Rainsville Housing Authority

Rainsville, Alabama

Last Updated

22 hours ago

About Rainsville Housing Authority

The Rainsville Housing Authority (PHA Code: AL168) serves residents in Rainsville, Dekalb County, Alabama. This agency manages approximately 98 assisted housing units and administers the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, alongside offering Public Housing options.

Currently, all waiting lists for the Rainsville Housing Authority are closed to new applicants. This includes the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, which has a closed waiting list. The status of the Public Housing waiting list is presently unknown, and it is also not accepting applications at this time.

Eligibility for these programs typically requires meeting income guidelines. For instance, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the DeKalb County, AL area is $36,100 per year. Interested individuals should monitor for future announcements regarding any waiting list openings.

Other Programs

2 programs

These programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

Priority is given to veterans, the elderly, and individuals exiting domestic violence. Interested individuals should contact the Housing Authority directly for current eligibility requirements and application procedures.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Public Housing
Pending

Interested individuals should contact the Rainsville Housing Authority directly for current eligibility requirements, availability, and application procedures. Priority may be given to veterans, the elderly, and people exiting domestic violence.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.

Status History

HCV Closed Mar 31, 2026
HCV unknown Feb 19, 2026
Public Housing unknown Feb 19, 2026
HCV Opened Feb 18, 2026
Public Housing Opened Feb 18, 2026

Official Application

Contact Rainsville Housing Authority directly at (256) 593-9164 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Contact the housing authority directly for application information.

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 118 Northside Dr
City Rainsville, AL 35986
PHA Code AL168
Public Housing Units 98

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.

How to Apply at Rainsville Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

All 1 waiting list at Rainsville Housing Authority are currently closed. Lists typically open with short notice — sometimes as little as 48 hours. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Rainsville Housing Authority, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $36,100/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.

3

Submit Your Application

Contact Rainsville Housing Authority directly at (256) 593-9164 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Rainsville Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Rainsville Housing Authority manages approximately 98 assisted housing units, and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Rainsville. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Rainsville Housing Authority

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Rainsville Housing Authority provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Rainsville. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Public Housing Public Housing closed

Public Housing units at Rainsville Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Rainsville Housing Authority manages approximately 98 Public Housing units in Rainsville. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Rainsville Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Rainsville Housing Authority administers 2 programs (HCV, Public Housing) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority or in person at their office at 118 Northside Dr, Rainsville, AL.
How long is the wait at Rainsville Housing Authority?
Wait times at Rainsville Housing Authority depend on demand in Rainsville, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 98 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on March 31, 2026 when the HCV list changed from "unknown" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Rainsville Housing Authority directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of Rainsville Housing Authority, including Housing Authority of the City of Fort Payne (9 mi), Housing Authority of Scottsboro (15 mi), Collinsville Housing Authority (17 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Alabama and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Alabama.
How do I contact Rainsville Housing Authority?
You can reach Rainsville Housing Authority by phone at (256) 593-9164. Their office is located at 118 Northside Dr, Rainsville, AL 35986. You can also email them at tarha@hiwaay.net. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Rainsville Housing Authority?
Income limits for Rainsville Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for DeKalb County, AL (currently $59,700). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $36,100. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

Rainsville Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Rainsville Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for DeKalb County, AL. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $36,100. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $15,650 $25,250 $40,450
2 Persons $21,150 $28,850 $46,200
3 Persons $26,650 $32,450 $52,000
4 Persons $32,150 $36,100 $57,750
5 Persons $37,650 $38,950 $62,400
6 Persons $41,850 $41,850 $67,000
7 Persons $44,750 $44,750 $71,650
8 Persons $47,650 $47,650 $76,250
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $59,700 Effective April 1, 2025
What do these income limits mean?

Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.

Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.

Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.