Public Housing Frequently Asked Questions
How old do you have to be to apply for housing?
21 is the minimum age to qualify for a Mobile County Housing Authority program.
How old do I have to be to qualify to live in senior housing?
62 is the minimum age to qualify for housing designated as "senior only" housing.
How long is the waiting list?
The Public Housing Program has one rental development. It has a waiting list. Applicants are placed on the waiting list. The length of time it takes to reach the top of a waiting list will depend on the development vacancies, the size of the family , the family's circumstances, and availability of housing to meet the family's needs. It is advisable to place your name on the waiting list.
I have already applied. Where is my name on the waiting list?
If you have placed a Preliminary Application with the Mobile County Housing Authority, you can call to report any changes to your family size, address, or telephone number. These factors can affect your status on a waiting list. At no time will the HA tell you a number that you place on the list. Our waiting lists are not just sorted by the date the application is placed. Local preferences are used to determine waiting list status. A local preference is a factor the Mobile County Housing Authority uses to insure that we are assisting our applicants in order of need. When we send out letters asking applicants to come in for interviews, we usually send for 10-20 people at a time, so a few positions up or down on the waiting list will have no real effect on "when" you hear from us.
When can I apply for Section 8?
The Section 8 Waiting List is only opened periodically to new applicants. When it does reopen, it is only opened for a limited number of days. The reopening and the dates applications will be accepted will be advertised approximately two weeks prior in local newspapers.
If I live in Public Housing, can I apply for Section 8?
If the Section 8 Waiting List is open, you may apply. However, your priority (need) for receiving a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher will be low as long as you live in standard housing.
If I live in a Section 8 house, can I apply for Public Housing?
Yes.
Does my income have to be below a certain amount for me to qualify for housing?
Yes, there are HUD income limits that are posted and updated annually on the Public Housing and Section 8 links to this website.
Where is your public housing apartments located?
The location is 16545 Hwy. 45 South, Citronelle, AL 36522.
What if I owe money to a former landlord or have a criminal history, can I still be housed?
Every applicant is subject to our screening process that includes, but is not limited to a criminal background check and former tenancy histories. If you owe money to the Mobile County Housing Authority, the balance must be paid-in-full prior to determining your eligibility. Do not let this discourage you from applying. We will make every effort to work with you.
I need emergency housing!
At the present time, the Mobile County Housing Authority does not have an emergency/shelter housing program. We recommend that you place your application with us and then contact 15 Place, the local service center for the homeless. They have many resources that you may find helpful. The center is located at 15 N. Joachim St. (corner of Joachim & St. Francis streets in downtown Mobile). The phone number is (251) 338-2069.
How do I apply for Public Housing?
Call or visit us at the main office and you may complete forms on-site.
What do I have to have with me when I apply?
You need these documents with you when you place your Preliminary Application. Birth certificates on all family members (including yourself), social security cards, proof of income (ssi, ss, child support, tanf, employment). When your name reaches the top of a waiting list, we will send a letter asking you to come in for an interview. At that time, you will be asked to provide additional official documents.
Questions? Contact us for eligibility requirements, or to obtain an application.
