Housing Applications / Waiting List FAQ

Q: How old do you have to be to apply for housing?
A: 19 is the minimum age to qualify for a Mobile Housing Board Program.

Q: How old do I have to be to qualify to live in senior housing?
A: 60 is the minimum age to qualify for housing designated as "senior only" housing.

Q: How long is the waiting list?
A: The Public Housing Program has 13 different rental developments. Each one has a waiting list. An applicant can be placed on as many waiting lists as they wish, except for age limitations, such as for senior housing. The length of time it takes to reach the top of a waiting list will depend on the development/s chosen (some are in higher demand than others), 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 all waiting lists

Q: I have already applied. Where is my name on the waiting list?
A: If you have placed a Preliminary Application with the Mobile Housing Board, you can check your status after two weeks by calling 251-434-2258.You should also call to report any changes to your family size, address, or telephone number as these factors can affect your status on a waiting list.

Q. I called two weeks ago and I was number 48 on a waiting list and now I am number 50.
    What happened?
A. 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 Housing Board uses to insure that we are assisting our applicants in order of need. Homelessness is an example of a local preference that gives a family a high priority on a waiting list. Two homeless families may have applied in the past two weeks and they went ahead of you on the waiting list. Do not be discouraged!  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.

Q: Can I apply for Section 8?
A. 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 and on the Section 8 Information Line (251)434-2300.  It is advisable to check the number once a week so that you do not miss the open enrollment period.

Q: If I live in Public Housing, can I apply for Section 8?
A: 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.

Q: If I live in a Section 8 house, can I apply for Public Housing? A: Yes. Q: Does my income have to be below a certain amount for me to qualify for housing?
A. Yes, there are HUD income limits that are posted and updated annually on the Public Housing and Section 8 links to this website.

Q: Where are your public housing apartments located?
A: A complete list of our locations may be found at the Public Housing link to this website or click here to go there now.

Q: What if I owe money to a former landlord or have a criminal history, can I still be housed?
A. 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 Housing Board, the balance must be paid-in-full prior to determining your eligiblity. Do not let this discourage you from applying. We will make every effort to work with you.

Q: I need emergency housing!
A: At the present time, the Mobile Housing Board 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 Sts. in downtown Mobile).  The phone number is  338-2069.

Q: How do I apply for Public Housing?
A: E-mail your name and mailing address to our Leasing & Marketing Department (click here or see the Public Housing link) and an application packet will be mailed to you immediately or you may visit the Leasing & Marketing Department at 1517 Plaza Drive, Mobile, Alabama 36605 (two blocks north of I-10 off Michigan  Avenue), or any of our site offices to complete the forms on-site (see Public Housing link and click on Site Directory or click here).

Q: What do I have to have with me when I apply?
A: You do not need any documentation with you when you place your Preliminary Application. 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 identification and other official documents.