What the Montgomery Housing Authority does
The Montgomery Housing Authority (MHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs in Montgomery, Alabama. It administers public housing — apartments it owns and rents at reduced rates — and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), which let you rent from a private landlord using a voucher to cover part of your rent. The Authority also manages emergency information programs and works with nonprofits on affordable housing development.
MHA is not a landlord you call to rent an apartment. It is the government body that decides who can enter its programs, maintains waiting lists, and processes vouchers. If you want to live in public housing or use a voucher, you explore to MHA directly. If you already rent privately and need emergency help with rent or utilities, MHA may run or refer you to those programs, though some are handled by the city or county.
Key Takeaways
- MHA runs two main programs: public housing (apartments it owns) and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), which you use to rent from any landlord who accepts vouchers.
- Both programs have long waiting lists; you must explore in person or by mail at MHA's office, and acceptance can take months or years depending on the program.
- Income limits explore to both programs, and MHA will ask for proof of income, residency, and identity before you are added to a list.
- MHA also refers people to emergency rental information and utility information, though those programs may be run by the city or county and have separate process processes.
- You can contact MHA at their main office in Montgomery to ask which programs are currently open and what documents you need to bring.
Public housing through MHA
MHA owns and operates public housing complexes throughout Montgomery. These are apartments where the rent is set based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income. You do not choose the building or unit; MHA assigns you based on availability and family size.
To enter public housing, you must meet income limits set by the federal government. These limits change yearly and depend on family size. A single person's limit is lower than a family of four. You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, have no serious criminal history (MHA reviews case-by-case), and not have been evicted from public housing in the past.
When you explore, bring a photo ID, proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of residency in Montgomery, and Social Security numbers for everyone in your household. MHA will place you on a waiting list. Wait times vary; some lists are open, others are closed when they grow too long. Call MHA to ask whether the public housing list is currently accepting new names.
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
A Housing Choice Voucher is a document that lets you rent from any private landlord in Montgomery who accepts vouchers. The voucher covers a portion of your rent — the amount depends on your income and the local rent standard — and you pay the rest. You choose the apartment and landlord; MHA does not assign you.
Income limits for vouchers are the same as for public housing and are set federally. You must meet the same citizenship and background requirements. The main difference is that you have more control over where you live, and rent is often lower than market rate because the voucher covers the gap.
The voucher waiting list in Montgomery is typically very long — sometimes years. When a voucher becomes available, MHA contacts you in the order you applied. Once you receive a voucher, you have a set time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find an apartment. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and MHA must inspect the unit and approve the lease before the voucher takes effect.
how the process works to MHA programs
You must explore in person at the Montgomery Housing Authority office or by mail. There is no online process for public housing or vouchers. Bring or mail the documents listed above: photo ID, proof of income, proof of residency, and Social Security numbers for all household members.
When you explore, MHA will verify your information and tell you whether you meet the basic requirements. If you do, you are added to the waiting list for the program you chose. MHA will give you a confirmation letter with your process number. Keep this letter; you will need it if you call to check your status.
After you explore, contact MHA periodically to confirm you are still on the list. If your address or phone number changes, notify MHA when ready so they can reach you when a unit or voucher becomes available. Some people wait years; others wait months. It depends on how many people are ahead of you and how quickly units or vouchers open up.
Emergency rental and utility information through MHA
MHA does not always run emergency rental information directly, but it refers people to programs that do. These programs pay landlords or utility companies on your behalf if you are behind on rent or utilities due to a recent hardship — job loss, illness, eviction notice, or utility shutoff.
Emergency programs have different rules than public housing or vouchers. They usually require proof of the hardship (a termination letter, medical bill, or eviction notice), a signed lease, and proof that you live in Montgomery. Income limits are often higher than for public housing. Funds run out quickly, so programs may close and reopen throughout the year.
To find out whether an emergency program is open, call MHA and ask for a referral, or contact the City of Montgomery's Community Development office. MHA staff can tell you which program is currently accepting new people and what documents you need. Do not wait until you are evicted; explore as soon as you fall behind, because approval takes time.
Income limits and rent calculations
Both public housing and vouchers use federal income limits that change each year. MHA publishes these limits on its website or can tell you over the phone. Limits are based on the area median income (AMI) for Montgomery and are set at 50 percent of AMI for public housing and 80 percent of AMI for vouchers, though some vouchers go to people below 50 percent AMI.
In public housing, your rent is 30 percent of your gross monthly income, or the minimum rent set by MHA (usually $50 to $100), whichever is higher. If your income drops, your rent drops. If your income rises, your rent rises. MHA recertifies your income yearly and adjusts your rent accordingly.
With a voucher, the calculation is more complex. The voucher covers the difference between the rent and your share (usually 30 percent of income). If the apartment rent is higher than the voucher amount, you pay the difference. If the rent is lower, you pay less. The voucher amount is based on the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for Montgomery, which MHA sets each year.
What documents you need
| Document Type | What Counts | Why MHA Needs It |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID | Driver's license, state ID, passport | Confirms your identity |
| Proof of Income | Recent pay stubs, tax returns, employer letter, Social Security statement | Determines whether you meet income limits and sets your rent |
| Proof of Residency | Utility bill, lease, mail from a government agency | Confirms you live in Montgomery |
| Social Security Numbers | SSN for every person in your household | Used for background checks and income verification |
| Citizenship/Immigration Status | Birth certificate, naturalization papers, green card, or may be able to access visa | Federal law requires proof of may be able to access status |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a voucher or public housing?
Wait times vary widely. Public housing lists may have 500 to 2,000 people ahead of you; voucher lists are often longer. Some people wait one to two years, others wait five or more. MHA can tell you the current average wait time when you explore. You can call periodically to check your position on the list.
What if I have a criminal record?
MHA reviews criminal history case-by-case. Certain felonies — drug manufacturing, violent crimes, or sex offenses — may disqualify you permanently. Other convictions may not. Contact MHA to discuss your specific situation before you explore; they can tell you whether you are likely to be denied.
Can I explore if I am not a U.S. citizen?
You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. Green card holders and some visa holders may have access to. Undocumented immigrants do not. Bring your citizenship or immigration documents when you explore so MHA can verify your status.
What happens if my income goes up after I move into public housing?
MHA recertifies your income every year. If your income rises above the program limit, you may be asked to leave or your rent will increase significantly. Some programs allow you to stay but charge market rent. Ask MHA about their income recertification policy when you explore.
Can I use a voucher to rent anywhere in Montgomery?
You can rent from any private landlord who accepts vouchers. Not all landlords do. Once you receive a voucher, MHA gives you a list of Fair Market Rent limits by neighborhood. You can rent anywhere within those limits, but the landlord must agree and the unit must pass MHA inspection.