What the Housing Authority of DeKalb County does

The Housing Authority of DeKalb County is a public agency that runs rental information programs and public housing for people in DeKalb County, Georgia. It does not build or own most of the housing it helps fund — instead, it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits, and it manages a smaller number of properties it owns directly. The agency operates with federal money, primarily through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The Authority runs two main programs: the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, which is the larger one, and public housing, which consists of properties the Authority owns. Both programs serve households below certain income thresholds. The Authority also administers emergency rental information when funding becomes available, usually in response to local crises or federal relief efforts.

Key Takeaways

  • The Housing Authority of DeKalb County manages Section 8 vouchers and public housing for low-income households in the county.
  • Section 8 vouchers let you rent from a private landlord while the Authority pays a portion of your rent directly to them.
  • Public housing consists of properties owned by the Authority itself, with lower rent based on your income.
  • Wait lists for both programs are typically long and may be closed; you can contact the Authority to learn the current status.
  • The Authority's main office is located in Decatur, and you can reach them by phone or visit in person to ask about current programs.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers explained

A Section 8 voucher is a subsidy that pays part of your rent to a landlord you choose. You find a rental property on the private market, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and the Authority pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the rest out of pocket, typically 30 percent of your household income or a set minimum, whichever is higher.

The voucher amount depends on the size of the unit and the local market rent, not on your income. This means your out-of-pocket payment can vary depending on which property you choose. If you find a cheaper unit, you may pay less; if you find a more expensive one, you pay more. The Authority sets a payment standard — the maximum it will pay toward rent — and landlords must agree to that amount or lower.

To use a voucher, the landlord must pass an inspection and agree to the terms. The process typically takes several weeks from the time you find a unit to the time you move in. Once you have a voucher, you keep it as long as you remain income-may be able to access and follow program rules, which include reporting changes in household income and composition.

Public housing run by the Authority

Public housing consists of apartment complexes and townhomes owned and managed directly by the Housing Authority of DeKalb County. Rent is calculated as 30 percent of your household income, so it adjusts if your income changes. This can be simpler than Section 8 because you do not have to search for a landlord or negotiate with private owners.

Public housing units are inspected regularly by the Authority itself, and maintenance is handled by Authority staff. The trade-off is that you have less choice in location and unit type compared to Section 8, where you can pick from any rental property the landlord will accept. Public housing wait lists are typically long, and the Authority may close them periodically when the queue becomes too large.

Income limits and who can participate

Both Section 8 and public housing are limited to households earning below a certain percentage of the area median income. The exact income limit depends on household size and changes yearly. For a single person, the limit is typically around 50 percent of the area median income; for larger households, it is higher. The Authority uses your gross household income, including wages, Social Security, child support, and other regular income sources.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. The Authority will ask for proof of income, identity, and immigration status as part of the process. If your income rises above the limit, you may lose your voucher or have your public housing rent increase significantly, though some programs allow a gradual phase-out period.

How to contact the Housing Authority of DeKalb County

The Housing Authority's main office is located in Decatur. You can call their main number to ask about current wait list status, program requirements, and how to request information about available programs. The phone line can be busy, especially early in the day, so calling mid-morning or early afternoon often results in shorter wait times.

You can also visit the office in person to speak with staff, pick up process materials, or ask questions. Bring a photo ID and be prepared to provide basic information about your household. If you cannot visit or call, some housing authorities allow you to request information by mail, though this takes longer.

The Authority's website may have current information about wait list status and program details, though not all housing authorities maintain up-to-date online portals. Calling is usually the fastest way to confirm whether a program is currently accepting new applicants.

Wait lists and how long they typically take

Both Section 8 and public housing have wait lists, and both can be very long. Wait times vary depending on the program and current demand. Some wait lists are closed entirely, meaning the Authority is not accepting new requests until people move out of the program. Others are open but have waits measured in months or years.

When you request to be added to a wait list, the Authority will give you a date and time stamp. Your position on the list is based on when you requested it, not on need or other factors. If the list closes, you may be able to request to be added again when it reopens, but you will start over at the end of the new list.

The Authority will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. You must respond within a set timeframe, usually a few days, or you may lose your spot. Once you are offered a unit or voucher, you have a limited time to accept and move in.

Emergency rental information from the Authority

The Housing Authority of DeKalb County has administered emergency rental information funds at various times, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and other local crises. These programs pay landlords directly for back rent and sometimes utilities. They are separate from Section 8 and public housing and have different income limits and may be able to access rules.

Emergency programs are temporary and funded by federal or state grants. When funding runs out, the program closes until new money becomes available. To learn whether emergency information is currently open, call the Authority's main office and ask. If it is closed, ask when it might reopen or whether other local resources are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher?

Wait times depend on how long the wait list is in DeKalb County. Some areas have waits of several years; others may be shorter. Call the Authority to ask the current average wait time. Once you receive a voucher, you typically have 60 to 90 days to find a unit and have it inspected before the voucher expires.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher outside DeKalb County?

Yes, but only in areas where the receiving housing authority has agreed to accept vouchers from the Housing Authority of DeKalb County. You must request a transfer and get approval before you move. Not all housing authorities accept transfers, so confirm before signing a lease in another county.

What happens if my income increases while I have a voucher?

Your voucher does not end when ready, but your rent contribution will increase. Most programs allow a grace period where your income can exceed the limit by a small amount without losing the voucher. After that, you may be terminated from the program. Report income changes to the Authority as soon as they occur.

Do I need to be a DeKalb County resident to explore?

Most housing authorities require you to live or work in their service area. Call the Authority to confirm their residency requirements. Some programs may have different rules, so ask specifically about the program you are interested in.

What if the wait list is closed?

You can call periodically to ask when it might reopen, or ask the Authority to notify you if the list opens. In the meantime, explore other local resources such as nonprofit housing organizations, emergency information programs, or other housing authorities in nearby counties if you are willing to relocate.