What the Spartanburg Housing Authority Does

The Spartanburg Housing Authority (SHA) is a local government agency that runs public housing and rental voucher programs in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. It does not provide emergency information or one-time grants. Instead, it manages long-term affordable housing through two main routes: public housing units that SHA owns directly, and the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8), which pays part of your rent at a private landlord's property.

SHA serves people whose income falls below 80 percent of the area median income. The agency maintains waiting lists for both programs because demand exceeds available units. Wait times vary depending on the program and your household type, but can range from several months to several years.

Key Takeaways

  • The Spartanburg Housing Authority runs public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers, not emergency rental funds or one-time information.
  • You must have income below 80 percent of the area median income for Spartanburg County to be considered for either program.
  • Both programs maintain waiting lists; you can be on multiple lists at once, and SHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available.
  • You will need proof of income, Social Security numbers for all household members, and a photo ID to start the intake process.
  • SHA's main office is located at 298 Magnolia Street, Spartanburg, SC 29303, and you can reach them by phone to ask about current wait times.

Public Housing: SHA-Owned Apartments and Houses

SHA owns and operates apartment complexes and single-family homes throughout Spartanburg County. These units are rented to low-income households at below-market rates. The rent you pay is typically 30 percent of your household's adjusted gross income, though SHA calculates this based on your specific circumstances.

Public housing units are scattered across the county rather than concentrated in one location. Some complexes are designated for families with children, while others serve elderly residents or people with disabilities. When you are on the waiting list, SHA will contact you when a unit matching your household size and needs becomes available.

Once you move into public housing, SHA conducts annual income recertifications. If your income rises above the program limit, you may be required to leave or pay market-rate rent. If your income drops, your rent payment will decrease accordingly.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8): Renting From Private Landlords

The Housing Choice Voucher program gives you a voucher that covers a portion of your rent at any private landlord who agrees to participate. You find the apartment yourself, and SHA pays the landlord directly. You pay the difference between SHA's payment and the actual rent, which is capped at 30 percent of your household income.

Not all landlords accept vouchers. You will need to locate a property, get the landlord's agreement, and then SHA will inspect the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards. The inspection covers things like working plumbing, heat, electrical systems, and structural safety. If the unit fails inspection, the landlord must make repairs before you can move in.

Once you have a voucher, you keep it as long as you remain income-may be able to access and follow program rules. You can move to a different unit or landlord while keeping the same voucher, though SHA must approve the new property.

Income Limits and Who Qualifies

SHA uses income limits set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These limits change annually and depend on your household size. For a family of four in Spartanburg County, the limit is typically around $50,000 to $55,000 per year, but you should contact SHA directly for the current year's exact figures, as they vary.

Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and other regular payments. SHA excludes certain income sources, such as some disability payments or temporary information programs. You will need to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements to document your income.

If your household includes non-citizens, at least the head of household and spouse (if applicable) must be U.S. citizens or have may be able to access immigration status. SHA will ask for proof of citizenship or immigration documents during intake.

How to Get on the Waiting List

To be added to SHA's waiting list, you must visit the main office in person or call to request an intake appointment. Bring a photo ID, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), and Social Security numbers for all household members. If you are currently homeless or living in an unsafe situation, tell SHA during intake—some programs prioritize these cases.

SHA will complete an intake form with you and explain the program rules. You will be told the current wait time for your household type and whether you can be on both the public housing and voucher waiting lists at the same time (you usually can). SHA will keep your process active for a set period, typically one year, after which you may need to reapply.

Once you are on the list, SHA will contact you by phone or mail when a unit or voucher is available. You must respond within the timeframe SHA gives you, usually a few days. If you do not respond, SHA may remove you from the list and you will need to reapply.

Documents You Will Need

SHA requires specific documents at intake and again before you move into a unit or receive a voucher. Have the following ready when you contact them:

  • A valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card)
  • Social Security cards or numbers for all household members
  • Proof of income: recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements
  • Proof of residency in Spartanburg County (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency)
  • If you have a disability, medical documentation (not required to explore, but helps with priority placement in some cases)
  • If you are not a U.S. citizen, proof of may be able to access immigration status

SHA may also ask for references, employment history, or information about past housing. If you have an eviction or criminal history, disclose it during intake. SHA considers these factors but does not automatically deny you; each case is reviewed individually.

Contact Information and Next Steps

The Spartanburg Housing Authority's main office is at 298 Magnolia Street, Spartanburg, SC 29303. You can reach them by phone to ask about current wait times, program details, or to request an intake appointment. Office hours and phone numbers may change, so check SHA's website or call directory information if you need the most current contact details.

If you are in crisis—facing eviction, homelessness, or an unsafe living situation—ask SHA about emergency resources during your call. They may refer you to local nonprofits or emergency information programs that operate separately from SHA's main programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for public housing or vouchers?

Wait times vary by program and household type. Some categories may have waits of several months; others may be several years. SHA can tell you the current wait time for your specific situation when you call or visit. You can be on both lists at the same time.

What if my income goes up after I move into public housing?

SHA recertifies your income every year. If your income exceeds the program limit, you will be notified. You may be required to leave the unit or pay market-rate rent. The exact rules depend on how much your income increased and your household circumstances.

Can I use a Housing Choice Voucher anywhere in South Carolina?

No. Your voucher is tied to the Spartanburg Housing Authority's jurisdiction, which is Spartanburg County. You can move to a different unit within the county, but you cannot take the voucher to another county or state. If you move out of the area, you lose the voucher.

What happens if a landlord refuses to rent to me because I have a voucher?

South Carolina law prohibits discrimination based on source of income, which includes housing vouchers. If a landlord refuses to rent to you solely because you have a voucher, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission. SHA can provide guidance on how to file.

Do I have to pay an process fee to get on the waiting list?

No. SHA does not charge a fee to explore or to be on the waiting list. If anyone claims to charge you to explore for SHA housing, that is a scam. Contact SHA directly to report it.