What the Biloxi Housing Authority does

The Biloxi Housing Authority (BHA) is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Biloxi, Mississippi. It administers public housing units, Section 8 vouchers, and other housing programs for low-income residents. The BHA does not set rents or decide who lives where on its own — it follows federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which means the rules are the same across all housing authorities but the specific units and wait times are local to Biloxi.

The BHA's main job is to own and lease public housing properties and to distribute Section 8 vouchers that help tenants pay rent in privately owned buildings. It also manages waiting lists, conducts inspections, and handles lease enforcement. If you live in a BHA unit or hold a BHA voucher, the authority is your landlord or your voucher administrator — they set the terms of your tenancy within federal limits and handle maintenance, rent collection, and disputes.

Key Takeaways

  • The Biloxi Housing Authority manages public housing units and Section 8 vouchers under federal HUD rules, so may be able to access and rent calculations follow a national framework but wait times are specific to Biloxi.
  • Public housing rent is based on your income (usually 30 percent of gross monthly income), not on market rates, and the BHA conducts annual income reviews to adjust your rent.
  • Section 8 vouchers let you rent from a private landlord instead of living in a BHA building, but the landlord must pass a BHA inspection and agree to the voucher program rules.
  • The BHA maintains separate waiting lists for public housing and Section 8 vouchers, and both lists are typically closed or have long wait times — contact the authority directly to learn the current status.
  • If you have a dispute with the BHA over rent, maintenance, or lease terms, you have the right to a hearing before the authority can evict you or take other action.

Public housing units and how rent works

The Biloxi Housing Authority owns and operates public housing buildings throughout the city. These are apartments or houses rented to low-income households at below-market rates. To live in a BHA unit, you must meet income limits (which vary by household size and are set by HUD each year), be a U.S. citizen or may be able to access immigrant, and pass a background check. The BHA will also verify your identity and Social Security number.

Rent in public housing is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly household income, or the HUD-set minimum rent for your area, whichever is higher. The minimum rent in Biloxi is typically $50 to $75 per month, though this can change. If your income drops, your rent drops; if it rises, your rent rises. The BHA reviews your income once a year and adjusts your rent accordingly. You are responsible for utilities unless the lease states otherwise — most BHA leases require tenants to pay water, gas, and electricity.

The BHA is required to maintain units in safe, sanitary condition. If something breaks — a roof leak, broken heating, plumbing failure — you report it to maintenance and the BHA must repair it within a reasonable time. If the BHA fails to make repairs, you have the right to request a rent reduction or, in some cases, to repair it yourself and deduct the cost from rent (called "repair and deduct"), though you must follow the lease and local law carefully.

Section 8 vouchers and finding a private rental

A Section 8 voucher is a subsidy that helps you pay rent in a privately owned apartment or house. Instead of paying the full rent yourself, you pay a portion (usually 30 percent of your income) and the BHA pays the landlord the rest, up to a limit called the "payment standard." The payment standard varies by bedroom size and is set by HUD for the Biloxi area — a one-bedroom voucher might cover up to $700 per month, for example, though this amount changes annually.

To use a Section 8 voucher, you must find a landlord willing to participate in the program. Not all landlords accept vouchers — some refuse because of program rules, inspections, or paperwork. Once you find a unit, the landlord must sign a lease with you and the BHA, and the unit must pass a BHA inspection covering safety, sanitation, and basic living standards. If the unit fails inspection, the landlord must make repairs before you can move in.

You can search for units on your own, through a real estate agent, or by asking the BHA for a list of landlords in the area who have previously accepted vouchers. The BHA cannot tell you where to live, but it can tell you which areas are within the payment standard and which landlords have worked with the program before. Once you move in, you stay on the voucher as long as you meet the program rules — you report income changes, the BHA recalculates your share of rent, and you can move to a new unit if you find one the landlord and BHA approve.

Waiting lists and how to get on them

The Biloxi Housing Authority maintains separate waiting lists for public housing and Section 8 vouchers. Both lists are typically very long — wait times in Biloxi can range from several months to several years, depending on the program and the size of unit you need. The BHA may close the lists temporarily when the wait becomes too long, and reopen them periodically.

To find out whether the lists are open and how long the current wait is, contact the BHA directly by phone or in person at their main office. You can also visit their website or call 2-1-1 (a national helpline) to ask about the current status. Do not rely on outdated information — wait times and list status change frequently, and only the BHA can tell you whether you can get on a list right now.

When you explore, bring proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of identity (driver's license or passport), and proof of residency in Biloxi or the surrounding area. The BHA will verify your information and place you on the list in the order your process was received, unless you may have access to for a priority (such as homelessness or disability, which some authorities prioritize). Once you are on the list, the BHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available.

Lease terms, eviction, and your rights

When you sign a lease with the Biloxi Housing Authority, you are agreeing to the BHA's standard lease, which includes federal requirements and local rules. The lease covers rent, utilities, maintenance responsibilities, house rules (no illegal activity, no unauthorized occupants, no damage to the unit), and the BHA's right to inspect the unit. You have the right to quiet enjoyment of the unit — the BHA cannot enter without notice except in emergencies.

The BHA can evict you for non-payment of rent, lease violations (such as criminal activity or unauthorized occupants), or if you no longer meet income limits (though the BHA usually gives you time to move rather than evicting when ready). Before evicting you, the BHA must give you written notice and an opportunity to cure the problem — usually 14 days to pay rent or fix a violation. If you do not cure it, the BHA must file in court and obtain a judgment before a sheriff can remove you.

You have the right to a hearing before the BHA can evict you. This is called an "informal hearing" and you can request it in writing within a set time after receiving notice. At the hearing, you can present your side of the story, bring witnesses, and challenge the BHA's claims. The hearing officer will decide whether the BHA has grounds to evict. If you lose the informal hearing, you can request a formal hearing in court, where a judge will review the case again.

Maintenance, repairs, and habitability standards

The Biloxi Housing Authority is required by federal law to maintain all units in safe, sanitary, and working condition. This means the roof must not leak, the heating and cooling must work, plumbing must function, electrical systems must be safe, and the unit must be free of pests and mold. The BHA must also keep common areas (hallways, grounds, parking lots) clean and safe.

If something breaks or is unsafe, report it to the BHA maintenance office in writing (email, phone, or in person) and keep a copy of your report. Describe the problem clearly and note when it started. The BHA must respond within a reasonable time — usually a few days for emergencies (no heat in winter, no water, electrical hazard) and up to two weeks for non-emergencies. If the BHA does not make repairs, you can request a rent reduction, file a complaint with HUD, or in some cases repair it yourself and deduct the cost from rent (though you must follow the lease and Mississippi law).

The BHA conducts annual inspections of all units to check for maintenance problems and lease violations. You will receive notice before the inspection. The inspector checks the roof, walls, floors, plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical outlets, smoke detectors, and the overall cleanliness of the unit. If the unit fails inspection because of BHA maintenance failures, the BHA must fix it. If it fails because of tenant damage or neglect, you may be required to pay for repairs or face lease violation charges.

Disputes, complaints, and how to challenge BHA decisions

If you disagree with a BHA decision — such as a rent increase, a lease violation notice, a denial of a reasonable accommodation, or a maintenance dispute — you have the right to challenge it. The first step is usually an informal hearing, where you can present your case to a BHA hearing officer. Request the hearing in writing within the time limit stated in the notice (usually 10 to 14 days). Bring documents, witnesses, and a clear explanation of why you believe the BHA is wrong.

If you lose the informal hearing or are not satisfied, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD investigates complaints about housing authority violations of federal law, discrimination, and mismanagement. You can file online at HUD's website or by mail. HUD will not overturn a hearing decision, but it can investigate whether the BHA followed federal rules and can order the BHA to correct violations.

If the BHA is evicting you, you also have the right to a court hearing. The BHA must file in civil court and obtain a judgment before you can be removed. You can hire a lawyer, present evidence, and cross-examine the BHA's witnesses. If you cannot afford a lawyer, contact the Mississippi Legal Services or a local legal aid office — they may be able to represent you for free if you meet income limits.

Contact information and next steps

The Biloxi Housing Authority's main office is located in Biloxi, Mississippi. You can reach them by phone to ask about waiting list status, process requirements, or specific programs. The BHA website may also have information about current openings, process forms, and program rules. If you cannot reach the BHA or need help understanding your options, call 2-1-1 (a free helpline) and ask for information about housing in Biloxi — they can tell you about BHA programs, other affordable housing options, and local resources.

If you are currently homeless or at risk of homelessness, contact the Biloxi Housing Authority or a local homeless services agency to ask about emergency housing or rapid rehousing programs. If you are facing eviction, contact a legal aid office when ready — they can help you understand your rights and may be able to negotiate with the BHA or help you explore for emergency rental information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for public housing in Biloxi?

Wait times vary and change frequently. Contact the Biloxi Housing Authority directly by phone or visit their office to ask the current wait time for the unit size you need. You can also call 2-1-1 and ask them to check the status for you. Some housing authorities publish wait times on their website.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher outside of Biloxi?

Section 8 vouchers are portable, meaning you can use them in other areas if you move. However, you must request a "portability" transfer from the Biloxi Housing Authority before you move, and the receiving housing authority must approve it. The payment standard may be different in the new area, which could affect how much rent you can afford.

What happens to my rent if my income increases?

Your rent will increase. The BHA reviews your income annually and recalculates your rent as 30 percent of your gross income (or the minimum rent, whichever is higher). You will receive notice of the new rent amount before it takes effect, usually 30 days in advance. If you believe the BHA made an error in calculating your income, you can request a hearing.

Can the BHA evict me without going to court?

No. The BHA must provide written notice, give you an opportunity to cure the problem (usually 14 days), and then file in court if you do not cure it. You have the right to an informal hearing before the BHA files in court, and you have the right to a court hearing where a judge will review the case. The BHA cannot remove you without a court order.

What should I do if my landlord (in a Section 8 unit) refuses to make repairs?

Report the problem to the Biloxi Housing Authority in writing. The BHA can inspect the unit, order the landlord to make repairs, and in some cases reduce the rent or terminate the lease if the landlord does not comply. You can also contact the Mississippi Department of Health and Human Services or a local legal aid office for help.