Section 8 in Atlanta, GA (Fulton County): How It Works and How to Apply

Finding safe, affordable housing in Atlanta and Fulton County can be challenging. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is one of the main tools low‑income households use to help cover rent in the city and surrounding Fulton County communities.

This guide explains how Section 8 works specifically in Atlanta and Fulton County, who manages it, how to apply, and what to expect at each step.

What Is Section 8 in Atlanta and Fulton County?

Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher Program) helps eligible low‑income individuals and families pay part of their rent in privately owned housing. Instead of placing you in a specific public housing complex, you find an apartment or house, and the program pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord.

In the Atlanta–Fulton County area, Section 8 is mainly handled by:

• Atlanta Housing (AH) – for the City of Atlanta
• Housing Authority of Fulton County (HAFC) – for unincorporated Fulton County and some cities outside Atlanta’s city limits

Where you apply often depends on where you want to live: inside the Atlanta city limits or elsewhere in Fulton County (such as College Park, East Point, or other jurisdictions served by HAFC).

Key Agencies for Section 8 in Atlanta and Fulton County

Here are the main public agencies you’ll deal with for vouchers in the Atlanta area:

Atlanta Housing (AH)

Serves: Housing programs within the City of Atlanta
Commonly assists residents living or seeking housing in Atlanta neighborhoods such as Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, West End, East Atlanta, and others within city boundaries.

Typical services:

• Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) administration
• Project‑based voucher units
• Waitlist management and eligibility screening

Main office (commonly referenced location):
Atlanta Housing
230 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main phone (central switchboard numbers are widely available through official sources; check the latest information before calling).

Housing Authority of Fulton County (HAFC)

Serves: Parts of Fulton County outside the City of Atlanta that fall under HAFC’s jurisdiction.

This may include some unincorporated areas and municipalities that are not under Atlanta Housing. Coverage can be complex, so it’s common for applicants to call and confirm which authority they should use based on the exact address.

Typical activities:

• Administers Housing Choice Vouchers for its service area
• Runs its own waiting list process
• Inspects units to make sure they meet program standards

General contact info (widely available publicly):
Housing Authority of Fulton County
4273 Wendell Dr SW
Atlanta, GA 30336

Who Qualifies for Section 8 in Atlanta/Fulton County?

While details can vary slightly between Atlanta Housing and HAFC, general eligibility factors usually include:

• Income:

  • Your household income must be below certain limits for the Atlanta–Fulton area, based on household size.
  • Income limits are categorized as extremely low, very low, and low income. Section 8 mainly serves extremely low and very low income households.

• Household size and composition:

  • Your voucher size is based on the number of people in your household and reasonable bedroom needs.
  • You must list everyone who will live in the unit.

• Citizenship/eligible immigration status:

  • At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status for the household to receive assistance.

• Background checks:

  • Housing authorities may review criminal history and rental history.
  • Certain serious offenses can affect eligibility.

• Local preference policies:

  • Some programs may prioritize people who live or work in the jurisdiction, people experiencing homelessness, veterans, or other specific groups.
  • Local preferences vary between Atlanta Housing and HAFC.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Atlanta and Fulton County

1. Identify the Correct Housing Authority

First, determine where you want to live:

• If your target address is inside the City of Atlanta:

  • You will likely apply through Atlanta Housing.

• If your target address is elsewhere in Fulton County, not served by Atlanta Housing:

  • You may need to apply through the Housing Authority of Fulton County or another municipal authority.

If you are unsure:

• Call Atlanta Housing and HAFC and ask:
  • “Which housing authority serves this address: [insert exact address or ZIP in Fulton County]?”

2. Watch for Open Waiting Lists

In Atlanta, Section 8 waiting lists are not always open. Housing authorities often:

• Open the waitlist for a short window of time
• Accept online pre‑applications
• Close the list once enough applications are received

To move forward, you must:

• Submit an application or pre‑application when the list is open
• Provide accurate information about income, household members, and contact details

3. Complete the Application

When the waiting list is open, be prepared to provide:

• Full names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers (if available) for everyone in the household
• Current address, phone number, and email (keep this updated)
• Income information for all adult household members (employment, benefits, etc.)
• Details on current housing situation (such as homelessness, overcrowding, or substandard housing, if applicable)

Always keep a copy or screenshot of your submission confirmation (if possible) and write down any confirmation number.

What Happens After You Apply?

Once you apply, the process generally includes several phases:

1. Waiting List Placement

• Your name is placed on the waiting list.
• Your position may be influenced by the date/time of application and any local preferences you qualify for.
• The waiting period in the Atlanta metro area can be months or even years, depending on demand and funding availability.

2. Eligibility Screening and Documentation

When your name is reached on the list:

• The housing authority will contact you by mail, email, phone, or portal.
• You’ll be asked to provide documentation, such as:
  • IDs and Social Security cards (if available)
  • Birth certificates
  • Proof of income (pay stubs, benefit letters, etc.)
  • Asset information, if applicable

Respond quickly. If you miss deadlines or fail to update your contact info, you risk being removed from the list.

3. Briefing and Voucher Issuance

If your eligibility is confirmed:

• You’ll attend a briefing (in person or virtually) explaining:
  • How vouchers work
  • Your responsibilities as a tenant
  • Maximum rent limits and search areas
• You’ll receive a voucher specifying:
  • The number of bedrooms approved
  • The time frame you have to find a unit (often 60–90 days, sometimes extendable)

Finding a Section 8 Apartment or House in Atlanta

Once you have a voucher, you must find a willing landlord and a unit that meets program rules.

Where You Can Use the Voucher

This depends on:

• The issuing housing authority
• Portability rules
• Program policies at the time you receive your voucher

Common patterns:

• Atlanta Housing vouchers are typically used within City of Atlanta limits, with some options to “port” to other areas if approved.
• HAFC vouchers are used in HAFC’s service area in Fulton County, with similar portability rules.

Always confirm:

• Whether your voucher is tenant-based (you take it with you to a private landlord) or
• Project-based (tied to a specific property or development)

Requirements for the Unit

Your chosen unit must:

• Pass a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection
• Have a reasonable rent compared to similar units in the Atlanta market
• Not cause you to pay more than a certain percentage of your income toward rent and utilities (usually around 30% of adjusted income for the tenant portion, with limits at initial lease-up)

Typical steps:

1. Search for units where landlords accept vouchers.
2. Submit a Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) form to the housing authority, usually filled out by you and the landlord.
3. Inspection is scheduled.
4. If approved, the landlord signs a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract with the housing authority and a lease with you.

What You Pay vs. What Section 8 Pays

In general:

• You pay about 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent and basic utilities (not exact, but commonly used as a guideline).
• The housing authority pays the remaining portion directly to the landlord, up to payment standards and rent reasonableness rules.

Your share may change if:

• Your income goes up or down
• Utility responsibilities change
• Family size changes

You must report income and household changes to the housing authority promptly.

Your Responsibilities as a Section 8 Tenant in Atlanta

Both housing authorities in the Atlanta–Fulton County area expect tenants to:

• Pay your portion of the rent on time
• Maintain the unit in good condition and avoid damage beyond normal wear and tear
• Follow your lease terms and program rules
• Allow access for inspections and repairs, with proper notice
• Report changes in:
  • Income or employment
  • Number of household members
  • Contact information
  • Where you live (if you move)

Violations can lead to:

• Loss of your voucher
• Repayment obligations if overpayments occur
• Difficulties getting assistance again in the future

Landlords and Section 8 in Atlanta

Many landlords in Atlanta and Fulton County participate in the Housing Choice Voucher Program, but they are not required to in all situations.

Common landlord considerations:

• Units must pass inspection before payments start.
• Landlords sign a contract with the housing authority in addition to your lease.
• Payments from the housing authority are typically made monthly and directly to the landlord.

Landlords may appreciate:

• Reliable partial rent payments from the housing authority
• Access to a large pool of prospective tenants who have vouchers

However, they will still screen tenants using their own criteria, such as:

• Credit history
• Rental history
• Background checks, where allowed

Quick Reference: Section 8 in Atlanta & Fulton County

Practical Tips for Atlanta Residents Seeking Section 8

• Keep contact information updated.
  If you move, change your phone number, or get a new email, notify the housing authority promptly so you don’t miss critical letters or deadlines.

• Gather documents early.
  Keep a folder with:

  • IDs, Social Security cards (if available)
  • Birth certificates
  • Recent pay stubs or benefit letters
  • Past landlord contact info

• Check waitlist status regularly.
  The lists may open and close quickly—especially in a large metro like Atlanta.

• Be flexible about neighborhoods.
  You may have more success if you’re open to multiple areas within the jurisdiction where your voucher can be used, as long as they meet your needs for work, school, and transportation.

• Ask about portability.
  If you already have a voucher from another city or county and want to move to Atlanta or Fulton County, ask your current housing authority how to “port” your voucher into the new area and which agency will receive it (Atlanta Housing or HAFC).

Understanding how Section 8 works in Atlanta, GA and Fulton County is the first step toward using the Housing Choice Voucher Program effectively. If you live in the Atlanta area or plan to move here, start by identifying whether your desired address is within the City of Atlanta or another part of Fulton County, then contact the appropriate housing authority, monitor their waiting lists, and prepare your documents so you’re ready when an opportunity opens.