What the Housing Authority of DeKalb does

The Housing Authority of DeKalb County (HAD) is a public agency that runs rental information programs and public housing in DeKalb County, Georgia. It does not build or own most of the housing it helps pay for — instead, it issues vouchers that let people rent from private landlords, and it manages a smaller number of public housing units it owns directly. The Authority answers to a board of commissioners and receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The Authority's main program is the Housing Choice Voucher program, sometimes called Section 8. This is a federal program that pays part of your rent directly to your landlord; you pay the rest. The Authority also runs a public housing program where it owns the building you live in, and it administers emergency rental information when federal funds become available for people facing eviction or unable to pay arrears.

DeKalb HAD serves residents of unincorporated DeKalb County and some municipalities within it. The City of Atlanta has its own housing authority, so if you live in Atlanta proper, you would contact Atlanta Housing instead. If you live in a DeKalb suburb like Decatur, Dunwoody, or Brookhaven, check your city's website first — some cities contract with DeKalb HAD, while others run their own programs.

Key Takeaways

  • DeKalb HAD runs the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8), which pays landlords part of your rent while you pay the rest, and it also owns and manages public housing units.
  • The voucher waiting list is typically closed because demand far exceeds available vouchers, so you cannot join the list unless it reopens.
  • If you are already a DeKalb HAD resident or voucher holder, you contact the Authority directly for lease transfers, rent disputes, or maintenance requests.
  • Emergency rental information is available through DeKalb HAD when federal funds are allocated, but the program opens and closes based on funding and is not always available.
  • You can reach DeKalb HAD by phone, mail, or in person at their office in Decatur; online applications are not available for most programs.

Housing Choice Vouchers and the waiting list

The Housing Choice Voucher program is the largest program DeKalb HAD runs. A voucher is a document that tells a landlord the Authority will pay a portion of the rent — typically 70 to 80 percent — and you pay the rest. You find your own apartment with a landlord willing to accept the voucher, and the Authority pays the landlord directly each month.

The waiting list for vouchers in DeKalb County is currently closed. This means you cannot request to be added to the list. The Authority closes the list when the number of people waiting far exceeds the number of vouchers available. When the list reopens — which happens irregularly and may be years apart — the Authority announces it on its website and through local media. You would then have a limited window, usually a few weeks, to submit a request to join.

If you are already on the waiting list, you will receive a letter when a voucher becomes available. The Authority prioritizes people based on the date they joined the list and sometimes by other factors such as homelessness or disability. The wait can be several years even after you are on the list.

Public housing units managed by DeKalb HAD

DeKalb HAD owns and operates public housing communities in unincorporated DeKalb County. These are apartment complexes where the Authority is the landlord. Rent is based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income — rather than market rate. To move into public housing, you must be on the waiting list for public housing, which is separate from the voucher waiting list.

The public housing waiting list is also usually closed. When it opens, the Authority accepts applications for a set period. Once you are on the list, you wait until a unit becomes available in a community that matches your family size. Public housing communities have their own rules about pets, guests, and maintenance, and the Authority can evict you for lease violations just as a private landlord can.

If you live in a DeKalb HAD public housing unit, you contact the Authority's maintenance line to report repairs, and you pay rent to the Authority directly. Disputes over rent, lease terms, or eviction go through the Authority's internal process first, and you have the right to a hearing before eviction.

Emergency rental information through DeKalb HAD

When the federal government allocates emergency rental information funds, DeKalb HAD administers them for may be able to access residents of unincorporated DeKalb County. These funds pay rent arrears (money you already owe) or, in some cases, future rent if you are at imminent risk of eviction. The program typically requires proof of a lease, proof of income loss or hardship, and documentation that you are behind on rent or facing eviction.

Emergency rental information is not always available. The Authority receives funds in phases, and once a phase runs out of money, the program closes until new funding arrives. You can call the Authority or check its website to learn whether the program is currently open. If it is closed, you can ask to be notified when it reopens, though notification is not may provide.

The process process requires documents such as your lease, proof of income, bank statements, and an eviction notice if one exists. Processing typically takes two to four weeks. The Authority pays the landlord directly, so you will need your landlord's contact information and their agreement to accept the payment.

How to contact DeKalb Housing Authority

DeKalb HAD's main office is located in Decatur. You can reach them by phone during business hours, by mail, or by visiting in person. The Authority does not accept online applications for vouchers or public housing — you must explore in person or by mail. For emergency rental information, the process may differ depending on which funding phase is active; call to confirm the current method.

The Authority's phone line handles inquiries about waiting lists, current programs, and how the process works. If you are already a resident or voucher holder, you can also reach maintenance, the rent payment line, or the lease administration office. Wait times can be long, especially at the beginning of the month or when a new program opens.

If you cannot reach the Authority by phone, you can visit the office in person during posted hours or send a letter requesting information. Keep copies of any documents you submit and note the date you submitted them. If you are facing eviction, contact the Authority when ready rather than waiting for a callback.

Differences between DeKalb HAD and other housing programs

DeKalb HAD is separate from the City of Atlanta Housing Authority, which serves Atlanta residents. If you live in Atlanta, you contact Atlanta Housing, not DeKalb HAD. Some DeKalb suburbs like Decatur and Dunwoody have their own housing authorities or contracts with DeKalb HAD; check your city's website to confirm which agency serves your area.

DeKalb HAD is also different from nonprofit organizations that provide housing counseling, emergency information, or legal help with evictions. These organizations can help you prepare an process to DeKalb HAD or connect you to other resources, but they do not run the voucher or public housing programs themselves. If you are referred to a nonprofit, ask whether they work with DeKalb HAD or another agency.

Finally, DeKalb HAD's programs are not the same as tax credits, down payment information, or homeownership programs. DeKalb HAD helps renters pay rent; it does not help you buy a home. If you are interested in homeownership, ask the Authority or a local nonprofit whether they know of down payment or credit-building programs in your area.

What happens after you receive a voucher or are placed in public housing

Once you receive a Housing Choice Voucher, you have a set amount of time — usually 60 days — to find an apartment and have the landlord sign a lease. The Authority will inspect the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards before the voucher becomes active. If the unit fails inspection, you must find another apartment or request an extension.

After you move in, you pay your portion of the rent to the landlord each month, and the Authority pays its portion directly. If you have a problem with the unit — such as a repair the landlord will not make — you can report it to the Authority, which may conduct an inspection and withhold payment if the unit no longer meets standards. If you have a dispute with your landlord over the lease, you can contact the Authority's lease administration office.

Your voucher can be transferred if you move to a different unit or a different area, but you must notify the Authority before you move. If you stop using the voucher for more than a set period, the Authority may terminate it. If your income changes significantly, you may be required to report it, as it can affect the amount you pay and the amount the Authority pays.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the DeKalb HAD voucher waiting list reopen?

The Authority does not announce reopening dates in advance. The waiting list reopens irregularly, sometimes years apart, depending on funding and the number of available vouchers. Check the Authority's website regularly or call to ask whether the list is currently open. Some people sign up for email or phone notifications when the list reopens, though the Authority's notification system is not always reliable.

Can I move to a different apartment if I already have a voucher?

Yes, you can move to a different unit as long as the new landlord accepts the voucher and the unit passes the Authority's inspection. You must notify the Authority before you move and obtain written approval. If you move without approval, the Authority may terminate your voucher. Moving to a different county or state requires special permission and may not be allowed depending on the Authority's policies.

What if I am behind on rent and the emergency rental information program is closed?

Contact a local legal aid organization or tenant rights nonprofit to learn about other options. Some nonprofits have their own emergency funds or can connect you to churches, community organizations, or utility information programs. If you have received an eviction notice, ask for a court date and bring documentation of your hardship; some judges will delay eviction if you can show you are pursuing information. When emergency rental information reopens, explore when ready.

Do I have to live in unincorporated DeKalb County to use DeKalb HAD programs?

DeKalb HAD primarily serves unincorporated DeKalb County, but some municipalities have contracts with the Authority. If you live in a DeKalb city like Decatur, Dunwoody, or Brookhaven, check your city's website or call your city hall to learn which housing authority serves your area. If your city does not have its own program, you may be able to use DeKalb HAD.

How long does it take to hear back after I explore for emergency rental information?

Processing typically takes two to four weeks, though it can be longer if the program is overwhelmed with applications or if you are missing documents. The Authority will contact you by phone or mail to request any missing information. If you do not hear back within a month, call to confirm they received your process and ask for a status update.