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About Athens Housing Authority
The Athens Housing Authority (AHA), identified by PHA Code TN015, provides affordable housing options in Athens, McMinn County, Tennessee. AHA manages both Public Housing and the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) programs for eligible low-income individuals and families in the area.
Currently, the Public Housing waitlist is open for new applications. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program waitlist is closed to applicants, having recently changed from an unknown status. For the Public Housing program, income limits apply; for instance, a Very Low Income family of four in McMinn County has an annual income limit of $38,900. Prospective applicants should verify their eligibility for the open Public Housing program.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Applicants are placed on the waiting list based on local preferences and the date/time of application completion. The waiting list is re-calculated once or twice per month. Preferences include Employment, Age 62+ or Disabled, Victim of Domestic Violence, Registered Voter, Natural Disaster, Post-Secondary Education, Veterans, and AHA-approved Coursework.
View original notice — athenshousing.orgOther Programs
1 programThese 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.
The Athens Housing Authority (AHA) does not administer the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. For information, contact the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) at (770) 806-5050.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Athens Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Go to Official SiteWARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Athens Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Athens Housing Authority currently has 1 open waiting list (Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Athens 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 $38,900/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.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official Athens Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Athens Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Wait times vary from 6 months to over 5 years depending on local demand and funding. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Athens Housing Authority
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at Athens Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Athens 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 Athens. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Athens Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Athens Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Athens Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Athens Housing Authority?
Athens Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Athens Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for McMinn County, TN. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $38,900. 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 | $16,350 | $27,250 | $43,600 |
| 2 Persons | $21,150 | $31,150 | $49,800 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $35,050 | $56,050 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $38,900 | $62,250 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $42,050 | $67,250 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $45,150 | $72,250 |
| 7 Persons | $48,250 | $48,250 | $77,200 |
| 8 Persons | $51,350 | $51,350 | $82,200 |
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.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to Athens Housing Authority — including across state lines.