What the Butte County Housing Authority does

The Butte County Housing Authority (BCHA) is a public agency that runs affordable housing programs in Butte County, California. It administers Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, manages public housing properties, and oversees other federal housing programs. The Authority is not a landlord itself — it pays subsidies directly to private landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits.

BCHA serves renters in unincorporated Butte County and in some incorporated cities within the county, depending on the program. The Authority's main office is in Oroville. If you live in Chico, Paradise, or another city within Butte County, you may still be served by BCHA, but some cities have their own housing authorities — you can confirm by calling BCHA or checking your city's website.

Key Takeaways

  • BCHA administers Section 8 vouchers and public housing, but the waiting list for vouchers is typically closed and can have years-long wait times when it reopens.
  • To use a Section 8 voucher, your household income must fall below 50 percent of the area median income, which varies by household size and is set annually.
  • BCHA requires a signed lease, proof of income, and a background check before issuing a voucher or approving a public housing unit.
  • You can contact BCHA directly at their Oroville office or through their website to ask about current program status, waiting list openings, and what documents you need.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers through BCHA

A Section 8 voucher is a federal subsidy that covers part of your rent — typically the difference between 30 percent of your household income and the fair market rent for your area. BCHA pays the landlord directly each month. You pay your share of the rent to the landlord, and BCHA pays the rest.

To receive a voucher, your household income must not exceed 50 percent of the area median income for Butte County. Income limits change each year. For example, a single person's limit might be around $28,000 to $32,000 annually, but this varies. A family of four might have a limit around $45,000 to $51,000. Contact BCHA directly for the current year's exact limits, as they are published in spring each year.

The Section 8 waiting list in Butte County is usually closed. When it does open, it fills quickly and then closes again. BCHA typically opens the list for a short period — sometimes a few weeks — and then does not accept new applications for months or years. You can call BCHA or check their website to learn whether the list is currently open.

Public housing managed by BCHA

BCHA also owns and manages public housing units — apartments and homes that the Authority owns directly. These units are rented to low-income households at reduced rates. Like Section 8, public housing has income limits and a waiting list. The waiting list for public housing is also typically closed.

Public housing rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, so your payment adjusts if your income changes. BCHA conducts annual income recertifications to update your rent. If you lose income, your rent may go down; if your income rises, your rent goes up.

Income verification and required documents

Whether you are explore for a Section 8 voucher or public housing, BCHA will ask for proof of income, household composition, and background information. Typical documents include recent pay stubs, tax returns, proof of benefits (if you receive Social Security or unemployment), and a photo ID. If you are unemployed, BCHA may ask for documentation of your job search or a letter from your last employer.

BCHA also conducts a criminal background check and a credit check. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify you, but certain offenses — particularly drug-related convictions or crimes of violence — may. BCHA reviews each case individually. You can ask BCHA in advance what their policy is on specific offenses if you have concerns.

You will also need a signed lease from a landlord before BCHA can issue a voucher or approve a unit. The landlord must agree to accept the subsidy and sign a contract with BCHA. If you do not yet have a landlord, BCHA can provide a list of landlords who have worked with the program before.

How to contact BCHA and check program status

The Butte County Housing Authority's main office is located in Oroville. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about waiting list status, current income limits, and what documents you need to bring. Their website also lists contact information, office hours, and sometimes posts updates about whether waiting lists are open.

If you cannot reach BCHA directly, you can also contact your local city housing department or call 211 (a free referral service) to ask about BCHA programs and whether the waiting list is currently open. 211 staff can sometimes provide more current information about program openings than a single agency can.

What happens after you are approved

Once BCHA approves you for a Section 8 voucher, you have a set amount of time — usually 60 to 120 days — to find a rental unit. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and the unit must pass a BCHA inspection. The inspection checks that the unit is safe, has working utilities, and meets housing quality standards.

After you move in, BCHA pays the landlord monthly. You pay your share of the rent directly to the landlord. BCHA conducts annual inspections of the unit and recertifies your income each year. If your circumstances change — you move, your income changes, or household members move in or out — you must report this to BCHA.

Alternatives if BCHA's waiting list is closed

If BCHA's waiting list is closed and you need housing now, other options exist. Some nonprofits in Butte County offer emergency rental information, transitional housing, or rapid rehousing programs. You can search for these through 211 or by contacting your city's community development office.

You can also ask BCHA when they expect to reopen the waiting list. Some people choose to put their name on the list as soon as it reopens, even if they do not need housing when ready, because the wait time can be years. The sooner you are on the list, the sooner you may be served.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for Section 8 in Butte County?

Wait times vary widely depending on when you are added to the list and how many people are ahead of you. In some years, the wait has been several years. Contact BCHA directly for a current estimate, as this changes based on how many vouchers become available and how many people are on the list.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher to move out of Butte County?

Section 8 vouchers can sometimes be used in other counties, but you must request a voucher portability transfer from BCHA and be approved by the housing authority in the county where you want to move. Not all housing authorities accept portable vouchers, so you should contact the receiving authority before you move.

What if I have a criminal record?

BCHA reviews criminal history on a case-by-case basis. Drug-related convictions and crimes of violence are more likely to result in denial, but other offenses may not. You can contact BCHA and ask about their specific policies before you formally explore, or you can explore and let them review your record.

Do I have to work to get Section 8?

No. Section 8 is based on income, not employment status. If you receive Social Security, unemployment benefits, disability payments, or other income, that counts toward your household income. You do not have to be employed.

What if I cannot find a landlord who accepts Section 8?

BCHA can provide a list of landlords who have previously worked with the program. You can also ask BCHA staff for help locating a unit. Some nonprofits in the county also help Section 8 holders find landlords. If you are having trouble, contact BCHA — they have experience with this problem and may have resources to help.