Housing Authority of Union Lakeside Apartments: What to Know Before You Move

What Lakeside Apartments Offers and Who Runs It

Lakeside Apartments is a public housing community managed by the Housing Authority of Union, a government agency that owns and operates rental properties across Union County. The apartments serve households with low to moderate incomes, and rent is typically set at a percentage of what residents earn rather than a flat market rate.

The Housing Authority of Union manages several properties throughout the county, and Lakeside is one of their residential communities. Unlike private apartment complexes, public housing is funded through federal dollars and local tax revenue, which is why the rent structure and tenant rules differ from what you would find at a private landlord's property.

Understanding how public housing works—what the application process looks like, what the lease requires, and how rent is calculated—helps you decide whether Lakeside is the right fit for your household.

Key Takeaways

• Lakeside Apartments is managed by the Housing Authority of Union and serves households whose income falls within the program's limits.
• Rent at public housing is typically based on your income, not market rates, and is usually set at 30 percent of your gross monthly income.
• You will need to provide proof of income, identity, and residency history when you contact the Housing Authority to learn about current openings.
• The Housing Authority of Union office can tell you whether units are available, what the waiting list looks like, and what documents to bring to your appointment.
• Lease violations and non-payment of rent can result in eviction, just as they would in private housing.

How Rent Works at Lakeside Apartments

At Lakeside Apartments, your rent payment is calculated based on your household's gross monthly income. Most public housing programs set rent at 30 percent of what your household earns before taxes. This means if your household makes $2,000 per month, your rent would typically be around $600—significantly lower than market-rate apartments in Union County.

Your rent can change if your income changes. If you get a raise or a new job, you report that to the Housing Authority, and your rent may increase at your next lease renewal. If your income drops, your rent can decrease. This income-based model is one of the main reasons people turn to public housing: the rent stays affordable even if your circumstances shift.

You are responsible for paying utilities unless they are included in your lease. Ask the Housing Authority which utilities you pay and which, if any, are covered by the rent.

What You Need to Bring When You Contact the Housing Authority

Before you visit or call the Housing Authority of Union office, gather documents that prove your income, identity, and where you have lived. Bring a government-issued photo ID, a Social Security card or number for each household member, and recent pay stubs or tax returns showing your income. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of unemployment benefits, disability payments, or other income sources.

You will also need to show your rental history. Bring the names, addresses, and phone numbers of landlords or property managers you have rented from in the past two to three years. The Housing Authority will contact them to verify that you paid rent on time and followed lease terms. If you have an eviction on your record, be honest about it—some programs work with applicants who have eviction history, depending on how long ago it occurred and the circumstances.

Bring proof of residency in Union County if you have it—a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency with your current address. The Housing Authority may also ask about any criminal history; they use this information to make decisions about who can live in their communities, and different programs have different policies.

The Waiting List and How Long It Takes

Public housing is in high demand across South Carolina, and Lakeside Apartments likely has a waiting list. The length of that list and how long you wait depends on how many units become available and where you fall on the priority list. The Housing Authority prioritizes applicants based on factors like homelessness, living in substandard housing, or paying more than 50 percent of your income toward rent.

Call the Housing Authority of Union directly to find out whether Lakeside Apartments currently has openings or a waiting list. They can tell you how many people are ahead of you and give you a rough idea of how long the wait might be. Some people move into public housing within a few months; others wait a year or longer.

While you are on the waiting list, your circumstances may change. Tell the Housing Authority if your income, household size, or address changes. Keeping your information current helps ensure you receive a call when a unit becomes available.

Rules and Lease Requirements at Lakeside

Living at Lakeside Apartments means following the lease terms set by the Housing Authority of Union. These typically include rules about noise, guests, maintenance of your unit, and how you use common areas. Lease violations can result in warnings, fines, or eviction.

Non-payment of rent is the most common reason for eviction in public housing. If you fall behind on rent, the Housing Authority will send you a notice and may file for eviction in court. Unlike some private landlords, public housing agencies are required to follow strict legal procedures, but they will pursue eviction if you do not pay.

You also cannot engage in criminal activity or allow others in your household to do so. Drug-related offenses, violence, or other serious crimes can result in immediate lease termination. The Housing Authority takes lease compliance seriously because they manage housing for many families and want to maintain safe communities.

Contacting the Housing Authority of Union

To learn about Lakeside Apartments, openings, waiting lists, and the application process, contact the Housing Authority of Union directly. They have a main office where you can call, visit in person, or sometimes submit information online. Their staff can answer questions about income limits, what documents you need, and what to expect next.

When you call, have your household income and the names and ages of everyone living with you ready. The Housing Authority will tell you whether Lakeside has units available or whether you would be added to a waiting list. If you are interested in moving forward, they will schedule an appointment for you to bring your documents and complete the formal process.

You can also ask about other Housing Authority of Union properties if Lakeside does not have current openings. The agency manages multiple communities, and you may have options depending on your needs and where you want to live in Union County.

What Happens After You Are Approved

Once the Housing Authority approves your application and a unit becomes available, you will sign a lease and receive keys to your apartment. The lease outlines your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, including the amount of rent you will pay, which utilities you cover, and the rules you must follow.

Before you move in, the Housing Authority will inspect the unit to document its condition. This protects both you and the agency—it creates a record of what was already damaged so you are not charged for pre-existing damage when you move out. Take photos or video during your own walkthrough and report any problems to the Housing Authority in writing.

After you move in, you can request maintenance repairs through the Housing Authority's maintenance office. They are responsible for fixing structural problems, appliances, plumbing, and heating. Report problems promptly so they can be addressed before they become serious.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the income limit to live at Lakeside Apartments?

Income limits vary by household size and change annually. The Housing Authority of Union sets these limits based on the area median income. Call the Housing Authority directly to find out the current limit for your household size—they can tell you in one call whether your income falls within the range.

Can I own a car or have a pet at Lakeside?

Most public housing communities allow cars and charge a small parking fee. Pet policies vary—some allow pets with a deposit, others do not. Ask the Housing Authority about their specific rules for Lakeside Apartments before you apply.

What happens if my income increases after I move in?

You must report income increases to the Housing Authority. Your rent will likely increase at your next lease renewal, but the increase is gradual and based on the new income calculation. You will not be evicted for earning more money.

How do I get on the waiting list if there are no current openings?

Contact the Housing Authority of Union and ask to be added to the waiting list for Lakeside Apartments. Bring or send the documents they request—proof of income, identity, and rental history. The Housing Authority will contact you when a unit becomes available.

Can I be denied housing because of my credit score?

Public housing agencies do not typically use credit scores to make decisions. They focus on income, rental history, and criminal background. If you have been evicted before, that matters more than credit. Ask the Housing Authority what factors they consider when reviewing applications.