Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Charleston County, South Carolina
Charleston County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,884 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,620 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $36.23 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,884
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 35% more than in South Carolina
- Typical rent
- $1,620
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 37% more than in South Carolina
- Wage needed
- $36.23
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $75,360 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 53%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 3% more than in South Carolina
Only here
Renting in Charleston County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Among the neighboring counties, Williamsburg County has the lowest typical rent ($765), 53% below the $1,620 in Charleston County.
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Charleston County has the 2nd highest typical household income of the 46 counties in South Carolina ($88,494).
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Charleston County has the 3rd highest typical rent of the 46 counties in South Carolina ($1,620).
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Charleston County has the 5th lowest homeownership rate of the 46 counties in South Carolina (64%).
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Charleston County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Charleston County was $2,150 a month in September 2026: 4.4% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,661 | $31.94 | $66,440 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,731 | $33.29 | $69,240 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,884 | $36.23 | $75,360 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,336 | $44.92 | $93,440 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,687 | $51.67 | $107,480 |
HUD area: Charleston-North Charleston, SC MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 27 ZIP codes in Charleston County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,220 in 29470 to $2,830 in 29451. 17 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,884).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 29401 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $2,120 | $2,200 | $2,400 | $2,980 | $3,420 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29403 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,930 | $2,010 | $2,190 | $2,720 | $3,120 |
| 29404 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,990 | $2,080 | $2,260 | $2,800 | $3,220 |
| 29405 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,390 | $1,450 | $1,580 | $1,960 | $2,250 |
| 29406 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,540 | $1,610 | $1,750 | $2,170 | $2,500 |
| 29407 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,680 | $1,750 | $1,910 | $2,370 | $2,720 |
| 29409 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,930 | $2,010 | $2,190 | $2,720 | $3,120 |
| 29412 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,930 | $2,010 | $2,190 | $2,720 | $3,120 |
| 29414 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,900 | $1,980 | $2,150 | $2,670 | $3,070 |
| 29418 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,430 | $1,490 | $1,620 | $2,010 | $2,310 |
| 29424 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $2,050 | $2,130 | $2,320 | $2,890 | $3,310 |
| 29425 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,680 | $1,750 | $1,910 | $2,370 | $2,720 |
| 29426 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,480 | $1,540 | $1,680 | $2,080 | $2,400 |
| 29429 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $2,500 | $2,600 | $2,830 | $3,510 | $4,040 |
| 29438 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,030 | $1,080 | $1,240 | $1,520 | $1,900 |
| 29438 | Colleton County, SC | $1,030 | $1,080 | $1,240 | $1,520 | $1,900 |
| 29439 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $2,200 | $2,300 | $2,500 | $3,100 | $3,570 |
| 29449 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,340 | $1,400 | $1,520 | $1,880 | $2,170 |
| 29451 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $2,500 | $2,600 | $2,830 | $3,510 | $4,040 |
| 29455 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,640 | $1,710 | $1,860 | $2,310 | $2,650 |
| 29456 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,670 | $1,740 | $1,890 | $2,340 | $2,700 |
| 29458 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,670 | $1,730 | $1,920 | $2,370 | $2,790 |
| 29464 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $2,140 | $2,230 | $2,430 | $3,010 | $3,470 |
| 29466 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $2,440 | $2,540 | $2,770 | $3,430 | $3,950 |
| 29470 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,080 | $1,120 | $1,220 | $1,510 | $1,770 |
| 29482 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $2,160 | $2,250 | $2,460 | $3,040 | $3,510 |
| 29487 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,460 | $1,530 | $1,670 | $2,070 | $2,380 |
- 29401 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $2,400$2,980
- 29403 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $2,190$2,720
- 29404 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $2,260$2,800
- 29405 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $1,580$1,960
- 29406 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $1,750$2,170
- 29407 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $1,910$2,370
- 29409 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $2,190$2,720
- 29412 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $2,190$2,720
- 29414 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $2,150$2,670
- 29418 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $1,620$2,010
- 29424 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $2,320$2,890
- 29425 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $1,910$2,370
- 29426 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $1,680$2,080
- 29429 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $2,830$3,510
- 29438 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $1,240$1,520
- 29438 · Colleton County, SC $1,240$1,520
- 29439 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $2,500$3,100
- 29449 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $1,520$1,880
- 29451 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $2,830$3,510
- 29455 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $1,860$2,310
- 29456 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $1,890$2,340
- 29458 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $1,920$2,370
- 29464 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $2,430$3,010
- 29466 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $2,770$3,430
- 29470 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $1,220$1,510
- 29482 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $2,460$3,040
- 29487 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $1,670$2,070
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Charleston County, 53% of renter households are in that position; in South Carolina, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
53%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
64,625 households rent in Charleston County
- Spend half or more of their income 28%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
- Spend less than 30% 47%
Compared with the state and the country
- Charleston 53%
- South Carolina 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Charleston County
HUD lists 63 properties with homes for low-income households in Charleston County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 39
- HUD-assisted
- 20
- public housing
- 6
6,454 homes in all; 6,101 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Meeting Street Manor Public housing 231 America St, Charleston 29403 501 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Charleston · Average payment: $374 a month · Average wait: 17 months · (843) 720-3970
- Robert Mills Manor Public housing 125 Logan St, Charleston 29401 447 homes, 445 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Charleston · Average payment: $398 a month · Average wait: 13 months · (843) 720-3970
- Gadsden Green Homes Public housing 33 Flood St, Charleston 29403 304 homes, 302 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Charleston · Average payment: $380 a month · Average wait: 18 months · (843) 720-3970
- Bridgeview Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 N Romney St, Charleston 29403 300 low-income homes · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 100 · 3 bd: 170 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Bridgeview Village Apartments HUD-assisted 108 N Romney St Ofc D, Charleston 29403 300 low-income homes · For families · (843) 723-6543
- Horizon Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 3835 Spruill Ave, North Charleston 29405 306 homes, 281 low-income · 1 bd: 68 · 2 bd: 112 · 3 bd: 108 · 4 bd: 18 · In service since 2007
- The Waters at Magnolia Bay Tax credit (LIHTC) 10765 Highway 78 E, Summerville 29483 300 homes, 240 low-income · 1 bd: 72 · 2 bd: 156 · 3 bd: 72 · In service since 2017 · For families
- The Waters at Magnolia Bay M15-Sg450998 Tax credit (LIHTC) 10765 Highway 78 E, Summerville 29483 240 low-income homes · 1 bd: 60 · 2 bd: 124 · 3 bd: 60 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Palmilla 228 Tax credit (LIHTC) 1385 Ashley River Rd, Charleston 29407 228 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · 2 bd: 156 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Oakfield Apartments HUD-assisted 8750 Fairwind Dr, North Charleston 29406 184 low-income homes · For families · (843) 797-3276
- Fairwind Apartments HUD-assisted 8750 Fairwind Dr, North Charleston 29406 168 low-income homes · For families · (843) 797-3276
- Joseph Floyd Manor Public housing 2106 Mount Pleasant St, Charleston 29403 156 low-income homes · Run by Charleston Co HSG & Redev Auth · Average payment: $321 a month · Average wait: 26 months · (843) 628-0728
- Single Family Units Public housing 2106 Mount Pleasant St, Charleston 29403 125 low-income homes · Run by Charleston Co HSG & Redev Auth · Average payment: $678 a month · Average wait: 18 months · Homes at several sites · (843) 628-0728
- Ashley Arms Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1120 Crull Dr, Charleston 29407 100 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 64 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2018 · For families · (843) 556-1507
- Brighton Place Public housing 1429 Orleans Rd, Charleston 29407 100 low-income homes · Run by Charleston Co HSG & Redev Auth · Average payment: $392 a month · Average wait: 25 months · (843) 628-0728
- E M B E Apts HUD-assisted 1815 Central Park Rd, Charleston 29412 100 low-income homes · For families · (843) 795-5220
- Waters at West Ashley HUD-assisted 1900 Hazelwood Dr, Charleston 29407 100 low-income homes · For families · (843) 556-4184
- Greentree North Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2630 Otranto Rd, North Charleston 29406 96 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2012 · For families · (843) 572-0172
- Johns Island Rural Housing HUD-assisted 3624 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island 29455 88 low-income homes · For older adults · (843) 559-3882
- Ansonborough House HUD-assisted 71 Society St, Charleston 29401 77 low-income homes · For older adults · (843) 723-8613
- Osprey Place Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2390 Baker Hospital Blvd, North Charleston 29405 108 homes, 72 low-income · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 72 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Alston Lake Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2430 Alston Ave, North Charleston 29406 72 low-income homes · 2 bd: 27 · 3 bd: 45 · In service since 2006
- Grandview Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1850 Magwood Dr, Charleston 29414 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2011 · For older adults
- Ivy Ridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2215 Greenridge Rd, North Charleston 29406 71 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 41 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2007
- Shady Grove Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1725 Savage Rd, Charleston 29407 71 low-income homes · 1 bd: 54 · 2 bd: 17 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- The Shires Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1020 Little John Dr, Charleston 29407 71 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 35 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2006
- The Villas at Horizon Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 3800 Rivers Ave, North Charleston 29405 71 low-income homes · 1 bd: 55 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2010 · For older adults
- Birchwood Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2001 Stokes Ave, North Charleston 29406 64 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2004 · For families
- The Gardens at Montague Tax credit (LIHTC) 4840 Upjohn Rd, North Charleston 29405 64 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2005
- Radcliffe Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Coming St, Charleston 29403 63 low-income homes · 2 bd: 47 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
- ST. James Place (charleston Voa) HUD-assisted 800 Affirmation Blvd, Charleston 29412 62 homes, 61 low-income · For older adults · (843) 762-7585
- The Palace Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1000 King St, Charleston 29403 75 homes, 60 low-income · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 35 · In service since 2001 · For families
- West Yard Lofts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2375 Noisette Blvd, North Charleston 29405 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 26 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2010
- Grand Oak Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1830 Magwood Dr, Charleston 29414 59 low-income homes · 1 bd: 46 · 2 bd: 13 · In service since 2000 · For older adults
- Enston Home Tax credit (LIHTC) 900 King St, Charleston 29403 58 low-income homes · Studio: 27 · 1 bd: 31 · In service since 1996
- Harbour Station Tax credit (LIHTC) 6935 Rivers Ave, North Charleston 29406 56 low-income homes · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Sherman House HUD-assisted 1635 Raoul Wallenberg Blvd, Charleston 29407 56 homes, 55 low-income · For older adults · (843) 763-2242
- Marsh View Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 520 McLernon Trce, Johns Island 29455 53 low-income homes · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Charleston King Street Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 676 King St, Charleston 29403 50 low-income homes · Studio: 50 · In service since 1992
- Harbor Apartments (harborview Apartments) Tax credit (LIHTC) 801 Affirmation Blvd, Charleston 29412 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 45 · 2 bd: 5 · In service since 2014 · For older adults
- King's Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 723 King St, Charleston 29403 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
- Rivers Place Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 7511 Rivers Ave, North Charleston 29406 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Marshside Village, Inc. HUD-assisted 4045 Gullah Ave, N Charleston 29405 47 low-income homes · For older adults · (843) 747-6774
- Sea Island Tax credit (LIHTC) 3672 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island 29455 47 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 23 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Canterbury House East HUD-assisted 165 Market St, Charleston 29401 46 low-income homes · For older adults · (843) 534-0072
- Pinecrest Greene Tax credit (LIHTC) 1690 William Kennerty Dr, Charleston 29407 46 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 16 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2011
- Joseph Paul Apartments HUD-assisted 2680 Bonds Ave, North Charleston 29405 44 low-income homes · For families · (843) 744-1148
- Oak Hollow Tax credit (LIHTC) 3009 Tree Canopy Dr, Summerville 29485 44 low-income homes · 3 bd: 30 · 4 bd: 14 · In service since 2012 · For families
- 670 King ST Apts (was Crosstown Apts) Tax credit (LIHTC) 670 King St, Charleston 29403 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · In service since 1996 · For older adults
- Rutledge Place Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 554 Rutledge Ave, Charleston 29403 40 low-income homes · Studio: 13 · 1 bd: 27 · In service since 2001 · For older adults
- Lincolnville Elderly Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 501 Slidel St, Lincolnville 29485 39 low-income homes · 1 bd: 39 · In service since 1999 · For older adults
- Oakside Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1725 Brownswood Rd, Johns Island 29455 38 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2018 · For families
- North Central Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1054 King St, Charleston 29403 35 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 11 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
- Filbin Creek Apartments HUD-assisted 1237 Sumner Ave, North Charleston 29406 64 homes, 32 low-income · For families · (843) 553-2287
- CANTERBURY HOUSE - West HUD-assisted 175 Market St, Charleston 29401 198 homes, 20 low-income · For older adults · (843) 723-5553
- Nunan Street Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 19 Nunan St, Charleston 29403 20 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1999 · For people experiencing homelessness
- Westover Apartments, Inc. HUD-assisted 4 Palmetto Park Rd, Charleston 29407 20 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (843) 556-9582
- Phoenix Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3841 Saint Johns Ave, North Charleston 29405 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2004
- Mayflower Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 2106 Mount Pleasant St, Charleston 29403 14 low-income homes · 2 bd: 14 · In service since 2000 · For older adults
- Historic East Side Neighborhood Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 93 Columbus St, Charleston 29403 13 low-income homes · 1 bd: 3 · 2 bd: 3 · 3 bd: 7 · In service since 1995 · For older adults
- Secessionville HUD-assisted 1217 Secessionville Rd, Charleston 29412 9 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (843) 805-5800
- Pinebrook, Inc. HUD-assisted 7600 Pinehurst St, Charleston 29420 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (843) 805-5800
- Charleston Housing Opportunities 1993 HUD-assisted 850 Fort Johnson Rd, Charleston 29412 4 homes, 3 low-income · For people with disabilities · (843) 805-5800
2 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Charleston County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 3 agencies serve in Charleston County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
-
You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
-
Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
-
Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
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If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
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When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
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Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $24,700 | $41,150 | $65,800 |
| 2 people | $28,200 | $47,000 | $75,200 |
| 3 people | $31,750 | $52,900 | $84,600 |
| 4 people | $35,250 | $58,750 | $94,000 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $63,450 | $101,550 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $68,150 | $109,050 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $72,850 | $116,600 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $77,550 | $124,100 |
Area median income: $117,500. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Charleston-North Charleston, SC MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,495 – $1,827
- 1 bedroom $1,558 – $1,904
- 2 bedrooms $1,696 – $2,072
- 3 bedrooms $2,102 – $2,570
- 4 bedrooms $2,418 – $2,956
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Housing Authority of the City of Charleston Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,804 vouchers · 1,248 public housing units (843) 720-3970 Housing Authority of the City of Charleston: gbluestein@chacity.org
- Housing Authority of N Charleston Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 2,336 vouchers (843) 747-1793 Housing Authority of N Charleston: qabney@nchashousingauthority.com
- Charleston Co HSG & Redev Auth Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,112 vouchers · 381 public housing units (843) 628-0728 Charleston Co HSG & Redev Auth: achilders@cchra.net
Housing agencies in South Carolina Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in South Carolina
What South Carolina law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- When must they return my deposit?
- 30 days
- S.C. Code §27-40-410(a)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 5 days
- S.C. Code §27-40-710(B)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 days
- S.C. Code §27-40-770(b)
- Only a court order can remove youS.C. Code §27-40-660
- Protection from retaliationS.C. Code §27-40-910(a)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Charleston County
These HUD-approved agencies have offices in Charleston County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Credit.org - North Charleston, SC Branch
5935 Rivers Ave, North Charleston · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
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Charleston Trident Urban League, Inc.
2133 N Hillside Dr, Charleston
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 6 more
-
Origin SC
8084 Rivers Ave, North Charleston
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 9 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Charleston County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in South Carolina, the average home bill was $150 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$3,768
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,884
- Security deposit
- $1,884
- Total
- $3,768
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Charleston County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,661; 1 bedroom: $1,731; 2 bedrooms: $1,884; 3 bedrooms: $2,336; 4 bedrooms: $2,687. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Charleston County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,884) without spending more than 30% of income takes $36.23 an hour full time, or $75,360 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Charleston County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $58,750 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Charleston County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,696 and $2,072 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Charleston County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,220 in 29470 to $2,830 in 29451. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Charleston County?
HUD lists 63 properties with homes for low-income households in Charleston County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Charleston County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Charleston County, 53% of renter households are in that position; in South Carolina, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).