Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Charlotte, North Carolina
There are 4 open waiting lists in the Charlotte area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Charlotte, North Carolina and updates statuses nightly. Below you will find every PHA in the area with current waitlist status, program types, and direct application links.
If no lists are currently open in Charlotte, we recommend applying to nearby cities as well. There is no limit to the number of waiting lists you can join, and many housing authorities accept applications from non-residents.
Affordable Housing in Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte, North Carolina is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 4 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Charlotte area. There are also 34 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Charlotte include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Mainstream, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: PBV (1 open), Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Inlivian opened its Public Housing waitlist on Jan 12, 2026.
About Housing in Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte, North Carolina, offers various affordable housing options primarily served by a single housing authority, Inlivian. The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) also supports housing initiatives statewide. Currently, there are approximately 8,690 assisted housing units available in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia metropolitan area. While only 4 waiting lists are presently open for new applications, it is important to regularly check for updates as statuses can change.
For those seeking assistance, Inlivian currently has open waiting lists for programs including Affordable Housing, Affordable Housing Communities, Public Housing, and Project-Based Voucher (PBV) programs. Other programs like Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream, and RAD are currently closed to new applications. Eligibility for these programs often depends on income; for example, a family of four in the Charlotte area is considered Very Low Income with an annual income up to $56,100, according to FY2025 HUD guidelines. Applicants should review specific program requirements carefully.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Charlotte
To apply for housing assistance in Charlotte, North Carolina, submit an application directly to Inlivian, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 4 waiting lists are accepting applications — apply as soon as possible, as open enrollment periods can close with short notice. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Before applying, gather the following documents for all household members: government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements), and proof of current address. For a family of four in this area, income must be below $56,100/year (Very Low Income threshold) to qualify for most programs. Having these ready before a waitlist opens can be the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Housing programs available in Charlotte include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Affordable Housing Communities, Affordable Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), RAD, Mainstream. Applying to multiple program types simultaneously improves your chances of receiving assistance. After submitting, you will be placed on the waiting list based on the date of your application and any applicable preferences (veterans, elderly, disabled, working families, or local residents).
Charlotte, North Carolina Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Charlotte, North Carolina, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $56,100 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $112,200.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $23,600 | $39,300 | $62,850 |
| 2 Persons | $26,950 | $44,900 | $71,800 |
| 3 Persons | $30,300 | $50,500 | $80,800 |
| 4 Persons | $33,650 | $56,100 | $89,750 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $60,600 | $96,950 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $65,100 | $104,150 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $69,600 | $111,300 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $74,100 | $118,500 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Charlotte use these income limits to determine who qualifies for rental assistance. Your total household income before taxes is compared against the limit for your household size.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — Most Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing programs require your income to be at or below this level. This is the primary eligibility threshold.
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households at this level often receive priority on waiting lists. By law, housing authorities must allocate a portion of vouchers to extremely low-income families.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and locally funded initiatives, accept applicants up to this threshold. Contact individual housing authorities below for their specific requirements.
Nearby Cities with Housing Authorities
Applying to nearby cities increases your chances of receiving assistance sooner. These cities are within 75 miles of Charlotte and have active housing programs.