FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to wait for assistance?

There is not a simple answer to this question because an applicant’s wait will depend upon whether or not they are eligible, how many preference points they qualify for, the date of the application. In general, an applicant’s wait for assisted housing (Public Housing) or housing assistance (Section 8) can vary from months to several years. Public Housing applicants, in addition, must also wait until there is a vacant unit available that meets the needs of the family. Section 8 applicants must also wait until there is an available voucher.

Where am I on the waiting lists?

The Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb does not give out numbers or rankings on the waiting list. Your position fluctuates as new applicants are added and others are taken off the waiting lists. Click here for instructions on How to check your status on the Waiting List.

Do you have emergency housing or emergency assistance?

No. We do not have or provide emergency assistance. Though you may be eligible for, and in need of housing assistance, there are not enough funds to assist everyone who qualifies.

I have a landlord who is willing to rent to me under Section 8, can I get a Voucher immediately?

No. We are required to provide assistance to families on the waiting list according to local preferences and date and time of application.

I’m homeless or my family is soon to be evicted can you help me?

Unfortunately, the Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb does not have emergency housing or subsidy available. We will refer you to agencies in town that provide emergency shelter and assistance.

What is the difference between Public Housing and Section 8?

Public Housing is when a Housing Authority owns and sometimes manages the property it leases. The family has a lease agreement with the Housing Authority. Section 8 is owned and managed by private landlords. The family has a lease agreement with the landlord/owner. The Housing Authority is not a party to the lease agreement. The Housing Authority has a contract with the landlord/owner to provide rental assistance on behalf of the family. The Housing Authority pays the housing assistance portion of the rent directly to the landlord and the tenant pays the balance of the rent to the landlord.

I have applied for Section 8. Can I apply for Public Housing too?

Yes, you may apply as long as the waiting list is open. The same goes if you are applying for Public Housing you may also apply for Section 8 if that waiting list is open.

Key2Prepaid Card

If you receive a utility allowance check or resident stipend check from the Housing Authority, Beginning in January 2018 the Housing Authority will no longer be issuing checks and will begin utilizing the Key2Prepaid card.

Beginning in January 2018, payments will be made to you with a Key2Prepaid card that will be “reloaded” monthly as you continue to receive your payments. It is very important that you Immediately activate your card upon receipt.  Your payment will be deposited to the Key2Prepaid card by the 5^th of the month starting in January 2018. You must activate your card to make purchases or withdraw funds from an ATM.

The Key2Prepaid card can be used anywhere MasterCard is accepted and funds can also be withdrawn for free from any KeyBank or Allpoint ATM (located at Walgreens, CVS, Target & Jewel). Fees will be charged if other ATMs are used.

If you need to replace your card or have any questions about your card please contact Customer Service at 866-295-2955

Click here for Key2Prepaid Card Welcome Letter and steps on how to activate your card

Click here for Key2Prepaid Cardholder FAQ_

PUBLIC HOUSING TENANTS

When is my rent due?

Rent is due on the first day of each month. If rent is not received on or before the first business day after the seventh day of the month, you will be issued a 14 day notice and a late fee added to your account. If rent is late four (4) times in any 12 month period, you will be subject to eviction.

Can I pay with cash?

We DO NOT accept cash. Rent must be paid by check or money order made payable to the DeKalb County Housing Authority. In the event that your personal check is returned from our bank for non-sufficient funds, you must pay by Cashier’s Check or Money Order within 10 days of notification. The total due at the time will include your rent amount plus $30.00 ($20.00 late fee and $10.00 non-sufficient funds fee). Three returned checks in a 12 month period will require all future payments to be Cashier’s Checks or Money Orders.

Lock & Keys

One apartment key and one mailbox key are issued per household and will be provided at time of move-in. High rise residents will be provided one electronic key fob for the main entrance per adult listed on the lease. Additional keys can be purchased for $3.00 a piece and additional fobs will cost $12.50. Management will not allow apartment access to children or guests of adult residents in their absence.

What if I lost my key or I locked myself out of my apartment?

Lost keys will require a lock replacement. A lock replacement will require a payment of the actual cost per lock changed. Residents will be charged $15.00 per lockout if the lockout occurs M-F 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and $20.00 for lockouts that occur M-F 4:31 pm to 8:29 am and all day on weekends and holidays. Unpaid lockout fees and/or lock replacements will be due at the time of your rent payment.

Vehicles & Parking

Our first priority is to provide safe and adequate parking for our residents. Parking on Housing Authority property is by sticker, hanger, or guest pass only. One sticker will be provided for one licensed vehicle/driver per household. Residents must present a current vehicle registration in his or her name, a valid driver’s license, a valid license plate number and proof of insurance to acquire a parking sticker. Stickers must be placed inside the vehicles driver-side, rear window at the lower corner. If you change vehicles, the new information must be provided in a timely manner before a new sticker will be issued.

All vehicles must be parked correctly in parking spaces. Illegally parked vehicles are subject to towing at the owner’s expense. All vehicles must be operable. No mechanical improvements or oil changing, etc, are allowed on Housing Authority property. Please refer to the Housing Authority Parking Policy for further detail.

Pets

Pets are not allowed without prior approval by management. Pets must be pre-approved and owners must pay a Pet Security Deposit. Adult dogs must be no more than 30 lbs at full growth. The dog will be leashed and attended at all times when not inside your unit. A pet, other than a dog, is to be kept inside your apartment at all times. Management reserves the right to request removal of the pet if it causes damage to Housing Authority property or disturbs the quiet enjoyment of other tenants. Tenants will be responsible for all damages caused by a pet. Please refer to the Housing Authority Pet Policy for further detail. Failure to comply with the Pet Policy could lead to termination of lease.

What Do I Need To Do When I Move Out?

If you are moving out, you must complete a written notice of Intent to Vacate thirty (30) days prior to your moving date. This form is available in the office of the Sycamore and DeKalb high-rise or at our Central Office located at 310 N 6th St, DeKalb.

For high-rise residents, you must notify the office at least 24 hours prior to move out in order to have use of the elevator. This notice is required even if you are moving out at the end of your lease. If you are moving on a weekend, the office must be notified no later than 4:00 PM on the Thursday before your move.

After you have removed all of your belongings from the apartment and cleaned the unit, you must complete a move-out inspection with management. If you do not participate in a walk through inspection, you will forfeit your right to dispute charges. It is your responsibility to have utilities transferred back to the Housing Authority name. Any items left in the unit will be considered abandoned and tenant will be charged a removal fee. The PHA must provide to the tenant a statement of any charges to be made for maintenance and damage beyond normal wear and tear. No moving activity is permitted before 8:00 AM or after 10:00 PM.

Can I have a guest stay overnight?

Your visitors are always welcome. However, House Rules apply to your guests and you are responsible for their behavior while on Housing Authority property. This includes your apartment, common areas and grounds. Any resident having guests for more that 3 days (maximum – cannot exceed- 14 overnight stays in a 12 month period) must contact the property manager.

For residents of Dresser Court: Visitors are allowed on the property between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., unless they are an overnight guest. All visitors must leave the property by 10:00 p.m. All visitors must sign in and out when entering and leaving the property.

Your guests are not allowed to receive mail. If unauthorized persons are receiving mail at your address, it will be deemed as a violation of your lease. Allowing unauthorized individuals to reside in your unit can result in termination of lease.