What the Asheboro Housing Authority does

The Asheboro Housing Authority (AHA) is a local public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Asheboro, North Carolina. It operates public housing units, administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, and handles waiting lists for both. The Authority answers to a board of commissioners and is funded through a mix of federal subsidies, tenant rent payments, and local support.

If you live in Asheboro and need affordable housing, the AHA is the body that determines what programs exist in your area and how to reach them. It does not operate housing in surrounding towns — each municipality has its own housing authority or contracts with a regional one. Understanding which authority covers your address matters because waiting lists, income limits, and available units differ by jurisdiction.

Key Takeaways

  • The Asheboro Housing Authority manages public housing and Section 8 vouchers within Asheboro city limits only, not in surrounding Randolph County areas.
  • Both public housing and Section 8 programs have waiting lists; the AHA can tell you current wait times and whether lists are open to new names.
  • Income limits for both programs are set by the federal government but may vary slightly year to year based on area median income.
  • You must contact the AHA directly by phone or in person to learn about current openings, because availability changes and online information can lag.
  • Rent in both programs is typically 30 percent of your household income, though public housing and Section 8 calculate this differently.

Public housing managed by the Asheboro Housing Authority

Public housing consists of apartment buildings and townhomes owned and operated directly by the AHA. Tenants pay rent based on their income — usually 30 percent of gross monthly income, with a minimum rent that varies by property. The AHA sets lease terms, handles maintenance, and can evict for lease violations or non-payment.

Public housing in Asheboro has a waiting list. The AHA maintains this list and contacts people in order as units become available. Wait times depend on how many people are ahead of you and how quickly units turn over; the AHA can tell you the current average when you contact them. Some properties may have shorter waits than others because they have more turnover or different income targeting.

To be considered for public housing, your household income must fall below a certain threshold set by the federal government. That threshold changes annually and depends on household size. The AHA can confirm whether your income qualifies and what the current limit is for your family size.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers through the AHA

The Section 8 program gives you a voucher that subsidizes rent at a private landlord's property. You find the apartment yourself, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and the AHA pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord. You pay the difference — typically 30 percent of your income — and the landlord receives the rest from the AHA.

Section 8 waiting lists in Asheboro are often long and sometimes closed to new applicants. The AHA opens and closes the list based on funding and current caseload. You can contact the Authority to ask whether the list is currently open and, if it is, what the current wait time is. If the list is closed, ask when it might reopen or whether you can get on a waiting list to be notified when it does.

Income limits for Section 8 are the same as for public housing and are set federally. You must also meet other requirements: you cannot have been evicted for drug-related activity in the past three years, and your household composition must match what you report on your process. The AHA verifies income through tax returns, pay stubs, and other documents.

How to contact the Asheboro Housing Authority

The AHA has a main office in Asheboro where you can explore, ask questions, and request documents. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about current wait times, whether lists are open, and what documents you need to bring. The Authority's website may list hours and a phone number, but calling is the fastest way to get current information about waiting list status.

When you contact the AHA, have ready your household size, current income, and any special circumstances (such as disability or veteran status) that might affect your process. Ask specifically whether you need to explore in person or whether you can start the process by phone. Some housing authorities accept initial applications over the phone and mail documents later; others require you to come in.

If you are experiencing homelessness or an urgent housing crisis, mention that when you call. Some housing authorities prioritize people in crisis situations, though this varies by program and available funding. The AHA can tell you whether expedited consideration is possible in your case.

Income limits and rent calculations

Federal income limits for both public housing and Section 8 are based on area median income (AMI) for Randolph County. A household at 50 percent AMI qualifies for public housing; Section 8 serves households up to 80 percent AMI, though the AHA prioritizes lower-income households. These percentages are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and change annually.

Rent you pay is calculated as 30 percent of your gross household income in most cases, though some programs have minimum rents (usually $50 to $100 per month). If your income drops, your rent can be recalculated downward; if it rises, your rent increases. The AHA recertifies income annually or when you report a significant change.

In Section 8, the AHA also calculates a "payment standard" — the maximum rent it will subsidize for a unit of your size. If the landlord's rent exceeds the payment standard, you pay the difference out of pocket. Payment standards vary by bedroom size and are set based on local market rents.

Waiting lists and how they work

Both public housing and Section 8 use waiting lists because demand exceeds available units. When you explore, your name goes on the list in the order received (or sometimes by priority if you meet certain criteria, such as homelessness or disability). The AHA contacts people on the list as units or vouchers become available.

Waiting list status can change. If you move, your contact information changes, or you no longer want housing, you must notify the AHA or you may lose your place. Some housing authorities remove people from the list if they cannot reach them after multiple attempts. Ask the AHA what their policy is and how often you need to confirm your interest.

If you are on a waiting list and your circumstances change — your income drops, you become homeless, or you have a new family member — tell the AHA. Some changes may move you up the list or make you ineligible; it is better to report them than to have them discovered during the verification process.

What happens after you are offered housing

Once the AHA offers you a unit (in public housing) or a voucher (in Section 8), you enter a verification and lease-signing phase. For public housing, the AHA inspects the unit, you sign a lease, and you move in. For Section 8, you have a limited time to find an apartment, the AHA inspects it, the landlord signs the lease, and then you move in.

During verification, the AHA confirms your income, household composition, and background. They may ask for recent tax returns, pay stubs, birth certificates, and Social Security numbers. If information does not match what you reported on your process, the AHA may deny you or ask you to clarify. Be honest and provide documents promptly to avoid delays.

After you move in, you are a tenant with rights and responsibilities. In public housing, the AHA is your landlord and can evict you for lease violations. In Section 8, your landlord can evict you, and the AHA can terminate your voucher if you violate program rules. Both programs require you to report changes in income and household composition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for public housing in Asheboro?

Wait times vary depending on how many units are available and how quickly they turn over. The AHA can tell you the current average wait time when you call. Some properties may have shorter waits than others. Calling the Authority directly is the only way to get accurate, current information.

Can I be on both the public housing and Section 8 waiting lists at the same time?

No. Most housing authorities require you to choose one program. Once you are offered housing or a voucher in one program, you are removed from the other list. Ask the AHA which list to join based on your situation and preferences.

What if my income is too high for public housing but I still need help?

Section 8 serves households up to 80 percent of area median income, which is higher than public housing's limit. If you do not may have access to for public housing, you may still may have access to for Section 8. The AHA can tell you the current income limits for both programs and which one fits your household.

Do I have to live in Asheboro to use the Asheboro Housing Authority?

Yes. The AHA serves only Asheboro city limits. If you live in unincorporated Randolph County or a nearby town, you must contact that area's housing authority. Your city or county government can tell you which authority covers your address.

What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?

The AHA has policies about criminal history and past evictions, but they are not automatic disqualifiers. Contact the Authority and ask what their policy is. Some convictions or evictions may bar you; others may not. Being honest upfront is better than having the issue discovered during verification.