What the Marietta Housing Authority Does

The Marietta Housing Authority (MHA) is a local government agency that runs public housing and rental voucher programs in Marietta, Georgia. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it pays private landlords to rent units to low-income residents, and it manages public housing properties. The Authority is separate from the city government, though it answers to a board of commissioners and receives federal funding through HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development).

MHA's main programs are public housing (where the Authority owns the building) and the Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly called Section 8. Both serve households below certain income limits. The Authority also administers waiting lists, conducts inspections, and handles lease enforcement. If you live in Marietta and need affordable rental housing, MHA is usually the first place to contact because it controls the largest pool of subsidized units in the area.

Key Takeaways

  • Marietta Housing Authority runs two main programs: public housing (where MHA owns the building) and Housing Choice Vouchers (where you rent from a private landlord and MHA pays part of the rent).
  • Both programs require your household income to fall below a set limit, which changes yearly and depends on family size.
  • Waiting lists for both programs are typically closed or have long delays, so contact MHA directly to learn the current status before spending time on an process.
  • You can reach MHA at their main office in Marietta to ask about current openings, required documents, and next steps.
  • MHA inspects all housing units yearly to may support they meet safety and quality standards, whether public housing or voucher units.

Public Housing vs. Housing Choice Vouchers

MHA operates two distinct programs, and understanding the difference matters because the process process and what you pay are different for each.

Public housing means MHA owns the building and you are a tenant of the Authority. You pay rent based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income, with a minimum rent (often $50 to $100 per month). MHA sets the lease terms, handles maintenance, and can evict you for lease violations. Public housing units in Marietta are scattered across the city in various complexes and individual buildings.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) mean you find a rental unit from a private landlord, and MHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the difference, usually 30 percent of your income. You have more choice in where you live because any landlord who agrees to participate can rent to you. The landlord sets some lease terms, but MHA inspects the unit and enforces housing quality standards. Vouchers are portable — if you move within Marietta or to another jurisdiction that honors the voucher, you can take it with you.

Income Limits and Who Can explore

Both programs limit income based on family size. The limits are set by HUD and adjusted yearly. For Marietta, the income limits vary — a single person might have a limit around $30,000 to $35,000 annually, while a family of four might be around $48,000 to $55,000, but these figures change each year. Contact MHA directly for the current limits because they shift in March or April each year.

Beyond income, MHA checks your background. You must not have been evicted for non-payment in the past three years (though some programs allow exceptions). Criminal history is reviewed — violent felonies and drug convictions are common disqualifiers, though MHA may consider the age of the offense and circumstances. You must provide proof of identity, Social Security numbers for all household members, and documentation of current income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer).

Citizenship or immigration status is also checked. You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. MHA will ask for proof such as a birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents. If you are uncertain about your status, contact MHA before explore — they can explain what documents work.

How to Contact Marietta Housing Authority

The Marietta Housing Authority's main office is located in Marietta, Georgia. The most direct way to learn about current programs, waiting list status, and next steps is to call or visit in person. MHA staff can tell you whether the waiting list is open, how long the wait typically is, and what documents you need to bring.

When you contact MHA, have ready: your household size, current income (approximate is fine for an initial call), and whether you prefer public housing or a voucher. Ask specifically whether the waiting list is open for new applications. Many housing authorities have closed lists or very long waits, and MHA may be the same. If the list is closed, ask when it typically reopens and whether you can call back to check.

You can also search for MHA's contact information and office hours online through the City of Marietta's website or by searching "Marietta Housing Authority" directly. Some housing authorities now accept applications online, but many still require in-person visits or phone calls to start the process.

What Happens After You explore

Once you submit an process, MHA will verify your income, check your background, and inspect any unit you are offered (for vouchers) or assign to you (for public housing). The timeline varies widely — it can take weeks to months depending on how busy the Authority is and how quickly you provide documents.

For public housing, MHA will place you on the waiting list in the order applications were received, though some preferences may explore (such as for people experiencing homelessness or with disabilities). When a unit becomes available, MHA will contact you and show you the unit. You then sign a lease with MHA and move in. You pay rent based on your income at that time.

For vouchers, once you are approved, MHA gives you a voucher and a important date to find a unit (usually 60 to 120 days). You search for a rental on the private market, negotiate with the landlord, and once you have a lease, MHA inspects the unit. If it passes, MHA signs a contract with the landlord and begins paying their portion. You move in and pay your share of rent monthly.

Rent, Inspections, and Lease Rules

In public housing, your rent is recalculated yearly based on your current income. If your income drops, your rent drops. If it rises, your rent rises (though some programs cap increases). You must report income changes to MHA within 30 days. Failure to report can result in back rent owed or lease violations.

All units — public housing and voucher units — are inspected yearly by MHA staff. The inspection checks for safety hazards, working utilities, pest control, and general maintenance. If a unit fails, the landlord (or MHA, in public housing) must fix the problems within a set timeframe. If problems are not fixed, the voucher can be terminated or the lease ended.

Your lease with MHA (in public housing) or with the private landlord (in vouchers) requires you to keep the unit clean, pay rent on time, and follow community rules. Lease violations — such as non-payment, criminal activity, or damage to the unit — can lead to eviction. MHA must follow legal eviction procedures, but the process can move quickly if the violation is serious.

Waiting Lists and Current Status

Waiting lists for affordable housing in most areas, including Marietta, are often closed or have waits of several years. MHA may open the list periodically when funding allows. The only way to know the current status is to contact MHA directly — do not assume the list is open or closed based on information from other sources.

If the list is closed, ask MHA when it last opened and whether there is a pattern to reopenings. Some authorities reopen lists every two to three years; others do so unpredictably. You can ask to be notified when the list reopens, though not all authorities offer this service. Check back periodically or call to ask about status changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for Marietta Housing Authority?

The wait time varies and changes frequently. It can range from a few months to several years depending on the program and how many units are available. Contact MHA directly — they can tell you the current wait time and whether the list is even open to new applications.

Can I explore for both public housing and a voucher at the same time?

Yes, most housing authorities allow you to explore to both programs simultaneously. You will be on separate waiting lists, and if you are offered a unit or voucher from one program, you can accept it and remain on the other list in case something opens up sooner.

What if I have a criminal record or past eviction?

MHA reviews each case individually. A past eviction or criminal history does not automatically disqualify you, but it may delay approval or result in denial. Contact MHA to discuss your specific situation — they can explain what they will consider and what documents help your case.

Do I have to stay in Marietta if I get a voucher?

No. Housing Choice Vouchers are portable, meaning you can move to another city or state and use the voucher there, as long as the receiving housing authority accepts it. You will need to request a transfer and get approval from both MHA and the new authority, but it is possible.

What if I cannot afford the rent even with a voucher or public housing?

If your income drops significantly, contact MHA to report the change. Your rent will be recalculated based on your new income. If you are struggling to pay even the reduced amount, ask MHA about emergency information programs or other local resources that might help.