What the Aiken County Housing Authority does

The Aiken County Housing Authority (ACHA) is a local government agency that owns and manages public housing in Aiken County, South Carolina. It administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, which helps low-income households pay rent in privately owned apartments and houses. The Authority also owns and operates public housing developments directly — these are properties it owns where tenants pay rent based on their income.

ACHA is not a social service agency. It does not provide emergency information, utility bill help, or counseling. Its core function is managing housing and rent subsidies. If you need help beyond housing, ACHA staff can sometimes point you toward other agencies, but their primary role is landlord and voucher administrator.

Key Takeaways

  • ACHA runs two separate programs: Section 8 vouchers (rent information in private apartments) and public housing (properties ACHA owns directly).
  • Both programs serve households below certain income limits, which change yearly and depend on family size.
  • Wait lists for both programs are typically closed or have long delays; you can contact ACHA to ask current status.
  • If you live in ACHA public housing or hold an ACHA voucher, you report maintenance issues and lease violations to ACHA, not to a private landlord.
  • ACHA's main office is in Aiken, and you can reach them by phone or in person to ask about programs, current wait list status, or lease questions.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers through ACHA

A Section 8 voucher from ACHA allows you to rent from a private landlord and pay a portion of the rent yourself — ACHA pays the rest directly to the landlord. The amount you pay is typically 30 percent of your household income. ACHA pays the difference up to a limit called the "payment standard," which varies by bedroom size and location within Aiken County.

To hold a voucher, you must meet income limits. For Aiken County in 2024, the limit for a family of four is approximately $52,000 per year gross income, though this figure changes annually. You must also pass a background check and have a valid lease with a landlord who accepts Section 8. The landlord's property must pass an ACHA inspection before you can move in.

ACHA's Section 8 wait list has been closed for extended periods in the past. Before you spend time gathering documents, call ACHA directly to confirm whether the wait list is currently open. If it is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen and whether you can request notification when it does.

ACHA Public Housing developments

ACHA owns and operates several public housing communities in Aiken County where tenants rent directly from the Authority. These developments include family apartments, senior housing, and housing for people with disabilities. Rent is calculated as 30 percent of your household income, with a minimum rent (usually $50 to $75 per month, depending on the property).

Income limits for public housing are the same as for Section 8, but public housing wait lists also experience closures and delays. Some ACHA properties may have shorter wait times than others. Contact ACHA to ask which developments currently have openings or shorter wait periods.

If you live in ACHA public housing, you sign a lease with ACHA itself. Maintenance requests, lease violations, and disputes go through ACHA's management office, not a private landlord. ACHA is responsible for repairs and upkeep of the building and grounds.

How to contact AIKA and check wait list status

The Aiken County Housing Authority's main office is located in Aiken, South Carolina. You can reach them by phone to ask about current wait list status, income limits, or program details. The Authority's website may also list contact information and sometimes shows whether wait lists are open.

When you call or visit, have your household size and approximate annual income ready. Staff can tell you whether you likely fall within income limits and what the current wait time is for the program you are interested in. If wait lists are closed, ask whether you can request to be notified when they reopen.

If you are currently a tenant in ACHA housing or hold an ACHA voucher and have a maintenance emergency, lease question, or complaint, contact ACHA's management office directly. Do not contact a private landlord — ACHA is your landlord.

Income limits and rent calculation

ACHA uses federal income limits that are set annually based on area median income. These limits vary by household size. A single person has a lower limit than a family of four. In Aiken County, limits are typically lower than in urban areas like Charleston or Columbia because the county's median income is lower.

Your rent in either Section 8 or public housing is calculated as 30 percent of your gross household income, with a minimum rent floor. If your income drops, your rent can be adjusted downward. If your income rises above the limit, you may lose your voucher or be required to move from public housing, though ACHA may allow a brief transition period.

Income is counted differently depending on your situation. Earned income, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and some other sources all count. Certain income — such as some student financial aid or temporary information — may be excluded. Ask ACHA which income sources they count when you contact them.

Lease terms and tenant responsibilities in ACHA housing

Whether you hold a Section 8 voucher or live in ACHA public housing, you must follow the lease terms. Common rules include paying rent on time, keeping the unit clean and undamaged, reporting maintenance problems promptly, and not engaging in criminal activity or lease violations.

If you violate the lease — for example, by not paying rent, causing damage, or allowing unauthorized occupants — ACHA can begin eviction proceedings. ACHA must follow South Carolina eviction law, which requires written notice and an opportunity for you to respond before a court case begins. If you receive a notice to vacate or lease violation notice from ACHA, take it seriously and contact ACHA when ready to discuss your options.

If you hold a Section 8 voucher and your landlord wants to evict you, ACHA may be able to help mediate or may terminate your voucher. Losing your voucher means you lose the subsidy and must pay full market rent or move. Contact ACHA as soon as you know there is a problem with your landlord.

What to do if you have a problem with ACHA

If you believe ACHA has treated you unfairly — for example, by calculating your rent incorrectly, denying you a voucher based on wrong information, or failing to make repairs — you have options. First, put your complaint in writing and send it to ACHA's management office. Include specific dates, what happened, and what you want ACHA to do about it.

ACHA must respond to complaints within a reasonable time. If you do not receive a response or disagree with ACHA's answer, you can file a grievance through ACHA's formal grievance process. Public housing tenants have the right to a grievance hearing before ACHA can evict you or take other serious action. Section 8 voucher holders also have grievance rights, though the process differs slightly.

If ACHA's grievance process does not resolve the issue, you can contact South Carolina's Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regional office or file a complaint with HUD. HUD oversees all public housing authorities and Section 8 programs. You can also consult a legal aid attorney if you cannot pay for a lawyer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the wait list for ACHA housing or a voucher?

Wait times vary and change frequently. Some programs may have wait lists that are closed entirely. Call ACHA directly to ask the current status for the specific program you are interested in. They can tell you whether the list is open and, if so, how long the wait typically is.

Can I use an ACHA Section 8 voucher to rent anywhere in South Carolina?

No. An ACHA voucher is issued by Aiken County Housing Authority and is generally usable only within Aiken County. If you move to another county, you would need to transfer your voucher to that county's housing authority, and they may not have funding available. Ask ACHA about portability rules before you plan to move.

What happens if my income goes above the limit?

If you are in public housing, ACHA will recalculate your rent based on your new income. If your income exceeds the limit, ACHA may require you to move within a grace period (often 6 to 12 months). If you hold a Section 8 voucher, your voucher may be terminated. Report income changes to ACHA promptly rather than waiting for them to discover it.

Do I have to pay for repairs in ACHA housing?

No. ACHA is responsible for repairs to the building structure, appliances, plumbing, electrical systems, and heating. You are responsible for damage you cause beyond normal wear and tear. If you damage something, ACHA may charge you or deduct from your security deposit. Report maintenance problems in writing so there is a record.

What if my landlord will not accept my Section 8 voucher?

A landlord cannot legally refuse to rent to you solely because you have a Section 8 voucher. However, they can refuse based on other reasons — credit, income, background check, or lease terms. If you believe a landlord discriminated against you because of your voucher, report it to ACHA and to HUD's fair housing office.