How to Apply

Everyone must complete an application to determine eligibility and be placed on the Public Housing Waiting List. Applications are available at the CHA Central Office, located at 408 Cleveland Avenue SW, Cullman, AL 35055.

Applications are only accepted the third week of the month.

The information you provide on your application determines your placement on the waiting list. If you have any changes from the information you provided on your application, you need to come into the office at 408 Cleveland Avenue SW to complete a Change Form so that we can update your application.

Once you have completed your application, the Property Manager will review it with you to insure we have the correct size bedroom for your application.

How to Check Your Status on the Waiting List

To check on your application, you must come to the Central Office and provide picture ID. A Property Manager will then check the computer and let you know your placement on the waiting list. Once you obtain the status of your application, you will not need to check it again for at least one month. We will contact you as soon as we know a vacancy is available by phone and letter. You must have the necessary money (rent, security deposit and power deposit) available to move in.

Again, it is very important you notify Cullman Housing Authority of any changes in your application by completing a Change Form at our Central Office.

Required Documents

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.

Waiting List Information

Once your application is received, it will be placed on a Waiting List. 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.

Waiting List Procedures

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 changes from the one listed on your original application, you must 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.

CHA Properties

Cullman Housing Authority offers a number of affordable housing options for families and individuals, including persons with disabilities. CHA owns and operates over 320 public housing units in the southwest portion of the City of Cullman, which we pride ourselves in maintaining to a higher standard for the comfort of our residents.

Resident Responsibilities

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.