Public Housing​

Public Housing Program​

Public Housing provides affordable rental apartments owned and managed by the Housing Authority for eligible low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities. CHA public housing units are all located within the City of Cullman. We currently operate 326 public housing units in the southwest area of the city. Our properties are well maintained and provide safe, decent housing with rents based on household income.

Check Your Status:​

If you have already applied for housing, you can get your position
on our waiting list by clicking on this link:

Public Housing is not accepting applications at this time. 

* Waitlist Closed *

Apply For Housing

Public Housing

Public housing is limited to low-income households. Eligibility is determined by federal guidelines and CHA policies. 

Applications

The Public Housing waiting list is not always open. It opens for new applications only during announced periods (often for a few days or weeks) when vacancies or turnover projections allow. Please check our Announcements (on the Home page or News section) for notices of when the waiting list will open or close. We also advertise opening dates through local media and our social media pages.

Waiting List Procedures:

Once your application is received, it will be placed on a Waiting List as Received. The Waiting List is a database containing application files and sorted by Bedroom Size, Date, and Time. The Waiting List is a database containing application files and sorted by Bedroom Size, Date, and Time. Bedroom Size is determined by the number of adults and children on the application along with the sex of each child. Your file will remain on the Waiting List until we have vacant units that are ready to be offered. At that time, we will begin processing the applications at the top of the Waiting List.

Change of Address or Phone Number:

If, at any time after applying, your address or phone number changes from the one listed on your original application, you can update your application via the portal, or you can come into our office at 408 Cleveland Avenue SW, Cullman, to complete a Change Form. Any correspondence from CHA will be sent to the last address on file for you.

How to Check Your Status on the Waiting List:

If you are an applicant, you can check your status on the waiting list at any time by logging into your Applicant Portal account. The portal allows you to see if your application is active and view your current position on the list. (Previously, applicants had to visit the office with ID to get their waitlist number, but now this information is available securely online for your convenience.)

How to Apply:

Applications for public housing are accepted during open application periods. When the Public Housing waiting list is open, new applicants can apply as follows:

Online:

*Public Housing is not accepting applications at this time. 

The quickest way to apply is through our Applicant Portal. You will need to register an account in the portal by providing your personal information (make sure to use your legal name and accurate details so we can link your application correctly ). Once registered, you can complete and submit the Public Housing Application online.

Apply For Housing *CLOSED

In Person:

Alternatively, if the waiting list is open, you may pick up a paper application at the CHA Administrative Building during posted business hours. You will then fill it out and return it to the office by the specified deadline.

After you apply, you will be placed on the Public Housing waiting list. Placement on the list is based on the date and time of your application and the bedroom size needed (which depends on your family size and composition) . Cullman Housing Authority does not use “first come, first served” alone; we follow HUD regulations and any local preferences when selecting applicants from the list. 

Everyone must complete an application to determine eligibility and be placed on the Public Housing Waiting List. When the wait list is open, you may apply online or by picking up an application, which is available at the CHA Administration Office, located at 408 Cleveland Avenue SW, Cullman, AL 35055.

The information you provide on your application determines your placement on the appropriate waiting list by bedroom size. If you have any changes from the information you provided on your application, you may update it in the Applicant Portal, or you can come into the office at 408 Cleveland Avenue SW to complete a Change Form.

How to Check Your Status on the Waiting List:
To check on your application, you can check online, or you can come to the office during posted business hours and speak with the Property Manager. You will need your government photo ID.

The following is a list of documents and information verification resources required of all new applicants. Please bring all the items listed when returning your application. The same name must appear on all items.

  • Current picture identification on all adult members (age 18 and older)
  • Income verification for all income you receive. Examples include:
  • Assets, if you have any: Certificates of Deposit (CDs), Checking Account Statement, Ownership (real estate, home, or land), any type of inheritance. Any banking activity must be reported. All verification should be no more than 90 days old from the date of this letter.
  • Birth Certificates: Proof of birth for all family members (Birth Certificates).
  • Social Security Cards: Proof of Social Security numbers for all family members.
  • Family Composition: Marriage license, divorce papers, adoption papers, foster childcare papers, and legal separation papers.
  • Childcare Expenses: This applies only to working head of household parents with children under the age of 13. This form is available at the Central Office reception desk.
  • Elderly/Disabled Only: Verification of medical expenses (form available at front desk), prescription drug expense verification (form available at front desk), health insurance premiums, Medicare statement showing payments on behalf of the applicant, and disability verification (form available at front desk).
  • Student Status Verification: Required for any family member 18 years of age or older and a full-time student in high school, enrolled in college, university, vocational, or trade school (form available at the front desk).
  • All Adult Members: All family members 18 years of age and older must accompany the head of household when the application is returned.

All required forms must be completed in advance by the appropriate persons and presented with the application.

Public Housing Communities:

CHA owns and manages several housing developments on the southwest side of the City of Cullman. The Property Manager is located at the Administration Building. The Property Manager handles lease signings, annual and interim reexaminations, and resident concerns for the properties.

What happens when you reach the top of the list?

When a unit is coming available, CHA will contact the next eligible family on the waiting list. We will typically reach out by phone and mail with an offer of housing . You’ll be invited to a meeting to review your application, verify eligibility (we will ask for documentation of income, family members, etc.), and view the unit. Be prepared: once you accept a unit, you will need to pay the initial rent and security deposit and get utilities turned on in your name to move in . (We’ll provide details at the time of offer.) If we cannot reach you or you decline the offer, your name may be passed and we will contact the next applicant.

Resident responsibilities:

Public housing residents must comply with the terms of their lease and CHA policies. Key requirements include paying rent on time, keeping the unit clean and safe, not engaging in illegal or disruptive behavior, and reporting any changes in family composition or income. We encourage all residents to be good neighbors and take pride in their community. For details, refer to the Resident Handbook or lease addendum provided at move-in. If you have questions about rules or need assistance, our staff is here to help.

Public housing plays a vital role in Cullman by ensuring that our most vulnerable residents – from working families to retirees on fixed incomes – have access to affordable, stable housing. We are continually working to improve our properties and support our residents with programs like after-school activities, 5 financial literacy workshops, and community events. CHA is more than a landlord; we’re a partner in building a better life for our tenants. If you think you may qualify for public housing, we encourage you to apply during the next open application period, or contact us for more information.

The information below is a summary of requirements for CHA Public Housing Residents. Please refer to your lease for more detailed information, or call your Property Manager.

  • Read Your Lease
    Please keep a copy of your Dwelling Lease handy. You are responsible for meeting all lease requirements. It is wise to know and understand lease contents. If there’s something you don’t understand, please ask!
  • Security Deposit
    When you moved in, you were required to pay a security. This money will be refunded when you move out, unless you owe CHA other charges such as for cleaning, damages, overdue rent, past due maintenance charges, court costs, etc.
  • Repair Charges
    If damage should occur in your unit, please report it to your Property Manager as soon as possible. A charge will be made for repairs or damage caused by residents, occupants, and visitors. Routine maintenance will not be charged. Many times charges will be less if the repair is made early before further damage occurs.
  • Smoke Alarms
    Never disconnect or make your smoke detector inoperable! Please call the Office if the smoke alarm is beeping so we can replace the batteries!
  • Rent Payments
    Rent payments are due on the FIRST DAY OF EACH MONTH and considered delinquent if not received by the 10th. Rent payments should be made by check or money order; we do not accept cash payments.
  • Change in Family Size
    If your family size changes in any way, you MUST notify the staff immediately. Examples include changes in family composition due to birth, death, marriage, divorce, children moving out, etc.
  • Guests
    Guests may stay in your unit for 14 days per calendar year. If for any reason a guest needs to stay longer, you MUST submit a written request and obtain written consent from CHA.
  • Emergencies & Entering the Unit
    In an emergency, CHA has the right and responsibility to enter your unit. Examples of emergencies might be running water, water leaks, smoke, welfare concerns, etc.
  • Inspections
    CHA inspects all Public Housing units annually. Notification will be provided at least 48 hours prior to the inspection.
  • Moving Out
    A 10-day written notice must be made before you move. Keys should be turned in to the Office.
  • Be a Good Neighbor
    Noise must be kept at a reasonable level. If you have children, it is your responsibility to know where they are at all times and to ensure they respect the property of others.
  • Maintenance & Repairs
    Public Housing Maintenance phone number is 256-734-4212. Calls made to the after-hours or on weekends are limited to emergencies only.