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Section 8 in Georgia: Housing Authorities and How to Apply

Section 8 (the Housing Choice Voucher program) is run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). You apply to the agency that serves where you want to live; many keep waiting lists that open only at times. Here are the agencies serving Georgia's largest areas, from HUD's official contact list and each agency's site.

Is it illegal for a Georgia landlord to refuse Section 8? No statewide protection. Georgia's fair housing protected classes are race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status and disability; source of income (including vouchers) is not among them. Georgia Fair Housing Act, O.C.G.A. § 8-3-200 et seq. (as summarized in DCA Landlord-Tenant Handbook, rev. 8-29-24, p. 4)

Housing authorities in Georgia

Source: HUD public housing agency contact list. Check the agency's own site before applying; waiting lists open and close.

Statewide housing agency

Georgia Department of Community Affairs (Georgia Housing and Finance Authority) — Runs the state's Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program in 149 of Georgia's 159 counties; the other 10 counties are served by local housing authorities. DCA does not charge application fees.

Help paying rent in Georgia

How to apply

  1. Find the housing authority for the city or county where you want to live (list above).
  2. Check whether its voucher waiting list is open; many open for short windows or use a lottery.
  3. Apply only through the agency's official site or office. Applying is free — no one may charge you to get on a list.
  4. Keep your contact information current with the agency so you do not lose your place.
  5. When a voucher is issued, you find a rental whose rent fits the agency's payment standard and that passes inspection.

Rent levels (HUD Fair Market Rent) and local help by county

Georgia tenant rights · Free legal help in Georgia · Section 8 in other states

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.