Find how, and where, to get help with paying rent in North Carolina. There are both (1) statewide resources as well as (2) agencies at the county as well as city level. The agencies that provide rental assistance, security deposit help, free legal aid to tenants and other support are below. All funds are first come-served, with income and asset requirements (as well as others) in place. Find places to call for housing and rent help in North Carolina below.

Every county and city in NC has agencies that provide financial assistance, social services or free stuff (such as furniture for an apartment). Some of those funds can go towards paying rent. Or there may be funds to help tenants pay utility bills to stop an eviction. In addition, there are other housing programs such as transitional apartments, income subsidized houses in North Carolina, SSVF for veterans, government grants as part of homeless prevention and more. All of these resources are available at the state or county level.

The financial assistance for paying rent, both short and long term, is also combined with other social services. For example, there are budgeting classes, employment, and information on home buying programs. The goal is on long term financial stability.

If a renter in North Carolina does not qualify for financial help, they can get advice (as well as representation) from lawyers. Or they can access other resources, such as veteran housing. For example, attorneys help low income tenants as well as the elderly stay in their home as part of free eviction defense services. There are also mediation services, assistance with moving to a more affordable apartment or leased unit and other aid.

Resources that cover the state

No matter where the applicant lives, there are some statewide programs that help pay for rent, mobile home lots, security deposits and other housing costs. They are below. Continue to scroll down for more local, county specific financial assistance programs.

Emergency financial assistance – This is mostly offered in the form of government grant money, which can help with rent, security deposits, mobile home lot rent, and more. Social Services and other local agencies offer this. More on emergency help in North Carolina.

Free legal eviction defense services – Using government grants, a number of law firms, volunteer attorneys, and pro-bono firms offer free legal aid. This can help tenants with an eviction notice, assist veterans as who need rent or housing help, and support the elderly or disabled (among others). Find free lawyers in North Carolina.
Section 8 vouchers – Very low income, seniors, single mothers and the disabled are often the main recipients of this federal government housing programs that is also offered in NC. HUD provides vouchers that help the tenant pay their rent on “approved” housing units. There is often a waiting list. Continue with Section 8 homes in NC.
Eviction and rehousing programs – Whether homeless, or a low-income household with an eviction or pay or quit notice, there are non-profit and government funded Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing programs. Grants, free motel vouchers, money for back rent or deposits and more is offered. More on North Carolina homeless prevention and rapid rehousing programs.
Transitional housing – This is for North Carolina residents who are (1) homeless; (2) battling addition; (3) fleeing domestic violence; or (4) who need a more affordable place to live. In general, the tenant needs to pay some money, have an income, help with household tasks and more. Find transitional housing in North Carolina.
Salvation Army In North Carolina – There are dozens of centers across the state. Get emergency financial help for rent, water or utility bills. Or access case management, use a homeless shelter, or apply for benefit programs at the faith based charity. Find Salvation Army financial assistance programs in North Carolina.

The programs above are mostly offered statewide. Also try a community action agency in North Carolina for free rent grant money. In addition to the government programs, charities and even churches above, find more local resources below. They all work to try to stop homelessness, and rent help is part of that.

Get rent help or deposit assistance in your NC County

Local programs are below. Select a city or county to find places for emergency rent assistance, money to pay utility or security deposits, legal support and so much more.

Asheboro and Randolph County

Asheville region as well as the greater Buncombe County

Cabarrus County

Davidson County

Durham - City and County

Edgecombe, Nash and Wilson County

Fayetteville and Cumberland County

Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance, and Warren County

Gaston County

Greenville North Carolina and Pitt County

Greensboro and Guilford County

Henderson County