Shiloh-Randolph Manor: Historic Public Housing in Columbia
What Shiloh-Randolph Manor is and who lives there
Shiloh-Randolph Manor is a public housing community in Columbia operated by the Columbia Housing Authority. The complex provides affordable rental apartments to low-income residents who meet income limits set by the federal government. The community sits in the Eau Claire neighborhood and has been part of Columbia's housing landscape for decades.
The complex serves families, seniors, and individuals whose household income falls below a certain threshold. Residents pay rent based on 30 percent of their adjusted gross income, which means the amount varies by household. The Housing Authority owns and maintains the buildings, and a management office on-site handles lease agreements, maintenance requests, and community services.
Key Takeaways
- Shiloh-Randolph Manor is federally funded public housing operated by the Columbia Housing Authority for low-income residents.
- Rent is calculated at 30 percent of your adjusted gross income, so the amount you pay depends on what you earn.
- You must meet federal income limits to live there, and the Housing Authority verifies income during the application process.
- The on-site management office handles maintenance, lease questions, and can direct you to supportive services available to residents.
Income limits and who can live there
The Columbia Housing Authority sets income limits based on family size and federal guidelines that change yearly. A single person, a family of four, and a family of eight will each have different maximum income thresholds. You can contact the Housing Authority directly to learn the current limits for your household size, as these figures are updated annually and vary by program.
When you apply, the Housing Authority will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or other proof of income. Self-employed residents, those receiving Social Security, and households with multiple earners all need to document their income. The verification process ensures that apartments go to households that meet the program's income requirements.
How rent works at Shiloh-Randolph Manor
Rent at public housing is not a fixed amount—it is calculated as 30 percent of your adjusted gross income. If your income changes, your rent changes with it. The Housing Authority recertifies income annually, so you will need to provide updated financial documents each year.
Utilities are typically included in your rent or billed separately depending on the lease terms. When you move in, the management office will explain what is covered and what you are responsible for. If your income drops due to job loss or other hardship, you can request a recertification to lower your rent accordingly.
The application process and waiting lists
To apply for housing at Shiloh-Randolph Manor, you contact the Columbia Housing Authority's main office or visit the complex's management office in person. You will need to provide proof of income, identification, and information about your household. The Housing Authority will verify your information and determine whether you meet income and other program requirements.
Most public housing programs in South Carolina maintain waiting lists because demand exceeds available units. The length of the wait varies and depends on how many apartments are vacant and how many applicants are ahead of you. The Housing Authority can tell you whether the list is currently open and give you an estimate of wait time when you apply.
Lease terms and resident responsibilities
A lease at Shiloh-Randolph Manor is a legal agreement between you and the Columbia Housing Authority. The lease outlines your rights as a resident, what you can and cannot do in your apartment, and the Housing Authority's responsibilities for maintenance and repairs. Most leases are for one year and renew automatically unless either party chooses not to continue.
Residents are expected to keep their apartments and the grounds clean, pay rent on time, and follow community rules. The Housing Authority can terminate a lease if you violate the terms—for example, by engaging in criminal activity, damaging the property, or repeatedly paying rent late. If you have questions about your lease or believe the Housing Authority is not meeting its maintenance obligations, the management office is your first point of contact.
Maintenance and repairs
The Columbia Housing Authority is responsible for maintaining the buildings, fixing broken appliances, and addressing structural issues. When something needs repair, you submit a maintenance request to the management office. Emergency repairs—like a burst pipe or no heat in winter—should be reported immediately, and the Housing Authority has procedures for after-hours emergencies.
Response times for routine repairs vary, but the Housing Authority aims to address requests within a reasonable timeframe. If a repair is not completed promptly, you can follow up with the management office or file a formal complaint with the Housing Authority. Keeping records of when you reported a problem and any follow-up communication helps if you need to escalate the issue.
Services and support available to residents
The Columbia Housing Authority and community partners often offer programs to residents at public housing communities. These may include job training, financial literacy classes, youth programs, or connections to health services. The management office can tell you what is currently available at Shiloh-Randolph Manor and how to sign up.
Residents also have access to tenant rights information and can contact the Housing Authority if they have disputes with management or concerns about their lease. Some communities have resident councils that give tenants a voice in decisions affecting the complex. Ask the management office whether a resident council exists and how to participate.
Contact information and next steps
The Columbia Housing Authority's main office handles applications, income verification, and policy questions for all its properties, including Shiloh-Randolph Manor. You can reach them by phone or visit in person to ask about current availability, income limits, and the application process. The management office at the complex itself handles day-to-day issues like maintenance requests and lease questions once you are a resident.
If you are interested in applying, start by contacting the Columbia Housing Authority to confirm that Shiloh-Randolph Manor has openings or to get on the waiting list. Bring proof of income and identification with you. The Housing Authority can walk you through what documents you need and answer questions about how public housing rent works.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the waiting list for Shiloh-Randolph Manor?
Wait times vary depending on how many units are available and how many people are on the list. The Columbia Housing Authority can give you an estimate when you apply. Some people move in within months; others wait longer. The Housing Authority will tell you where you stand when you ask.
What happens if my income increases after I move in?
Your rent will increase when your income goes up, because rent is calculated as 30 percent of your adjusted gross income. The Housing Authority recertifies income annually, so the change takes effect at your next lease renewal. If your income rises significantly, you may eventually earn too much to stay in public housing, though the Housing Authority can explain the exact limits.
Can I be evicted from public housing?
Yes. The Housing Authority can evict you for lease violations such as criminal activity, property damage, or repeated failure to pay rent. The Housing Authority must follow legal procedures and give you notice and an opportunity to respond before eviction. If you receive an eviction notice, contact the management office immediately to discuss your options.
Are utilities included in the rent?
It depends on your specific lease. Some public housing leases include utilities in the rent amount; others bill utilities separately. The management office will explain what is covered when you sign your lease. Ask about this before you move in so you know what to expect on your monthly bill.
How do I report a maintenance problem?
Contact the management office at Shiloh-Randolph Manor in person, by phone, or by submitting a written maintenance request. For emergencies like no heat or a water leak, call immediately and ask about the after-hours procedure. Keep a record of when you reported the problem and follow up if it is not fixed within a reasonable time.