Ferguson Williams Apartments in Columbia: What to Know Before You Move

Ferguson Williams is a public housing community in Columbia's Waverly neighborhood

Ferguson Williams Apartments is a public housing development managed by the Columbia Housing Authority, located in the Waverly area on the city's northeast side. The community consists of low-rise apartment buildings designed for families and individuals with lower incomes. Like all public housing in South Carolina, Ferguson Williams is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and operates under federal guidelines that set rent based on tenant income.

The development has been part of Columbia's housing landscape for decades and serves as one of several public housing options in the city. If you are considering moving to Ferguson Williams or want to understand how public housing works in Columbia, knowing the application process, rent structure, and what to expect as a resident will help you make an informed decision.

Key Takeaways

• Ferguson Williams is managed by the Columbia Housing Authority and serves households that meet HUD income limits, which vary by family size.
• Rent at Ferguson Williams is calculated as a percentage of your household income, typically 30 percent, rather than a fixed monthly amount.
• The Columbia Housing Authority maintains a waiting list for Ferguson Williams, and wait times can range from several months to over a year depending on unit availability and demand.
• You will need to provide proof of income, identification, and rental history when you contact the Columbia Housing Authority to learn about current openings.

How rent works at Ferguson Williams

Rent at Ferguson Williams is not a set dollar amount like rent at a private apartment. Instead, your monthly payment is calculated as a percentage of your household's gross monthly income. HUD policy typically sets this at 30 percent of income, though the exact calculation can vary based on deductions the Columbia Housing Authority is allowed to apply.

This income-based rent structure means two households in the same building may pay different amounts. A household earning $1,500 per month would pay roughly $450 in rent, while a household earning $2,000 per month would pay around $600. If your income changes during your tenancy, your rent adjusts accordingly at your annual lease renewal.

You are responsible for utilities beyond what the development provides. Some units include water and trash collection in the rent; others do not. When you contact the Columbia Housing Authority, ask which utilities are included in your specific unit type so you can budget accurately.

Income limits and who can move in

Ferguson Williams is restricted to households whose income falls below HUD's limits for Richland County. These limits change annually and depend on family size. A single person has a lower income limit than a family of four. HUD publishes these limits each year, and the Columbia Housing Authority uses them to determine who is may be able to access to move in and to recalculate rent for current residents.

When you contact the Columbia Housing Authority to inquire about Ferguson Williams, you will need to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or other proof of household income. If you receive benefits like Social Security, TANF, or child support, those count as income. The Housing Authority will verify your income before you can sign a lease.

You must also pass a background check and provide references from previous landlords or employers. The Housing Authority looks at criminal history and rental payment history to assess whether you will be a responsible tenant. Evictions, serious criminal convictions, or a pattern of late payments can disqualify you, though policies vary and you can ask the Housing Authority to explain their specific standards.

The waiting list and how to contact the Columbia Housing Authority

Ferguson Williams operates on a waiting list managed by the Columbia Housing Authority. You cannot simply show up and rent an apartment; you must contact the Housing Authority, provide your information, and be added to the list. The wait time depends on how many people are ahead of you and how quickly units become available.

To inquire about Ferguson Williams, contact the Columbia Housing Authority directly at their main office. You can ask about current wait times, what documents you need to bring, and whether any units are expected to open soon. Some developments have shorter waits than others, and the Housing Authority can tell you which public housing communities in Columbia currently have the shortest timelines.

When you are called from the waiting list, you will have a limited time to complete your lease paperwork and move in. If you do not respond within that window, you may be passed over and returned to the end of the list. Ask the Housing Authority what timeline to expect so you can be ready when they contact you.

What to expect as a Ferguson Williams resident

As a public housing resident, you sign a lease with the Columbia Housing Authority that outlines your rights and responsibilities. You have the right to a safe, habitable apartment and to privacy in your home. The Housing Authority must give you notice before entering your unit except in emergencies, and they cannot discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.

You are responsible for keeping your apartment clean and in good condition, paying rent on time, and following community rules. The Housing Authority conducts annual inspections to ensure units meet housing quality standards. If repairs are needed, you report them to maintenance, and the Housing Authority is responsible for making those repairs at no cost to you.

Ferguson Williams, like all public housing, has community rules that residents must follow. These typically include restrictions on noise, guest policies, and rules about alterations to your unit. Serious violations can result in eviction, so it is important to understand the lease terms before you sign.

Other public housing options in Columbia

Ferguson Williams is one of several public housing developments managed by the Columbia Housing Authority. If Ferguson Williams has a long wait or does not have units that fit your needs, the Housing Authority manages other communities throughout Columbia. Some developments may have shorter waits or different unit types, such as family apartments versus senior housing.

You can ask the Columbia Housing Authority about all available public housing options and which ones might be a better fit for your situation. You can also explore whether you might be may be able to access for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8), which allows you to rent from a private landlord and receive a subsidy from the Housing Authority. The application process and wait times differ from public housing, and the Housing Authority can explain both options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the wait list for Ferguson Williams?

Wait times vary and change based on how many units open and how many people are on the list. The Columbia Housing Authority can tell you the current wait time when you contact them. Some people wait several months; others wait a year or longer. Ask if you can be added to the list for multiple developments to increase your chances of being called sooner.

What if my income increases after I move in?

Your rent will increase at your next lease renewal to reflect your new income. The Housing Authority recalculates rent annually based on your current household income. If your income rises significantly, you may eventually earn too much to stay in public housing, though the Housing Authority will notify you before that happens and give you time to plan.

Can I be evicted from Ferguson Williams?

Yes. You can be evicted for not paying rent, violating lease terms, or engaging in criminal activity. The Housing Authority must follow legal eviction procedures and give you notice and an opportunity to respond. If you receive an eviction notice, contact the Columbia Housing Authority immediately to discuss your options.

Do I need a cosigner to move into Ferguson Williams?

Public housing does not typically require a cosigner. Instead, the Housing Authority verifies your income and checks your background and rental history. If you have poor credit or past evictions, you may still be considered; the Housing Authority weighs all factors rather than using a single disqualifying rule.

Can I decorate or make changes to my apartment?

You can make minor decorative changes like hanging pictures, but you cannot paint walls, install fixtures, or make structural changes without written permission from the Columbia Housing Authority. Ask your lease or contact maintenance before making any alterations. When you move out, you must return the apartment to its original condition.