What the Biloxi Housing Authority does

The Biloxi Housing Authority (BHA) is a local public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Biloxi, Mississippi. It administers public housing units, Section 8 vouchers, and other rental information programs for low-income residents. If you live in Biloxi and need affordable housing or are already a BHA tenant, you'll work directly with this office for applications, lease questions, maintenance requests, and rent-related issues.

The BHA operates independently from state and federal housing offices, though it receives federal funding and must follow federal rules. That means the BHA staff can answer questions specific to Biloxi's programs, but they cannot override federal policy or make exceptions to national program rules.

Key Takeaways

  • The Biloxi Housing Authority manages public housing and Section 8 vouchers for Biloxi residents and can be reached by phone, mail, or in person at their main office.
  • You must meet income limits and other requirements to be considered for public housing or a Section 8 voucher, and the BHA maintains a waiting list for both programs.
  • If you are already a BHA tenant, you report maintenance problems and pay rent through the BHA, not a private landlord.
  • The BHA's waiting list may be open or closed depending on current demand, so calling ahead to ask about availability is the first step.

How to reach the Biloxi Housing Authority

The Biloxi Housing Authority's main office is located in Biloxi, Mississippi. The most direct way to reach them is by phone during business hours. You can also visit in person or send mail to their office address. When you call, have your name, current address, and a brief description of your question ready so staff can direct you to the right department.

The BHA website may list current phone numbers, office hours, and mailing addresses. If you cannot find contact information online, you can also call 211 (a free referral service) and ask for the Biloxi Housing Authority's current number. This is especially useful if the main number has changed or if you need to confirm office hours before visiting.

Public housing and waiting lists

Public housing means you rent an apartment or house owned by the BHA. The rent is set at 30 percent of your household income (or the minimum rent, whichever is higher), making it significantly cheaper than market-rate rentals in Biloxi. To be considered, your household income must fall below the area median income limit, which the BHA sets each year and can provide when you call.

The BHA maintains a waiting list for public housing. Depending on demand in Biloxi, the list may be open (accepting new applications) or closed (not accepting applications until space opens up). You must call or visit to find out the current status. If the list is open, you can explore in person or by mail. If it is closed, the BHA can tell you when they expect to reopen it or whether you can request to be notified when applications resume.

Section 8 vouchers and how they work

A Section 8 voucher is a subsidy that helps you rent from a private landlord. The BHA gives you the voucher, and you use it to find an apartment anywhere in Biloxi (or sometimes in nearby areas, depending on BHA rules). Your landlord must agree to accept the voucher. You pay your share of the rent (usually 30 percent of your income), and the BHA pays the rest directly to the landlord.

Section 8 also has income limits and a waiting list. The waiting list for vouchers is often longer than the public housing list, and it may be closed. When you call the BHA, ask specifically about Section 8 availability and whether they are accepting new applications. If the list is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen and whether you can request notification.

What to bring when you explore

Whether you are explore for public housing or a Section 8 voucher, you will need to prove your income, household size, and citizenship or immigration status. Bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer showing your income. You will also need a photo ID and proof of residency in Biloxi (a utility bill or lease works). If you receive benefits like Social Security or TANF, bring documentation of those payments.

The BHA may ask for additional documents depending on your situation — for example, proof of child support or alimony, or documentation of a disability. When you call to ask about the waiting list, ask what documents you should gather before you come in. This speeds up the process and reduces the chance that your process will be delayed because something is missing.

Maintenance requests and tenant responsibilities

If you are a BHA tenant living in public housing, you report maintenance problems directly to the BHA, not to a private landlord. Most BHA offices accept maintenance requests by phone, email, or in person. Describe the problem clearly — for example, "the kitchen sink is leaking" rather than "there's a water problem" — so the maintenance team can prioritize and bring the right tools.

As a BHA tenant, you are responsible for keeping your unit clean and not damaging it beyond normal wear and tear. You must pay rent on time each month. If you fall behind on rent or violate your lease, the BHA can begin eviction proceedings. If you have a problem with your lease or a dispute with the BHA, ask to speak with a lease administrator or tenant advocate at the office.

Rent increases and lease renewals

BHA rent is recalculated once a year, usually based on your updated income. If your income goes up, your rent will go up. If your income goes down, your rent may go down. The BHA will notify you before your rent changes and explain how the new amount was calculated. You have the right to dispute the calculation if you believe it is wrong.

Your lease renews annually. The BHA will contact you before the renewal date to discuss any changes to the lease terms or your rent. If you disagree with a lease renewal or a rent increase, contact the BHA office to discuss your options. Some situations — such as a temporary job loss or medical emergency — may may have access to you for a rent adjustment or hardship consideration, though this varies by program and is not may provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved for public housing or Section 8?

The timeline depends on how many people are on the waiting list and how quickly the BHA can process your process. Once you are approved, it may take weeks or months to find an available unit (for public housing) or to find a landlord who accepts your voucher (for Section 8). Call the BHA to ask about typical wait times in Biloxi right now.

Can I explore for both public housing and Section 8 at the same time?

Yes, you can be on both waiting lists. However, once you are offered and accept one program, you are usually removed from the other list. Ask the BHA about their policy on dual applications when you call.

What if I think the BHA made a mistake on my rent calculation?

Contact the BHA office and ask to speak with someone in the rent calculation or lease department. Bring your most recent income documentation and your lease. The BHA must explain how your rent was calculated, and you have the right to request a review if you believe there is an error.

Can I move to a different BHA unit if I do not like my current apartment?

This depends on BHA policy and availability. Contact your lease administrator or the main office to ask about transfer requests. Some authorities allow transfers after you have lived in a unit for a certain amount of time, while others have restrictions. You may also be able to request a different unit if there is a maintenance problem that cannot be fixed.

What happens if I lose my job or my income drops?

Report the change to the BHA as soon as possible. Your rent is based on your income, so a drop in earnings will lower your rent at the next recalculation. The BHA may ask for documentation of the job loss or income change. Do not wait until you miss a rent payment — contact the office first.