Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program

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The Housing Choice Voucher Program is the federal government’s major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments.

The participant is free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and where the landlord is willing to accept the voucher payment. Housing Choice Vouchers are administered locally by TGHA. TGHA receives federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer the voucher program.

A family that is issued a housing voucher is responsible for finding a suitable housing unit of the family’s choice where the owner agrees to rent under the program. This unit may include the family’s present residence. Rental units must meet minimum standards of health and safety, as determined by the PHA.

A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by TGHA on behalf of the participating family. The family then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program.

TGHA currently has an allocation of 2,941 vouchers, to include 139 HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Vouchers. The Housing Choice Voucher Program Administrative Plan establishes guidelines for applicant eligibility and continued rental assistance.

The HCV Program Partnership
The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a joint effort among you, your tenant, and TGHA – – – We each have a set of responsibilities!

LANDLORD RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Perform all management and rental functions for the assisted unit, including screening and selection of tenants.
  • Maintain the unit in accordance with Housing Quality Standards (HQS), including performance of maintenance.
  • Comply with equal opportunity/fair housing requirements.
  • Prepare information required under the Housing Assistance Payments contract and furnish the information to TGHA.
  • Collect from the renter: security deposit, tenant portion of the rent, any charges for damages to the unit.
  • Enforce the tenant obligations under the lease.
  • Pay for utilities and services agreed upon in the lease.
  • May not collect side payments from HCV renters or charge more than approved by TGHA.

TENANT RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Supply information determined necessary by TGHA or HUD to administer the program, including completion of scheduled income reviews.
  • Pay utilities that are not supplied by the landlord.
  • Provide and maintain the appliances for which they are responsible.
  • Correct damages inflicted to unit by family member or guest, in specified time period.
  • May not commit serious or repeated violation(s) of the lease.
  • Notify TGHA and the owner 30 (no more than 60) days in advance, prior to moving or terminating the lease.

TGHA RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Pay landlord by the fifth day of each month.
  • Regularly evaluate family eligibility.
  • Inspect units at least once every year.
  • Investigate potential fraud or program abuse by tenants or landlords.
  • Provide quality customer service to HCV landlords and tenants.
  • Notify landlord of any change in subsidy amount.

Project-Based Voucher Program (PBV)

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TGHA provides affordable housing options in neighborhoods throughout the Greenville Community.

TGHA’s portfolio consists of several types of housing communities:

  • Mixed-Income HOPE IV
  • Mixed-Income LIHTC
  • Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)
  • Public Housing
  • Rental Assistance
  • Demonstration (RAD)

Mixed-Income Communities are defined as: A deliberate effort to construct and/or own a multi-family development that has the mixing of income groups as a fundamental part of its financial and operational plans.

HUD has focused over the last decade and a half on the construction of mixed-income communities.

The development of the housing model of mixed-income living implies a promise to move people who have been isolated from market forces closer to the market. This combination provides new opportunities, and seeks to ensure that all of our residents have the tools to be successful in this physical environment.

Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Communities are defined as: Affordable rental housing for low and very low-income families.

The Tax Credit Reform Act of 1986 created the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program (LIHTC). The program regulations are under Section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code. The tax credit encourages developers to build affordable housing to meet the needs of the community. As a condition for receiving Housing Tax Credits, owners must keep the units affordable for a specified number of years. Affordable rents are defined and calculated based on Median Household Income figures published annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The residents who live in Section 42 units must be income and program eligible. The rent that a Section 42 resident will pay is based on a fixed rental fee for the unit size that is lower than the average market rate rent in the area. Affordable rents that are lower than similar market rate units in the community.

Public Housing Communities are defined as: Decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Public housing comes in all sizes and types, from scattered single family houses to highrise apartments for elderly families. There are approximately 1.2 million households living in public housing units, managed by some 3,300 HAs. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers Federal aid to local housing agencies (HAs) that manage the housing for low-income residents at rents they can afford. HUD furnishes technical and professional assistance in planning, developing and managing these developments.

Rental Assistance Demonstration Communities are defined as: The Rental Assistance Demonstration was created in order to give public housing authorities (PHAs) a powerful tool to preserve and improve public housing properties and address the $26 billion dollar nationwide backlog of deferred maintenance. RAD also gives owners of three HUD “legacy” program (Rent Supplement, Rental Assistance Payment, and Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation) the opportunity to enter into long-term contracts that facilitate the financing of improvements.

Home Ownership Preparation & Education

HOPE (Home Ownership Preparation & Education)

TGHA provides current Housing Choice Voucher program participants the opportunity to participate in a home ownership program. If a family meets the criteria stated below, the rental voucher can convert to a home ownership voucher.

Disclaimer: Eligibility to enroll and participate in the HOPE (Home Ownership Preparation and Education) Program is not guaranteed eligibility of home ownership. Eligibility to enroll and participate in the HOPE program only guarantees the participant case management support, education, and counseling for the duration of his or her participation in the application and credit repair process. The Head of Household must independently obtain a mortgage prequalification letter from a financial institution. The prequalification letter will state the dollar value of the home that can be purchased by the participant, and provides the participant the opportunity to work with a real estate broker.

  • The Head of Household must currently be an active HCV participant, and must have been leased up using the HCV/Section 8 voucher for a minimum of one year.
  • The voucher family must currently be in compliance with all HCV program requirements, and must be a family in good standing.
  • The Head of Household and/or Spouse must have maintained full-time employment continuously for a minimum of one year.
  • Total annual gross income must exceed $25,000 ($23,000 for disabled families). This does not include the value of the voucher.
  • Total annual household income cannot be derived from any form of welfare unless it is an elderly and/or disabled person.
  • No household member may have any ownership in any other real property.
  • The purchaser of the home (and all household members) may not have held title to any property for a period of three years prior to participation in the HOPE program.
  • The Head of Household must enroll in TGHA’s Self-Sufficiency Program.
  • The Head of Household agrees to attend the Home Ownership 101 and Homebuyers Education classes conducted by TGHA’s partnering agency, Greenville County Human Relations Commission, hereafter referred to as GCHRC, https://www.greenvillecounty.org/humanrelations/, and any additional supplemental education classes deemed necessary by TGHA.
  • Every household member over the age of 18 (with the exception of the Head of Household) must attend the Credit Smart class conducted by GCHRC.
  • The participant must continue personalized, one-on-one credit counseling until the following criteria are met: minimum credit score of 640, zero past-due debt, and a debt-to-income ratio of no greater than 35%
  • The participant will establish a restricted savings account with Community Works Federal Credit Union, and deposit the required maintenance and replacement reserve in the amount of $25 on a monthly basis. The participant must save a minimum of $1000 before home ownership can be pursued, to cover the costs of the home inspection and all closing fees.
  • Upon successful completion of the preparation and education portion of the program, the family will be referred to a participating financial institution to be pre-qualified for an affordable home. TGHA will provide the financial institution with the family’s estimated homebuyer subsidy for inclusion in the qualification determination.
  • The family will be issued a homebuyer voucher upon submission of the pre-qualification confirmation from the financial institution. The family must enter into a purchase agreement within the specified time allotted.
  • The total tenant payment, tenant rent, and housing assistance payments shall be calculated in accordance with all provisions of the Housing Choice Voucher program.
    For complete details regarding the HOPE Program, call the Community Services department at 864-385-6226.

Emergency Housing Vouchers

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Landlord and Applicant Incentive Program The Greenville Housing Authority (TGHA) has implemented a Landlord and Applicant Incentive Program for the Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) Program effective July 1, 2021.

  • New Landlord Bonus: One-time bonus of $1,000 for a new landlord who has not participated as a landlord in a TGHA program in the last 12 months.
    $250 for each additional unit leased by an EHV applicant.
  • Current HA Landlord Bonus: One-time bonus of $500 for the first unit leased.
    $250 for each additional unit leased by an EHV applicant.

*All bonus payment(s) will be processed once the signed 12-month lease is received and Housing Assistance Payment contract is executed.

  • Damage Claims: A landlord may apply for up to $2,500 per unit for damages. The claim can be filed for amounts over and above the security deposit for damages in excess of normal wear and tear. See claim form for conditions.
  • Application Fees: Households may apply for application fee costs up to $50.
  • Security Deposits: Households may apply for security deposit assistance.

The EHV Program offers higher payment standards towards contract rents – up to 120% of the area Fair Market Rent.

For more information, please contact Roshelle Harris at [email protected] or give us a call at  (864)467-4979 and ask for the Landlord Liaison!.
This program is solely available for EH households
EH Landlord and Applicant Incentive Program will be discontinued upon exhaustion of available funding.

Veteran Housing Program

Two Generation Family USA Military War Veteran Senior Men

VETERANS AFFAIRS SUPPORTIVE HOUSING (VASH)

The HUD-VASH program provides rental housing assistance vouchers specifically targeted towards homeless veterans. PHA’s work closely with the US Department of Veterans Affairs. In addition to the rental assistance provided through voucher assistance, the Veterans Affairs case management provides supportive services and case management to HUD-VASH voucher holders. The Greenville Housing Authority has received awards totaling 170 HUD-VASH vouchers to serve homeless veteran households.

  • 144 HUD VASH Vouchers
    • 2009 Allocation | 35
    • 2010 Allocation | 25
    • 2012 Allocation | 25
    • 2014 Allocation | 38
    • 2015 Allocation | 12
    • 2017 Allocation | 4
    • 2019 Allocation | 5
    • 2021 Allocation | 26

All HUD-VASH referrals are received through the US Department of Veterans Affairs case management team. All eligibility screening is conducted by the US Department of Veteran Affairs except income eligibility and for lifetime registration under a state sex offender registration program. A condition of eligibility for a HUD-VASH voucher is that the families receive VA case management services. A family’s HCV assistance must be terminated if the family refuses, without good cause, to participate in required case management with the VA.

If you are a homeless veteran and interested in receiving a HUD-VASH voucher, please contact the Greenville VA Outpatient Clinic at 864-299-1600 Ext. 2736 to see if you qualify.

Eligibility Information

Am I Eligible for HCV?

Individuals earning or living with low-incomes can afford to rent an apartment or single-family home at normal market rates through the Housing Choice Voucher Program.

The Housing Choice Voucher program provides rental assistance to about 3,900 households in Greenville County, SC. This highly popular program has a waiting list that we will open once the existing wait list is exhausted. Applicants are then selected from the waiting list using date and time application was submitted.

To meet the income guidelines, you must earn less than half (50%) of the typical income for a family of your size in the Greenville area. Use the chart below to find out.

Income Limits for HCV Program as of April 1, 2022

Effective April 1, 2022
Household Size % Area Median Income
30% 50% (Housing Choice Voucher Program) 80%
1 $17,900 $29,850 $47,750
2 $20,450 $34,100 $54,550
3 $23,030 $38,350 $61,350
4 $27,750 $42,600 $68,150
5 $32,470 $46,050 $73,650
6 $37,190 $49,450 $79,100
7 $41,910 $52,850 $84,550
8 $46,630 $56,250 $90,000

To be eligible for the Housing Choice Voucher Program, you must:

  1. Meet maximum income guidelines
  2. Pass a criminal background check
  3. Have at least one family member who is a citizen or legal resident of the U.S.

HUD requires that extremely low-income (ELI) families make up at least 75 percent of the families admitted to the HCV program during TGHA’s fiscal year. ELI families are those with annual incomes at or below the federal poverty level or 30 percent of the area median income, whichever number is higher. To ensure this requirement is met, a PHA may skip non-ELI families on the waiting list in order to select an ELI family.

TGHA will monitor progress in meeting the income targeting requirement throughout the fiscal year. Extremely low-income families will be selected ahead of other eligible families on an as-needed basis to ensure the income targeting requirement is met.

Once enrolled in the program, you may stay in your current home if it meets our quality standards, the rent is reasonable compared to similar apartments in the area and your current landlord is willing enter into a housing assistance payment with TGHA. You can also search for a new rental.

Am I Eligible for PBV?

TGHA apartments and single-family homes are meant to house individuals and families living on limited incomes. To find out if you qualify for one of our units, follow the three steps below.

1. Look Up Your Income Level

Using the table below, find the row for your family size, and then find your annual household income in that row. Then look at the top of that column to find your percentage number. Your percentage number measures your income in comparison to the average family of your size in the Greenville area. You may want to write down your percentage number to remember it.

Income Limits for PBV Program as of April 1, 2021

Effective April 1, 2021
Household Size % Area Median Income
30% 50% (Housing Choice Voucher Program) 80%
1 $16,250 $27,050 $43,250
2 $18,550 $30,900 $49,400
3 $21,960 $34,750 $55,600
4 $26,500 $38,600 $61,750
5 $31,040 $41,700 $66,700
6 $35,580 $44,800 $71,650
7 $40,120 $47,900 $76,600
8 $44,660 $51,000 $81,550

The limits listed above are for subsidized programs. There are slightly different limits for non-subsidized programs. If your income is close to the limits listed above, please speak directly with each property for their specific income limits.

TGHA administers other forms of rental assistance programs such as the Housing Choice Voucher Program (also known as Section 8).

2. Search for Housing

Income limits are listed in the property description for every apartment or single family home listed on this website. If your percentage number is the same or lower than the income limit shown for that unit, then you are eligible to rent it.

3. Know Your History

Like other landlords, we need to make sure our applicants will be good tenants. This involves checking your:

Landlord References: We’ll need to see good references from the places you have lived for the past three years. If there is a good reason you can’t provide these, we may be able to use other types of references.

Credit History: We run a consumer credit check on every applicant. If you still owe money to a previous landlord, you might not be approved for residency.

Criminal History: We have specific guidelines at each of our properties regarding series crimes, especially drug-related activity or violence. We run a criminal record check on every applicant.

Waitlist & Application Status

Waitlist

  • TGHA will review applications for completion and initial eligibility requirements.
  • Applicants should maintain the email address used to submit their application.
    TGHA does not provide emergency housing.
  • TGHA cannot anticipate when an applicant’s name will be selected from the waiting list.
  • TGHA will not provide additional information on waiting list status other than the information reflected on this website.
  • Applicants will be notified by U.S. Postal Service standard mail and/or email of any scheduled appointments.
  • Changes will only be accepted through written notice or via email at [email protected] 
  • TGHA is not responsible for any misdirected mail or email due to:
    an applicant’s failure to report a change of address to TGHA; or
    address incorrectly listed on the application or update forms; or
    difficulties receiving mail from the specific address listed on the application or update form. (i.e., broken mail box, Post Office delivery, person at the mailing address did not give mail to applicant, etc.
    TGHA will not forward any undelivered mail that does not have a forwarding address on the returned envelope.

Application Update
Current Applicants Only

If you have applied for housing and are on one of our waiting list and need to update contact or household information please follow the instructions below.

Update Your Existing Application

It’s your responsibility to report to us in writing any changes in your contact information: Mailing Address, Phone# and E-mail Address.

Please use the Application Change Form if you need to update your application, and you can find those at the TGHA Main office located at 122 Edinburgh Ct, Greenville, SC 29607.

This form is only used to update your EXISTING APPLICATION and is not necessary if you do not have any changes.

For any other changes regarding current applications, please contact us by email here. Please make sure your email includes the changes you are requesting.

Applicant FAQ

Q: Where can I obtain a housing application?
A: Housing applications are currently only accepted online. Navigate to the “Apply for Housing” section to review any open Wait Lists.

Q: Is there assistance available to fill out housing applications online?
A: Yes, TGHA has a Call Center available, Monday thru Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Please dial 833- 736-3765 for assistance.

Q: How will I know if my online housing application has been accepted?
A: Once your application is accepted, you will be issued a confirmation number.

Q: What if I have general questions about an existing application?
A: You may email [email protected] for assistance.

Q: How can I update my application once it is accepted?
A: You will need to make all changes to your application in writing, and mail it to the following address:

430 Perry Avenue
ATTN: TGHA Eligibility Department
Greenville, SC 29601

You may also email the Waitlist Eligibility Department with any changes at  [email protected].

Q: What happens after a housing application is completed?
A: New housing applications are added to an existing Wait List of Applicants.

Q: How will I know when my application has been selected?
A: You will be sent a Wait List Selection letter from the Eligibility Department when your application is being processed.

Q: How long does it take for an application to be selected?
A: Applications are selected based on the availability of rental assistance funding and/or unit availability for the number of people in your family.

Q: Who should I contact if I have questions regarding a Wait List Selection letter?
A: You should contact the telephone number or email address enclosed in your letter. You may also contact the Waitlist Eligibility Department a at [email protected] or 864-990-3588.

Q: My neighbor, friend, cousin received a letter about their application, but I did not receive a letter. Why?
A: Did your address change from the time you submitted the pre-application? If your Rank Number was selected during the Lottery selection and your address listed on the pre-application is correct, you will receive a letter in the mail.

Q: What is my number on the Waiting List?
A: The number is listed in the letter mailed from the Housing Authority to all applicants.

Q: How do I apply?
A: The Greenville Housing Authority will re-open the waiting list to accept applications when most people on the current waiting list have been served. When the list is about to be opened, a notice will be placed in local newspapers and on this website in the “Apply for Housing” section.

Q: How does the application process work?
A: Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) is a Federal Program administered nationally by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Individuals or households in need of rental assistance must first place their name on the Housing Authority HCV Waiting List. When your family has been selected from the list, you will receive a letter requesting information/documentation that must be provided to determine your eligibility for the Housing Choice Voucher Program.

Q: Will I need to produce any documentation?
A: Yes, the Housing Authority (PHA) Missing Documents Representative will request whatever documentation is needed (e.g., birth certification, social security number, income source) to verify the information given on your application. The PHA will also rely on direct verification from your employer, etc. You will be asked to sign a form to authorize release of pertinent information to the PHA.

Programs & Eligibility

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The Housing Choice Voucher Program is the federal government’s major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments.

The participant is free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and where the landlord is willing to accept the voucher payment. Housing Choice Vouchers are administered locally by TGHA. TGHA receives federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer the voucher program.

A family that is issued a housing voucher is responsible for finding a suitable housing unit of the family’s choice where the owner agrees to rent under the program. This unit may include the family’s present residence. Rental units must meet minimum standards of health and safety, as determined by the PHA.

A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by TGHA on behalf of the participating family. The family then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program.

TGHA currently has an allocation of 2,941 vouchers, to include 139 HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Vouchers. The Housing Choice Voucher Program Administrative Plan establishes guidelines for applicant eligibility and continued rental assistance.

The HCV Program Partnership
The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a joint effort among you, your tenant, and TGHA – – – We each have a set of responsibilities!

LANDLORD RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Perform all management and rental functions for the assisted unit, including screening and selection of tenants.
  • Maintain the unit in accordance with Housing Quality Standards (HQS), including performance of maintenance.
  • Comply with equal opportunity/fair housing requirements.
  • Prepare information required under the Housing Assistance Payments contract and furnish the information to TGHA.
  • Collect from the renter: security deposit, tenant portion of the rent, any charges for damages to the unit.
  • Enforce the tenant obligations under the lease.
  • Pay for utilities and services agreed upon in the lease.
  • May not collect side payments from HCV renters or charge more than approved by TGHA.

TENANT RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Supply information determined necessary by TGHA or HUD to administer the program, including completion of scheduled income reviews.
  • Pay utilities that are not supplied by the landlord.
  • Provide and maintain the appliances for which they are responsible.
  • Correct damages inflicted to unit by family member or guest, in specified time period.
  • May not commit serious or repeated violation(s) of the lease.
  • Notify TGHA and the owner 30 (no more than 60) days in advance, prior to moving or terminating the lease.

TGHA RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Pay landlord by the fifth day of each month.
  • Regularly evaluate family eligibility.
  • Inspect units at least once every year.
  • Investigate potential fraud or program abuse by tenants or landlords.
  • Provide quality customer service to HCV landlords and tenants.
  • Notify landlord of any change in subsidy amount.

Happy,Senior,Couple,Sitting,On,Sofa,With,Dog

TGHA provides affordable housing options in neighborhoods throughout the Greenville Community.

TGHA’s portfolio consists of several types of housing communities:

  • Mixed-Income HOPE IV
  • Mixed-Income LIHTC
  • Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)
  • Public Housing
  • Rental Assistance
  • Demonstration (RAD)

Mixed-Income Communities are defined as: A deliberate effort to construct and/or own a multi-family development that has the mixing of income groups as a fundamental part of its financial and operational plans.

HUD has focused over the last decade and a half on the construction of mixed-income communities.

The development of the housing model of mixed-income living implies a promise to move people who have been isolated from market forces closer to the market. This combination provides new opportunities, and seeks to ensure that all of our residents have the tools to be successful in this physical environment.

Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Communities are defined as: Affordable rental housing for low and very low-income families.

The Tax Credit Reform Act of 1986 created the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program (LIHTC). The program regulations are under Section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code. The tax credit encourages developers to build affordable housing to meet the needs of the community. As a condition for receiving Housing Tax Credits, owners must keep the units affordable for a specified number of years. Affordable rents are defined and calculated based on Median Household Income figures published annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The residents who live in Section 42 units must be income and program eligible. The rent that a Section 42 resident will pay is based on a fixed rental fee for the unit size that is lower than the average market rate rent in the area. Affordable rents that are lower than similar market rate units in the community.

Public Housing Communities are defined as: Decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Public housing comes in all sizes and types, from scattered single family houses to highrise apartments for elderly families. There are approximately 1.2 million households living in public housing units, managed by some 3,300 HAs. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers Federal aid to local housing agencies (HAs) that manage the housing for low-income residents at rents they can afford. HUD furnishes technical and professional assistance in planning, developing and managing these developments.

Rental Assistance Demonstration Communities are defined as: The Rental Assistance Demonstration was created in order to give public housing authorities (PHAs) a powerful tool to preserve and improve public housing properties and address the $26 billion dollar nationwide backlog of deferred maintenance. RAD also gives owners of three HUD “legacy” program (Rent Supplement, Rental Assistance Payment, and Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation) the opportunity to enter into long-term contracts that facilitate the financing of improvements.

HOPE (Home Ownership Preparation & Education)

TGHA provides current Housing Choice Voucher program participants the opportunity to participate in a home ownership program. If a family meets the criteria stated below, the rental voucher can convert to a home ownership voucher.

Disclaimer: Eligibility to enroll and participate in the HOPE (Home Ownership Preparation and Education) Program is not guaranteed eligibility of home ownership. Eligibility to enroll and participate in the HOPE program only guarantees the participant case management support, education, and counseling for the duration of his or her participation in the application and credit repair process. The Head of Household must independently obtain a mortgage prequalification letter from a financial institution. The prequalification letter will state the dollar value of the home that can be purchased by the participant, and provides the participant the opportunity to work with a real estate broker.

  • The Head of Household must currently be an active HCV participant, and must have been leased up using the HCV/Section 8 voucher for a minimum of one year.
  • The voucher family must currently be in compliance with all HCV program requirements, and must be a family in good standing.
  • The Head of Household and/or Spouse must have maintained full-time employment continuously for a minimum of one year.
  • Total annual gross income must exceed $25,000 ($23,000 for disabled families). This does not include the value of the voucher.
  • Total annual household income cannot be derived from any form of welfare unless it is an elderly and/or disabled person.
  • No household member may have any ownership in any other real property.
  • The purchaser of the home (and all household members) may not have held title to any property for a period of three years prior to participation in the HOPE program.
  • The Head of Household must enroll in TGHA’s Self-Sufficiency Program.
  • The Head of Household agrees to attend the Home Ownership 101 and Homebuyers Education classes conducted by TGHA’s partnering agency, Greenville County Human Relations Commission, hereafter referred to as GCHRC, https://www.greenvillecounty.org/humanrelations/, and any additional supplemental education classes deemed necessary by TGHA.
  • Every household member over the age of 18 (with the exception of the Head of Household) must attend the Credit Smart class conducted by GCHRC.
  • The participant must continue personalized, one-on-one credit counseling until the following criteria are met: minimum credit score of 640, zero past-due debt, and a debt-to-income ratio of no greater than 35%
  • The participant will establish a restricted savings account with Community Works Federal Credit Union, and deposit the required maintenance and replacement reserve in the amount of $25 on a monthly basis. The participant must save a minimum of $1000 before home ownership can be pursued, to cover the costs of the home inspection and all closing fees.
  • Upon successful completion of the preparation and education portion of the program, the family will be referred to a participating financial institution to be pre-qualified for an affordable home. TGHA will provide the financial institution with the family’s estimated homebuyer subsidy for inclusion in the qualification determination.
  • The family will be issued a homebuyer voucher upon submission of the pre-qualification confirmation from the financial institution. The family must enter into a purchase agreement within the specified time allotted.
  • The total tenant payment, tenant rent, and housing assistance payments shall be calculated in accordance with all provisions of the Housing Choice Voucher program.
    For complete details regarding the HOPE Program, call the Community Services department at 864-385-6226.

Happy,Senior,Couple,Sitting,On,Sofa,With,Dog

Landlord and Applicant Incentive Program The Greenville Housing Authority (TGHA) has implemented a Landlord and Applicant Incentive Program for the Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) Program effective July 1, 2021.

  • New Landlord Bonus: One-time bonus of $1,000 for a new landlord who has not participated as a landlord in a TGHA program in the last 12 months.
    $250 for each additional unit leased by an EHV applicant.
  • Current HA Landlord Bonus: One-time bonus of $500 for the first unit leased.
    $250 for each additional unit leased by an EHV applicant.

*All bonus payment(s) will be processed once the signed 12-month lease is received and Housing Assistance Payment contract is executed.

  • Damage Claims: A landlord may apply for up to $2,500 per unit for damages. The claim can be filed for amounts over and above the security deposit for damages in excess of normal wear and tear. See claim form for conditions.
  • Application Fees: Households may apply for application fee costs up to $50.
  • Security Deposits: Households may apply for security deposit assistance.

The EHV Program offers higher payment standards towards contract rents – up to 120% of the area Fair Market Rent.

For more information, please contact Roshelle Harris at [email protected] or give us a call at  (864)467-4979 and ask for the Landlord Liaison!.
This program is solely available for EH households
EH Landlord and Applicant Incentive Program will be discontinued upon exhaustion of available funding.

Two Generation Family USA Military War Veteran Senior Men

VETERANS AFFAIRS SUPPORTIVE HOUSING (VASH)

The HUD-VASH program provides rental housing assistance vouchers specifically targeted towards homeless veterans. PHA’s work closely with the US Department of Veterans Affairs. In addition to the rental assistance provided through voucher assistance, the Veterans Affairs case management provides supportive services and case management to HUD-VASH voucher holders. The Greenville Housing Authority has received awards totaling 170 HUD-VASH vouchers to serve homeless veteran households.

  • 144 HUD VASH Vouchers
    • 2009 Allocation | 35
    • 2010 Allocation | 25
    • 2012 Allocation | 25
    • 2014 Allocation | 38
    • 2015 Allocation | 12
    • 2017 Allocation | 4
    • 2019 Allocation | 5
    • 2021 Allocation | 26

All HUD-VASH referrals are received through the US Department of Veterans Affairs case management team. All eligibility screening is conducted by the US Department of Veteran Affairs except income eligibility and for lifetime registration under a state sex offender registration program. A condition of eligibility for a HUD-VASH voucher is that the families receive VA case management services. A family’s HCV assistance must be terminated if the family refuses, without good cause, to participate in required case management with the VA.

If you are a homeless veteran and interested in receiving a HUD-VASH voucher, please contact the Greenville VA Outpatient Clinic at 864-299-1600 Ext. 2736 to see if you qualify.

Am I Eligible for HCV?

Individuals earning or living with low-incomes can afford to rent an apartment or single-family home at normal market rates through the Housing Choice Voucher Program.

The Housing Choice Voucher program provides rental assistance to about 3,900 households in Greenville County, SC. This highly popular program has a waiting list that we will open once the existing wait list is exhausted. Applicants are then selected from the waiting list using date and time application was submitted.

To meet the income guidelines, you must earn less than half (50%) of the typical income for a family of your size in the Greenville area. Use the chart below to find out.

Income Limits for HCV Program as of April 1, 2022

Effective April 1, 2022
Household Size % Area Median Income
30% 50% (Housing Choice Voucher Program) 80%
1 $17,900 $29,850 $47,750
2 $20,450 $34,100 $54,550
3 $23,030 $38,350 $61,350
4 $27,750 $42,600 $68,150
5 $32,470 $46,050 $73,650
6 $37,190 $49,450 $79,100
7 $41,910 $52,850 $84,550
8 $46,630 $56,250 $90,000

To be eligible for the Housing Choice Voucher Program, you must:

  1. Meet maximum income guidelines
  2. Pass a criminal background check
  3. Have at least one family member who is a citizen or legal resident of the U.S.

HUD requires that extremely low-income (ELI) families make up at least 75 percent of the families admitted to the HCV program during TGHA’s fiscal year. ELI families are those with annual incomes at or below the federal poverty level or 30 percent of the area median income, whichever number is higher. To ensure this requirement is met, a PHA may skip non-ELI families on the waiting list in order to select an ELI family.

TGHA will monitor progress in meeting the income targeting requirement throughout the fiscal year. Extremely low-income families will be selected ahead of other eligible families on an as-needed basis to ensure the income targeting requirement is met.

Once enrolled in the program, you may stay in your current home if it meets our quality standards, the rent is reasonable compared to similar apartments in the area and your current landlord is willing enter into a housing assistance payment with TGHA. You can also search for a new rental.

Am I Eligible for PBV?

TGHA apartments and single-family homes are meant to house individuals and families living on limited incomes. To find out if you qualify for one of our units, follow the three steps below.

1. Look Up Your Income Level

Using the table below, find the row for your family size, and then find your annual household income in that row. Then look at the top of that column to find your percentage number. Your percentage number measures your income in comparison to the average family of your size in the Greenville area. You may want to write down your percentage number to remember it.

Income Limits for PBV Program as of April 1, 2021

Effective April 1, 2021
Household Size % Area Median Income
30% 50% (Housing Choice Voucher Program) 80%
1 $16,250 $27,050 $43,250
2 $18,550 $30,900 $49,400
3 $21,960 $34,750 $55,600
4 $26,500 $38,600 $61,750
5 $31,040 $41,700 $66,700
6 $35,580 $44,800 $71,650
7 $40,120 $47,900 $76,600
8 $44,660 $51,000 $81,550

The limits listed above are for subsidized programs. There are slightly different limits for non-subsidized programs. If your income is close to the limits listed above, please speak directly with each property for their specific income limits.

TGHA administers other forms of rental assistance programs such as the Housing Choice Voucher Program (also known as Section 8).

2. Search for Housing

Income limits are listed in the property description for every apartment or single family home listed on this website. If your percentage number is the same or lower than the income limit shown for that unit, then you are eligible to rent it.

3. Know Your History

Like other landlords, we need to make sure our applicants will be good tenants. This involves checking your:

Landlord References: We’ll need to see good references from the places you have lived for the past three years. If there is a good reason you can’t provide these, we may be able to use other types of references.

Credit History: We run a consumer credit check on every applicant. If you still owe money to a previous landlord, you might not be approved for residency.

Criminal History: We have specific guidelines at each of our properties regarding series crimes, especially drug-related activity or violence. We run a criminal record check on every applicant.

Waitlist

  • TGHA will review applications for completion and initial eligibility requirements.
  • Applicants should maintain the email address used to submit their application.
    TGHA does not provide emergency housing.
  • TGHA cannot anticipate when an applicant’s name will be selected from the waiting list.
  • TGHA will not provide additional information on waiting list status other than the information reflected on this website.
  • Applicants will be notified by U.S. Postal Service standard mail and/or email of any scheduled appointments.
  • Changes will only be accepted through written notice or via email at [email protected] 
  • TGHA is not responsible for any misdirected mail or email due to:
    an applicant’s failure to report a change of address to TGHA; or
    address incorrectly listed on the application or update forms; or
    difficulties receiving mail from the specific address listed on the application or update form. (i.e., broken mail box, Post Office delivery, person at the mailing address did not give mail to applicant, etc.
    TGHA will not forward any undelivered mail that does not have a forwarding address on the returned envelope.

Application Update
Current Applicants Only

If you have applied for housing and are on one of our waiting list and need to update contact or household information please follow the instructions below.

Update Your Existing Application

It’s your responsibility to report to us in writing any changes in your contact information: Mailing Address, Phone# and E-mail Address.

Please use the Application Change Form if you need to update your application, and you can find those at the TGHA Main office located at 122 Edinburgh Ct, Greenville, SC 29607.

This form is only used to update your EXISTING APPLICATION and is not necessary if you do not have any changes.

For any other changes regarding current applications, please contact us by email here. Please make sure your email includes the changes you are requesting.

Q: Where can I obtain a housing application?
A: Housing applications are currently only accepted online. Navigate to the “Apply for Housing” section to review any open Wait Lists.

Q: Is there assistance available to fill out housing applications online?
A: Yes, TGHA has a Call Center available, Monday thru Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Please dial 833- 736-3765 for assistance.

Q: How will I know if my online housing application has been accepted?
A: Once your application is accepted, you will be issued a confirmation number.

Q: What if I have general questions about an existing application?
A: You may email [email protected] for assistance.

Q: How can I update my application once it is accepted?
A: You will need to make all changes to your application in writing, and mail it to the following address:

430 Perry Avenue
ATTN: TGHA Eligibility Department
Greenville, SC 29601

You may also email the Waitlist Eligibility Department with any changes at  [email protected].

Q: What happens after a housing application is completed?
A: New housing applications are added to an existing Wait List of Applicants.

Q: How will I know when my application has been selected?
A: You will be sent a Wait List Selection letter from the Eligibility Department when your application is being processed.

Q: How long does it take for an application to be selected?
A: Applications are selected based on the availability of rental assistance funding and/or unit availability for the number of people in your family.

Q: Who should I contact if I have questions regarding a Wait List Selection letter?
A: You should contact the telephone number or email address enclosed in your letter. You may also contact the Waitlist Eligibility Department a at [email protected] or 864-990-3588.

Q: My neighbor, friend, cousin received a letter about their application, but I did not receive a letter. Why?
A: Did your address change from the time you submitted the pre-application? If your Rank Number was selected during the Lottery selection and your address listed on the pre-application is correct, you will receive a letter in the mail.

Q: What is my number on the Waiting List?
A: The number is listed in the letter mailed from the Housing Authority to all applicants.

Q: How do I apply?
A: The Greenville Housing Authority will re-open the waiting list to accept applications when most people on the current waiting list have been served. When the list is about to be opened, a notice will be placed in local newspapers and on this website in the “Apply for Housing” section.

Q: How does the application process work?
A: Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) is a Federal Program administered nationally by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Individuals or households in need of rental assistance must first place their name on the Housing Authority HCV Waiting List. When your family has been selected from the list, you will receive a letter requesting information/documentation that must be provided to determine your eligibility for the Housing Choice Voucher Program.

Q: Will I need to produce any documentation?
A: Yes, the Housing Authority (PHA) Missing Documents Representative will request whatever documentation is needed (e.g., birth certification, social security number, income source) to verify the information given on your application. The PHA will also rely on direct verification from your employer, etc. You will be asked to sign a form to authorize release of pertinent information to the PHA.