Section 8 / Assisted Housing
Housing Choice Voucher wait list is closed. All other wait lists are open.
Section 8 is a highly popular rental assistance program that provides affordable housing for low-income families while paying housing subsidies directly to participating landlords. The Housing Choice Voucher Program gives low-income families options; the most important being the freedom to rent a house, duplex, trailer, or an apartment anywhere within the Columbus city limits where the landlord will accept Section 8 subsidy. Although the lease agreement is between the resident and their landlord, HACG subsidizes the resident's rent payments. Therefore, a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract exists between HACG and the landlord. The Section 8 Program provides the landlord with guaranteed rent as long as the landlord is in compliance with their HAP contract and the resident is in the unit. For example, if the rent for a three-bedroom house is determined to be $550 per month and the client's payment (based on their income) calculates to be $75 per month, then HACG pays the difference of $475 per month directly to the landlord.
Who Qualifies for Section 8?
Qualifying for the Section 8 Program is easier than many people realize. First, an individual or family must earn equal to or less than the following by family size:
Household Size / Income Limits
- 1 - $24,700
- 2 - $28,200
- 3 - $31,750
- 4 - $32,250
- 5 - $38,100
- 6 - $40,900
- 7 - $43,750
- 8 - $46,550
What is an HQS Inspection?
Housing Quality Standards (HQS) have been set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in an effort to improve the quality of assisted housing nationally. Prior to a unit being accepted for Section 8 subsidy, it must pass an inspection that consists of HQS and City codes.
Click/tap here to download and view inspection guidelines.
Portability
Please be aware that HACG is a Moving-To-Work agency, that limits ports in and out of Columbus to Verifiable employment and/or disability reasons.
Once you have been approved by your PHA to transfer to The Housing Authority of Columbus, GA, all paperwork should be sent either by mail, fax, or email:
Mailing Address
The Housing Authority of Columbus, Georgia
Attn: Portability
1146 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Columbus, GA 31906
Fax
Attn: Section 8 Vouchers/Portability
Fax: (706) 571-2848
Have Questions About the Housing Choice Voucher Program?
No worries. We've pulled together some information that'll be super helpful as you consider this program to assist with your housing needs.
See Details