) 831-7400 to ask the current status and whether the list is open.

Can I own a car and still live in RHA public housing?

Yes. RHA does not restrict car ownership. You must follow parking rules set by your specific property, but owning a vehicle does not affect your income calculation or your right to live in public housing.

What happens if my income goes up while I'm in public housing?

Your rent will increase at your next lease renewal to reflect your new income. RHA will not when ready remove you, but your rent will be recalculated as 30 percent of your new gross income. If your income rises significantly above the limit, RHA may require you to move out after a transition period, usually one to two years.

Can I transfer to a different RHA property?

Yes, you can request a transfer if you want to move to another RHA-managed property. The process and timeline depend on availability and your reason for the transfer. Contact RHA's leasing office to ask about transfer options and the current wait time.

What should I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs?

If you are in public housing, report the repair to RHA's maintenance office in writing and keep a copy. If RHA does not respond within the required timeframe, file a grievance. If you are in Section 8 housing, contact RHA's Section 8 office to report the issue; RHA can inspect the unit and work with the landlord or remove the property from the program if it does not meet standards.