What the Raleigh Housing Authority Does

The Raleigh Housing Authority (RHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and administers housing vouchers in Raleigh and parts of Wake County. It does not build or own most of the apartments you see in the city — it manages federally funded programs that help lower-income households afford rent. The RHA answers to a board of commissioners and operates under rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The RHA runs two main programs: public housing (apartments it owns or leases) and the Housing Choice Voucher Program, often called Section 8. It also manages some supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness. The agency does not handle emergency rental information, utility help, or other forms of aid — those come from different city and county programs.

If you are looking for housing help in Raleigh, the RHA is one place to contact, but you may also need to explore other resources depending on your situation and income.

Key Takeaways

  • The Raleigh Housing Authority runs public housing apartments and administers Section 8 vouchers, but both programs have long waiting lists that are often closed to new applicants.
  • To reach the RHA, call 919-831-7400 or visit their office at 1516 New Bern Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27601 during business hours.
  • Public housing and Section 8 vouchers both require your household income to fall below 80 percent of the area median income, though preference goes to households at 30 percent or below.
  • The RHA also runs supportive housing programs for people experiencing homelessness, which may have different income rules and shorter waiting periods.

Public Housing Managed by the Raleigh Housing Authority

The RHA owns or leases apartment buildings and manages them as public housing. These are not temporary shelters — they are permanent apartments where residents pay rent based on their income, typically 30 percent of gross household income. The RHA sets the lease terms and handles maintenance and management directly.

Public housing in Raleigh includes family apartments, senior housing, and units for people with disabilities. The RHA maintains a waiting list for public housing, but it is often closed. When it is open, the process process typically takes several months, and you will be placed on the list based on your date of process and any local preferences (such as living or working in Raleigh). Actual move-in can take a year or longer depending on unit availability.

To find out whether the public housing waiting list is currently open, contact the RHA directly. They can tell you the current status and what documents you will need to bring.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

The Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly called Section 8, gives may be able to access households a voucher they can use to rent a private apartment. The voucher covers part of the rent — you pay the difference, usually 30 percent of your income. The landlord receives the rest directly from the RHA. You choose the apartment (within program rules), and the RHA inspects it to make sure it meets housing quality standards.

The RHA's Section 8 waiting list is also frequently closed. When it is open, the process process is similar to public housing: you explore, get placed on a list by date, and wait for your name to be called. The wait can be several years. Some households receive priority, such as those experiencing homelessness or those with disabilities.

Once you receive a voucher, you have a set amount of time to find an apartment. The voucher is portable in some cases, meaning you may be able to move to another area and use it there, though the RHA must approve the move and the new location must be within an approved jurisdiction.

Income Limits and Household Requirements

Both public housing and Section 8 vouchers have income limits. Your household's gross income must not exceed 80 percent of the area median income for Wake County. However, the RHA gives preference to households earning 30 percent of the area median income or less. The exact dollar amounts change each year and depend on household size.

You will need to provide proof of income when you explore and during annual recertifications. Acceptable documents include recent pay stubs, tax returns, Social Security statements, or letters from employers. If you are unemployed, you may still be considered, but you will need to document that you are looking for work or receiving unemployment benefits.

Household composition matters too. The RHA counts all people living in your home, and the program has rules about occupancy — you cannot have too many people in one unit. If your household size changes, you must report it to the RHA.

How to Contact the Raleigh Housing Authority

The RHA's main office is located at 1516 New Bern Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27601. You can reach them by phone at 919-831-7400 during business hours. The office is typically open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but it is worth calling to confirm hours before you visit.

When you call, ask whether the public housing or Section 8 waiting lists are currently open. If they are closed, ask when they are expected to reopen and whether you can get on a notification list. You can also ask about other programs the RHA runs, such as supportive housing or family self-sufficiency programs.

The RHA website may have additional information about current openings and process procedures. If you cannot reach the RHA by phone, visiting the office in person is another option, though you may have a shorter wait if you call first.

Supportive Housing and Other RHA Programs

Beyond public housing and Section 8 vouchers, the RHA administers supportive housing programs, often in partnership with nonprofits that provide case management and social services. These programs target people experiencing homelessness or those at risk of homelessness. Income limits and waiting lists may differ from standard public housing.

The RHA also runs a Family Self-Sufficiency program, which pairs voucher holders with case managers to help them increase income and move toward housing independence. This program is not a separate housing program — it is an add-on service for people already receiving vouchers.

Ask the RHA about these programs when you call. They can tell you whether you might be a fit and how to take the next step.

What to Do If the Waiting List Is Closed

If the RHA's waiting lists are closed, you have other options. Many nonprofits in Raleigh work with people seeking affordable housing, and some can help you search for private rentals or connect you with other information programs. The City of Raleigh and Wake County also run separate programs for emergency rental help, utility information, and other housing support.

You can also call 211 (a free helpline) or visit 211.org to find local resources. They can tell you which programs are currently open and what you need to bring. Some programs move faster than the RHA's waiting lists, especially if you are facing an when ready housing crisis.

Keep in mind that waiting lists can reopen. Ask the RHA if you can be notified when the list opens again, or check back periodically.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher from the Raleigh Housing Authority?

The wait depends on the size of the waiting list and how many vouchers become available. In Raleigh, the wait has historically been several years, though it varies. Once you receive a voucher, you typically have 60 to 120 days to find an apartment, depending on the RHA's policy at that time.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher outside of Raleigh?

Vouchers are portable in some cases, but you must get permission from the RHA first. The new location must be in a jurisdiction that participates in the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Contact the RHA to ask whether your intended move is allowed.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

An eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but the RHA will review your rental history. Some programs are more flexible than others. Call the RHA and ask about their specific policy on evictions. Supportive housing programs sometimes have more lenient policies than standard public housing.

Do I have to pay rent in public housing?

Yes. In public housing, you pay rent based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross household income. The RHA does not provide free housing, though the rent is usually lower than market rate.

What happens if my income increases after I move into public housing or get a voucher?

Your rent will increase as your income increases. The RHA recertifies your income annually and adjusts your rent accordingly. If your income rises above the program limit, you may eventually be asked to leave, though the RHA usually gives you time to transition.