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Frequently Asked Questions about the Athens Housing Authority for customers, applicants, agency personnel, and other interested parties.
General Information
What does the Athens Housing Authority do in the community?
First and foremost, we understand affordable housing needs in the community. We ensure affordable housing in the following different ways:
- Administer and manage 1,155 rental housing units in 11 different neighborhoods and in sites around the community.
- Build and sell houses through the Act I Homes program. We've made homeownership affordable for many families in Athens-Clarke County through this program.
- Provide multi-family housing revenue bonds in order for developers to create affordable rental housing.
- Finance housing revenue bonds in order for the University of Georgia Real Estate Foundation to build additional residence life halls and auxiliary facilities on campus.
- Assist with long-term housing planning for Athens-Clarke County.
In addition, we provide Athens-Clarke County with a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) each year. Our PILOT payment ranges from $90,000 to $95,000 annually. This payment assists Athens-Clarke County with providing service to all residents.
Application Information
Who can apply for housing?
Families who earn 80 percent
or less than the median income (see chart on Applying/Rental Information
page) for Athens-Clarke County may apply for housing. As a general rule,
this means individuals or families earning minimum wage to those earning
$14 or $15 per hour (depending on family size).
Rents are based on 30% of a family's annual adjusted gross income and family composition; therefore, every family's rent is just a little different. An Admissions and Occupancy Office staff member will calculate a family's rent.
How do I apply for an apartment with the Athens Housing Authority?
You must first complete an Eligibility Application in the following
manner:
- pick up an application at our office located at 300 S. Rocksprings St., Athens GA 30606; or
- download the Eligibility Application located in this website under the Application/Rental Information section.
Once your application is completed, you may telephone the Admissions and Occupancy Office to schedule an appointment to meet with an Admissions Counselor for an interview. At that time, you will need to bring the following information:
- Picture ID
- Birth certificates for each household member
- Social Security cards or proof of legal U.S. status for each household member
- Proof of household income (paycheck stub, SS/SSI verification letter)
- Proof of all household assets (bank statements, real estate deeds, etc.)
During your interview, you will be asked to sign an agreement for granting
us permission to conduct a credit and police background check.
Why do you conduct the credit and police background checks?
The Athens Housing Authority wants to lease to families who will take
care of their apartments and neighborhoods. Therefore, our selection
criteria include evaluating previous rental history and previous criminal
records concerning violent and drug-related criminal activity.
Is there a waiting list for housing?
There is
a waiting list of approximately 200 - 275 families at any given
time. Each month, we house approximately 25 - 30 families. The waiting
time for an apartment will vary for each family depending on the availability
of the proper sized housing unit needed for each family.
When I've been accepted for housing, what do I do?
An Admissions Counselor will call you to let you know about apartment
availability. You will need to have a $200 security deposit and the first
month's rent when your lease is signed. These should be paid by check
or money order. The Occupancy Office staff will review the terms of your
lease with you including expectations for the interior and exterior care
of your housing unit.
Certain types of pets are allowed in accordance with our lease. However, there are weight and size restrictions and pets must be licensed and under the care of a veterinarian. In addition, certain types of pets or breeds are not allowed (see the Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) available in the Housing Management Department). There is also a nonrefundable pet registration fee ($75) and a pet deposit ($200 non-elderly; $100 elderly).
Programs for Residents
What types of services does the Athens Housing Authority provide
to residents?
We offer a variety of programs from social events to youth activities
to counseling and referral services. Call the Resident Support Department
at 425-5391 for information.
Questions About Section 8
Can I apply for Section Housing 8 at the Athens Housing Authority?
Although many housing authorities manage the Section 8 Program, the Athens Housing Authority does not . Any questions regarding Section 8 Housing or Section 8 Vouchers must be made through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs - Rental Assistance Division - Athens Regional Office at (706) 369-5636.
What if I have property to put in the Section 8 program?
Again, contact the Georgia Department of Community Affairs at (706) 369-5636.
Homeownership Opportunities
The Athens Housing Authority is building houses? How do I buy one?
Under the Act I Homes program, the Athens Housing Authority is building homes for families in the affordable housing price range for the community. Find ACT I Homes Information on the Homeownership page. Families must meet income criteria, have down payment funds available, and must be able to obtain a mortgage from a lender.
Employment
How can I apply for a job at the Athens Housing Authority?
When a position is available at the Athens Housing Authority, it is advertised in the Athens-Banner Herald. Information regarding application procedures will be included in the advertisement. In addition, certain positions may be advertised in national housing organization periodicals and other publications. Resumes and applications are specific to the announced position, and therefore, are not held for future consideration.
Does the Athens Housing Authority employ residents?
Yes, the Athens Housing Authority can and does employ residents based on qualifications for available openings. Some residents have been employed full-time and others have been employed in half-time, temporary, or contractual positions. However, all applications, whether an individual is a resident or not, are reviewed carefully to ascertain the person's qualifications meet the employment criteria for the position.