What the DeKalb County Housing Authority does

The DeKalb County Housing Authority (DCHA) is a public agency that manages affordable housing programs in DeKalb County, Georgia. It administers Section 8 vouchers, owns and operates public housing properties, and runs other programs designed to help low-income residents afford stable housing. The Authority does not set income limits or determine who gets housing — those decisions follow federal guidelines — but it manages the waiting lists, processes paperwork, and oversees the properties and vouchers it controls.

The Authority serves residents across unincorporated DeKalb County and some incorporated cities within it. If you live in the City of Atlanta, you would work with the Atlanta Housing Authority instead. Understanding which agency covers your address matters because each has its own waiting lists, process processes, and available units.

Key Takeaways

  • DeKalb County Housing Authority manages Section 8 vouchers and public housing, but waiting lists are typically years long and often closed to new applications.
  • Your address determines which housing authority serves you — unincorporated DeKalb County uses DCHA, while the City of Atlanta uses Atlanta Housing Authority.
  • Section 8 vouchers let you rent from a private landlord while the program pays a portion of your rent, but landlords must agree to participate and accept the voucher.
  • Public housing properties owned by DCHA charge rent based on your income, usually 30 percent of what you earn, with no landlord approval needed.
  • You can contact DCHA directly by phone or visit their office in person to ask about current waiting list status and what documents you need to explore.

Section 8 vouchers and how they work

A Section 8 voucher is a rental subsidy that allows you to rent from a private landlord while the program pays part of your rent directly to the owner. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. The voucher is tied to you, not to a specific apartment, so you can move and take it with you as long as you find a landlord willing to accept it.

Not all landlords participate in Section 8. Some refuse because of paperwork requirements, inspection standards, or other reasons. Finding a participating landlord is your responsibility, and it can take time. Once you locate one who will accept your voucher, DCHA inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards, then issues the voucher payment directly to the landlord each month.

The waiting list for Section 8 vouchers in DeKalb County is typically closed and has a multi-year wait even when it opens. Contact DCHA directly to learn whether applications are currently being accepted and how long the wait typically is.

Public housing properties managed by DCHA

DeKalb County Housing Authority owns and operates public housing apartments and townhomes throughout the county. Rent in these properties is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly income, so it changes if your income changes. You do not need a landlord's approval — DCHA is the landlord — and you do not need to search for a unit on the private market.

Public housing has its own waiting list, separate from Section 8. Like the voucher program, this list is often closed or has a substantial wait. The Authority prioritizes applicants based on factors like homelessness, living in substandard housing, or paying more than half your income toward rent. Contact DCHA to find out the current wait time and whether the list is open.

Once you move into a public housing unit, DCHA conducts annual inspections and can terminate your lease if you violate the lease terms or if your income exceeds the program limits. Income limits vary by family size and change yearly.

Income limits and rent calculations

Both Section 8 and public housing have income limits based on the area median income for DeKalb County. These limits change each year and vary by household size. A single person has a lower limit than a family of four. If your income exceeds the limit, you are not able to participate in either program.

For public housing, your monthly rent is 30 percent of your gross income. If you earn $1,500 per month, your rent would be $450. If your income drops, your rent drops with it. If your income rises above the program limit, you may be required to move out or transition to a different program.

For Section 8, the voucher amount is based on the fair market rent for your area and your income. DCHA calculates how much the program will pay, and you pay the rest. The exact amount depends on your household size, income, and the rental market in your area.

How to contact DeKalb County Housing Authority

You can reach DCHA by phone during business hours to ask about waiting list status, current programs, and what documents you need to bring. The Authority also has a physical office where you can explore in person. Having your Social Security number, proof of income, and identification ready will speed up the process.

Before you contact them, confirm that your address is in their service area. If you live in the City of Atlanta, you need to contact Atlanta Housing Authority instead. If you live in another incorporated city within DeKalb County, check whether that city has its own housing authority or whether DCHA serves it.

When you call or visit, ask specifically about current waiting list status and whether new applications are being accepted. Many housing authorities close their lists when the wait becomes too long, then reopen them periodically. Knowing whether the list is open saves you a trip.

What documents you typically need

Housing authorities require proof of identity, income, and residency. Bring a government-issued ID, recent pay stubs or tax returns showing your income, and a utility bill or lease showing your current address. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of benefits or a letter from a social service agency. If you have a disability, bring medical documentation if you want to request reasonable accommodations.

You will also need to provide information about everyone in your household, including their names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers. If you have criminal history, disclose it — DCHA will conduct a background check anyway, and honesty helps your case. Some convictions can disqualify you, but not all; the Authority evaluates each situation.

Bring originals or certified copies when possible. Photocopies are usually acceptable, but call ahead to confirm what DCHA will accept. Having everything organized before you explore speeds up the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for Section 8 in DeKalb County?

The wait time varies and changes as people move through the program. Waiting lists are often closed entirely. Contact DCHA directly by phone — they can tell you the current wait time and whether applications are being accepted right now.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher if I move out of DeKalb County?

You can move to another area, but you must request a portability transfer from DCHA before you move. The new housing authority must have available funding to accept your voucher. Not all areas accept portable vouchers, so confirm with the destination housing authority before you sign a lease.

What happens if my income goes above the limit?

In public housing, you may be required to move out or your rent may increase. In Section 8, you may lose your voucher. Income limits are set annually and vary by family size. Contact DCHA if your income changes to understand how it affects your status.

Do I have to live in a specific DCHA property if I get public housing?

You explore to the program, not to a specific property. DCHA assigns you to an available unit based on your family size and preferences, but you do not choose the location. Once you are in a unit, you can request a transfer to another property if one becomes available.

What if I have a criminal record?

DCHA conducts background checks on all applicants. Some convictions can disqualify you permanently, while others may not. The Authority evaluates each case individually. Disclose your history when you explore — hiding it will result in denial if discovered later.