A Georgia Section 8 housing list is a resource that may help you find a place to rent once you are approved for a housing choice voucher. Certain public housing agencies (PHAs) distribute their own Section 8 listings, while other agencies simply provide resources that can be used during your search. Regardless of whether or not your local PHA provides resources, it is your responsibility to find a suitable place to rent.

It can be hard to find low income apartments for rent in Georgia if you do not know where to begin. However, many free online resources are dedicated to helping you find a rental unit that accepts Section 8 vouchers. Moreover, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) itself provides various resources. Read below to learn more about finding Section 8 approved housing for rent in Georgia, and discover what you need to know before selecting a unit to move into.

What is an approved Section 8 housing list in Georgia?

At any given time, there are various homes for rent that accept Section 8 in Georgia. However, it may be challenging to narrow down your search. Luckily, certain PHAs provide an official Section 8 housing list that can help point you in the right direction.

Whenever a PHA issues Section 8 rental listings, the apartments and homes on that list will have been pre-screened. This means that these units will likely meet the PHA requirements already.

On the other hand, unofficial lists can include a wide range of properties, some of which may not comply with the housing authority’s health and safety standards or other requirements. This can make your search more difficult.

An approved Section 8 housing list can take a variety of forms. Sometimes, PHAs will publish a link on their website that directs you to an approved resource for finding apartments. Other times, a PHA will maintain its own up-to-date list of available units.

Because each housing authority is independently run, they do not all use the same housing list. However, many PHAs will direct you to an official portal that is administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA).

Note: As a Section 8 participant, you have the freedom to rent any acceptable unit on the open market. You are not required to use your voucher in a public housing project. Keep in mind that some PHAs issue project-based assistance in addition to housing choice vouchers. Project-based vouchers, unlike Section 8 vouchers, are only accepted in public housing projects.

Other Ways to Find Section 8 Listings in Georgia

There are many unofficial apartment for rent apps that you can use to find housing as well. Regardless of whether your PHA issues an official housing list, these third-party smartphone apps and websites can be useful resources during your search.

Keep in mind that low income apartments for rent in Georgia can be found through many different online search engines. Therefore, you are not required to stick with one particular resource that posts listings for low-rent properties.

When using third-party search engines, be aware that they may also list units that do not accept Section 8. As such, make sure to read the policies before applying for each unit.

Not all apartments for rent that accept Section 8 will be advertised online. Certain landlords still prefer to list their apartments and homes through more traditional media, such as newspaper ads. Thus, in order to broaden your search, consider looking for ads in a variety of places.

Quality Standards for Section 8 Approved Housing in Georgia

Regardless of whether or not you are searching for a home through official Section 8 rental listings, the unit you rent must ultimately meet the PHA’s requirements. Be mindful that a unit will not necessarily meet the requirements just because it is advertised on an official source.

When looking at GoSection8 active listings, as well as results from other housing search engines, the unit you rent will need to meet these standards:

• Be leased by a landlord that accepts Section 8.
• Have enough bedrooms for a family of your size.
• Pass a PHA health and safety inspection.

Tips to Help You Find Low Income Apartments for Rent in Georgia

Before looking through Section 8 listings in Georgia, it helps to understand where in the state you are allowed to live. You can rent a unit anywhere you choose if you currently live within the jurisdiction of the PHA that issued your voucher.

However, your options are more limited if you do not already live within the service area of the PHA where you filed an application. In this situation, you are required to use your voucher within the PHA’s jurisdiction for the first 12 months that you receive rental assistance. After this period has ended, you are free to move anywhere else you choose.

It is important to be aware that most Section 8 rental listings in Georgia can be accessed by anyone. Therefore, you may be competing with a wide variety of applicants trying to find low-cost housing. Some rental units can only be leased to people with Section 8 vouchers. Other low-rent units do not have income restrictions and may receive more applications.

Note: In some cases, a PHA may allow you to use your voucher towards the purchase of a modest home. This is not always an option, so it is best to talk to your PHA for more information.