Atlanta Rental Assistance: How to Get Help With Rent in Atlanta, GA

Finding rental assistance in Atlanta can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re facing an eviction notice, job loss, or a sudden drop in income. The good news is that the City of Atlanta, Fulton County, DeKalb County, and a wide network of nonprofits and faith-based groups offer programs that may help with past-due rent, future rent, utilities, or housing stabilization services.

This guide walks you through how rental assistance works in Atlanta, who to contact, what to expect when you apply, and practical tips to improve your chances of getting help.

Key Types of Rental Assistance in Atlanta

In Atlanta, rental help generally falls into a few main categories:

• Emergency rental assistance (one-time or short-term help to prevent eviction)
• Ongoing rent subsidies (like Housing Choice Vouchers / Section 8)
• Utility assistance (help with electric, gas, water, or sometimes internet)
• Homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing (for people at risk or already unhoused)
• Legal and mediation services (support if you’re in eviction court)

Programs change over time, but most follow similar rules:

• You usually need to live in the Atlanta area and show financial hardship.
• You’ll almost always need proof of income, ID, and a lease or rental agreement.
• Funds are often paid directly to the landlord or utility company, not to you.

First Step: Figure Out Where You Live (City vs. County)

Rental assistance in metro Atlanta is often based on where you live:

• Inside the City of Atlanta: You may qualify for City of Atlanta programs plus county programs.
• Fulton County (outside city limits): Look at Fulton County resources.
• DeKalb County areas of Atlanta: Some Atlanta addresses fall in DeKalb; you may qualify for DeKalb services.

If you’re unsure:

• Check your lease, water bill, or property tax listing to see the city/county listed.
• Ask your landlord or property manager which city and county the property is in.

Knowing this helps you contact the right rental assistance office faster.

City of Atlanta Rental Assistance Resources

1. City of Atlanta Office of Human Services

The Office of Human Services (OHS) coordinates many of the city’s housing and emergency assistance programs through partner agencies.

• What they can help with:
  • Connecting you to emergency rent and utility assistance partners
  • Referrals to shelters, rapid rehousing, and social services
• Where: Atlanta City Hall complex and partner agencies around the city
• Tip: When you call or visit, ask specifically about rental assistance or eviction prevention programs currently available.

OHS often works through community partners such as neighborhood nonprofits, churches, and multi-service centers that process applications.

2. Atlanta Housing (Housing Authority of the City of Atlanta)

Atlanta Housing (AH) administers several programs that can help with rent over the long term.

• Main programs:

  • Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) – ongoing rent subsidy
  • Project-based vouchers in specific apartment communities
  • Some specialized programs for seniors, people with disabilities, or specific populations

• Contact information (main office):

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

• How it works:

  • You apply to a waiting list when it is open.
  • If selected, you pay a portion of your income toward rent and the program pays the rest directly to your landlord.
  • These are long-term solutions, not emergency one-time payments.

Because waiting lists can be long and not always open, this is more helpful for future stability than for an immediate crisis.

Fulton County & DeKalb County Assistance (For Atlanta Residents)

Many Atlanta residents live in Fulton or DeKalb counties. Each has its own assistance systems that can overlap with city resources.

1. Fulton County Department of Community Development

If your address is in Fulton County (inside or outside the City of Atlanta), you may be eligible for county-level help.

• What they may offer or fund:

  • Emergency rent and utility assistance
  • Homelessness prevention and relocation help
  • Funding to nonprofits that process rental assistance applications

• Administrative office (for information and referrals):

  • Address: 137 Peachtree St SW, Suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Main Fulton County line: 404-612-4000 (ask for Community Development / housing or rental assistance)

They typically do not hand out checks at the office but can direct you to partner organizations currently accepting applications.

2. DeKalb County Continuum of Care / Human Services

If your Atlanta address is in DeKalb County, different resources may apply.

• What they may offer:

  • Emergency rent and utility assistance through local partners
  • Support with shelter, rapid rehousing, and case management

• General information line (DeKalb County):

  • Main line: 404-371-2000 (ask for housing, human services, or rental assistance)

DeKalb also contracts with local nonprofits, so you’re often referred to community partners that handle screening and paperwork.

Major Nonprofit & Faith-Based Rental Assistance in Atlanta

Several well-known community organizations help Atlanta residents with rent, utilities, and basic needs. Availability changes as funding opens and closes, so it’s smart to call ahead.

1. United Way of Greater Atlanta – 2-1-1

United Way 2-1-1 is a central referral line for many rental and utility assistance programs.

• What it does:

  • Connects you to agencies currently offering rent help
  • Helps you find eviction prevention, shelters, food, and utility programs

• How to contact:

  • Dial 2-1-1 from most phones in the Atlanta area
  • Alternate phone (if 2-1-1 doesn’t work): 404-614-1000 (ask for 2-1-1)
  • Available 24/7 in most cases

This is often the fastest way to learn which local nonprofits still have funding available near your zip code.

2. Salvation Army Metro Atlanta

The Salvation Army runs multiple centers in the Atlanta area and frequently offers emergency financial assistance.

• Types of help (varies by location and funding):

  • One-time rent assistance to prevent eviction
  • Utility bill help
  • Shelters and transitional housing
  • Case management and referrals

• Example locations serving Atlanta:

  • Atlanta Temple Corps – 2090 N Druid Hills Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
  • Red Shield Services – 400 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  • General information line (Atlanta area): 404-486-2700

You’ll usually need:

• ID and Social Security card (if available)
• Copy of your lease
• Eviction notice or past-due notice (if applicable)
• Proof of income or job loss

3. Catholic Charities Atlanta

Catholic Charities Atlanta serves people of all faiths and often offers short-term rental or utility assistance, especially for families and individuals in crisis.

• Office (administrative):
  • Address: 2401 Lake Park Dr SE, Smyrna, GA 30080 (serves the Atlanta region)
  • Phone: 404-920-7777 (general line; ask about emergency assistance)

Funds are limited and typically reserved for urgent situations, such as people with an active eviction notice or those fleeing unsafe conditions.

4. St. Vincent de Paul Georgia

St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) operates through local parish conferences and a central office, providing rent and utility assistance as funding allows.

• Main Georgia office:
  • Address: 2050 Chamblee Tucker Rd, Atlanta, GA 30341
  • Phone: 678-892-6160 (general assistance line)

How it usually works:

• You call and leave a message or speak with an intake worker.
• A volunteer caseworker from your area contacts you if funds are available.
• They may help with part of the rent and sometimes coordinate with other agencies to cover the rest.

5. Other Community Ministries & Neighborhood Nonprofits

Many Atlanta churches, mosques, synagogues, and community centers offer occasional rental help, especially in neighborhoods like West End, Southwest Atlanta, Old Fourth Ward, and South Atlanta.

United Way’s 2-1-1 line and county human services offices can usually point you to:

• Neighborhood-based ministries
• Community development corporations (CDCs)
• Family support centers that know the smaller, local funds that aren’t widely advertised

Atlanta Rental Assistance: What You Typically Need to Apply

Most rental assistance programs in Atlanta ask for similar documentation. Having these ready can speed things up:

Common documents:

• Photo ID (Georgia ID, driver’s license, passport, or other accepted ID)
• Social Security card or number (for you and sometimes household members)
• Proof of address (lease, rent receipt, or landlord letter)
• Rental agreement or lease with your name on it
• Proof of income for the last 30–60 days (pay stubs, benefit letters, unemployment)
• Proof of hardship:
  • Layoff or reduced hours letter
  • Medical bills
  • Proof of domestic violence or safety concerns (if applicable)
• Eviction notice or past-due rent notice, if you have one
• Utility bills if you’re seeking utility assistance too

Keep everything in a folder or envelope so you can bring it to multiple agencies if needed.

Understanding Eviction & Tenant Protections in Atlanta

Rental assistance is closely tied to eviction timelines. In Atlanta, eviction cases move through the Fulton County or DeKalb County courts, depending on where you live.

Eviction Basics in Atlanta

• Your landlord typically must give you a demand for payment (often in writing).
• If you don’t pay, the landlord can file a dispossessory action (eviction case) in court.
• You’ll receive court papers and a deadline to file an answer.
• If you lose the case, the court may issue a writ of possession, giving the landlord permission to remove you after a certain time.

Because timelines can be short, it is important to:

• Contact rental assistance agencies as soon as you know you’re behind.
• Attend all court dates.
• Consider reaching out for legal help.

Legal Assistance & Tenant Support in Atlanta

If you’ve received an eviction notice or court papers, legal support can make a big difference.

1. Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF)

AVLF focuses on tenant-landlord issues in Atlanta and may be able to help:

• Services may include:

  • Advice on eviction court
  • Help negotiating with landlords
  • Assistance addressing unsafe housing conditions

• Contact:

  • Address: 54 Ellis St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Phone: 404-521-0790

2. Atlanta Legal Aid Society

Atlanta Legal Aid offers free or low-cost legal help to eligible low-income residents.

• Types of help:

  • Eviction defense
  • Advice on public benefits, disability, and related issues
  • Sometimes assistance connecting to rental programs related to your case

• Atlanta office (Fulton County service area):

  • Address: 54 Ellis St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Main phone: 404-524-5811

You can call to see if you qualify based on income and case type.

3. Tenant Organizing & Information

Atlanta has tenant groups and housing advocacy organizations that:

• Provide tenant rights education
• Help you understand what landlords can and cannot do
• Sometimes help tenants organize to address building-wide issues

For many renters, 2-1-1, legal aid, and community centers can refer you to local tenant groups active in your neighborhood.

Utility Assistance in Atlanta

Many renters in Atlanta also struggle with utility bills, and falling behind can lead to both shut-offs and eviction pressure. Several programs can help:

1. LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)

LIHEAP helps low-income households with heating and cooling bills.

• Administered in the Atlanta region through local community action agencies
• Assistance is usually seasonal (winter heating and summer cooling support)
• You’ll likely need:
  • ID and Social Security numbers
  • Proof of income
  • Recent utility bill

To find the right LIHEAP office for your Atlanta address, call:

• United Way 2-1-1 or
• Ask your county human services office where to apply.

2. Utility Company Hardship & Payment Plans

Major utility providers in Atlanta (such as Georgia Power and the local water departments) often have:

• Payment arrangement plans
• Hardship or senior/disabled discounts (in some cases)
• Partnerships with nonprofits for crisis funding

If you’re behind:

• Call your utility company directly as soon as possible.
• Explain your situation and ask about “payment assistance programs” or “payment plans.”
• Get the name of the program they mention so you can reference it when contacting community agencies.

Quick Comparison: Where to Start for Atlanta Rent Help

Here’s a simple overview to help you decide who to contact first:

Practical Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting Help

💡 Act quickly.
The earlier you contact agencies—ideally before your eviction court date—the more options you’re likely to have.

💡 Call multiple agencies.
Funding opens and closes frequently. It’s common for people in Atlanta to:

• Call 2-1-1
• Follow up with two or three local nonprofits
• Check in with county human services

💡 Be organized.
Have your ID, lease, bills, and income proof ready. Programs often help the first applicants who complete their paperwork correctly.

💡 Be honest about your situation.
Explain clearly:

• Why you fell behind
• How you plan to stay current going forward (new job, reduced expenses, help from family, etc.) Some programs prioritize people who show a reasonable plan to remain housed.

💡 Ask about additional services.
Along with rent, ask if they can help with:

• Utilities
• Food assistance
• Transportation passes
• Job search or training referrals

These supports can make it easier to stay current on your rent afterward.

If You’re New to Atlanta or Considering Moving Here

If you’re planning to rent in Atlanta or have recently arrived:

• Research average rents in neighborhoods you’re considering.
• Ask potential landlords about:
  • Income requirements (many require 2.5–3 times the rent)
  • Fees (application, admin, parking, utilities)
• Consider contacting:
  • Atlanta Housing to learn about voucher programs and waitlists
  • Local community centers in your neighborhood for information on tenant rights and resources

Planning ahead can reduce the chance that you’ll need emergency assistance later.

For anyone living in Atlanta and struggling with rent, you are not alone. The city, counties, and a wide network of community organizations regularly work with residents facing exactly these challenges. Your best move is to start with 2-1-1, your county human services office, or a major nonprofit, gather your documents, and keep reaching out until you connect with a program that fits your situation.