What the Spartanburg Housing Authority does

The Spartanburg Housing Authority (SHA) is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. It operates public housing units, administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8), and runs other programs designed to help low-income residents find stable housing. SHA does not build or own all the housing it oversees — it partners with private landlords and property owners who agree to rent units at below-market rates to voucher holders.

The agency is governed by a board of commissioners and funded through a combination of federal grants, tenant rent payments, and local support. If you live in Spartanburg County and need affordable housing information, SHA is the local body that handles applications, maintains waiting lists, and processes vouchers.

Key Takeaways

  • Spartanburg Housing Authority manages public housing units and the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program for low-income residents in Spartanburg County.
  • Both programs have waiting lists that may be open or closed depending on current demand and funding.
  • You must meet income limits and other requirements to be considered for either program.
  • SHA's office is located in Spartanburg, and you can contact them directly to learn about current openings and what documents you will need.
  • The agency also administers other supportive housing programs beyond vouchers and public housing.

Public housing units managed by SHA

SHA owns and operates public housing complexes throughout Spartanburg County. These are apartment buildings or townhomes where SHA is the landlord. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household's adjusted gross income, which means your payment changes if your income changes. The agency handles maintenance, utilities (in some cases), and property management.

Public housing units are older than many private rentals, but they are inspected regularly and maintained to federal standards. Availability depends on turnover — when a resident moves out, SHA fills the vacancy from its waiting list. The waiting list for public housing can be long, and SHA may close it temporarily when the backlog is large.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly called Section 8, gives you a voucher that covers part of your rent at a private landlord's property. You find the apartment yourself (within SHA's service area), the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and SHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the difference, which is typically 30 percent of your household income.

The voucher gives you more choice than public housing because you can rent from any participating landlord, not just SHA-owned properties. However, the landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and the unit must pass a SHA inspection. The waiting list for vouchers is often longer than for public housing, and SHA may not be accepting new applications at any given time.

Income limits and other requirements

Both public housing and vouchers have income limits based on your household size and the area median income for Spartanburg County. These limits change annually. Your household income cannot exceed the limit to be considered, though some programs reserve units for extremely low-income households (30 percent of area median income or below).

You will also need to provide proof of identity, Social Security numbers for all household members, income documentation (pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters), and a background check. SHA will review your rental history and criminal history according to federal guidelines. Some criminal convictions or evictions may disqualify you, though SHA has some discretion in how it applies these rules.

How to contact Spartanburg Housing Authority

SHA's main office is located in Spartanburg. You can visit in person, call, or check their website to learn about current waiting list status, income limits, and required documents. When you contact them, ask whether they are currently accepting applications for public housing, vouchers, or both. If the waiting list is closed, ask when it typically reopens or whether you can request notification when it does.

Bring or have ready your Social Security number, proof of income, and identification when you explore. The process usually takes several weeks to several months from process to approval, depending on how long the waiting list is and how quickly you can provide required documents.

Other programs SHA may offer

Beyond public housing and vouchers, SHA may administer other programs such as Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS), which helps voucher holders and public housing residents increase their income and move toward self-sufficiency. Some housing authorities also run emergency information programs or partner with nonprofits to offer supportive services like job training or financial counseling.

Ask SHA directly what programs are available in Spartanburg County and whether you might be may be able to access. may be able to access and availability vary by program and by funding year.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Both public housing and voucher waiting lists can be long. In some cases, you may wait months or years before your name reaches the top. SHA maintains the list in order of process date, though some programs give priority to certain groups (such as people experiencing homelessness or those with disabilities). The waiting list may be closed entirely if demand is very high.

When SHA calls you, you will have a limited time to respond and complete your process. If you miss the important date, you may lose your place. Keep your contact information current with SHA so they can reach you when it is your turn.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the waiting list is open?

Contact Spartanburg Housing Authority directly by phone or visit their office. They can tell you whether applications are being taken for public housing, vouchers, or both. You can also ask to be notified if a closed list reopens.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

SHA will review your rental history, and an eviction may affect your chances, but it does not automatically disqualify you. The agency considers how long ago it happened and the circumstances. Ask SHA about their specific policy when you explore.

Can I use a voucher anywhere in Spartanburg County?

Vouchers work only with landlords who have agreed to participate in the program and in units that pass SHA inspection. Not all rental properties accept vouchers. SHA can provide a list of participating landlords or help you understand which properties are may be able to access.

What happens if my income increases while I have a voucher?

Your rent payment may increase because it is based on your income. If your income rises above the program limit, you may eventually lose the voucher, though there are usually grace periods. Report income changes to SHA promptly.

How long does it take to get approved?

Approval timelines vary widely depending on how long the waiting list is, how quickly you provide documents, and how long the background check takes. It can range from a few weeks to several months or longer. SHA can give you a better estimate based on current conditions.