Housing Authority of
the City of Dawson

Housing Programs

Established in 1955, the Housing Authority of the City of Dawson (HACD) in Georgia provides affordable housing options for low-income individuals, families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. HACD complies with the requirements of applicable building codes, housing codes, and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations. The waitlists for our Housing Programs are currently open. To apply or check your status on the waitlist, please call 229.995.2675 or stop by our office. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Public Housing

Recognized by HUD as a High Performer in Public Housing, HACD administers 116 Public Housing units in the community, with 70 units offered in Stewart County. The Public Housing Program is income-based, and the eligibility guidelines are set by HUD.

USDA Affordable Housing

HACD offers affordable housing opportunities in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). These apartments offer affordable housing options for low-income families and operate differently from traditional public housing. In accordance with Federal law and USDA policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, sex, and familial status.

Paying Rent

Rent and any other charges are due and payable on the first day of the month. All rents must be paid at the HACD Office by money order or check. Reasonable accommodations for this requirement will be made for persons with disabilities. If the rent is not paid by the sixth of the month, a notice to vacate will be issued to the resident. The penalty for delinquent rent and other charges is $25.00 after the sixth of the month, regardless if the sixth day is a holiday, Saturday, or Sunday. If rent is paid by personal check and the check is returned for insufficient funds, this will be considered a non-payment and the resident will incur an additional charge of $20 for processing costs.

Maintenance

Our hours of operation for maintenance are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Friday, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. For maintenance, please call 229.995.2675 and provide information about your service request.

For emergency maintenance needed after-hours or on weekends, please call 229.995.2675 and leave a message with your name, address, telephone number, and a detailed work order description.

Considered maintenance emergencies are:

• Broken Door Lock or Window
• Broken Water Line
• Excessive Flooding
• Exposed Electrical Line (visible sparks or overheating)
• Fire (please dial 9-1-1 first)
• Gas Leak (please dial 9-1-1 first)
• No Air Conditioning (during hot weather)
• No Heat (during cold weather)
• No Power (connected to or caused by the electrical company)
• Sewage Backups (overflowing toilet, exposure to raw sewage, etc.)

For Medical, Safety, or Life-Threatening Emergencies, please dial 9-1-1.

Utility Information

Residents are responsible for transferring the utilities listed below into their name and managing the monthly utility payments, as well as any associated deposits.

• Electricity: Georgia Power
• Gas / Water: City of Dawson, Georgia
• Trash Schedule: Pickup Day is every Friday. Trash cans must be placed at the curb by Friday evening. All cans should be pulled back from the curb no later than Saturday.

Inspections

From time to time, authorized HACD staff may perform inspections on your unit. Types of inspections can include but are not limited to: Move-In Inspections, which are completed prior to signing the unit lease; Annual Inspections, which are completed annually to ensure each unit meets housing standards; Preventive Maintenance Inspections, which help keep units in good repair and are usually completed in conjunction with an annual inspection; Special Inspections, which may be scheduled to enable HUD or others to inspect a sample of the housing stock maintained by HACD; Housekeeping Inspections, which ensure the unit is being maintained in a safe and sanitary condition; and Emergency Inspections, which can be completed without prior notice if an employee or agent of the HACD has reason to believe an emergency may exist within the unit. For preventative maintenance inspections, special inspections, and housekeeping inspections residents will have at least two (2) calendar days written notice. For Annual Inspections, residents will receive a seven (7) day written notice.

Pet Policy

HACD permits residents to own and keep common household pets (described below) in their apartment. At no time will HACD approve of exotic pets such as snakes, monkeys, rodents, etc. Animals not listed are not permitted. A maximum of two pets per household may be maintained by the family. No animals will be tied up outside and left unattended. No Dog Houses, Animal Runs, etc. are Permitted.

Common Household Pets Include:

• Birds: Including canary, parakeet, finch, and other species that are typically kept in cages. Birds must be caged; birds of prey and domestic fowl are not permitted
• Fish: Tanks or aquariums are not to exceed fifty-five (55) gallons in capacity. Poisonous or dangerous fish are not permitted. Only one (1) tank or aquarium is permitted per apartment
• Dogs: Not to exceed thirty (30) pounds or fifteen (15) inches. Dogs must be neutered or spayed. Vicious and intimidating dogs are not allowed. Additionally, the following breeds are not permitted: Doberman, German Shepard, Chow, Pit Bulls, and Rottweilers
• Cats: All cats must be neutered/spayed and declawed. Litter boxes must be properly maintained in the dwelling unit
• Other: Upon approval of the Executive Director, Hamsters, guinea pigs, and gerbils are considered caged animals and must be maintained in a cage

All residents must the approval of HACD before moving a pet into their unit. Please request and complete an Authorization of Pet Ownership form.

No visitor of guest will be allowed to bring pets on the premises at any time. Residents will not be allowed to pet site or house a pet without fully complying with this policy.

Pet owners are responsible for the immediate removal of pet waste.