According to the Big Cities Health Coalition, 11% of Charlotte, NC's population of 875,000 lives below the federal poverty level. The cost of rent is also not inexpensive, with the median rent being approximately $1,500 as of 2023.
The good news is that housing assistance programs are available to Charlotte's low-income families. Section 8, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, is a prime example. It benefits not only low-income households but also offers several advantages to landlords.
Whether you're a tenant or a landlord seeking information about Section 8, this guide, created by the team of experts at our full-service property management firm, Wilkinson Property Management, Inc., is for you.
What Is Section 8?
Section 8 is a federally backed initiative that:
- Provides rental assistance benefits
- Assists eligible low-income families
- Helps qualified renters find, secure, and pay for affordable housing options in the private property leasing and rental market
In Charlotte, NC, the local public housing authority (PHA) that manages and administers the HCV program is the Charlotte Housing Authority (CHA).
Section 8 tenants pay a portion of the rent, with the CHA shouldering the remaining. The renter's portion can be 10% of the monthly gross income or 30% of the monthly adjusted income, as explained by The Balance. In some cases, renters can increase the portion they are responsible for, provided it does not exceed 40% of their monthly adjusted income.
Section 8 Tenant Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for Section 8 housing in Charlotte, applicants must meet specific criteria, which generally include the following requirements:
- Income limits (based on family size)
- Citizenship or eligible immigrant status
- A clean rental history, with no previous evictions in North Carolina or elsewhere
- No recent criminal activity, particularly related to drug offenses
Check the latest income limits regularly, as they vary by household size and change annually. To help ensure landlords process all applications fairly, keep relevant documentation handy, such as:
- Pay stubs
- Tax returns
- Tenant references
Section 8 Application Process
The application process for Section 8 housing in Charlotte, NC, involves several steps:
- Visiting the Charlotte Housing Authority's website to access the application form
- Completing the application accurately, ensuring you include all necessary information
- Applying during the waiting list's opening period (there are often limited openings)
- Anticipating a waiting period after submission, as the demand for Section 8 vouchers often exceeds the supply
Once selected from the waiting list, Section 8 rental applicants will receive a voucher, allowing them to begin searching for housing that meets HUD's safety and habitability standards. If you're a landlord, you can accept HCV holders, but ensure you conduct the same thorough tenant screening process that you implement when vetting regular applicants.
Section 8: Making Quality Living Affordable
Understanding Section 8 in Charlotte, NC, provides renters and landlords alike with the tools they need to access or deliver affordable yet quality living. By familiarizing yourself with eligibility requirements and the application process, you can improve your chances of securing a stable home or providing one to low-income tenants.
Whether you're a renter or a landlord who needs help with Section 8, Wilkinson Property Management, Inc., is at your service! Founded in 1999, our full-service property management firm has managed over 630 single-family homes in the Charlotte metropolitan market. We look forward to doing the same for you.
Speak with us today to learn more about how we can help!
