What the Statesville Housing Authority does

The Statesville Housing Authority (SHA) is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Statesville, North Carolina. It administers public housing units, Section 8 vouchers (also called Housing Choice Vouchers), and sometimes emergency rental information. The Authority does not build or own all the housing it helps fund — it contracts with private landlords, nonprofits, and property managers to provide units to low-income residents.

SHA operates under federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which means the programs it runs follow national standards for income limits, rent calculations, and tenant protections. However, the specific programs SHA offers, the number of units available, and wait list length depend on SHA's local budget and HUD funding in any given year.

Key Takeaways

  • Statesville Housing Authority runs public housing and Section 8 voucher programs, both of which require you to meet income limits and pass a background check.
  • Wait lists for both programs are often closed or have years-long delays, so calling SHA directly to ask current status is the only way to know if you can join now.
  • Rent in SHA housing is calculated as 30 percent of your household income, not a fixed amount, so your rent changes if your income changes.
  • SHA can evict you for lease violations, but federal law requires them to give you written notice and a chance to fix the problem before filing in court.
  • If you have questions about your lease, your rent calculation, or a maintenance issue, your first step is the SHA office, not a lawyer.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers

SHA manages two main programs, and they work differently. Public housing means SHA owns or controls the building, and you rent directly from SHA. Section 8 vouchers mean SHA gives you a voucher (a subsidy) that you take to a private landlord of your choice — the landlord rents to you, and SHA pays part of the rent to the landlord.

Public housing is usually cheaper because SHA sets the rent at 30 percent of your income and covers all utilities. Section 8 vouchers give you more choice of where to live, but you have to find a landlord willing to accept the voucher, and you may pay more out of pocket if the market rent is high. Both programs have income limits — you must earn below a certain amount to join, and that limit varies by household size.

Both programs require a background check and a review of your rental history. SHA will deny you if you have an eviction judgment on record, a recent felony conviction, or a history of not paying rent. The exact rules vary, so ask SHA directly what will disqualify you before you spend time on an process.

How to learn about SHA has units or vouchers available

The only way to know whether SHA is taking new applications is to contact SHA directly. Wait lists open and close based on funding and turnover, and that changes throughout the year. Calling or visiting the SHA office is faster than checking a website, because staff can tell you the current status in one conversation.

Statesville Housing Authority's main office is located in Statesville, North Carolina. You can reach them by phone to ask whether the public housing wait list or Section 8 wait list is open. If the list is closed, ask when it typically reopens or whether you can call back at a specific time to check. Some people call every few months; others get on a callback list if SHA offers one.

If SHA has no units or vouchers available, ask about other local resources. Iredell County may have emergency rental information, or nonprofits in the area may run affordable housing programs. SHA staff often know about these alternatives and can point you in the right direction.

Income limits and rent calculation

To live in SHA housing or use a Section 8 voucher, your household income must fall below the limit SHA sets for your area and household size. These limits are set by HUD and change yearly. For example, a one-person household might have a limit of around $35,000 to $40,000 per year, but the exact number depends on HUD's current calculation for Iredell County. Call SHA to ask what the current limit is for your household size.

Once you are approved, your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly income. If you earn $1,500 per month, your rent is $450. If your income drops, your rent drops. If your income rises, your rent rises. You must report income changes to SHA — they usually ask for proof (a recent pay stub, a letter from your employer, or tax documents). Failing to report a change can result in a rent adjustment later, sometimes with back rent owed.

Lease terms and your rights as a tenant

SHA housing is governed by a lease, and that lease must include certain protections required by federal law. You have the right to a written lease, the right to know what the lease says before you sign, and the right to a copy. The lease must state the rent amount, what utilities are included, what maintenance SHA is responsible for, and what happens if you break the lease.

SHA can evict you for violating the lease — for example, not paying rent, damaging the unit, or having an unauthorized occupant. However, federal law requires SHA to give you written notice of the violation and a reasonable chance to fix it before they file for eviction in court. The notice must explain what you did wrong and how many days you have to correct it (usually 14 to 30 days). If you fix the problem in time, the eviction stops. If you do not, SHA can proceed to court.

You also have the right to request maintenance repairs. SHA is responsible for keeping the unit safe and habitable — that includes working heat, water, plumbing, and a roof that does not leak. If something breaks, report it in writing (email or a maintenance request form) and keep a copy. If SHA does not fix it within a reasonable time, you can contact a legal aid organization or the North Carolina Department of Housing and Community Development.

What happens if you lose your job or your income drops

If your income changes, you must report it to SHA. Your rent will be recalculated based on your new income. If you lose your job, your rent will drop to 30 percent of your new (lower) income. This is one of the main protections of SHA housing — your rent moves with your ability to pay.

However, you still have to pay rent every month, even if it is a lower amount. If you fall behind, SHA can start eviction proceedings. If you are facing a temporary hardship — a job loss, a medical emergency, or a reduction in hours — contact SHA's office as soon as possible. Some local programs offer emergency rental information for people in SHA housing, and SHA staff may know about them.

Maintenance requests and repairs

If something in your unit needs repair — a broken window, a leaking faucet, a heating problem — submit a maintenance request to SHA. Most SHA offices accept requests by phone, email, or in person. Write down the date you submitted the request and keep any confirmation number SHA gives you.

SHA is required to make repairs within a reasonable time. For urgent problems (no heat in winter, no water, a safety hazard), "reasonable" usually means a few days. For non-urgent problems, it may be longer. If SHA does not respond or the repair takes too long, you can contact a legal aid organization in North Carolina, which can send SHA a letter or help you understand your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the wait list for SHA housing?

Wait list length varies and changes throughout the year. Some years SHA has no wait list because units are available. Other years the wait list is several years long. Call SHA directly to ask the current wait time for public housing and Section 8 separately — they are usually different.

Can I be denied SHA housing because of my criminal record?

SHA can deny you for certain convictions, but not all. Recent violent felonies and drug convictions are common reasons for denial. However, SHA must follow HUD rules, which allow some consideration of how long ago the conviction was and what you have done since. Ask SHA what their specific policy is before you explore.

What if I disagree with my rent calculation?

Ask SHA to explain how they calculated your rent in writing. If you believe they made an error, bring recent pay stubs or tax documents to the SHA office and ask them to recalculate. If you still disagree, ask SHA about their grievance process — federal law requires SHA to have a formal way for tenants to challenge decisions.

Can SHA evict me without going to court?

No. SHA must give you written notice of the lease violation, a chance to fix it, and then file in court if you do not. The court will hold a hearing where you can explain your side. You have the right to be present and to bring evidence or a witness. SHA cannot lock you out or remove your belongings without a court order.

What if my landlord (in Section 8) refuses to make repairs?

Contact SHA's Section 8 office and report the problem. SHA can inspect the unit and require the landlord to make repairs or lose the voucher. You can also contact a legal aid organization or the North Carolina Department of Housing and Community Development to report housing code violations.