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Francis Villa Apartments in Columbia: What to Know Before You Move

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

Francis Villa is a public housing community in Columbia run by the Housing Authority of the City of Columbia

Francis Villa Apartments is located in Columbia and operated by the Housing Authority of the City of Columbia (HACC). The community offers rental housing to residents who meet income and other requirements set by the federal government and the local housing authority. Like other public housing, Francis Villa is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and managed according to federal guidelines.

The property has been part of Columbia's housing landscape for decades and serves families, seniors, and individuals looking for affordable rental options in the city. Your rent at Francis Villa is calculated based on your household income, typically set at 30 percent of your adjusted gross income, rather than a flat market rate.

Key Takeaways

  • Francis Villa is public housing operated by the Housing Authority of the City of Columbia, with rent based on your household income rather than market rates.
  • You must meet income limits and other requirements set by HUD and HACC to live there, and these requirements vary by household size.
  • The Housing Authority of the City of Columbia handles all applications, lease questions, and maintenance requests for Francis Villa.
  • You can contact HACC directly to learn about current availability and to request information about the application process.

How rent is calculated at Francis Villa

Your monthly rent at Francis Villa is based on your household's income, not on what the market charges for similar apartments elsewhere in Columbia. HUD requires public housing authorities to charge rent equal to 30 percent of your adjusted gross monthly income, or the base rent for the unit—whichever is higher. This means two households living in identical units may pay different rents depending on their income.

Adjusted gross income includes wages, Social Security, disability benefits, child support, and other regular income sources, but excludes certain deductions like medical expenses for elderly or disabled residents. The Housing Authority reviews your income each year and adjusts your rent accordingly. If your income changes significantly during the year, you can report it and request a rent adjustment.

Income limits and who can live there

To live at Francis Villa, your household income must fall below the limit set by HUD for your area and household size. These limits change annually and are based on the median income for the Columbia metropolitan area. A household of one person has a different limit than a household of four, and limits are higher for larger families.

Beyond income, HACC will review your rental history, credit, and background as part of the application process. You must provide proof of income, identification, and a Social Security number for all household members. The Housing Authority may deny housing to applicants with certain criminal convictions or a history of lease violations, though policies vary and you can request details about specific concerns.

How to contact the Housing Authority about Francis Villa

The Housing Authority of the City of Columbia manages all aspects of Francis Villa, including applications, lease questions, maintenance requests, and rent disputes. You can reach HACC by phone or by visiting their office in Columbia to speak with a staff member about availability, the application process, or your lease.

When you contact HACC, have your identification ready and be prepared to discuss your household size, income, and any special needs (such as accessibility requirements). Staff can tell you whether units are currently available and what documents you will need to provide. If you are currently experiencing homelessness or housing instability, mention that when you call—some housing authorities prioritize applications from households in crisis.

What to expect during the application process

The application process begins when you submit your information to HACC. You will need to provide proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements), identification for all household members, and a Social Security number. The Housing Authority will verify your income with employers and benefit agencies to confirm what you reported.

HACC will also conduct a background check and contact previous landlords to ask about your rental history. This process typically takes several weeks. Once approved, you will sign a lease with HACC and move into your unit. If you are denied, HACC must provide a reason in writing, and you have the right to request a hearing to dispute the decision.

Lease terms and resident responsibilities

Your lease at Francis Villa outlines your rights and responsibilities as a resident. You are responsible for keeping your unit clean and in good condition, paying rent on time, and following community rules. HACC is responsible for maintaining the building structure, roof, plumbing, and heating systems, and for responding to maintenance requests within a reasonable timeframe.

If you fail to pay rent or violate lease terms, HACC can begin eviction proceedings. However, the Housing Authority must provide written notice and an opportunity to cure the violation before filing in court. If you have a dispute with HACC over maintenance, rent calculation, or lease enforcement, you can request a hearing before an impartial officer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the income limit to live at Francis Villa?

Income limits vary by household size and change each year based on HUD guidelines. A single person has a lower limit than a family of four. Contact the Housing Authority of the City of Columbia directly—they can tell you the current limit for your household size and whether your income falls within the range.

How long does it take to get approved for Francis Villa?

The application review process typically takes several weeks, though the exact timeline depends on how quickly you provide documents and how long it takes HACC to verify your income and contact previous landlords. During busy periods, the wait may be longer. Call HACC to ask about current processing times.

Can I be denied housing at Francis Villa?

Yes. HACC can deny your application if your income exceeds the limit, if you have a history of lease violations, or if your background check reveals certain criminal convictions. If denied, HACC must tell you why in writing, and you can request a hearing to challenge the decision.

What happens if I cannot pay my rent?

Contact HACC immediately to explain your situation. If you are facing a temporary hardship, you may be able to work out a payment plan. If you do not pay rent, HACC can begin eviction, but they must give you written notice first and a chance to pay what you owe before filing in court.

Who do I call if something breaks in my apartment?

Contact the Housing Authority of the City of Columbia to report maintenance issues. HACC is responsible for repairs to the building structure, plumbing, heating, and electrical systems. Emergency repairs (like no heat in winter or a burst pipe) should be reported immediately; non-emergency repairs may take longer.