ATL Cares. Impacted SNAP recipients click here to find resources now.
Section 8
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SECTION 8 MODERATE REHABILITATION PROGRAM
The City of Atlanta’s Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation Program (Mod Rehab) is a unit-based rental subsidy program for very low-income individuals and families. The Program provides rental subsidies to two (2) project-based facilities. Project-based simply means that all assistance provided remains with the property. It is non-transferable.
While the Housing Authority administers the program, HUD provides rent subsidy payments to private and nonprofit property owners for rental units rehabilitated under this program. These subsidies provide both rental support to the family as well as funds to service the debt incurred by the property owner for the unit’s rehabilitation. Mod Rehab assistance is not transferable as it is not the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program.
Participants in the Mod Rehab program will only receive rental assistance if they live in a Mod Rehab unit. If they move from a Mod Rehab unit, they will lose their assistance. Some Mod Rehab units are set-aside for the elderly, homeless, or disabled.
The City of Atlanta does not administer the Housing Choice Voucher program and will not accept applications for vouchers at any time. Atlanta Housing administers housing choice vouchers. If you would like to apply for a housing choice voucher, currently have a voucher, or are considering portability transfer as an option, contact Atlanta Housing @ (404) 892-4700 for more information.
A few facts to remember:
- Participants in the Mod Rehab program will only receive rental assistance if they live in a Mod Rehab unit. If they move from a Mod Rehab unit, they will lose their assistance. Some Mod Rehab units are set-aside for the elderly, homeless, or disabled.
- The City of Atlanta’s Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation Program provides rental subsidies to two (2) project-based facilities. Project-based simply means that all assistance provided remains with the property. It is non-transferable.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SECTION 8 MOD REHAB SITE LOCATIONS
The Department of Grants and Community Development currently subsidizes 2 Project-Based Facilities totaling 128 units:
Santa Fe Villas (Single Room Occupancy Only)
2370 Metropolitan Pkwy, SW, Atlanta, GA 30315, Info.santafevanira@gmail.com
- SRO (Single Room Occupancy) units - 100 subsidized units.
- Single person per unit only. Utilities are included in the rent. This facility assists homeless individuals with very low income.
Vanira Village Apartments (2- and 3- bedroom units)
8-20 SE Vanira Ave., Atlanta, GA 30315, (404) 228-4685
- Multi-Family Housing units – 28 subsidized units.
- Families include two (2) to five (5) (maximum) people. Utilities are not included in the rent. This facility offers housing to families with very low income. The amount of utility assistance provided to each tenant varies according to the amount of subsidy the household receives. Subsidies are based on the household size and income; therefore, each award amount is different. Amounts can range from $1.00 - $150.00 monthly. Utility assistance is paid directly to the tenant. The residents choose which utility service to apply the allowance, electric or gas service.
Income Eligibility
The eligible household must qualify as "Very Low Income" which is defined by HUD as 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Family income includes salaries, wages, tips, interest from assets, pensions, social security, assistance from grants, etc. for all members. The following chart provides the current income limits by family size to qualify for assistance:
The Department of Grants and Community Development currently subsidizes 2 Project-Based Facilities totaling 128 units:
FY 2025 HUD Income Limits
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
|
|
1 Person |
2 People |
3 People |
4 People |
5 People |
|
50% AMI Limit |
$ 40,000.00 |
$ 45,700.00 |
$ 51,400.00 |
$ 57,100.00 |
$ 61,700.00 |
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Other Eligibility Factors:
- All applicants must pass a criminal history check
- Any applicant whose name appears on the Lifetime Sex Offender List is ineligible.
How to Apply
Visit Santa Fe Villas (this is the leasing office for both properties) to complete a preapplication for the property that matches your housing needs/family size. Applicants MUST bring all supporting documentation, complete the application in its entirety, and sign all required forms to be considered.
The following supporting documentation is required for the pre-application:
- Government-issued ID (Driver's license or ID card)
- Social Security Card
- Citizenship documents (usually your Birth Certificate). At least one household member must be a United States citizen or an eligible immigrant.
- Income documents from any source of income that you receive (Social Security letter, check stubs from employment income, etc.)
***A completed preapplication does not guarantee approval for the housing program. The purpose of the application is to determine whether basic eligibility requirements are met to be considered for the City of Atlanta’s Section 8 Moderate-Rehab Program. Applicants who qualify will be placed on a waitlist. ***
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SECTION 8 MODERATE REHABILITATION FAQ’s
Q: What does the City of Atlanta’s Section 8 Program do?
A: City of Atlanta’s Section 8 Program provides affordable housing to very low-income individuals and families.
Q: Who qualifies for Section 8?
A: Applicants may be single, married, head of household families, disabled, and/or elderly.
Q: How do I apply for Section 8?
A: Visit Santa Fe Villas (this is the leasing office for both properties) to complete a preapplication for the property that matches your housing needs/family size. Applicants who qualify will be placed on a waitlist.
Q: How much rent would I pay with Section 8?
A: Residents would be required to pay up to 30% of their monthly adjusted income.
Q: Who should maintenance issues be reported to?
A: All issues, except for emergencies, should be routed to the property manager as the first line of contact. If not responded to in a timely manner, issues should be submitted in writing to the City of Atlanta.
Q: Are re-certifications necessary every year?
A: Yes, the City of Atlanta is required by HUD to review each household's income and family size annually.
Q: Are inspections required every year?
A: Yes, inspections are required annually. Most inspections are conducted within 75-90 days prior to the lease end date.
Q: Can I transfer or move my Section 8?
A: No. The subsidy does not move or transfer with a resident. The subsidy issued by the City of Atlanta is project-based and the Section 8 subsidy remains with the respective property. For as long as you remain a qualified resident within that program, your rent will be subsidized.
Q: Are there any other housing resources available if I don’t qualify?
A: Yes. Dial 311 or 404-546-0311 or visit the Housing Help Center for other housing resources https://www.housinghelpcenter.com/.
Q: Does Section 8 provide emergency housing/shelter services?
A: No. Section 8 provides permanent housing. If you need immediate shelter services, please visit The Gateway Center at 275 Pryor St. SW Atlanta, GA 30303 or call them at (404) 215-6600.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Content current as of May 2025.