EHV Tenant FAQs

Program Overview & Key Dates 

Background: The Emergency Housing Voucher Program (EHV) is a special voucher program established under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) as a COVID-related, temporary initiative.

Important Update: On March 6, 2025, HUD notified DCA of the final funding allocation for EHV housing assistance payments. As a result, DCA will not have sufficient funding to continue operating the EHV program and must sunset the EHV program in 2026.

Timeline to Program End: The EHV program is scheduled to end on June 30, 2026.

Why the Program is Ending: Funding has not been extended beyond 2026 and HUD’s final allocation confirms the end of assistance after June 30, 2026.

  • 1) What is the final month that DCA will assist with my rent?
    • DCA’s EHV program only has sufficient funding to make housing assistance payments for EHV participants through June 2026. Starting July 1, 2026, DCA will no longer be able to assist with rent for EHV participants. 
  • 2) If my lease ends before the program ends, will DCA continue to pay my rent?
    • As long as your lease is active, your unit remains eligible, and you remain program-eligible, DCA will continue paying your subsidy up to June 30, 2026.  
    • If your lease expires earlier and your tenancy isn’t renewed, payments stop at lease end. If you renew with your landlord, DCA will continue payments until June 30, 2026.  
    • Note: Tenancy renewals are not required to be for 12 months. Landlords and tenants may agree to a short-term lease or month-to-month agreement that aligns with the end of the EHV program, if they choose. For example, if your lease ends on February 28, 2026, you and your landlord may agree to a month-to-month tenancy until June 30, 2026, at which point DCA’s assistance will terminate. 
  • 3) If I recently completed my annual recertification, will DCA continue to subsidize my rent?
    • Yes. Completing recertification means we’ll continue your subsidy through June 30, 2026, subject to ongoing eligibility and unit compliance.  
    • After that date, assistance will end due to program sunset.
    • Note: Failure to recertify on time will result in proposed termination. If termination occurs due to your failure to recertify, payments may end prior to June 1, 2026. 
  • 3) What are my rights as a tenant?
    • Your rights and obligations are governed by your lease and applicable state and local landlord-tenant laws. You may access the Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook for further information.  
  • 4) Can I apply for another voucher?
    • DCA will automatically add all current EHV participants to the regular Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waitlist. If you do not want to be added to the HCV waitlist, you may reach out to Customer Service at 470-802-4707.
    • You may apply to other Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) programs (waitlists may be open or closed depending on the housing authority). You may also apply to DCA special Housing Choice Vouchers, subject to eligibility and referrals. You may reach out to DCA Customer Service for more information.  
    • You can also explore project-based vouchers, public housing, or other local assistance programs. Availability is limited and not guaranteed.  
    • You may explore additional resources on the Emergency Housing Voucher web page
  • 5) Why is my voucher ending?
    • EHV is a temporary, COVID-related program funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). HUD allocated final funding that runs through June 30, 2026. As of this date funding has not been extended beyond 2026. DCA is unable to continue the EHV program without additional funding. 
  • 6) Does this mean that other HCV programs are ending as well?
    • No. The end of the EHV program only applies to those with an Emergency Housing Voucher. Other DCA Housing Choice Voucher programs are unaffected by these changes. If you are not sure whether you will be affected, please reach out to Customer Service at 470-802-4707.
  • 7) What is DCA doing to help EHV tenants?
    • DCA is providing the following support:
      • Providing access to Housing Navigators for housing search and stability planning.
      • Helping tenants apply to other programs (HCV waitlists, public housing, local subsidies).
      • Sharing tenant resources for supportive services, legal aid, and employment services.
      • Offering move planning guidance to avoid gaps in housing. 
  • 8) Will DCA provide any additional resources?
    • Yes, DCA will provide additional resources and services to assist residents in their transition off of the EHV, including housing navigation, supportive services, and connection to other housing opportunities. More information can be found on the Emergency Housing Voucher web page.  
  • 9) Can we get vouchers from other Housing Authorities?
    • Potentially. Many Housing Authorities accept applications for their HCV waitlists or project-based properties.  
    • Check each Housing Authority’s website for openings and application rules. Applying to multiple HAs may improve your odds. 
  • 10) Can I transfer my voucher to another Housing Authority?
    • Porting out with an EHV is only allowed if the receiving Housing Authority agrees to absorb the voucher. Ports will not be approved if the receiving Housing Authority plans to bill DCA for the voucher.
    • If another Housing Authority agrees to absorb your voucher, the port-out must be initiated and completed before June 30, 2026.  
  • 11) How do I get connected to a Housing Navigator?
    • Email [email protected].
    • Include your full name, address, current phone number, and voucher size. 
  • 12) Who can I contact if I can’t reach the Housing Navigator?
  • What Tenants Should Do Now
    • Confirm your lease end date and talk to your landlord about renewals through June 30, 2026.  
    • Talk with your Housing Specialist about the recertification process.  
    • Apply to other housing programs as soon as possible (HCV, public housing, project-based).  
    • Enroll with a Housing Navigator by email, [email protected].
    • Gather documents: ID, income proof, current lease, notices, and any ADA/medical documentation for accommodations.

    Contacts: