How the Raleigh Housing Authority Works and What It Offers

What the Raleigh Housing Authority does

The Raleigh Housing Authority (RHA) is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Raleigh, North Carolina. It operates public housing units, administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, and runs other affordable housing initiatives. The RHA does not set local rent prices or regulate private landlords — it owns and leases its own properties and helps may be able to access residents pay rent through vouchers.

The agency is independent from the city government but works within federal guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If you live in Raleigh and need affordable housing, the RHA is the main local body to contact, though it is not the only source of help in the area.

Key Takeaways

The Raleigh Housing Authority manages public housing units and Section 8 vouchers, but maintains separate waiting lists for each program.
You must meet income limits and citizenship requirements to be considered for either public housing or a voucher.
Waiting lists for both programs are typically closed, and you can only add your name when the RHA opens intake — which may happen once a year or less often.
You can contact the RHA directly at their main office to ask when the next intake period is or to request information about other affordable housing options in Raleigh.
Emergency rental help and other housing support may be available through Wake County or the City of Raleigh, separate from the RHA.

Public housing units managed by the RHA

The Raleigh Housing Authority owns and operates public housing apartments and townhouses throughout Raleigh. These units are rented to low-income households at below-market rates. Rent is typically set at 30 percent of your household's adjusted gross income, meaning your payment scales with what you earn.

To live in RHA public housing, you must meet income limits that vary by household size. A single person's income limit is different from a family of four's. You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. The RHA maintains a waiting list for public housing, but it is usually closed to new applications. When the list does open, the RHA announces it publicly and accepts applications for a limited time.

Once you are on the waiting list, the RHA prioritizes applicants based on factors like homelessness, living in substandard housing, or paying more than 50 percent of income toward rent. The wait time varies; some applicants are housed within months, while others wait years depending on the size of unit you need and current availability.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

The Section 8 program gives may be able to access households a voucher they can use to rent from a private landlord. The voucher covers a portion of the rent, and you pay the difference. The RHA calculates your share based on your income, typically 30 percent of adjusted gross income. The voucher amount depends on the local fair market rent for your area and unit size.

Section 8 vouchers are portable — if you move to another city, you can take your voucher with you and use it there, as long as the receiving housing authority accepts transfers. The RHA's Section 8 waiting list is also usually closed. When it opens, you explore directly to the RHA. Income limits and citizenship requirements are the same as for public housing.

The RHA inspects any unit you want to rent with a voucher to make sure it meets housing quality standards. Your landlord must agree to accept the voucher and sign a lease with the RHA. The inspection happens before you move in, and the RHA pays the landlord directly each month.

How to contact the Raleigh Housing Authority

The Raleigh Housing Authority's main office is located in Raleigh. You can reach them by phone, email, or in person to ask about current waiting list status, income limits, or the next intake period. The RHA website also lists contact information and may post announcements about when applications are being accepted.

When you call or visit, have your household size and approximate annual income ready. The RHA staff can tell you whether you likely meet income limits and when you might be able to explore. If the waiting list is closed, ask whether the RHA maintains a pre-process list or when they expect to open intake again.

Other affordable housing resources in Raleigh

The Raleigh Housing Authority is not the only source of affordable housing help in the area. Wake County and the City of Raleigh both administer emergency rental information, utility help, and other housing support programs. These programs may have different income limits and may be able to access rules than the RHA.

Nonprofits like the Raleigh Rescue Mission and local community action agencies also provide housing information, case management, and referrals. If you need housing help right away and the RHA waiting list is closed, these organizations can point you toward programs that may be open now. You can also call 211 (a free helpline) to be connected to local housing resources.

Income limits and who can explore

The RHA sets income limits for both public housing and Section 8 based on the area median income for Raleigh. These limits change each year. A household at or below the limit is considered low-income and may be considered for housing. The RHA also has preferences for extremely low-income households, which are those at or below 30 percent of area median income.

You must be a U.S. citizen, a national, or have may be able to access immigration status to receive RHA housing. Non-citizens with certain visa types or work permits may may have access to, but the RHA will verify your status. You also cannot have a criminal history that disqualifies you under federal rules — the RHA conducts background checks on all applicants.

If your income is above the limit, you do not meet the basic requirement. If your income is at or below the limit, you still must pass the background check and meet other RHA policies before being housed.

What happens after you are on the waiting list

Once your process is accepted and you are added to the waiting list, you wait for a unit or voucher to become available. The RHA contacts you when something matching your household size is ready. You must respond within the timeframe the RHA gives you, usually a few days to a week, or you may lose your place on the list.

If you are offered a unit or voucher, the RHA will explain the lease terms, your rent share, and what happens next. For public housing, you sign a lease with the RHA and move into an RHA-owned unit. For Section 8, you find a unit with a private landlord, the RHA inspects it, and then you and the landlord sign a lease while the RHA becomes a party to the agreement.

Your rent share and voucher amount can change if your income changes. You are required to report income changes to the RHA. If you earn more, your rent may go up. If you earn less, your rent may go down.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the Raleigh Housing Authority waiting list is open?

The RHA announces when applications are being accepted on its website and through local media. You can also call the RHA directly and ask when the next intake period is expected. Many housing authorities open their lists once a year or less frequently, so it is worth checking periodically if you are interested in explore.

Can I be on both the public housing and Section 8 waiting lists at the same time?

Yes. The RHA maintains separate waiting lists for public housing and Section 8 vouchers. You can explore to both programs and be on both lists simultaneously. If you are offered housing or a voucher from one program, you can usually stay on the other list, though the RHA's policies may vary.

What if my income is too high for the RHA?

If your household income exceeds the RHA's limit, you do not meet the basic requirement for public housing or Section 8. Other options include looking for affordable housing through nonprofits, checking whether you may have access to for other information programs through Wake County or the City of Raleigh, or exploring private rental information programs.

How long does it take to get a unit or voucher after I explore?

Wait times vary widely depending on the program, the size of unit you need, and how many people are ahead of you on the list. Some applicants are housed within a few months; others wait a year or more. The RHA can give you a rough estimate based on current list length when you explore.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher if I move out of Raleigh?

Yes, Section 8 vouchers are portable. You can move to another city and request a transfer to the housing authority there. The receiving authority must accept your voucher, but most do. Contact the RHA before you move to start the transfer process.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.