What the Bakersfield Housing Authority does

The Bakersfield Housing Authority (BHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs in Kern County. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it administers vouchers and rental information that tenants use with private landlords, and it manages a smaller number of public housing units. The BHA is separate from the city of Bakersfield government, though it operates under state law and receives federal funding.

The main programs BHA runs are the Housing Choice Voucher program (formerly Section 8), emergency rental information, and public housing. Each has different income limits, wait lists, and process routes. Most people contact BHA because they want a voucher, but the agency also handles tenant complaints about conditions in public housing and processes requests for reasonable accommodations.

Key Takeaways

  • The Bakersfield Housing Authority administers vouchers, emergency rental information, and public housing units across Kern County, not just the city of Bakersfield.
  • The Housing Choice Voucher program has a wait list that opens and closes; you cannot explore when it is closed, and wait times can be several years once you are on the list.
  • You can reach BHA by phone, mail, or in person at their main office; the phone line is the fastest way to learn whether a program's wait list is currently open.
  • Emergency rental information through BHA covers back rent and utilities for households below 80 percent of area median income who have experienced a recent hardship.
  • Public housing through BHA is separate from the voucher program and has its own income limits and wait list.

How to contact the Bakersfield Housing Authority

The BHA main office is located in Bakersfield and handles phone calls, walk-in visits, and mail. The phone number and mailing address are available on the BHA website. Call during business hours to ask whether a specific program's wait list is open — this is the fastest way to find out, because wait list status changes and the website may not update when ready.

If you cannot reach someone by phone, you can visit the office in person or send a letter. Response times for mail are typically slower than phone calls. Some program information is also available through the BHA website, including links to process forms and program rules.

Housing Choice Voucher program and wait list status

The Housing Choice Voucher program is the largest program BHA runs. It gives you a voucher that covers part of your rent at a private apartment or house. You find your own place, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and BHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent each month. You pay the rest.

The voucher program has a wait list. When the list is open, you can submit an process. When it is closed, you cannot explore, and you must wait for it to reopen — this can be months or years. Once you are on the wait list, the wait to receive a voucher can range from one to five years or longer, depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many vouchers BHA has available.

Income limits for the voucher program are based on area median income (AMI) for Kern County. Most households must be at or below 50 percent of AMI to be considered, though BHA may set different limits. You will need proof of income, a Social Security number, and identification. Households with non-citizens may have restrictions on how many people in the household can be counted toward the voucher.

Emergency rental information and utility help

BHA administers emergency rental information funded by federal and state money. This program pays landlords directly for back rent you owe, and in some cases covers utilities. You must have experienced a recent hardship — job loss, illness, eviction notice, or similar — and your household income must be below 80 percent of area median income.

To explore, you will need a signed lease, proof of the hardship, proof of income, and your landlord's contact information. BHA will contact your landlord to confirm the amount owed. Processing typically takes two to six weeks. The program prioritizes households with an active eviction case, so if you have been served with an eviction notice, tell BHA when you explore.

Emergency rental information funds are limited and can run out. If the program is closed when you call, ask when it is expected to reopen. Some funds reopen on a set schedule; others reopen as money becomes available.

Public housing units managed by BHA

BHA owns and manages a limited number of public housing apartments and townhouses. These are separate from the voucher program. Public housing has its own income limits, which are typically lower than the voucher program, and its own wait list. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, so the amount you pay changes if your income changes.

To be considered for public housing, you must meet income limits, pass a background check, and have a valid Social Security number. Non-citizen household members may have restrictions. The wait list for public housing can be long, and BHA will contact you when a unit becomes available.

Tenant rights and complaint procedures

If you live in BHA public housing and have a maintenance problem — broken heat, mold, plumbing issues — you can file a maintenance request with BHA. If the problem is not fixed within a reasonable time, you can file a formal complaint. BHA has rules about how quickly repairs must be made.

If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability, you can request one in writing. BHA must consider your request and respond within a set timeframe. Reasonable accommodations might include allowing a service animal, modifying a unit, or adjusting lease rules.

Income limits and how they are calculated

BHA programs use area median income (AMI) to set income limits. AMI is the middle income for a family of four in Kern County, and it changes each year. Most programs use a percentage of AMI — for example, 50 percent AMI or 80 percent AMI — to determine who can participate.

Income includes wages, Social Security, child support, unemployment benefits, and other regular money coming into your household. It does not include one-time payments like tax refunds or insurance settlements. BHA will ask you to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements to prove your income. If your income is below the limit, you may be considered; if it is above, you will not be.

Income limits vary by household size. A family of four has a different limit than a single person or a family of six. BHA will tell you the exact limit for your household size when you contact them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for a voucher if I have an eviction on my record?

BHA considers your full housing history, including evictions. A past eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but BHA will review the reason and how long ago it happened. If you have an active eviction case right now, tell BHA when you explore — emergency rental information may help, and it can also help your voucher process.

What happens if my income goes up after I get a voucher?

If your income increases, you must report it to BHA. Your rent portion may go up, but you will not lose the voucher when ready. BHA has rules about how long you can stay on a voucher if your income exceeds the limit. The exact rules depend on your situation and BHA's policies.

How long does it take to get a voucher after I am approved?

After you are approved for a voucher, BHA will issue it to you. You then have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a landlord who accepts the voucher and sign a lease. If you cannot find a place in that time, you may lose the voucher and have to reapply.

Do I need a Social Security number to explore?

Yes, BHA requires a valid Social Security number for the head of household and usually for all adult household members. If you do not have a Social Security number, you may not be able to participate in BHA programs. Contact BHA directly to discuss your situation.

What if I cannot reach BHA by phone?

If the phone line is busy or you cannot get through, visit the office in person during business hours or send a letter. You can also check the BHA website for process forms and program information. Response times vary, but visiting in person is usually faster than waiting for a phone call back.