What the Asheboro Housing Authority does

The Asheboro Housing Authority is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in Asheboro, North Carolina. It owns and operates apartment complexes for low-income residents and administers vouchers that help people pay rent in privately-owned units. The Authority also handles applications, lease enforcement, and maintenance for its properties.

The Authority serves Randolph County residents who meet income limits set by the federal government. Income thresholds change yearly and depend on family size. You can contact the Authority directly to learn whether your household income falls within their current limits.

The Authority is separate from state and federal housing programs, though it receives federal funding and must follow federal rules. It is not the same as emergency rental information or other temporary aid programs — it manages permanent or long-term housing options.

Key Takeaways

  • The Asheboro Housing Authority manages public housing units and rental vouchers for low-income households in Randolph County.
  • You must meet federal income limits to be considered, and limits vary by family size and change each year.
  • The Authority maintains a waiting list for both public housing and vouchers, and wait times can be months or years depending on demand.
  • Contact the Authority directly at their office to ask about current income limits, waiting list status, and what documents you will need.

Public housing versus rental vouchers

The Asheboro Housing Authority offers two main paths. Public housing means you rent an apartment owned and managed by the Authority itself. You pay rent based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income — and the Authority covers the rest of the cost. The Authority handles maintenance and repairs.

Rental vouchers (also called Section 8) work differently. The Authority gives you a voucher you can use to rent from a private landlord of your choice. You find the apartment, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and the Authority pays the landlord directly. You still pay roughly 30 percent of your income as rent. The landlord is responsible for maintenance, not the Authority.

Public housing has the advantage of predictable costs and Authority-managed upkeep. Vouchers give you more freedom to choose where you live and which landlord to work with. Both have waiting lists, and both require you to meet income limits and pass a background check.

Income limits and who can explore

The Asheboro Housing Authority uses federal income limits that are set each year based on the area median income for Randolph County. A family of four might have a limit of around $50,000 to $55,000 annually, but this figure changes yearly and varies by family size. The Authority's current limits are the only reliable source — do not rely on last year's numbers.

You must also pass a background check. The Authority will look at criminal history, eviction records, and rental payment history. A prior eviction or unpaid rent does not automatically disqualify you, but serious criminal convictions or a pattern of non-payment can. The Authority has discretion in these decisions.

You will need to provide proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of identity, and proof of residency in Randolph County. If you are unemployed, you may still be considered, but you will need to document that and explain your situation.

How to contact the Asheboro Housing Authority

The Asheboro Housing Authority is located in Asheboro and can be reached by phone or in person. You can also visit their office to pick up an process or ask questions about current programs. Staff can tell you whether you meet income limits, how long the waiting list is, and what documents to bring.

When you call or visit, have your household size, approximate income, and any questions about specific programs ready. The Authority can explain the difference between public housing and vouchers and help you decide which option fits your situation. They can also tell you whether they are currently accepting new applications or if the waiting list is closed.

If you are unsure whether the Asheboro Housing Authority is the right resource for your situation, you can also contact 211 North Carolina (dial 211 or visit 211nc.org). They can tell you what housing programs exist in Randolph County and help you understand which ones match your needs.

Waiting lists and how long approval takes

Both public housing and vouchers operate on waiting lists. When you submit an process, your name goes on the list in the order it was received. How long you wait depends on how many people are ahead of you and how many units or vouchers become available. In some areas, waiting lists are a few months; in others, they can be several years.

The Asheboro Housing Authority can tell you the current wait time when you explore. Some people are called off the list quickly; others wait a long time. The Authority prioritizes based on federal rules — for example, people experiencing homelessness or living in substandard housing may move up the list.

Once you are called from the waiting list, you will need to complete additional paperwork, have your income verified, and pass the background check. This process usually takes a few weeks. If you are approved for a voucher, you then have a set amount of time to find an apartment and have the landlord sign the voucher agreement.

What happens after you are approved

If you are approved for public housing, the Authority will assign you to an available unit. You sign a lease with the Authority, pay your portion of the rent (based on your income), and move in. The Authority handles repairs and maintenance. If your income changes, you report it, and your rent may adjust.

If you are approved for a voucher, you search for an apartment on the private market. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher and meet the Authority's housing quality standards. The Authority inspects the unit before you move in to make sure it is safe and meets code. Once approved, the Authority pays the landlord directly each month, and you pay your share.

In both cases, you must follow the lease terms and keep the unit in good condition. The Authority can terminate your lease if you violate the terms — for example, if you do not pay your rent, allow unauthorized occupants, or damage the property beyond normal wear.

Other resources in Randolph County

The Asheboro Housing Authority is one option, but other programs may also help. Emergency rental information (if you are behind on rent), rapid rehousing programs (if you are homeless), and nonprofit housing organizations all operate in the area. Your situation — whether you need permanent housing, temporary help, or emergency information — determines which resource is the right fit.

If you are not sure whether the Housing Authority is right for you, or if you want to explore other options, contact 211 North Carolina. They can walk you through what is available and help you understand the differences. You can also reach out to local nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity or community action agencies, which sometimes offer housing counseling or other programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I make too much money to be considered?

The Asheboro Housing Authority sets income limits each year based on family size. Call their office or visit in person and tell them your household size and approximate income. They can tell you in minutes whether you fall within the limit. Income limits are public information and change every year, so do not assume you are ineligible based on old numbers.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

A past eviction does not automatically disqualify you. The Authority looks at the whole picture — when it happened, why, and whether you have paid rent on time since. If you were evicted years ago and have a clean record now, you have a reasonable chance. Be honest about it on your process; the Authority will find out anyway during the background check.

Can I choose which apartment I get in public housing?

No. The Authority assigns you to an available unit based on your family size and the units that are open. You cannot request a specific building or location. With a voucher, you choose the apartment and landlord yourself, which gives you much more control over where you live.

What if the waiting list is closed?

If the Asheboro Housing Authority is not accepting new applications, ask when they expect to reopen the list. Some authorities reopen annually; others open and close based on funding. You can also explore other housing programs in the meantime, such as emergency rental information or nonprofit housing organizations.

Do I have to stay in the same apartment forever?

No. Your lease is typically for one year and renews annually as long as you follow the terms and remain income-may be able to access. If your income rises above the limit, you may have to leave or pay a higher rent. You can also request a transfer to a different unit if one becomes available, though the Authority is not required to grant it.