What Birmingham Housing Authority does

Birmingham Housing Authority (BHA) is the local public housing agency for Birmingham, Alabama. It owns and manages public housing units, administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8), and runs other rental information programs. BHA does not build or fund housing itself — it manages federal money from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and distributes it to tenants and landlords in the Birmingham area.

BHA serves residents across Jefferson County. If you live in Birmingham or nearby unincorporated areas, BHA is the agency you contact for public housing or vouchers. Other nearby cities — Bessemer, Hoover, Tuscaloosa — have their own housing authorities, so you would contact those agencies instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Birmingham Housing Authority administers public housing units and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) for the Birmingham area using federal HUD funding.
  • You contact BHA directly to request information about waiting lists, current openings, and what documents you need to bring.
  • Public housing and vouchers both have income limits that vary by household size; BHA staff can tell you whether your household income qualifies.
  • Waiting lists for both programs are typically long, and BHA can tell you the current wait time when you call or visit.
  • BHA's main office is located in Birmingham, and you can reach them by phone or in person to ask about current programs and how to proceed.

Public housing units managed by BHA

BHA owns and operates public housing apartments and townhouses throughout Birmingham. These are rental units where you pay rent based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income, though the exact amount depends on your household size and composition. The rest of the rent is covered by HUD funding.

To live in BHA public housing, you must meet income limits set by HUD. These limits change yearly and depend on household size. BHA staff can tell you the current limits for your household when you contact them. You will also need to pass a background check and provide proof of income, residency, and identity.

Public housing waiting lists in Birmingham are typically long. BHA maintains a single waiting list for all its public housing units. When you request information about public housing, ask BHA for the current wait time — this changes as units become available and as people move off the list.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly called Section 8, is a federal program that BHA administers. Instead of living in a BHA-owned building, you find a rental unit on the private market, and BHA pays a portion of your rent directly to the landlord. You pay the difference, usually 30 percent of your income.

To receive a voucher, you must meet HUD income limits for your household size. You must also pass a background check and provide proof of income and residency. Once you have a voucher, you can rent from any landlord who accepts the program — the landlord does not have to be affiliated with BHA.

The Section 8 waiting list in Birmingham is also typically long. BHA opens the list periodically when funding allows, then closes it again. When you contact BHA, ask whether the voucher waiting list is currently open and what the wait time is if you are added to it.

How to contact Birmingham Housing Authority

BHA's main office is located in Birmingham. You can reach them by phone to ask about current programs, waiting lists, and what documents you need. You can also visit the office in person to request information or to submit paperwork.

When you call or visit, have your household information ready: the number of people in your household, your current income, and your current housing situation. BHA staff will tell you whether you may be within income limits and what the next step is. They can also tell you the current wait time for each program.

BHA's contact information and office hours are available through the City of Birmingham's website or by calling the main city information line. You can also search online for "Birmingham Housing Authority" plus your city to find the current phone number and address.

Income limits and household composition

Both public housing and vouchers have income limits. These are set by HUD and change each year. A household of one person has a lower limit than a household of four people. BHA uses your gross monthly income — before taxes — to determine whether you fall within the limit.

Gross income includes wages, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and other regular income. It does not include one-time payments or money you receive from selling something. BHA will ask you to bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters to prove your income.

If your income is above the limit, you do not currently may have access to. If your income is at or below the limit, you may be added to a waiting list. BHA will explain the exact income limits for your household size when you contact them.

Background checks and other requirements

BHA requires a background check for anyone explore for public housing or a voucher. The check looks at criminal history, eviction history, and whether you have unpaid debts to previous landlords or housing programs. A criminal record or eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but BHA will review your case.

You will also need to provide proof of identity (a driver's license, state ID, or passport), proof of residency (a utility bill or lease in your name), and proof of income (recent pay stubs or benefit letters). Bring originals or certified copies — BHA will tell you which documents they accept.

If you have questions about whether a specific issue in your background will affect your case, ask BHA directly. They can explain their policies and tell you what to expect.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Both public housing and vouchers have waiting lists. The length of the wait depends on how many units or vouchers are available and how many people are ahead of you. In some cities, the wait is a few months; in others, it is several years. BHA can tell you the current wait time when you contact them.

While you are on a waiting list, your circumstances may change — your income may increase, your household size may change, or you may move. Tell BHA about any changes, as they may affect your position on the list or your may be able to access.

When a unit or voucher becomes available and it is your turn, BHA will contact you. You will have a set amount of time to respond and complete the next steps. If you do not respond by the important date, you may be removed from the list.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I am within the income limit?

Call BHA and tell them your household size and gross monthly income. They will tell you the current income limit for your household and whether you fall within it. Income limits change yearly, so ask for the current year's limits.

What is the difference between public housing and a voucher?

Public housing means you rent a unit owned by BHA, and BHA sets the rent based on your income. A voucher means you find your own rental unit on the private market, and BHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent. With a voucher, you have more choice in where to live.

Can I explore if I have an eviction on my record?

An eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but BHA will review your case. Contact BHA and explain your situation. They will tell you whether you can be added to a waiting list and what they will consider when reviewing your process.

What happens if I am on the waiting list and my income increases?

Tell BHA about the income change. Depending on how much it increased and the program rules, you may remain on the list, move to a different list, or become ineligible. BHA will explain how the change affects your status.

Can I use a voucher to rent anywhere in Birmingham?

You can rent from any landlord who accepts Housing Choice Vouchers. Not all landlords participate in the program, so you will need to find a unit where the landlord is willing to work with BHA. BHA can provide a list of landlords who accept vouchers in your area.