What the Dothan Housing Authority Does
The Dothan Housing Authority is a local government agency in Dothan, Alabama, that owns and manages public housing and administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. It does not build or rent private apartments — it either owns the buildings directly or helps tenants pay rent to private landlords through vouchers. The Authority answers to a board of commissioners and operates with federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The Authority manages two main programs: public housing (apartments it owns) and Section 8 vouchers (rent subsidies you use at a landlord of your choice). Both serve households below certain income limits. The Authority also maintains waiting lists, conducts income verifications, and handles lease enforcement for the properties and programs it runs.
Key Takeaways
- The Dothan Housing Authority runs public housing it owns directly and Section 8 vouchers that work at private apartments.
- Both programs require your household income to fall below set limits, which vary by family size and are updated yearly.
- Waiting lists for both programs are typically closed or have long delays, so contact the Authority directly to learn the current status.
- You must provide proof of income, citizenship or immigration status, and background information when you request to be added to a list.
- The Authority's office is located in Dothan and handles all intake, verification, and lease matters by phone, mail, or in person.
Public Housing vs. Section 8 Vouchers: What Is the Difference
Public housing means you rent an apartment that the Dothan Housing Authority owns. You pay rent based on your income — typically 30 percent of your household's monthly income, though the Authority sets the exact formula. The Authority is your landlord, handles maintenance, and enforces the lease. Public housing units in Dothan are scattered throughout the city.
Section 8 vouchers work differently: the Authority gives you a voucher (a subsidy document) that you use to rent from any private landlord who agrees to participate. You pay your share of the rent (usually 30 percent of income), and the Authority pays the landlord the rest directly. You choose where to live within Dothan and the surrounding area, as long as the unit meets Housing Authority standards and the rent is reasonable for the neighborhood.
Public housing has a fixed supply of units the Authority owns. Section 8 has a larger pool of available apartments because any landlord can join the program. However, both have waiting lists, and both require income verification and background checks.
Income Limits and Who Can explore
To be considered for either program, your household income must not exceed the limit set by HUD for Houston County, Alabama. These limits change each year and depend on family size. A single person has a lower limit than a family of four. The Authority uses gross income (before taxes) to determine whether you may have access to.
Income limits for 2024 in the Dothan area range from roughly $28,000 to $46,000 annually for a family of four, but exact figures vary. Contact the Dothan Housing Authority directly to confirm the current limits for your household size, as they are updated every spring.
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, or immigration documents. You cannot have been evicted for lease violations in the past three years or have an active eviction case, though some circumstances allow exceptions. Drug-related convictions and certain other criminal history may disqualify you.
How to Request a Spot on the Waiting List
Contact the Dothan Housing Authority directly by phone, mail, or in person to ask about the waiting list status. The Authority's office is located at 1003 Ross Street, Dothan, AL 36303. You can call them at (334) 793-0747 to learn whether the list is open, how long the wait typically is, and what documents you need to bring.
If the list is open, you will be asked to complete an process form and provide documents: a photo ID, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), proof of citizenship or immigration status, and information about anyone else in your household. The Authority will verify your income and run a background check. This process usually takes two to four weeks.
If the list is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen. Many housing authorities close their lists when the wait exceeds two years, then reopen them periodically. You can also ask to be notified when the list reopens, though policies vary.
What Documents You Will Need
| Document Type | What Counts | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Driver's license, passport, state ID card | Confirms who you are |
| Proof of Income | Recent pay stubs, tax returns, Social Security award letter, unemployment statement | Shows whether you meet income limits |
| Citizenship or Immigration Status | Birth certificate, passport, green card, work permit, visa | Federal law requires proof of may be able to access status |
| Household Information | Names, birthdates, and Social Security numbers of all household members | Used for background checks and income calculation |
| Rental History (if available) | Names and phone numbers of previous landlords | Authority may contact them to verify you paid rent on time |
Bring originals or certified copies. The Authority will make copies for its file. If you do not have all documents when ready, ask which ones are most urgent — you may be able to submit others within a set timeframe.
Rent Calculation and Monthly Costs
In both public housing and Section 8, you pay approximately 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income as rent. If your household earns $1,500 per month, you would pay about $450. The exact percentage and any minimum rent are set by the Dothan Housing Authority and may differ slightly from 30 percent.
In public housing, you pay the Authority directly. In Section 8, you pay the private landlord. The Authority pays the difference between your share and the full rent to the landlord. If the rent is higher than the Authority's payment standard for that neighborhood, you pay the difference out of pocket — the voucher does not cover unlimited rent.
You are also responsible for utilities unless they are included in the lease. The Authority may provide a utility allowance (a credit toward your rent) if you pay utilities separately, but this varies by program and unit.
What Happens After You Are Approved
Once the Authority approves you, you move to the active waiting list. The wait time depends on the program and current demand. For public housing, you may wait months or years for a unit to become available. For Section 8, the wait is often shorter, but it varies.
When a unit or voucher becomes available, the Authority will contact you. For public housing, you will be offered a specific apartment. For Section 8, you will receive your voucher and have a set time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a landlord and a unit that meets the Authority's standards. The Authority will inspect the unit before you move in.
Once you move in, you must recertify your income annually. This means providing updated pay stubs or tax returns so the Authority can recalculate your rent. If your income changes significantly during the year, report it — your rent may go down, or you may lose your spot if your income exceeds the limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the waiting list for the Dothan Housing Authority?
Wait times vary and change frequently. Some programs have waits of one to three years; others may be closed. Call the Authority at (334) 793-0747 to learn the current wait for public housing and Section 8 separately. They can tell you whether the list is open and give you a realistic timeline.
Can I be on both the public housing and Section 8 waiting lists at the same time?
Yes. You can request to be added to both lists. However, once you are offered and accept housing or a voucher through one program, you are typically removed from the other list. Ask the Authority about their specific policy when you explore.
What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?
Drug-related convictions and some other felonies may disqualify you permanently. Evictions within the past three years usually disqualify you, but the Authority may make exceptions if the eviction was not your fault or if enough time has passed. Contact the Authority to discuss your specific situation — they review cases individually.
Do I have to work to live in public housing or use a Section 8 voucher?
No. The programs are open to households with no income, as long as you meet other requirements. Elderly and disabled households are prioritized in some cases. Income limits explore, but zero income does not disqualify you.
What if my income goes up after I move in?
You must report income changes during your annual recertification. If your income exceeds the program limit, you may be asked to leave or your rent may increase significantly. Some programs allow a gradual phase-out period, but this varies. Report changes promptly rather than waiting for recertification.