What the Atlantic City Housing Authority Does

The Atlantic City Housing Authority (ACHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and the Section 8 voucher program in Atlantic City and surrounding areas of Atlantic County. It does not build or own most of the housing stock in the region — it manages federal money that pays for rent in existing apartments and public housing units. If you live in Atlantic City and need affordable housing, ACHA is the body that determines whether you meet income limits, maintains waiting lists, and processes vouchers.

ACHA operates under federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). That means the income limits, rent calculations, and lease requirements are largely the same across all housing authorities, but ACHA's specific waiting lists, processing times, and local policies are its own.

Key Takeaways

  • ACHA manages two main programs: public housing (apartments it owns or controls) and Section 8 vouchers (rent subsidies you use at any landlord who accepts them).
  • You must meet income limits based on household size, and ACHA will verify your income, citizenship or immigration status, and rental history before approval.
  • Both programs have waiting lists that are often closed; you can call ACHA to ask whether applications are open and how long the wait typically is.
  • Once approved, you pay a portion of rent (usually 30 percent of your income) and ACHA or the voucher program pays the rest directly to the landlord.
  • ACHA's main office is located in Atlantic City, and you can reach them by phone or visit in person to ask about current openings and required documents.

Public Housing Versus Section 8 Vouchers

ACHA runs two separate programs, and they work differently. Public housing means you rent an apartment that ACHA owns or leases. ACHA collects your rent payment and pays the building's costs. Section 8 vouchers mean ACHA gives you a voucher (a subsidy) that you take to any landlord in the region who will accept it. The landlord still owns the building; ACHA just pays part of the rent.

Public housing has lower rent — usually 30 percent of your income — but fewer units available and longer waiting lists in most areas. Section 8 vouchers give you more choice of where to live, but landlords are not required to accept them, and you may spend time searching for a unit. Both programs require you to meet income limits and pass a background check.

ACHA maintains separate waiting lists for public housing and Section 8. You can be on both lists at the same time. If you are offered a unit or voucher from one program, you do not lose your place on the other list unless you turn down an offer.

Income Limits and Who Can explore

ACHA sets income limits based on household size and the area's median income. These limits change each year. For example, a household of one might have a limit around $35,000 to $40,000 annually, and a household of four might be around $55,000 to $65,000, but these figures vary by year and are set by HUD. You must call ACHA or visit their office to learn the current limits for your household size.

You must also meet other requirements: you must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status (ACHA will ask for proof), you cannot have been evicted for lease violations in the past three years in most cases, and you must provide references from previous landlords or employers. ACHA will run a background check that includes criminal history and credit reports.

If you have a criminal record, you are not automatically disqualified. ACHA looks at the type of crime, how long ago it occurred, and whether you have shown rehabilitation. Drug-related convictions have stricter rules, but other offenses are reviewed case by case.

How to Contact ACHA and Check Waiting List Status

The Atlantic City Housing Authority's main office is at 1 North Tennessee Avenue, Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401. You can reach them by phone at (609) 345-3300. Hours and phone lines vary, so call ahead to confirm when you can speak to someone about applications.

Before you visit or call, ask whether the waiting list for public housing or Section 8 is open. Many housing authorities close their lists when they have thousands of applicants and reopen them periodically. ACHA staff can tell you whether you can explore now and, if the list is closed, when it might reopen. If the list is open, ask what documents you need to bring.

You can also check HUD's website for ACHA's contact information and sometimes find links to local waiting list status, though not all housing authorities post this online. A call to ACHA directly is the fastest way to know whether you can explore today.

Documents You Will Need to Bring

ACHA requires proof of identity, income, household composition, and immigration status. Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), a Social Security card or letter from Social Security, and proof of citizenship or immigration status (birth certificate, passport, green card, or work permit). If you do not have these, ask ACHA what alternatives they accept.

For income, bring recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), a letter from your employer, or tax returns if you are self-employed. If you receive benefits, bring the award letter. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of job search efforts or a letter explaining your situation. ACHA will ask about all income in your household, including child support, Social Security, and unemployment.

You will also need to list all household members and their dates of birth. If you have children, bring their birth certificates. ACHA will verify your household composition and may ask for custody documents if applicable. Bring references from previous landlords or employers — ACHA will contact them to confirm you paid rent on time and followed lease terms.

The Waiting List and Timeline

Once you are approved, you go on a waiting list. How long you wait depends on the program and current demand. Public housing waiting lists in Atlantic City can be several years long, while Section 8 waiting lists vary. ACHA prioritizes some applicants — for example, people experiencing homelessness or those with disabilities may move up the list — but most people wait in order of process date.

When a unit or voucher becomes available, ACHA contacts you. If you do not respond within a set timeframe (usually 10 to 14 days), you may lose your place. If you are offered a unit or voucher and turn it down, you stay on the list but may go to the back or lose priority, depending on ACHA's policy. Ask about this when you explore.

While you wait, your circumstances may change. If your income increases above the limit, you may be removed from the list. If your address changes, you must notify ACHA so they can reach you. Some housing authorities require you to recertify your information annually even while waiting.

Rent Calculation and Your Responsibilities

In both public housing and Section 8, you pay approximately 30 percent of your gross monthly income toward rent. ACHA calculates this based on the income you reported at approval. If your income changes, you must report it, and your rent payment will be recalculated. If your income drops, your rent may decrease. If it rises significantly, your rent increases or you may no longer meet income limits.

ACHA or the Section 8 program pays the remainder of the rent to the landlord. You are responsible for utilities unless they are included in the lease. You must maintain the unit in good condition, follow all lease terms, and allow ACHA to inspect the unit annually (in public housing) or as needed (in Section 8). Lease violations, non-payment of your portion of rent, or criminal activity can result in eviction.

If you receive a Section 8 voucher, you choose the unit and landlord, but the unit must pass an inspection and the rent cannot exceed the program's payment standard for your area. The landlord must sign a lease with ACHA, and ACHA pays them directly. You pay your share of rent to the landlord each month.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to hear back after I explore?

ACHA typically processes applications within 30 to 60 days, but this varies. If the waiting list is long, it may take longer. Call ACHA after two weeks to confirm they received your process and ask about the timeline. If you do not hear back within 60 days, follow up in person or by phone.

Can I explore if I have an eviction on my record?

It depends on when and why. ACHA usually disqualifies applicants evicted for lease violations (non-payment, damage, or lease breach) within the past three years. If you were evicted for reasons outside your control — such as a landlord's foreclosure — you may still be considered. Bring documentation of the eviction and explain the circumstances when you explore.

What happens if my income increases after I am approved?

You must report income changes to ACHA. If your income rises above the program's limit, you may be removed from the waiting list or, if you are already housed, given a important date to leave. If your income increases while you are waiting, ask ACHA whether you must recertify or whether you can stay on the list.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher anywhere in New Jersey?

No. Section 8 vouchers are tied to a specific housing authority's jurisdiction. ACHA's vouchers work in Atlantic City and surrounding Atlantic County areas. If you move outside that region, you must transfer your voucher to the housing authority in your new area, and they must have an opening. Ask ACHA about portability rules before you move.

What if I need an accommodation for a disability?

ACHA must provide reasonable accommodations under the Fair Housing Act. If you have a disability, tell ACHA during the process process or after approval. You may be able to request a ground-floor unit, accessible parking, or other modifications. Bring documentation from a doctor or disability services provider if ACHA asks for it.