In Atlanta, low-income residents can qualify for affordable housing under a government-run program known as Section 8. Those interested in applying for the program can follow the requirements to determine their eligibility. Landlords with rental properties in Atlanta can also decide whether they want to accept Section 8 vouchers for these properties.
Understanding the Atlanta Section 8 Housing Program
The Georgia Housing Choice Voucher Program is the official name for what most people refer to as Section 8. This program provides assistance to low-income residents throughout the state to help pay for housing costs. Most of the vouchers are funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), a federal government agency, but each state is responsible for managing the program and distributing funds.
Only families in serious financial need, disabled individuals, and the elderly are eligible for the program. The main eligibility factor is income, and each city in Georgia has its own limits, which are split into three categories: extra low income, very low income, and low income. In Atlanta, the 2018 limit fell between $15,750 and $41,900 for an individual. The low-income bracket for a family of four capped at $59,850. Additionally, applicants to the program must be citizens or eligible immigrants, pass a screening process, and have no criminal history.
Regulations in Atlanta
As is the case in many cities throughout the U.S., the Atlanta Section 8 housing program is in high demand. Currently, the city of Atlanta operates one of its programs under the name of Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab) and only allows eligible applicants to live in specified units. This program allows residents to live in one of of four project-based facilities, which means that all assistance provided remains with the property.
The Atlanta Housing Authority (AHA) administers housing vouchers to those who want to live outside of the four project-based facilities operated under the Mod Rehab program. The AHA only accepts applications during certain times and places all eligible applicants on a waitlist. A random lottery system selects individuals from the waitlist, although the list for a Section 8 voucher in Atlanta has over 30,000 people waiting to receive their vouchers.
How To Find Section 8 Apartments Atlanta
After receiving a voucher, those in the Section 8 program can start looking for apartments that qualify under the regulations. Apartments, condominiums, and single-family houses are eligible, but all units must offer at least a 12-month lease and undergo an inspection by a representative of the program. Voucher recipients must comply with the terms of the lease and pay their portion of the rent on time to continue receiving assistance.
Within three months of the end of the lease, a representative will perform another inspection to make sure that the unit still measures up to all program requirements and meet with the renter to confirm they are still eligible for assistance. With a housing voucher, the recipient can choose where they want to live, and the subsidized portion of the rent is paid directly to the landlord by the government agency. The most comprehensive listing of Section 8 rentals in Atlanta is operated by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Landlords can also post their listings on this site to find renters.
The cost of housing in Atlanta can make it difficult for low-income families to afford their basic living expenses. The Section 8 program helps those who are unable to pay their rent, potentially reducing homelessness and other issues that come with higher costs of living.
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