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. It does not set housing policy for the city or county — it runs specific properties and programs. The RHA administers public housing units, manages the Section 8 voucher program for the Raleigh area, and handles waiting lists for both.

The RHA is separate from the City of Raleigh's planning and zoning departments. It is also separate from Wake County's housing programs. If you are looking for emergency rental help, homelessness prevention, or housing counseling, those services may come from other agencies, though the RHA can refer you.

The RHA's main office is located at 1313 New Bern Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27601. You can reach them by phone at (919) 833-7321 during business hours. Their website is raleighhousing.org, where you can find current waiting list status, property listings, and contact information for specific programs.

Key Takeaways

  • The RHA manages public housing properties and Section 8 vouchers in Raleigh; it does not set city housing policy or run emergency rental programs.
  • Both public housing and Section 8 have separate waiting lists, and both lists are typically closed or have long wait times — you can call to ask the current status.
  • Public housing rent is based on your income, usually 30 percent of what you earn, with a minimum rent that varies by property.
  • Section 8 vouchers let you rent from a private landlord, and the program pays part of the rent while you pay the rest; landlord participation varies widely in Raleigh.
  • The RHA office at 1313 New Bern Avenue can tell you whether lists are open and what documents you need to explore.

Public housing managed by the RHA

The RHA owns and operates public housing complexes throughout Raleigh. These are apartment buildings where the RHA is the landlord. Rent is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly income, with a minimum rent amount that depends on the property. If your income is very low, you still pay the minimum — the RHA does not waive it.

Public housing is not temporary. Once you move in, you can stay as long as you follow the lease and remain income-may be able to access. The RHA can terminate your lease if you violate lease terms, but income alone does not force you out if your earnings rise.

The waiting list for public housing is managed by the RHA directly. Call (919) 833-7321 to ask whether the list is currently open. If it is open, you will need to visit the office in person or request an process by mail. You will need proof of identity, proof of income, and a Social Security number for each household member.

Section 8 vouchers and private rental

The RHA also administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. A voucher is a subsidy that lets you rent from a private landlord — not from the RHA. The program pays a portion of your rent directly to the landlord, and you pay the rest. The amount the program pays depends on the local fair market rent and your income.

Section 8 vouchers are in high demand in Raleigh. The waiting list is typically closed, meaning the RHA is not accepting new applications. When it does open, it fills quickly. Call the RHA to ask when the list might reopen, though staff cannot predict exact dates.

If you receive a voucher, you then search for a landlord willing to accept Section 8. Not all landlords participate. Some refuse Section 8 tenants outright, which is illegal under federal law, but enforcement is difficult. The RHA can provide a list of landlords who have previously accepted vouchers, though that list is not exhaustive and landlord participation changes.

Income limits and rent calculations

Both public housing and Section 8 have income limits. These limits are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and vary by family size and are updated yearly. For Raleigh, a single person's income limit for public housing is typically around $35,000 to $40,000 annually, but this changes each year. Call the RHA to ask the current limit for your household size.

In public housing, your rent is 30 percent of your gross income, with a minimum. If you earn $1,500 per month, your rent would be $450. If the minimum rent is $200 and you earn $400 per month, you pay $200. Income is counted from all household members, including children's child support and Social Security.

In Section 8, the calculation is more complex. The program pays the difference between 30 percent of your income and the fair market rent for your unit size. If fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,200, you earn $1,500 monthly, and 30 percent of your income is $450, the program pays $750 and you pay $450. If you earn more, you pay more; the program's share shrinks.

How to contact the RHA and what to bring

The RHA office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can visit in person at 1313 New Bern Avenue or call (919) 833-7321. You can also request information by mail, though phone is faster for checking waiting list status.

Before you visit or call, gather: a photo ID, proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of Social Security numbers for all household members, and a list of any current housing or eviction history. The RHA may ask about criminal history and prior lease violations — these do not automatically disqualify you, but the RHA will consider them.

If you are currently homeless or in crisis, ask the RHA staff whether they know of emergency resources. The RHA itself does not run emergency rental information, but staff can refer you to Wake County or City of Raleigh programs that may help.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Both the public housing list and the Section 8 list are managed separately. The public housing list may be open or closed depending on the RHA's capacity. The Section 8 list is almost always closed because demand far exceeds available vouchers.

If you are added to a waiting list, the RHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. This can take months or years. The RHA prioritizes based on date of process and sometimes by preference categories (such as homelessness or disability), though preferences vary by program.

You can be on both lists at the same time. Some people receive a public housing unit first, then later receive a Section 8 voucher and move to private rental. Others wait years for either option.

What the RHA does not do

The RHA does not provide emergency rental information for back rent or eviction prevention. Those programs are run by Wake County or the City of Raleigh. The RHA does not set zoning rules, approve new housing development, or regulate private landlords outside of Section 8.

The RHA also does not provide housing counseling, though it can refer you to agencies that do. If you need help understanding your lease, negotiating with a landlord, or preparing for a housing search, organizations like the Community Home Trust or local legal aid offices offer that support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the public housing waiting list open right now?

The status changes. Call the RHA at (919) 833-7321 and ask directly. Staff can tell you whether applications are being taken and what documents you need. You can also check raleighhousing.org for updates.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

The RHA considers eviction history but does not automatically reject you. You will need to explain what happened. If the eviction was years ago and you have paid rent on time since, your chances are better. Bring documentation showing you have maintained housing since the eviction.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher outside of Raleigh?

Section 8 vouchers are portable, meaning you can move to another area if the receiving housing authority accepts your voucher. However, you must contact the RHA first and get permission. Not all housing authorities accept portable vouchers, so ask before you move.

How much will my rent be in public housing?

Rent is 30 percent of your gross monthly income, with a minimum amount. The minimum varies by property — it might be $150 to $300. Call the RHA or visit the office to learn the minimum for the specific property you are interested in.

What if a landlord refuses to accept my Section 8 voucher?

Refusing Section 8 is illegal under federal fair housing law. You can file a complaint with HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. The RHA can also provide guidance. However, proving discrimination is difficult, and enforcement is slow. The RHA's list of participating landlords may help you find someone willing to work with you.