Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Durham, North Carolina
There is 1 open waiting list in the Durham area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Durham, 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 Durham, 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 Durham, North Carolina
Durham, North Carolina is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications in the Durham area. There are also 30 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Durham include RAD, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: RAD (1 open).
Latest Opening
The Housing Authority of the City of Durham opened its RAD waitlist on Mar 22, 2026.
About Housing in Durham, North Carolina
Affordable housing assistance in Durham, North Carolina is primarily managed by The Housing Authority of the City of Durham (HACD). Currently, there is one open waiting list and four closed lists for various programs. HACD offers several types of assistance, including the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Project-Based Voucher (PBV) options, Public Housing, and Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) units. Additionally, programs like Stride at Momentum fall under the 'Other' category. It is important for prospective applicants to note that the RAD program is presently the only one with an open waiting list. In total, the Durham area provides approximately 4,188 assisted housing units.
Eligibility for these programs depends on various factors, including income. For instance, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Durham-Chapel Hill area is set at $57,800 per year for Fiscal Year 2025, though specific limits can vary based on household size and the particular program. The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) also plays a role at the state level in supporting affordable housing initiatives. Individuals seeking assistance should consistently check for updates, thoroughly understand program requirements, and ensure all application details, especially contact information, are accurate. Direct communication with The Housing Authority of the City of Durham is recommended for the most current information regarding eligibility and how to apply.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Durham
To apply for housing assistance in Durham, North Carolina, submit an application directly to The Housing Authority of the City of Durham, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 1 waiting list is 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 $57,800/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 Durham include RAD, Other (Stride at Momentum), Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). 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).
Durham, North Carolina Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Durham, North Carolina, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $57,800 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $126,200.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $24,300 | $40,500 | $64,750 |
| 2 Persons | $27,800 | $46,250 | $74,000 |
| 3 Persons | $31,250 | $52,050 | $83,250 |
| 4 Persons | $34,700 | $57,800 | $92,500 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $62,450 | $99,900 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $67,050 | $107,300 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $71,700 | $114,700 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $76,300 | $122,100 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Durham 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 Durham and have active housing programs.