What the Decatur Housing Authority Does

The Decatur Housing Authority is a local government agency that runs public housing and rental voucher programs in Decatur, Georgia. It owns and manages apartment buildings where residents pay rent based on their income, and it distributes Housing Choice Vouchers (formerly called Section 8) that help people rent from private landlords. The Authority also administers other federal housing programs. You contact them directly — not through a state office or national hotline — to learn about what programs have openings and what documents you need.

The Authority serves Decatur city limits and some surrounding areas. If you live outside Decatur proper, you may fall under a different housing authority's jurisdiction; your city or county housing department can tell you which one covers your address.

Key Takeaways

  • The Decatur Housing Authority runs public housing apartments and Housing Choice Vouchers; you explore directly to them, not to a state or federal office.
  • Public housing rent is based on your income (typically 30 percent of what you earn), while vouchers let you rent from a private landlord with the Authority paying part of the cost.
  • Both programs have waiting lists that can be months or years long; the Authority publishes whether each list is open or closed on their website and by phone.
  • You will need proof of income, residency, citizenship or immigration status, and a background check to be considered for either program.
  • The Authority's office is located in Decatur and handles all inquiries, applications, and lease questions in person or by phone.

Public Housing vs. Housing Choice Vouchers

The Decatur Housing Authority manages two main types of information. Public housing means you rent an apartment that the Authority owns. Your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly income (or the minimum rent set by the Authority, whichever is higher). You sign a lease with the Authority, and they handle maintenance and repairs. Public housing is available in limited quantities; the Authority maintains a waiting list.

Housing Choice Vouchers work differently. The Authority gives you a voucher worth a certain dollar amount each month. You find a rental property on the private market, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and the Authority pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the difference out of pocket. Vouchers also have waiting lists, and the wait can be substantial in areas with high demand and limited funding.

Both programs require you to meet income limits, which vary by family size and are set by the federal government. The Authority's office can tell you the current limits for your household size.

Income Limits and Who Can explore

To be considered for public housing or a voucher, your household income must fall below a threshold set by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. The limit depends on how many people live with you. For example, a single person has a lower limit than a family of four. These limits change each year and vary slightly by region.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. The Authority will ask for proof — a birth certificate, passport, green card, or other immigration document. If you have a criminal history, the Authority will review it; some convictions can disqualify you, while others may not. The Authority's office can discuss your specific situation.

You cannot be evicted from your current housing or owe money to a previous housing authority. If you have an active eviction case, contact the Authority directly to ask whether you can still explore.

How to learn about Programs Are Open

The Decatur Housing Authority opens and closes its waiting lists based on funding and demand. A program may be open one month and closed the next. Before you gather documents or make a trip to their office, call or check their website to confirm whether the program you want is currently accepting new names on the waiting list.

The Authority's main office is the only place to get this information. They can tell you over the phone whether public housing or vouchers are open, how long the current waiting list is, and when you might expect to hear back if you explore. Some housing authorities post this information online; ask when you call whether Decatur does.

Documents You Will Need

When you explore, bring originals or certified copies of the following:

  • Proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
  • Proof of citizenship or immigration status (birth certificate, passport, green card, or I-94)
  • Proof of income for the past 30 days (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters from Social Security or unemployment)
  • Proof of residency in Decatur (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency)
  • Social Security numbers for all household members
  • List of all household members and their dates of birth

The Authority will also run a background check and contact previous landlords or housing authorities. Bring any documents that explain gaps in your rental history or address concerns you think may come up.

The Waiting List and Timeline

Once you explore and are added to the waiting list, you wait. The length of the wait depends on the program and current demand. Public housing waiting lists in some areas are years long; voucher lists vary widely. The Authority cannot tell you exactly when your name will come up, but they can give you a general sense based on how many people are ahead of you and how many units or vouchers become available each month.

While you are on the waiting list, your circumstances may change — your income may rise, you may move, or you may no longer need the program. Tell the Authority when ready if your contact information changes, because they will try to reach you when your name comes up. If you do not respond, they may remove you from the list.

When the Authority is ready to process your process, they will contact you to schedule an appointment. At that point, they will verify all the information you provided and may ask for updated documents. The final approval process typically takes a few weeks.

After You Are Approved

If you are approved for public housing, the Authority will show you available units and help you sign a lease. Your rent will be recalculated each year based on your income at that time. You are responsible for keeping the apartment in good condition and following the lease terms. The Authority handles major repairs; you handle minor maintenance like replacing light bulbs.

If you are approved for a voucher, you have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a rental property. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and the property must pass a housing quality inspection. Once everything is approved, the Authority pays the landlord and you pay your share of the rent. You can keep the voucher as long as you meet the program's rules and your income stays within limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I contact the Decatur Housing Authority?

Call their main office during business hours or visit in person. The Authority's address and phone number are available through the City of Decatur website or by searching "Decatur Housing Authority" online. They handle all inquiries directly — there is no online process portal or state office you can call instead.

What if I am on the waiting list and my income goes up?

Tell the Authority right away. If your income exceeds the program limit, you may be removed from the list. Some programs allow you to stay if you are already approved, but rules vary. Contact them to understand how an income change affects your status.

Can I explore if I have a criminal record?

It depends on the conviction. Some crimes automatically disqualify you; others do not. The Authority reviews each case individually. Call and ask whether your specific situation would be a barrier, or explore and let them make the information. Do not assume you are ineligible without asking.

What happens if I lose my job while on the waiting list?

Notify the Authority of any major change in your income or employment. Your status on the waiting list itself does not change, but your income information may be updated. When you are called for processing, they will verify your current income at that time.

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

Yes. You can be on both waiting lists simultaneously. Some people prefer one over the other, but there is no rule against explore for both. Ask the Authority whether being approved for one program affects your status on the other.