EHV Tenant FAQs

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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.  

• 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.  
  • Note: DCA Project-based voucher waitlists open quarterly. Further information may be found on the Project-Based Voucher Program web page.  
• You may explore additional resources on the Emergency Housing Voucher web page. 

• 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. 

• 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.

• 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. 

• 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.  

• 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. 

• 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.  

• Email [email protected].
• Include your full name, address, current phone number, and voucher size. 

• Call Customer Service at 470-802-4707
• Email [email protected].

• No. DCA may no longer issue any new Emergency Housing Vouchers. This includes issuing vouchers for a subsequent move.

• EHV recertifications will be permitted through May 27, 2026, but not after that date. If a family does not submit a recertification in a timely manner, this may result in termination of program participation. Recertification will be initiated 120 days prior to effective date. Family must complete and submit all recertification documents at least 90 days prior to the effective date.

• Moves with continued EHV assistance are prohibited through the remaining duration of the EHV program. Families may submit a notice to vacate with the acknowledgement that their EHV assistance will be terminated upon their move-out. DCA may no longer issue any new Emergency Housing Vouchers. This includes issuing vouchers for a subsequent move. 

• As normal procedure, you will report all changes within 10 days.

• No. DCA will not process any port-in requests for EHV. 

• At this time, we are unable to convert EHV vouchers to HCV tenant-based vouchers. If permanent funding is provided by HUD, we will notify participants if conversions are available.

• Yes. DCA’s HCV Division has adopted a waiting list preference for EHV families for if/when EHV funding ends. This preference does not guarantee the availability of a voucher. 

• If you are paying your rent, abiding by the rules of your lease and program, and have not committed offense that would lead to eviction, your landlord may not evict. However, landlords may issue non-renewals or lease terminations within the guidelines of their lease and local regulation.

• If a family becomes a protected class under VAWA, DCA will initiate VAWA protection procedures. Due to the exhaustion of available funding, the family will be authorized to move for their protection and safety without subsidy. A voucher will not be available to subsidize rent in a new unit. 

• Additional assistance in the form of resource location, comprehensive explanation, and accessibility will be provided. Any in-person information sessions will be offered virtually for persons with disabilities. As alternative housing resources come available, persons with disabilities will be encouraged to apply for units/resources that accommodate their disability.

• EHV participants in the initial housing search phase have until February 1, 2026, to sign an initial lease. All remaining EHV vouchers that have never been utilized will be expired as of February 1, 2026. If a participant leases up prior to February 1, 2026, they may be eligible for 12 months of assistance (if funding is available) but may not recertify after that. 

• Yes. DCA will ensure that all EHV participants receive at least 12 months of HAP assistance. If a family’s initial 12-month lease ends after June 30, 2026, HAP assistance will end upon the end of the lease. 

• 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:

• Customer Service Phone: 470-802-4707
• General Program Email: [email protected]