Portability FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions, FAQs, below.
Q. Is DH accepting portable families?
A. Yes, families can port to Decatur Housing.
Q. How do I port to Decatur Housing?
A. You must submit a written request to port to your initial housing authority. They will send your portability packet to DH.
Q. What happens after my initial PHA submits my portability paperwork to DH?
A. Portability Specialist will contact you for the intake process in person.
Q. Who should I contact?
A. Questions should be addressed via email to Portability Housing Specialist or call 404-270-2113.
Q. What happens if I do not attednd the portability briefing Appointment?
A. You are allowed (1) One rescheduled appointment.
Q. Who should attend?
A. All adults 18 years of age and older that is listed on the voucher.
Q. My relatives give me money each month. Can I include the contributions as income?
A. Yes, DH counts all earned and unearned income.
Q. Can I live anywhere in DeKalb County?
A. You can live anywhere in DeKalb County except within the City of Atlanta. The City of Atlanta ahas its own housing authority.
Q. How do I find housing?
A. Attend one of our monthly housing fairs.
Q. Does DH bill or aborb?
A. DH is not absorbing.
Q. Can participants who ported to DH request voucher extensions?
A. DH will give 30 days from the expiration date of the voucher issued by your housing authority. You may need to request additional time from your initial housing authority. DH must send your port paperwork back to your initial housing authority if you do not lease up before the expiration date of your voucher. DH will work with your housing authority regarding voucher extensions.
Q. Does DH help with paying the security deposit?
A. No. The family is responsible for paying the security deposit.
Q. Does DH help with paying the utility service deposits?
A. No. The family is responsible for paying the deposits.
Q. What happens when I find a unit?
A. Once you find a unit, the owner must complete and submit the RFTA. The Portability Housing Specialist will review the RFTA and determine if the requested rent is affordable for your family based on the household income and if the rent is reasonable. If the rent is not affordable, the owner will need to decrease the requested rent, or you will need to find another unit.
Once the unit and rent are approved, the initial inspection will be performed if the unit is vacant and the utilities are on. The owner has 10 days to make repairs if deficiencies are cited.
Families porting to DH's jurisdiction must not move into the new unit before the unit passes initial inspection.
After the unit passes inspection, your family can move into the unit. You will be notified of your share of rent.
Q. Is DH responsible for preparing the lease?
A. No. DH is not a party to the lease. The lease is a legal document between the owner and the tenant. Please make sure you read and understand the lease completely before signing it.
Q. What happens if I don't find housing in DeKalb County.
A. You must request to have your portability paperwork sent back to your initial housing authority before your voucher expires. Complete the Request to Transfer Back to Your Initial Housing Authority form and give it to the Portability Housing Specialist.
Q. Who should I contact if I have portability questions?
A. Contact the Portability Housing Specialist, at 404-270-2113 or email.