Housing Programs

Mobile Housing Board ("MHB") offers senior housing to those seniors who are 62 years of age or older and desire to live in quality senior communities.  MHB must screen all applicants for eligibility to qualify for the housing, and suitability to live in the community.  The basic four (4) requirements relate to Income Limits, Previous Background Information, completing a Preliminary Application and a satisfactory Interview.

1.  Eligibility - Income Limits.  An eligible senior must have an annual gross income that does not exceed the federally-established limits.  The current income limits are:

1 person— $30,200
2 persons—$34,500

2.  Suitability - Applicant Background Information.  In addition, all applicants must have a satisfactory:

• Criminal History/Police Record
• Satisfactory previous landlord reference(s)
• Absence of unsatisfied Debt owed to the Mobile Housing Board or other landlords

3.  Preliminary Application.  Each applicant must file a Preliminary Application at the site where they are interested in living.  The Preliminary Application may be downloaded here and then emailed or delivered to the site. 

4.  Personal Interview.  After you file a Preliminary Application and rise toward the  top of the waiting list, you will receive an appointment, by telephone call, email or mail, to come in for an interview. At that time, you will be asked to provide the following information:

1. Identification,
2. Social Security Card,
3. Birth certificate or an acceptable substitute, and
4. Verification of all income and assets.

MHB will then determine if you are eligible and suitable for the housing based on the information you provided and any other information that MHB receives about you.  Once you establish satisfactory eligibility and suitable for the housing, you will be offered an apartment when your name rises to the top of the waiting list and there is an available unit for your family.

Apply Online Now!

Mobile Housing Authority's ("MHA") Affordable Housing Program currently consists of over 2,000+ units of conventional public housing located in 12 family and senior developments. Unit sizes range from 1–3 bedrooms, although not all sizes are available at all sites. 

Currently, the following sites are accepting applications:

NONE

Basic Affordable Housing Eligibility Criteria

In order to live in MHA's housing, an applicant and family members must show that they meet the basic eligibility criteria regarding age, income and citizenship status.  Family members must also meet the suitability requirements which consists of background information related to previous tenancies, debts, and criminal history.  When an applicant satisfies the eligibility and suitability requirements, the applicant may be assisted by MHA according to its waiting list requirements and subject to unit availability. 

Suitability Requirements

1 - Age

In most of the communities, the head of household must be 19 years of age or older (or an emancipated minor) unless married and applying with a spouse who is 19 years or older.

2 - Income Requirements

Family’s total, gross annual income cannot exceed HUD-established income limits for participation in the Affordable Housing Program. Income includes all "countable" income anticipated for the coming year.  Some examples of  income HUD uses to calculate gross annual income include, wages, unemployment benefits, workmen’s compensation, Social Security, Pensions, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF), regular contributions from family or friends, child support payments, etc.

Income Limits

Generally, MHA may serve families that fall at or below the income limits for a Low Income family.  HUD says that a Low Income family is one that has income which is at 80% or less than the Area Median Income for all households in Mobile County, Alabama.  The income limits are different depending on how many family members are in the family.  The income limits are recalculated by HUD each year and may change.  

FY 2024 Income Limits Summary

(Chart taken from HUDuser.gov)

NOTE: Mobile County is part of the Mobile, AL HUD Metro FMR Area, so all information presented here applies to all of the Mobile, AL HUD Metro FMR Area. HUD generally uses the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) area definitions in the calculation of income limit program parameters. However, to ensure that program parameters do not vary significantly due to area definition changes, HUD has used custom geographic definitions for the Mobile, AL HUD Metro FMR Area.

How to Apply for Affordable Housing

The pre-application can be submitted online! Apply ONLINE Now!

Please visit the Property Manager's Office for additional information. Click here for the Affordable Housing locations and contact information.

When you apply online you are placed on the housing development's waiting lists  Each development has its own waiting list. The waiting list at one site may be longer than the list at another site.

Are you 62 years of age or older...

Apply ONLINE Now!

You deserve a safe, peaceful, friendly place to live. You will find Central Plaza Towers and Frank W. Boykin Tower just the places to meet new friends, to enjoy scheduled outings and activities, or to just relax in your own private apartment with a full kitchen. We think that you will find our housing very affordable as the rent is based on your monthly income. Rent will not exceed 30% of your adjusted income. All utilities are included with your rental payment too! That could be a huge saving to your monthly budget.

CENTRAL PLAZA TOWERS

Amenities include:

• On-site laundry facilities and locking individual mailboxes for your convenience.
• Accessible transportation is available for outings
• Gated with free parking for residents and guests
• Card-key entry after hours and on-site security
• All apartments come equipped with a stove and frost-free refrigerator.
• On-site Management
• Cable T.V. connections in all apartments
• Community rooms available for Birthdays, Anniversaries, etc.
• You do not have to worry when repairs are needed. We are a phone call away,  with quality maintenance for all of our residents.

You are invited to visit one or all locations and then place an Application on-line or on-site for your convenience. Call ahead to schedule a tour so we can give you the personal attention you deserve.

DownTown Renaissance

EMERSON GARDENS...A QUIET RETREAT & THE GARDENS ON FIRST AVENUE

Mobile Housing Board also owns and operates two additional apartment complexes for senior citizens. Emerson Gardens is located downtown at 759 Palmetto Street. It is bound by Broad Street, Canal Street, Washington Avenue and Savannah Street. It includes approximately 94 four-room brick apartments with porches and the Emerson Gardens Community Center. Each apartment is equipped with a stove and refrigerator.

The Gardens on First Avenue is a gated retirement community located at 2976 First Avenue in Trinity Gardens, near Katye Street. It includes 16 beautiful red brick apartments with front porches. Residents can step through the double doors of their bedroom onto a back or side porch. Each apartment has a living room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, washer, dryer and alarm system. The kitchens are fully equipped with a stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave. The apartments have lots of closet and storage space. The Gardens on First Avenue is conveniently located within the City of Mobile off Beltline Highway, near Interstate 65. This housing development is currently fully leased.