Friendship Court Apartments in Charleston: What to Know Before You Move

Friendship Court is a public housing community in downtown Charleston

Friendship Court Apartments is a public housing development managed by the Charleston Housing Authority, located in the heart of Charleston's historic district. The community consists of low-rise residential buildings that house families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. It sits near the Crosstown neighborhood, within walking distance of downtown employment, schools, and transit routes.

The development has been part of Charleston's housing landscape since the mid-20th century and continues to serve residents who meet income requirements set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Unlike market-rate apartments, rent at Friendship Court is calculated based on your household income, typically ranging from 25 to 40 percent of what you earn.

If you are considering Friendship Court or want to understand how public housing works in Charleston, this guide covers what the community offers, how the application process works, and what to expect as a resident.

Key Takeaways

• Friendship Court is managed by the Charleston Housing Authority and serves households that meet federal income limits, which vary by family size.
• Rent is based on your income rather than market rates, and you pay utilities separately unless they are included in your lease.
• The Charleston Housing Authority maintains a waitlist for Friendship Court, and wait times can extend from several months to years depending on unit availability.
• You will need to provide proof of income, citizenship or immigration status, and consent to a background check as part of the application process.
• Friendship Court residents have access to on-site or nearby services, including maintenance, community programs, and connections to social services through the Housing Authority.

Income limits and who can live there

To live at Friendship Court, your household income must fall below the limits set by HUD for Charleston County. These limits change annually and depend on your family size. A single person has a lower limit than a family of four, and the Housing Authority adjusts these numbers each year based on area median income.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. The Charleston Housing Authority will ask for documentation such as a birth certificate, passport, or immigration papers. If you have a criminal history, the Housing Authority reviews each case individually—some convictions may disqualify you, while others may not, depending on the nature and timing of the offense.

Preference is sometimes given to households with specific needs, such as families with children, seniors over 62, or people with disabilities. However, preferences vary and change based on the Housing Authority's current priorities and available units.

How rent works at Friendship Court

Rent at Friendship Court is not a fixed amount—it is calculated as a percentage of your household income. Most residents pay between 25 and 40 percent of their gross monthly income as rent, though the exact percentage depends on your lease and the Housing Authority's current policy. If your income changes, your rent adjusts accordingly, usually at your lease renewal.

You are responsible for paying utilities separately unless your lease specifies otherwise. Utility costs for electricity, water, and gas vary by season and usage. Some units may have utilities included in the rent, so confirm this when you receive your lease.

The Housing Authority may also charge additional fees for services like parking or pet fees if you have a pet. Pets are allowed at Friendship Court but typically require a deposit and may be subject to breed or size restrictions.

The application and waitlist process

To apply for Friendship Court, you contact the Charleston Housing Authority directly. You can visit their office in person, call, or check their website for current application methods. The Housing Authority will give you an application form and explain what documents you need to bring.

Required documents typically include proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements), proof of citizenship or immigration status, identification, and consent to a background check and credit review. You will also need to list all household members and provide their dates of birth.

Once you submit your application, the Housing Authority places you on a waitlist. Wait times for Friendship Court vary significantly—sometimes several months, sometimes several years—depending on how many units become available and how many people are ahead of you on the list. The Housing Authority will contact you when a unit matching your family size becomes available.

During the waitlist period, your circumstances may change. If your income increases above the limit, you may be temporarily ineligible. If your income decreases, you remain on the list. Notify the Housing Authority of any major changes so your file stays current.

What to expect as a resident

Once you move in, you sign a lease with the Charleston Housing Authority that outlines your rights and responsibilities. You are expected to maintain your unit in good condition, pay rent on time, and follow community rules. The Housing Authority conducts regular inspections to ensure units meet housing quality standards.

Maintenance requests are handled through the Housing Authority. If something breaks—a plumbing leak, heating system failure, or electrical issue—you report it and the Authority sends maintenance staff to repair it. Emergency repairs are prioritized, while routine maintenance may take longer depending on the workload.

Friendship Court residents can participate in community programs and activities organized by the Housing Authority or partner organizations. These may include youth programs, senior activities, financial literacy classes, or job training workshops. The Housing Authority also connects residents with social services, mental health support, and other resources as needed.

Rules and lease requirements

Friendship Court has community rules designed to ensure a safe and stable living environment for all residents. These include restrictions on noise, guest policies, and rules about alterations to your unit. You cannot paint walls, install fixtures, or make major changes without Housing Authority permission.

Lease violations can result in warnings, fines, or in serious cases, eviction. Common violations include non-payment of rent, criminal activity, drug use, or repeated lease breaches. The Housing Authority follows a formal process before evicting a resident, giving you notice and an opportunity to respond.

Pets are generally allowed but must be registered with the Housing Authority. Dangerous breeds may be prohibited, and you may need to pay a pet deposit. Service animals are treated differently and are not subject to the same restrictions.

Location and nearby resources

Friendship Court's downtown location puts residents near public transportation, grocery stores, schools, and employment centers. The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) operates bus routes that serve the area, making it possible to reach jobs and services without a car.

The neighborhood has access to medical clinics, libraries, parks, and community centers. Residents can walk to many daily services, which is especially valuable for seniors and people without reliable transportation. The Housing Authority can provide information about nearby resources and how to access them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an apartment at Friendship Court?

Wait times vary widely depending on unit availability and how many people are on the waitlist ahead of you. Some people wait several months, while others wait a year or more. The Charleston Housing Authority can tell you the current average wait time when you apply, though individual timelines are unpredictable.

What happens if my income increases after I move in?

If your income rises above the public housing limit, you may be required to move out or transition to a different program. However, some residents are allowed to stay under "over-income" provisions for a limited time while paying higher rent. The Housing Authority will explain your options if this happens.

Can I be evicted from Friendship Court?

Yes, the Housing Authority can evict you for serious lease violations such as non-payment of rent, criminal activity, or repeated rule breaches. The Housing Authority must follow legal procedures and give you notice and a chance to respond before eviction. If you receive an eviction notice, contact the Housing Authority immediately to discuss your options.

Are utilities included in the rent at Friendship Court?

Utilities are usually not included in rent—you pay them separately. However, some leases may include certain utilities. Check your lease carefully or ask the Housing Authority to clarify what you are responsible for paying.

How do I report maintenance problems?

Contact the Charleston Housing Authority's maintenance department by phone or in person. For emergencies like no heat in winter or a major water leak, call immediately. Routine repairs are handled on a schedule, while urgent issues are prioritized.