What the Mobile Housing Authority Does

The Mobile Housing Authority (MHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and the Section 8 voucher program in Mobile, Alabama. It does not provide emergency information or one-time grants. Instead, it manages long-term rental programs where you either live in a public housing unit that MHA owns, or you receive a voucher that lets you rent from a private landlord while MHA pays part of your rent.

MHA serves Mobile and some surrounding areas. If you live outside Mobile proper, you may fall under a different housing authority's jurisdiction — your city or county will have its own. MHA's main office is located in Mobile, and that is where you go to explore for either program.

Both programs require a formal process, a background check, and income verification. Neither program is first-come, first-served. MHA maintains waiting lists, and how long you wait depends on the program, current demand, and your household circumstances.

Key Takeaways

  • MHA runs two main programs: public housing (you live in an MHA-owned unit) and Section 8 vouchers (you rent from a private landlord and MHA subsidizes part of your rent).
  • Both programs have waiting lists; you cannot move into housing or receive a voucher when ready after you explore.
  • Your rent is based on your household income, typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income, and you must report income changes to MHA.
  • You will need proof of income, identification, Social Security numbers for all household members, and a background check to move forward with either program.
  • MHA's office is in Mobile; you explore in person or by mail, and you can call to ask about current waiting list status and whether lists are open.

Public Housing vs. Section 8 Vouchers: Which Program Is Which

In public housing, MHA owns the building where you live. You sign a lease with MHA, pay rent based on your income, and MHA maintains the property. Public housing units are scattered throughout Mobile — some are in complexes, others are individual homes. The rent you pay is typically 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income, with a minimum rent (usually $25 to $50 per month, depending on MHA policy).

With a Section 8 voucher, you find your own rental home or apartment from a private landlord who agrees to accept the voucher. MHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent, and you pay the rest — again, typically 30 percent of your income. You have more choice in where you live, but you must find a unit that passes MHA's inspection and a landlord willing to participate. The voucher is not cash; it is a commitment from MHA to the landlord.

Waiting lists for both programs exist separately. You may be on the public housing list, the Section 8 list, or both. MHA will tell you which lists are currently open when you call or visit. Some lists close when they reach a certain size and reopen later as people move out or their circumstances change.

Income Limits and How Your Rent Is Calculated

MHA sets income limits based on family size and area median income. These limits change yearly. A household that exceeds the limit when you explore will not be accepted; a household that is under the limit but close to it may be accepted but placed lower on the waiting list. You can call MHA to ask the current income limit for your household size.

Once you are in the program, your rent is recalculated every year based on your reported income. If your income goes up, your rent goes up. If your income drops, your rent drops. You must report changes in income, employment, household size, or other circumstances within 30 days — failure to report can result in overpayment demands or removal from the program.

Your rent covers your share only. MHA or the landlord covers utilities, maintenance, and other costs from the subsidy. If utilities are your responsibility, MHA may deduct an allowance from your rent to account for that.

What You Need to explore

To explore to either program, bring or mail the following documents:

  • A completed process form (available at MHA's office or online)
  • Photo identification for the head of household
  • Social Security cards or numbers for all household members
  • Proof of income for the past 30 days (pay stubs, benefit letters, tax returns, or a letter from your employer)
  • Proof of residency in Mobile (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency)
  • Birth certificates or proof of relationship for all household members
  • Proof of citizenship or may be able to access immigration status

MHA will run a background check that includes criminal history, eviction history, and rental payment history. A criminal conviction or recent eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but MHA will review the details and may deny your process based on what they find.

If you are explore for Section 8, you will also need to provide information about where you plan to live or, if you already have a unit in mind, the landlord's contact information and the address.

Waiting Lists and How Long It Takes

After you explore, MHA places you on a waiting list. The length of the wait varies widely — it can be months or years depending on the program, how many people are ahead of you, and how many units or vouchers become available. MHA does not may provide a specific timeline.

You can call MHA to ask your position on the list, but they may not give you an exact number. They will tell you whether the list is moving or stalled. Some lists are closed to new applications; if that is the case, you can ask when the list is expected to reopen.

While you are on the waiting list, your circumstances may change. If your income increases above the program limit, you may be removed from the list. If you move out of MHA's service area, you must notify them. If you no longer want the voucher or housing, you can withdraw your process.

After You Are Approved: Lease Signing and Move-In

When a unit or voucher becomes available and your name reaches the top of the list, MHA will contact you. For public housing, MHA will show you available units and you choose one (subject to availability). For Section 8, you have a set amount of time to find a unit and a landlord willing to accept the voucher.

Before you move in, the unit must pass an MHA inspection. For public housing, MHA inspects its own units. For Section 8, MHA inspects the private unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards — things like working plumbing, heat, electrical outlets, and no lead paint hazards. If the unit fails, the landlord must make repairs before you can move in.

You will sign a lease with MHA (for public housing) or with the private landlord (for Section 8). The lease includes house rules, maintenance responsibilities, and what happens if you break the lease. You are responsible for keeping the unit in good condition and following all lease terms.

Ongoing Responsibilities and Recertification

Once you move in, you must recertify your income and household composition every year. MHA will send you a form to complete and return by a important date. If you miss the important date, your information may be suspended or terminated.

You must also report changes within 30 days: a new job, a job loss, a household member moving in or out, a change in benefits, or any other change that affects your income or family size. Failing to report changes can result in you owing back rent or being removed from the program.

For Section 8, you must also follow lease rules with your private landlord. If you are evicted or break the lease, you lose the voucher. For public housing, the same applies — if you violate the lease, MHA can evict you.

How to Contact Mobile Housing Authority

MHA's main office is in Mobile. You can visit in person to pick up an process, ask questions, or submit documents. You can also call to ask about waiting list status, current income limits, or whether lists are open. Some information may be available on MHA's website, though not all housing authorities maintain detailed online resources.

If you are unsure whether you fall under MHA's jurisdiction, call and ask. If you live in a city or county outside Mobile, you may need to contact a different housing authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Approval itself usually takes two to four weeks once you submit a complete process. However, after approval, you go on a waiting list, which can take months or years. The total time from process to move-in depends on how many people are ahead of you and how many units or vouchers become available.

Can I explore if I have an eviction on my record?

Yes, but MHA will review the details. A recent eviction may lower your priority on the waiting list or result in denial, but it does not automatically disqualify you. MHA looks at the reason for the eviction and how long ago it happened.

What happens if my income goes up after I move in?

Your rent will increase at your next annual recertification. You will pay 30 percent of your new income. If your income exceeds the program limit, you may be required to leave the program, though MHA usually gives you a grace period to find other housing.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher to move to another city?

Section 8 vouchers can sometimes be transferred to another housing authority through a process called "portability," but it depends on the receiving authority's policies and whether they have capacity. Contact MHA to ask whether your voucher can be ported and to which areas.

What if I cannot afford the rent MHA calculates for me?

Your rent is based on your income, so if you cannot afford it, your income may be too high for the program. If you believe MHA made an error in calculating your income, you can request a review. If your circumstances have changed, report the change and ask for a recalculation.