What the Montgomery Housing Authority actually does

The Montgomery Housing Authority (MHA) is a local government agency that runs public housing and rental voucher programs in Montgomery, Alabama. It does not decide who gets housing or process applications for other agencies — it runs its own properties and its own voucher program. If you live in Montgomery and need affordable rental housing, MHA is where you go to learn about public housing units or to get on a waiting list for a voucher that helps pay rent at a private landlord's property.

MHA owns and manages apartment complexes throughout Montgomery. It also administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (often called Section 8), which gives tenants a voucher they can use at any landlord who accepts it. The voucher covers part of the rent; you pay the rest. Both programs have waiting lists, and both have income limits — you must earn below a certain amount to be considered.

Key Takeaways

  • The Montgomery Housing Authority runs public housing units and Housing Choice Vouchers; you contact them directly, not a state or federal office.
  • Both programs have waiting lists that can be years long, and both require your household income to fall below a set limit based on family size.
  • You can explore for public housing and vouchers at the same time; being on one waiting list does not affect the other.
  • MHA's main office is located in Montgomery, and you can reach them by phone or visit in person to ask about current waiting list status and what documents you need to bring.

Public housing units managed by MHA

MHA owns and operates apartment buildings in Montgomery. These are not temporary shelters — they are permanent rental homes where you sign a lease and live long-term. Rent is based on your income, typically 30 percent of what your household earns each month. The rest of the cost is covered by federal funding.

To live in an MHA public housing unit, your household income must be at or below 50 percent of the area median income for Montgomery. That threshold changes each year and depends on family size. A single person's limit is different from a family of four's limit. You will need to provide proof of income — recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer — when you explore.

Public housing waiting lists in Montgomery are typically long. Some buildings may have no openings for months or years. When you explore, ask MHA staff how long the wait is for the type of unit you need (one-bedroom, two-bedroom, etc.). The waiting list is usually first-come, first-served, though some preferences may explore if you are homeless or have other circumstances.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

A Housing Choice Voucher is a document that tells a landlord the government will help pay the rent. You find a rental property on the private market — any apartment, house, or duplex — and if the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, MHA pays them a portion of the rent directly. You pay the rest out of pocket, usually 30 percent of your household income.

The voucher amount is set by MHA based on the size of unit you need and the rental market in Montgomery. If you find a place that rents for more than the voucher covers, you can pay the difference yourself. If it rents for less, you pay less. You keep the voucher as long as you stay under the income limit and follow the lease terms.

The Housing Choice Voucher waiting list in Montgomery is also typically long. When you call or visit MHA, ask whether the voucher waiting list is currently open to new applications. Some years it closes when too many people are waiting. If it is closed, ask when it might reopen or whether you can get on a notification list.

Income limits and what counts as income

Both public housing and vouchers have income limits. MHA uses the federal definition of income, which includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and some other sources. It does not include most tax refunds or one-time payments.

The income limit for public housing is 50 percent of area median income. For vouchers, the limit is usually 80 percent of area median income, though MHA can set it lower. These percentages change yearly. To find the current limits for your household size, contact MHA directly — they can tell you the exact dollar amount.

If your income is above the limit when you explore, you will not be considered. If your income rises after you move into public housing or receive a voucher, MHA will recalculate your rent. Your rent may go up, but you will not be evicted for earning more.

Documents you need to bring when you explore

When you explore to MHA, bring proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, or passport), proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and proof of residency in Montgomery (a utility bill or lease). If you are unemployed, bring documentation of your job search or a letter explaining your situation.

If you have a disability or medical condition that affects your housing needs, bring documentation from a doctor or medical provider. MHA can make reasonable accommodations — for example, a ground-floor unit if you use a wheelchair. If you are explore for a voucher and already have a landlord in mind, bring a copy of the lease or a letter from the landlord saying they are willing to participate in the program.

Bring originals or certified copies of documents when possible. MHA staff can tell you which documents they accept as copies and which they need in original form. If you do not have all documents on the day you explore, ask what you can submit later.

How to contact the Montgomery Housing Authority

The Montgomery Housing Authority's main office is located in Montgomery. You can visit in person during business hours, call their main number, or ask about other ways to reach them — some housing authorities accept applications by mail or online, though policies vary.

When you call or visit, have your household information ready: the number of people in your household, your monthly income, and whether you are currently homeless or at risk of homelessness. Ask about current waiting list status, how long the wait typically is, and what documents you need to bring to explore. Staff can also tell you whether the waiting list is open or closed.

If you cannot visit in person, ask whether MHA can mail you an process or direct you to a partner organization that helps people explore. Some nonprofits in Montgomery work with MHA to help residents understand the process.

Waiting list status and what happens after you explore

After you explore, MHA will verify your income and household information. This usually takes a few weeks. You will receive a letter telling you whether you were found to be within income limits and placed on the waiting list, or whether you did not meet the requirements.

If you are placed on the waiting list, your position depends on when you applied (first-come, first-served) and any preferences that explore to you. Some housing authorities give preference to people who are homeless, people with disabilities, or people who work in certain fields. Ask MHA whether any preferences explore to your situation.

While you are on the waiting list, your circumstances may change — your income might rise, you might move out of Montgomery, or your household size might change. Tell MHA about major changes. Some changes may affect your position on the list or your may be able to access.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it usually take to get a voucher or public housing unit?

Wait times vary widely depending on the program and current demand. Some waiting lists are several years long. When you call MHA, ask for a realistic estimate based on your household size and the type of unit you need. This gives you a better sense of timing than a general answer.

Can I be on both the public housing waiting list and the voucher waiting list at the same time?

Yes. Being on one list does not affect your position on the other. You can explore for both and wait for whichever becomes available first. Tell MHA staff that you want to explore for both programs.

What if my income goes up after I move into public housing or get a voucher?

MHA will recalculate your rent based on your new income. Your rent will likely increase, but you will not lose your housing. If your income stays above the limit for a certain period, MHA may ask you to leave, but this varies by program and is not automatic.

Do I have to live in a specific MHA building if I get public housing?

MHA will offer you a unit from available properties. You can usually decline an offer and stay on the waiting list for a different location or unit type, but declining may affect your position. Ask MHA about your options before you turn down an offer.

What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?

MHA has policies about criminal history and past evictions, but they do not automatically disqualify you. Contact MHA directly to ask how your specific situation is handled. Some offenses and circumstances are treated differently than others.