The program waitlist is open for the first time since 2021—but only for a few days. Here are the FAQs about HCVs.
The Housing Choice Voucher program wait list is open for applications until October 20, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. Scroll down for eligibility requirements.
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, formerly known as Section 8, helps low-income families and individuals get safe housing by providing them an income-based subsidy to rent in the private market.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) oversees the HCV program. It administers federal aid to public housing agencies (PHAs) that manage housing for low-income residents. In Georgia’s case, HUD distributes the Housing Choice Voucher funds through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for 149 counties in the state. (Clayton, Cobb, Fulton, DeKalb, Muscogee, Bibb, Glynn, Chatham, Sumter, and Richmond each have their own HCV authorities.)
With a Housing Choice Voucher, the tenant pays 30 percent of their income toward rent and utilities while the landlord receives assistance payments directly from the program. The initial term of the lease must be at least one year, and the tenant is responsible for their own security deposit, the amount of which can vary. (In DeKalb County, it cannot exceed a month’s rent.) In exchange, landlords that have chosen to rent to HCV recipients must provide adequate housing to eligible participants. They must comply with the Fair Housing Act, lease terms, and the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract. This contract is an agreement between the public housing agency and the owner of the unit where the HCV participant will live (aka the landlord). As a benefit, HCVs guarantee a landlord income every month.
In Georgia, landlords are not legally required to accept HCV vouchers or other rent subsidies. The City of Atlanta passed an ordinance in 2020 to prevent discrimination based on income level; however, it remains unenforceable due to state law.
In Georgia, landlords are not legally required to accept HCV vouchers or other rent subsidies. The City of Atlanta passed an ordinance in 2020 to prevent discrimination based on income level; however, it remains unenforceable due to state law.
FAQs | tenants
FAQs | landlords
Resources:
Applying for the Housing Choice Voucher Program
More information from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs:
— Waiting List Openings
— Applicant Information
— Participant Information