What the Fulton County Housing Authority Does

The Fulton County Housing Authority (FCHA) is a government agency that runs public housing and rental voucher programs in Fulton County, Georgia. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it pays private landlords to rent units to low-income households, and it manages public housing complexes that it owns directly. The agency's main job is to process applications, verify income, issue vouchers, and inspect properties to make sure they meet housing standards.

FCHA serves residents across unincorporated Fulton County and some municipalities within it. The City of Atlanta has its own housing authority, so if you live in Atlanta proper, you would explore to the Atlanta Housing Authority instead. If you are unsure whether your address falls under FCHA or Atlanta Housing, call FCHA's main office at (404) 612-3600 to confirm.

Key Takeaways

  • FCHA runs the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) and owns public housing units; both serve households at or below 50% of the area median income.
  • The voucher waiting list is typically closed because demand far exceeds available vouchers, but you can call to ask when it reopens.
  • Public housing has a separate waiting list and shorter wait times than vouchers in most cases.
  • You must provide proof of income, identity, Social Security number, and residency to be considered for either program.
  • FCHA's office is located in downtown Atlanta, and applications are processed in person or by mail; there is no online portal for initial applications.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) Through FCHA

The Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly called Section 8, is FCHA's largest program. When you receive a voucher, FCHA pays a portion of your rent directly to a private landlord, and you pay the rest. The amount FCHA pays is based on the fair market rent for your area and your household income. You keep the voucher as long as your income stays within limits and you follow program rules.

The voucher waiting list for FCHA is almost always closed. Thousands of households are already on the list, and new names are added only when FCHA receives additional federal funding or when people leave the program. You can call (404) 612-3600 to ask whether the list is currently open and when it is expected to reopen. Some years the list opens for a few weeks; other years it remains closed for months.

If the list is open when you call, FCHA will mail you an process packet. You must return it within the important date stated in the packet, usually 10 to 14 days. Late applications are rejected. The packet will ask for proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), a government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and proof of residency (a utility bill or lease in your name).

Public Housing Units Managed by FCHA

FCHA owns and operates public housing complexes throughout Fulton County. These are apartment buildings or townhomes where FCHA is the landlord. Rent is set at 30% of your household income, so it adjusts if your income changes. Public housing has its own waiting list, separate from the voucher list, and wait times are often shorter — sometimes a few months to a year or two, depending on the complex and unit size you need.

To be considered for public housing, you must meet income limits (usually 50% of area median income or below), be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, and pass a background check. FCHA will review your rental history and criminal history. Some offenses, such as drug-related convictions within the past few years, can disqualify you. Others are reviewed case by case.

You can visit FCHA's office to pick up a public housing process or request one by phone. The process asks for the same documents as the voucher program: proof of income, ID, Social Security number, and proof of residency. Once FCHA receives your process, staff will contact you to schedule an interview. The interview typically takes 30 to 45 minutes and covers your income, family composition, housing needs, and background.

Income Limits and Rent Calculations

FCHA uses area median income (AMI) to set income limits. For 2024, the AMI for the Atlanta metropolitan area is approximately $90,000 for a family of four, though this figure changes yearly. Most FCHA programs serve households at or below 50% AMI, which means roughly $45,000 for a family of four. However, some public housing units serve households up to 80% AMI.

Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and other regular payments. FCHA counts gross income before taxes. If your income is seasonal or variable, FCHA will average it over 12 months. Assets (savings, investments) are also counted if you have more than $5,000 in liquid assets; the income from those assets is added to your total.

In public housing, your rent is always 30% of your adjusted gross income. If your income drops, your rent drops. If it rises above the program limit, you may be asked to leave or move to a different program. In the voucher program, your rent contribution is also typically 30% of income, but FCHA's payment to the landlord is capped at the fair market rent for your area.

Required Documents and the process Process

FCHA requires the same core documents for both vouchers and public housing. Bring or mail originals or certified copies; photocopies are usually not accepted. You will need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security card or a letter from Social Security, and proof of residency dated within the last 60 days (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement in your name).

For income verification, bring recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title and hourly rate or salary, or your most recent tax return. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns for the last two years and a profit-and-loss statement. If you receive benefits, bring the award letter or benefit statement. If you are unemployed, bring a letter from your state unemployment office or a job search log.

FCHA's office is located at 60 Forsyth Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but call ahead to confirm. You can also mail your process to the same address. If you mail it, include copies of all documents and a cover letter with your name, phone number, and the program you are explore for. Keep copies for your records.

Wait Times and What Happens After You explore

After FCHA receives your process, staff will review it for completeness. If documents are missing, they will contact you by phone or mail to request them. Once your process is complete, you are placed on the waiting list in the order your process was received. Wait times vary widely depending on the program and unit type.

For public housing, wait times typically range from several months to two years. For vouchers, wait times are often three to five years or longer, though this depends on how many vouchers FCHA has and how many people are on the list. FCHA does not rank applicants by priority; it is first-come, first-served. However, if you are homeless or living in a shelter, some local programs may prioritize you for referral to FCHA.

When a unit or voucher becomes available, FCHA will contact you by phone. You must respond within a set timeframe, usually 10 business days. If you do not respond, FCHA moves to the next person on the list. Once you are selected, FCHA will schedule an in-person interview to verify your information and explain program rules. After that, you will receive your lease (for public housing) or your voucher packet (for Section 8).

Program Rules and What Can Get You Removed

FCHA residents and voucher holders must follow a lease and program rules. In public housing, you cannot engage in criminal activity, drug use, or violence. You must keep the unit clean and in good condition, pay rent on time, and report any changes in household composition or income. FCHA inspects units annually to check for maintenance issues and lease violations.

In the voucher program, you must find a landlord willing to accept the voucher, and the unit must pass FCHA's housing quality standards inspection. You cannot move to a new unit without FCHA's permission. You must report income changes within 30 days. If your income rises above the program limit, you may be asked to leave the program or transition to a different information level.

Reasons for removal include non-payment of rent, criminal activity, drug use, damage to the unit beyond normal wear, or repeated lease violations. FCHA must give you written notice and a chance to respond before termination. If you disagree with a termination decision, you have the right to request a hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I live in Fulton County Housing Authority's service area?

FCHA serves unincorporated Fulton County and some municipalities within it, but not the City of Atlanta. Call (404) 612-3600 and give them your address; they will tell you whether you fall under FCHA or another authority. If you are in Atlanta, contact the Atlanta Housing Authority instead.

What if the voucher waiting list is closed when I call?

Ask FCHA when the list is expected to reopen. You can also ask to be notified when it opens again. Some people call back every few months to check. In the meantime, you can explore for public housing, which has a separate list and may have shorter wait times.

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

Yes. The two programs have separate waiting lists and separate applications. explore for both increases your chances of being housed sooner. If you are selected for one program before the other, you can accept it and ask FCHA to remove you from the other list.

What happens if my income increases while I am in the program?

In public housing, your rent will increase to 30% of your new income. If your income rises above the program limit, FCHA will give you a grace period, usually 12 months, to find other housing. In the voucher program, you may be asked to leave if your income exceeds the limit, though some households can stay under different terms.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No. FCHA staff can answer questions about the process and what documents you need. If you have questions about your rights or a dispute with FCHA, you can contact a legal aid organization in Fulton County, such as Atlanta Legal Aid or Community Justice Project, which offer free legal help to low-income residents.