Listed below are the general steps a applicant goes through to obtain housing from a local public housing agency. The process is generally the same through each housing authority. Some procedures might be different from authority to authority. 

1. Applications are taken during regular working hours at the general office of the Public Housing Authority, Monday through Friday.

2. To apply applicants must: 

• Be 19 years of age or older

• Bring Social Security cards, birth certificates and picture identification on adults

• Bring marriage certification or divorce decree

• Bring child custody papers

3. Eligibility is determined by: 

• Criminal background check through local police or FBI

• Former landlord reference

• Credit history

• Verification of Income

4. Rent is based on Adjusted Income or flat rent

5. Allowances are deducted from gross income for: 

• Dependents

• Full-time students over the age of 18

• Child care expense when parents are working

• Ongoing medical expenses for Disabled/Handicapped/Elderly that are paid out of pocket

6. There is normally a 2 to 4 week waiting period for verifications to be returned to the Housing Authority

7. Security deposits and pro-rata rent are due upon move in

8. Utility service must be acquired by the resident in their name

9. Public Housing Authorities in Alabama strive to promote adequate and affordable housing in a suitable living environment without discrimination. Contact your local public housing authority for further information.

Contact Information

If you need to contact someone regarding applying for housing you may locate the Housing Authority nearest you by going to the Housing Authority Listing.