What the Housing Authority of Decatur does

The Housing Authority of Decatur is a public agency that runs public housing and the Section 8 voucher program in Decatur, Georgia. It owns and manages apartment buildings where residents pay rent based on their income, and it distributes vouchers that let people rent from private landlords while the authority pays part of the rent directly to the owner. The authority does not run emergency information, rapid rehousing, or homeless services — those come from other agencies in the DeKalb County system.

The authority serves people who meet income limits set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Income limits change yearly and depend on household size. For 2024, a single person in the Decatur area cannot earn more than roughly $38,000 per year to be considered; a family of four cannot earn more than roughly $54,000. These numbers shift each spring, so the authority's website or a phone call will give you the current figure for your household size.

Both public housing and Section 8 vouchers require a background check, a lease or lease history, and proof of income. The authority prioritizes people experiencing homelessness, people leaving foster care, and families with children, though local preferences vary year to year. Wait lists are usually closed — meaning you cannot add your name — but the authority reopens them periodically. You can call or visit in person to ask when the next opening is expected.

Key Takeaways

  • The Housing Authority of Decatur runs public housing apartments and Section 8 vouchers; it does not run emergency rent help or homeless services.
  • You must earn below the HUD income limit for your household size, which changes yearly and is roughly $38,000 for one person or $54,000 for a family of four in 2024.
  • Wait lists are usually closed, but the authority reopens them at unpredictable times — call to ask when the next opening is expected.
  • Both programs require proof of income, a background check, and a signed lease or rental history before you move in.
  • If you need help now, contact 211 or your local homeless services agency; the Housing Authority serves people with stable housing situations.

Public housing managed by the authority

Public housing means the Housing Authority of Decatur owns the building and you rent directly from them. The authority owns several apartment complexes in Decatur. Rent is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly income, so if you earn $1,200 per month, you pay $360. The authority covers the rest of the cost to maintain the building. This makes rent much lower than market rate in most cases.

To move into public housing, you need a signed lease with the authority, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and a background check. The authority will look at your criminal history, eviction history, and rental payment history. A prior eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but recent evictions or a pattern of nonpayment will. You will also need to provide identification and proof of residency in the Decatur area.

Once you are approved and a unit becomes available, you move in and begin paying your income-based rent. The authority handles maintenance and repairs. If something breaks, you call the maintenance line and they send someone out. You are responsible for keeping the unit clean and following lease rules, which include no illegal activity, no unauthorized occupants, and no damage beyond normal wear.

Section 8 vouchers and how they work

A Section 8 voucher is a document that lets you rent from any private landlord in the Decatur area who accepts the program. The Housing Authority of Decatur pays the landlord a portion of the rent — usually 70 to 80 percent — and you pay the rest. Your share is still based on 30 percent of your income, so a lower income means a lower payment from you.

The voucher is yours to use at any apartment, house, or rental unit that meets the authority's standards. The unit must pass a housing quality inspection, which checks for things like working heat, safe electrical wiring, no mold, and adequate space. You find the unit yourself, negotiate the rent with the landlord, and then the authority inspects it and signs a contract with the owner. This process usually takes two to four weeks once you have found a place.

You keep the voucher as long as you stay within income limits and follow the lease. If your income rises above the limit, you may lose the voucher or your rent share may increase. If you move, you can take the voucher with you to a new unit in the same area, as long as the new place passes inspection and the landlord agrees to accept Section 8.

How to get on the wait list

The Housing Authority of Decatur keeps a single wait list for both public housing and Section 8 vouchers. Most of the time the list is closed, meaning you cannot add your name. The authority opens the list for a set period — usually a few weeks — and then closes it again. You can only explore during an open period.

To find out when the wait list will open next, call the Housing Authority of Decatur at their main office or visit in person. Their staff can tell you the expected date and what documents you will need to bring. Some people also learn about openings through the DeKalb County housing office or through 211, which is a free referral line that covers housing programs across the region.

When the list opens, you will fill out an process form, provide proof of income, and give your contact information. The authority will tell you when you are added to the list and give you a position number. Wait times vary widely — from a few months to several years — depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many units or vouchers become available.

Income limits and what counts as income

The Housing Authority of Decatur uses HUD income limits, which are set each year based on the area's median income. For 2024, the limit for a single person is approximately $38,000 per year; for a family of four, approximately $54,000. These numbers are gross income, meaning before taxes. The authority will ask for your most recent tax return, recent pay stubs, or a letter from your employer to verify.

Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, disability payments, unemployment benefits, child support, and alimony. It does not include one-time payments like tax refunds or gifts, though the authority may count regular financial support from family members. If you are unemployed, the authority will count zero income and may prioritize you on the wait list.

If your income rises above the limit after you move in, you do not lose your housing when ready. The authority will review your situation and may increase your rent share or move you to a different program. If you are on the wait list and your income rises above the limit, you will be removed from the list.

Background checks and what disqualifies you

The Housing Authority of Decatur runs a criminal background check, an eviction history check, and a rental payment history check on every applicant. A criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify you — the authority looks at the type of crime, how long ago it happened, and whether you have been stable since. Violent crimes, drug manufacturing, and sex offenses are more likely to result in denial than other offenses.

An eviction in your past does not automatically disqualify you either, but a recent eviction — usually within the last three to five years — or a pattern of evictions will likely result in denial. The authority also looks at whether you paid rent on time in previous places. If you have a history of nonpayment, you may be denied or required to pay a larger deposit.

If you are denied, the authority will send you a letter explaining the reason. You have the right to request a hearing to dispute the decision. Contact the authority's office to ask about the hearing process and important date.

Contact information and office hours

The Housing Authority of Decatur is located in Decatur, Georgia. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about wait list openings, income limits, or the process process. You can also visit the office in person to pick up an process or speak with a staff member. The authority's website has information about current programs and may list the status of the wait list.

If you need emergency housing help — such as help paying rent you already owe or help if you are about to be evicted — contact your local homeless services agency or call 211. These services are separate from the Housing Authority of Decatur and move faster than the authority's programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be on the wait list if I am currently homeless?

Yes. The Housing Authority of Decatur prioritizes people experiencing homelessness, so being homeless may move you higher on the wait list. You will still need to provide proof of income and pass a background check. If you need shelter right now, contact your local homeless services agency or call 211 first.

What happens if I lose my job after I move in?

Your rent will drop because it is based on your income. Report the job loss to the authority as soon as possible and provide documentation. Your new rent will be 30 percent of your new income, which may be zero if you have no income. You can stay in public housing or keep your voucher as long as you follow the lease.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher outside of Decatur?

No. The Housing Authority of Decatur vouchers work only in Decatur and the surrounding area covered by the authority's jurisdiction. If you move outside that area, you will lose the voucher. You can contact the housing authority in your new city to ask about their wait list.

How long does it take to get approved after I explore?

The authority usually takes four to eight weeks to process an process, run background checks, and notify you of the decision. Wait times vary depending on how busy the office is. Once you are approved and on the wait list, the time to actually move in depends on how many people are ahead of you.

What if I have a criminal record or an eviction?

The authority considers the details — the type of offense, how long ago it happened, and your stability since then. You are not automatically disqualified. If you are denied, you can request a hearing to explain your situation. Contact the authority to ask about the hearing process.