What the Decatur Housing Authority does

The Decatur Housing Authority is a local government agency that manages affordable rental housing in Decatur, Georgia. It operates public housing units and administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8), which helps low-income residents pay rent in privately owned apartments and houses throughout the city.

The Authority does not build or own all the housing it helps fund — most voucher holders rent from private landlords. The Authority's job is to verify your income, issue you a voucher if you meet the income limits, and then pay a portion of your rent directly to the landlord. You pay the difference between what the Authority pays and the market rent.

The Decatur Housing Authority also manages a waiting list for public housing units it does own. These are separate from vouchers and have their own income limits and process process.

Key Takeaways

  • The Decatur Housing Authority runs two main programs: public housing (units it owns) and Housing Choice Vouchers (rent information you use at private apartments).
  • Both programs have income limits based on the area median income, and both maintain waiting lists because demand exceeds available units.
  • You must contact the Authority directly by phone, mail, or in person to request an process — there is no online portal to start the process.
  • The Authority's office is located in Decatur, and you can reach them during business hours to ask about current waiting list status and what documents you will need.
  • Processing times vary, but expect several months from process to approval, and longer if the waiting list is closed.

Public housing versus Housing Choice Vouchers

The Decatur Housing Authority manages two distinct programs, and understanding the difference matters because the waiting lists, income limits, and rent you pay work differently in each.

Public housing means you rent an apartment or house owned by the Authority itself. The Authority sets the rent based on your income — typically 30 percent of your adjusted gross income. You explore directly to the Authority, and if approved, you move into one of their units. The waiting list for public housing is often longer because the Authority owns a limited number of units.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) mean the Authority gives you a voucher you can use to rent from any private landlord in Decatur who agrees to participate. You find the apartment, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and the Authority pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the rest. The voucher amount is based on the fair market rent for your area and your income. The waiting list for vouchers is also typically long, and many housing authorities, including Decatur, periodically close their lists when demand is very high.

Income limits and who can explore

Both public housing and vouchers have income limits set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The limits change yearly and are based on the area median income for the Decatur area. For example, a family of four might have a limit around $50,000 to $55,000 annually, but this varies by year and family size.

You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. The Authority will ask for proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of identity, and proof of residency or intent to live in Decatur. If you have a criminal history, the Authority may deny your process, though not all convictions automatically disqualify you — they review each case.

Contact the Decatur Housing Authority directly to confirm the current income limits for your household size and to ask what documents they need from you before you gather everything.

How to request an process

The Decatur Housing Authority does not accept applications online. You must contact them directly by phone, mail, or by visiting their office in person during business hours.

Call the Authority's main office to ask whether the waiting list for the program you want (public housing or vouchers) is currently open. If it is closed, ask when it typically reopens and whether you can request to be notified when it does. If it is open, ask what documents you need to bring and whether you can submit an process by mail or must come in person.

When you explore, bring original documents or certified copies — do not send originals by mail. Bring proof of income (recent pay stubs, W-2s, or a letter from your employer), proof of identity (driver's license or passport), proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency in Decatur or intent to move there. If you are explore for a voucher, you may also need to show that you have a job or income source in Decatur.

Waiting lists and processing times

Both public housing and vouchers operate on waiting lists. The Authority processes applications in the order they are received, though some applicants may be prioritized — for example, people experiencing homelessness or those with disabilities may move higher on the list.

Waiting times vary widely. If the list is open and short, you might hear back within a few months. If the list is long or closed, you could wait a year or more. The Decatur Housing Authority's website or phone line should tell you the current status of each waiting list.

Once you are approved, the Authority will contact you with next steps. For public housing, you will be offered a unit when one becomes available. For vouchers, you will receive your voucher and have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a landlord and apartment that meet the Authority's standards.

What happens after you are approved for a voucher

If you receive a Housing Choice Voucher, you become responsible for finding an apartment. The voucher has a maximum amount the Authority will pay — the fair market rent for a one-bedroom, two-bedroom, or larger unit in Decatur. You can rent a more expensive unit if you want, but you pay the difference out of pocket.

The landlord must agree to accept the voucher and pass a housing quality inspection. The Authority's inspector will visit the apartment to check that it meets basic standards for safety, sanitation, and habitability. If it passes, the Authority and landlord sign a lease addendum, and the Authority begins paying the landlord directly each month.

You pay your portion of the rent to the landlord. If you stop paying or violate the lease, the landlord can evict you, and you lose the voucher. The Authority can also terminate your voucher if you violate program rules, such as earning too much income and not reporting it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Decatur Housing Authority waiting list currently open?

Waiting list status changes throughout the year. Call the Decatur Housing Authority directly during business hours to ask whether the list for public housing or vouchers is open. If it is closed, ask when it typically reopens and request to be notified when it does.

What if I have a criminal record?

The Authority reviews criminal history on a case-by-case basis. Some convictions may disqualify you, but not all do. Ask the Authority what their policy is before you explore, or include a written explanation of your history with your process so they understand the context.

Can I use a voucher outside of Decatur?

Housing Choice Vouchers issued by the Decatur Housing Authority can typically only be used within Decatur city limits. If you want to move to another city, you would need to contact that city's housing authority and explore there. Some vouchers can be transferred under portability rules, but this is rare and requires approval from both authorities.

How long does it take to get approved?

Processing times vary depending on how busy the Authority is and how complete your process is. Expect at least two to three months if the waiting list is short and open. If the list is long or closed, you may wait much longer before you are even reviewed.

What if I earn too much income to stay in the program?

If your income rises above the limit, you will be given a grace period — usually one year — to remain in the program while your rent increases. After that, you must move out or lose the voucher. Report income changes to the Authority promptly so they can recalculate your rent.