What to Know About Arbours Apartments in South Carolina

Arbours is a network of affordable housing communities across South Carolina

Arbours operates multiple apartment communities in South Carolina, offering rental housing at below-market rates to residents who meet income limits. The organization manages properties in several cities and towns across the state, with each community serving a specific geographic area. Arbours focuses on providing stable housing for working families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

Each Arbours property functions as its own community with its own lease terms, rent structure, and availability. You do not apply to "Arbours" as a single entity; instead, you contact the specific property where you want to live. Rent is typically calculated as a percentage of your household income—often 30 percent—rather than a flat rate, which means your payment adjusts if your income changes.

Key Takeaways

• Arbours properties are income-restricted, meaning your household income must fall below a certain threshold to rent there, and thresholds vary by property and family size.
• Rent is usually calculated as 30 percent of your gross household income, so your payment amount depends on what you earn.
• Each Arbours community is managed separately, so you contact the property directly to learn about current openings and their specific requirements.
• You will need proof of income, identification, and a background check to complete a lease, and some properties have waiting lists.

How income limits work at Arbours properties

Arbours communities set income limits based on the area's median income and the number of people in your household. A two-person household, for example, may have a different income ceiling than a four-person household at the same property. These limits change annually and are tied to federal guidelines, so the threshold for one year may differ from the next.

When you contact a property, ask them for the current income limit for your household size. They will tell you the maximum gross annual income you can earn and still be considered. If your income exceeds the limit, you will not be able to rent at that property, though you may be within range at a different Arbours community in another part of the state.

What to expect during the application process

Contact the specific Arbours property where you want to live to request information about availability and next steps. The property manager will ask about your household size, income, and housing history. You will need to provide recent pay stubs or tax returns to verify your income, a government-issued ID, and permission for a background check.

Most Arbours properties conduct a criminal background check and may review your rental history to see whether you have unpaid rent or evictions on record. Some properties maintain waiting lists when units are full, and the wait time varies. Ask the property manager how long the current wait is and whether you can be added to the list.

Rent calculation and what is included

At most Arbours communities, your monthly rent equals 30 percent of your gross household income. If your household earns $2,000 per month, your rent would be approximately $600. When your income changes—whether you get a raise or lose hours at work—you can report the change, and your rent may be adjusted at your next lease renewal.

What is included in rent varies by property. Some Arbours communities include utilities in the rent payment, while others require you to pay utilities separately. Ask the property manager for a detailed breakdown of what your rent covers and what costs you will pay on your own. This information affects how much of your budget the housing will actually consume.

Finding Arbours properties near you

Arbours operates communities in multiple South Carolina cities, but the organization does not maintain a single searchable database of all properties. Your best approach is to contact the main Arbours office or search online for "Arbours apartments" plus your city name. Local housing authorities and 211 South Carolina (dial 2-1-1 or visit 211sc.org) can also tell you whether an Arbours property serves your area.

Once you identify a property near you, call or visit in person to ask about current openings. Properties often have different availability, so checking multiple Arbours communities in your region may reveal options when one location has a waiting list. Some properties have online portals where you can view floor plans and submit initial inquiries.

Income changes and lease renewal

Arbours leases typically run for one year. At renewal time, you will report your current household income, and your rent will be recalculated if your earnings have changed. If your income has increased significantly, your new rent may be higher, but you will still benefit from the income-based pricing structure rather than market-rate rent.

If your income drops—because you lost a job, had hours reduced, or retired—report this to the property manager. Your rent will decrease at the next renewal, and you may remain in the community as long as your income stays below the property's limit. Keep documentation of income changes so you can show the property manager when you report them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my income is slightly above the limit?

You cannot rent at that property if your income exceeds the limit, even by a small amount. However, income limits vary across different Arbours communities, so a property in another city may have a higher threshold. Contact other Arbours properties in your region to see whether any have limits that match your household income.

Can I get on a waiting list if there are no units available?

Most Arbours properties maintain waiting lists when all units are occupied. Ask the property manager to add your name and household information to the list. They will contact you when a unit becomes available. Wait times vary widely depending on the property and how many people are ahead of you.

What happens if my income increases after I move in?

Your rent will be recalculated at your next lease renewal based on your new income. You can stay in the community as long as your income does not exceed the property's limit. If your income rises above the limit, you may be asked to move when your lease ends, though some properties have grace periods or other options—ask your property manager.

Do I need a co-signer if I have bad credit?

Arbours properties focus on income verification rather than credit scores, so a poor credit history may not automatically disqualify you. However, each property sets its own policies. Contact the property directly to ask what factors they consider and whether a co-signer would help if you have concerns about your application.

Are utilities included in the rent?

This varies by property. Some Arbours communities include water, sewer, and trash in the rent, while others require you to pay utilities separately. A few properties include heat but not air conditioning, or vice versa. Always ask for a complete list of what is covered before you sign a lease so you can budget accurately.