Skip to Main Content
More >

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Federal Fair Housing Act and what types of discrimination does it prohibit against person with disabilities?
The Federal Fair Housing Act (FHAct), 42 U.S.C. 3601-19, prohibits discrimination in housing practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability. (FHAct uses the term "handicap"; however, this document uses the term "disability," which has the same legal meaning.) The Act prohibits housing providers from discriminating against persons because of their disability or the disability of anyone associated with them and from treating persons with disabilities less favorably than others because of the disability. The Act also requires housing providers "to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services, when such accommodations may be necessary to afford such person(s) equal opportunity to use and enjoy any dwelling." In addition, the Act requires that housing providers allow tenants to make reasonable modifications to units and common spaces in a dwelling. The Act applies to the vast, majority of privately and publicly owned housing, including housing subsidized by the federal government or rented through the use of Section 8 voucher assistance. HUD's regulations implementing the disability discrimination prohibitions of the Act may be found at 24 CFR 100.201-205.

Who takes care of tenant-caused damages during tenancy?
As in all tenancies, repairs for tenant-caused damages are the responsibility of the tenant. Failure to make repairs may be grounds to terminate the lease. The security deposit may also be used for reimbursement costs.

Does Dothan Housing screen tenants?
Dothan Housing does screening as to income eligibility for the program, as well as a criminal background screening and a landlord reference check.

Is there a maximum income that would make me ineligible?
Yes. The maximum gross income a family may have is based on the family size. Income limits are posted on www.hud.gov, or you may go to the complex of your choice on this website for further information.

How long will I have to wait before I am called for an apartment?
There is no way to predict how long you may have to wait before you are called for an apartment. This depends on when people move out and a vacancy occurs. It is very important that you notify the manager if there is any change of address or telephone number so you will be able to be reached.