The State of Georgia Rental Assistance Program

Essential Forms

Required Documents

What documents will a Landlord need to provide to complete the GRA Landlord Application? 

Landlords will need the following types of documents/items (e.g., copies, pictures, screenshots, etc.) along with their signed, fully completed application. The online application will specify the actual documents required.

Proof of Identity
  • Driver’s license
  • Government-issued photo identification
  • U.S. Military photo ID
  • Tribal photo ID
  • Passport
Proof of Ownership
  • Warranty Deed
  • Tax Record 
  • Insurance Binder

    Note: If applicant is a Property Management Company or Legal Representative, applicant must also attach documentation showing authorization to act on behalf of the property owner: 

  • Authorization Agreement Contract/Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)/Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
Financial Documentation
  • IRS W-9 Form
  • ACH Direct Deposit form
Tenant Information
  • Delinquent rent Statement
What documents will a Tenant need to provide to complete the GRA Landlord Application? 

Tenants will need the following types of documents/items (e.g., copies, pictures, screenshots, etc.) along with their signed, fully completed application. The online application will specify the actual documents required.

Proof of Identity
  • Driver’s license
  • Government-issued photo identification
  • U.S. Military photo ID
  • Tribal photo ID
  • Passport
Verification of Income

Annual Income Documentation

Acceptable supporting documentation for households seeking assistance based upon the household's most current annual income:

  • Copy of most current Form 1040 as filed with the IRS for the household (For Form 1040, both the return and the tax forms used to establish the household's income for tax purposes, such as W-2 statement(s) and any 1099 forms, must be submitted)
  • Documents evidencing annual income (e.g., wage statement, interest statement, unemployment compensation statement)
  • Receipts of forms of benefit income, such as TANF, Social Security, SSI, and SSDI payments that are not always considered taxable income and will not be reported on a tax form

Monthly Income Documentation

If the applicant is seeking assistance based upon the current household monthly income, the household must provide income verification for at least the most recent two months (60 days) leading up to application submission, and eligibility must be redetermined every three months for the duration of the assistance.

Acceptable supporting documentation for the monthly income option includes:

  • Documents evidencing monthly income (e.g., wage statement, interest statement, unemployment compensation statement),

OR

In addition to the above, for the monthly income option, documentation for monthly income for the two months leading up to application submission may also include:

  • If employed, pay stubs, third party verification from the employer, or a letter from their employer indicating reduced pay
  • Documentation of cash assistance such as Social Security income, unemployment benefits, worker's compensation (excluding lump sum distributions), or public assistance benefits
  • Documentation of child support, alimony
  • TANF, SSI or other supplemental income programs that are limited to households with incomes below 80 percent of AMI (or a comparable poverty threshold)
  • Documentation of any income received for self-employment, including documentation of income from the operation of a business or profession, or direct payments for services
  • Bank statements
  • Documentation of Social Security, annuities, retirement income, pensions, disability or death benefits (to include spousal benefits) and other similar types of periodic or monthly receipts, excluding benefits received by anyone 17 years old or under

Note:

Income that should NOT be included would include wages of children under the age of 18, foster care income, adoption assistance, and income for a live-in aide. Earnings in excess of $480 for each full-time student in the household unless they are the head of household or spouse are also excluded.

If individual circumstances prevent applicant from providing the requested documentation, the applicant should complete the Income Documentation Waiver form located at the top of this page.

Verification of Renter Status 

Tenant Applicants must submit:

  • Lease agreement that has been signed by both parties must be submitted in its entirety as part of the initial application OR
  • Households without a current signed lease (such as those renting under a month-to-month arrangement) should provide a certification that they still reside in the rental unit for which the assistance is being applied and confirmation of this from their landlord
  • Mobile homes are eligible for rent arrearages on the unit and/or lot being rented.

Note:

Assistance under this program is allowed for households residing in a hotel, motel, temporary lodging, or a boarding house. Lease-purchase and rent to own units are eligible for assistance under specific circumstances. Please contact the program for more information. Housing cooperatives are not eligible for the program.

If individual circumstances prevent applicant from providing requested documentation, applicant may provide evidence of paying utilities for the residential unit, an attestation by a landlord who can be identified as the verified management agent the unit, or other reasonable documentation as determined by DCA.

Verification of Risk of Experiencing Homelessness or Housing Instability 

The household must also be able to demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability to qualify. Acceptable documentation for this can include the following:

  • An eviction notice
  • A past due rent notice
  • A past due utility notice, or
  • A signed “Verification of Housing Instability” form located at the top of this page.

Acceptable documentation of rent and utility arrears may include the most recent past due bill, an eviction notice, a PDF or screenshot of an online payment portal, or a letter or email from a landlord to a tenant.