Based on Income Apartments in Atlanta: How They Work and Where to Start

Finding an affordable place to live in Atlanta can be challenging, especially as rents climb in many neighborhoods. “Based on income” apartments—also called income-restricted, income-based, or affordable housing—are designed to keep rent manageable for households with low to moderate incomes.

If you live in Atlanta, are planning to move here, or are helping someone navigate Atlanta’s rental market, this guide walks through how income-based apartments work locally, who qualifies, key programs, and how to apply.

What Does “Based on Income Apartments” Mean in Atlanta?

In Atlanta, based on income apartments generally fall into three main categories:

1. Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
   Managed or overseen by the Atlanta Housing authority.
   Rent is often directly tied to your income (for example, a percentage of your monthly income).

2. Income-Restricted / Tax Credit Apartments (LIHTC)
   Privately owned apartment communities that agree to keep rents affordable for households under certain income limits, often using federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) rules.

3. Mixed-Income and Workforce Housing
   Newer developments (often in places like Midtown, Westside, or along the BeltLine) that include a mix of market-rate units and units restricted to people under a certain income.

All of these are meant to keep housing costs reasonable for Atlantans who could otherwise be priced out.

Key Income Concepts You’ll See in Atlanta

When you search for based on income apartments in Atlanta, you’ll see a few common terms:

Area Median Income (AMI)

Most programs in Atlanta use Area Median Income (AMI) for the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell metro area. Income limits are usually expressed as a percentage of AMI.

You’ll see listings like:

• “Affordable units at 60% AMI”
• “Workforce housing at 80% AMI”
• “Must earn below 50% AMI”

Household Size

Income limits vary by how many people live in your household—one person vs. a family of four will have different cutoffs. Always check the chart for your household size when you apply.

Gross Annual Income

Most programs look at your gross income (before taxes) from:

• Wages and salaries
• Tips, bonuses, and commissions
• Self-employment income
• Some benefits (like Social Security, disability, pensions)
• Child support or alimony, if applicable

Main Types of Income-Based Apartments in Atlanta

1. Public Housing (Owned/Managed by Atlanta Housing)

Public housing consists of apartment communities owned or overseen by Atlanta Housing (AH). These units are reserved for low-income residents.

How rent works:
Rent is usually based on a percentage of your monthly income, often around 30% of your adjusted household income, with utilities sometimes factored in.

Typical features:

• Set income limits and screening requirements
• Background and rental history review
• Long waiting lists for some properties
• Priority preferences may apply (for example, local residents, seniors, people with disabilities)

Where to get information or apply:

Atlanta Housing – Main Office

• Address: 230 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Phone: (404) 892-4700

Most applications are handled online or through specific waitlist openings announced by Atlanta Housing.

2. Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) in Atlanta

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV), often called Section 8, helps eligible low-income households pay rent in privately owned apartments across Atlanta.

How it works:

• You apply for a voucher through Atlanta Housing.
• If approved and when your name comes off the waiting list, you receive a voucher.
• You find a landlord in Atlanta who accepts Housing Choice Vouchers.
• You pay a portion of the rent (based on your income); the voucher covers the rest up to a certain limit.

Important notes:

• The waitlist is not always open. It opens periodically and can fill quickly.
• You must pass income, background, and eligibility checks.
• The unit you choose has to meet inspection and rent reasonableness standards.

Contact for vouchers:

Atlanta Housing – Housing Choice Voucher Program

• Main Office: 230 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• General Phone: (404) 892-4700

3. LIHTC / Tax Credit Apartments (Income-Restricted Communities)

Many “based on income” apartments in Atlanta are Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties. These are privately owned complexes that agree to keep rents below market for households under a set income level.

How rent is set:

• Rents are not always a straight percentage of your income.
• Instead, they are capped based on AMI (like 30%, 50%, 60%, or 80% AMI), so you get lower rent compared to typical market-rate units in the same area.

You’ll find these properties across Atlanta, including areas like:

• Southwest Atlanta (Campbellton Road, Cascade, Greenbriar)
• Westside (Bankhead, Vine City)
• East Atlanta and Edgewood
• Buckhead and Midtown (usually “workforce” or mixed-income buildings)

What to expect when applying:

• You apply directly with the property’s leasing office.
• They will verify income, assets, and household size.
• They enforce maximum income limits—if you earn above a threshold, you may not qualify.
• Some properties also have minimum income requirements (for example, 2–2.5 times the rent) unless you have a voucher.

4. Mixed-Income & Workforce Housing in Atlanta

Atlanta has invested heavily in mixed-income and workforce housing projects, especially near:

• The Atlanta BeltLine
• The Mercedes-Benz Stadium / Westside
• Midtown transit corridors
• Areas around MARTA rail stations

These developments often include:

• Market-rate units
• Income-restricted units at 60%–80% AMI
• Sometimes special set-asides for teachers, public employees, or local workers

Who these help:

• People who earn too much for traditional low-income housing but still struggle with high rents—such as nurses, teachers, service workers, city employees, and early-career professionals.

Who Qualifies for Based on Income Apartments in Atlanta?

Qualification depends on the specific program and property, but common factors include:

1. Income Level

You generally must be below a certain AMI percentage, such as:

*Exact limits change over time and vary by household size. Always check current income charts when you apply.

2. Household Composition

Properties will ask:

• How many people live with you
• Relationship between household members
• Whether children, seniors, or people with disabilities are in the household

Bedrooms are often matched to household size, following occupancy guidelines.

3. Background & Rental History

Most Atlanta properties will review:

• Previous evictions
• Rental or landlord references
• Criminal background, especially recent serious offenses
• Credit history (varies by property and program)

Public housing and voucher programs may have slightly different standards than private LIHTC communities.

How to Find Based on Income Apartments in Atlanta

1. Start with Atlanta Housing

If you’re looking for public housing or Housing Choice Vouchers:

• Call or visit Atlanta Housing for current programs and waitlist status.

Atlanta Housing

• Address: 230 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Phone: (404) 892-4700

Ask about:

• Open or upcoming waitlists
• Specific developments that match your needs (family, senior, disability-friendly)
• How to create an online account to track your application status

2. Search for Income-Restricted / Tax Credit Apartments

Many LIHTC and income-restricted communities advertise that they are:

• “Tax credit community”
• “Income-restricted apartments”
• “Affordable housing, based on income”

You can:

• Call leasing offices and ask directly:
  • “Do you have income-restricted or tax credit units?”
  • “What are your income limits and current availability?”
• Ask if they accept Housing Choice Vouchers if you are on that program.

3. Check with the City of Atlanta & Fulton County Resources

The City of Atlanta and Fulton County sometimes share lists or maps of affordable housing developments.

Local offices to be aware of:

City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development

• Address: 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Main City Line: (404) 330-6000 (ask to be directed to housing/affordable housing resources)

Fulton County Housing and Community Development

• Address: 137 Peachtree St SW, Suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Phone: (404) 612-7944

These offices can provide guidance on:

• Affordable housing initiatives in specific neighborhoods
• Down-payment or rental assistance programs that may complement income-based housing

4. Connect with Local Nonprofits and Housing Counselors

Several nonprofit groups in Atlanta help residents navigate affordable housing options, applications, and waitlists. While names and programs change, you can:

• Call United Way of Greater Atlanta – 2-1-1
  • Dial 2-1-1 from most phones in the metro area
  • Ask for “affordable housing resources” or “income-based housing”
• Ask for referrals to housing counseling agencies that can assist with forms, documentation, and search strategies

Step-by-Step: Applying for Income-Based Apartments in Atlanta

Here’s a simple roadmap to make the process easier:

Step 1: Gather Your Documents 📁

Commonly requested items include:

• Government-issued photo ID (for adults)
• Social Security cards or numbers for household members
• Birth certificates for children (sometimes requested)
• Proof of income for the last 1–3 months:
  • Pay stubs
  • Award letters for Social Security, SSI, pensions, or unemployment
  • Documentation of child support or alimony
• Recent tax returns (especially for self-employed applicants)
• Current lease or letter from your landlord (if applicable)

Keep copies organized in a folder so you’re ready when a unit or waitlist opens.

Step 2: Check Current Income Limits

Before applying, ask:

• “What is the maximum income for my household size?”
• “Are there any minimum income or other financial requirements?”

This prevents you from spending time on places that can’t approve you.

Step 3: Apply to Multiple Properties and Programs

Because waitlists in Atlanta can be long, it’s smart to:

• Apply to several LIHTC and income-restricted properties
• Get on applicable public housing or voucher waitlists when they are open
• Explore workforce housing near your job or along MARTA lines

Keep a simple log of:

• Property names
• Contact info
• Date applied
• Application or confirmation numbers

Step 4: Respond Quickly to Requests

Once you’re on a waitlist or under review:

• Return calls and emails as soon as possible
• Provide requested documents promptly
• Keep your phone number, email, and mailing address updated with every property and agency

Missed messages can lead to losing your spot on a list.

Step 5: Prepare for Inspections and Move-In

If you’re using a voucher:

• The unit must pass an inspection before move-in.
• Work with the landlord and your housing specialist to schedule this quickly.

For all income-based units:

• Be ready to pay security deposit and any application fees, if applicable.
• Carefully read your lease, especially rules about guests, income reporting, and recertification.

Recertification and Keeping Your Based on Income Apartment

Once you’re in an income-based unit in Atlanta, there are ongoing responsibilities.

Annual (or Periodic) Recertification

Most programs require you to update your income and household information every year, or sometimes more often.

• If your income goes up, your rent may increase slightly or you could eventually no longer qualify for that specific unit.
• If your income goes down, inform the property or housing authority. Sometimes your rent can be adjusted.

Reporting Changes

You are usually required to report major changes, such as:

• Someone moving in or out of your household
• Losing a job or getting a new one
• Significant new income (like starting Social Security or unemployment)

Failing to report changes can cause problems, including repayment of assistance or losing your housing assistance.

Tips for Navigating Atlanta’s Affordable Housing Market

• Be flexible on neighborhoods. Areas like Southwest Atlanta, West Atlanta, and some parts of East Atlanta may have more affordable or income-restricted options than high-demand areas like Midtown or Inman Park.
• Use MARTA access as a factor. Being near a MARTA rail station or bus line can make it easier to live slightly farther from central Atlanta while keeping commute costs manageable.
• Ask directly about affordable units. Even in luxury-looking buildings, there may be a set number of designated affordable or workforce units that are not widely advertised.
• Stay informed about new developments. Mixed-income projects near the BeltLine, Downtown, and Westside come online periodically and may open short application windows.

When You Need Immediate Help

If you are at risk of homelessness, already homeless, or facing an emergency eviction in Atlanta, consider:

• United Way of Greater Atlanta – 2-1-1
  • Dial 2-1-1 to ask about emergency shelter, rental assistance, and rapid rehousing programs.
• Gateway Center (Downtown Atlanta) – a major hub for homelessness services
  • Address: 275 Pryor St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Phone: (404) 215-6600

These services do not replace income-based apartments, but they can be critical short-term support while you search for a stable, affordable place.

Understanding how based on income apartments work in Atlanta—from public housing and vouchers to LIHTC and workforce units—can make the search feel more manageable. With a clear picture of income limits, where to apply, and what to expect, you can plan your next steps and increase your chances of finding a stable, affordable home in the city.