How the Boca Raton Housing Authority Works and What It Offers

What the Boca Raton Housing Authority does

The Boca Raton Housing Authority (BRHA) is a public agency that owns and manages affordable rental housing in Boca Raton, Florida. It administers federal housing programs, primarily Section 8 vouchers and public housing units, and handles tenant issues like maintenance requests, lease violations, and rent disputes. The Authority is not the same as the city government — it is a separate legal entity that reports to its own board of commissioners.

If you live in BRHA housing or hold a BRHA voucher, the Authority is your landlord or the agency managing your subsidy. If you are looking for affordable housing in Boca Raton, BRHA maintains a waiting list, though it is often closed to new applications depending on demand and funding. The Authority's main office is located in Boca Raton and handles all inquiries, lease signings, and payment processing.

Key Takeaways

The Boca Raton Housing Authority manages Section 8 vouchers and public housing units as a separate agency from the city government.
You contact BRHA directly for maintenance requests, lease questions, rent payment issues, and disputes with your housing.
The Authority maintains a waiting list for housing, but it closes and reopens based on funding and demand — you must check their current status before attempting to join.
BRHA vouchers work the same way as other Section 8 programs: you find a landlord, the Authority pays part of the rent, and you pay the rest.
Disputes with BRHA over eviction, lease violations, or rent calculations can be appealed through the Authority's grievance process before going to court.

How to contact the Boca Raton Housing Authority

The main office phone number and mailing address are the starting point for any question about BRHA housing or vouchers. You can call to ask about waiting list status, request maintenance, report a lease violation, or ask about your account. The Authority also accepts mail and in-person visits during business hours.

Before calling, have your lease number or voucher number ready if you are an existing resident or voucher holder. If you are calling about a maintenance emergency — no heat, no water, a gas leak, or a safety hazard — tell the staff member when ready so they route you to emergency response. Non-emergency repairs are scheduled through the same line but may take longer.

Section 8 vouchers through BRHA

A Section 8 voucher from BRHA means the Authority pays a portion of your rent to a private landlord you find yourself. You pay the difference between what the Authority pays and the full rent. The voucher is not a may provide of housing — it is a subsidy that you use to rent from a landlord willing to accept it.

To use a BRHA voucher, you must find a rental property and a landlord who agrees to participate in the program. The landlord must pass a BRHA inspection, and you must sign a lease. The Authority then pays the landlord directly each month. If your landlord refuses to accept the voucher or fails inspection, you can search for another property. The voucher is yours to use as long as you meet the program's income and lease requirements.

BRHA vouchers have income limits — you must earn below a certain amount to keep the voucher, though the limit is usually set at 80 percent of the area median income. If your income rises above the limit, you may lose the voucher or have to pay a larger share of the rent. Report income changes to BRHA within 30 days.

Public housing units managed by BRHA

BRHA also owns and operates public housing apartments. These are different from vouchers: BRHA is the landlord, you sign a lease with the Authority, and you pay rent directly to BRHA. The rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, so it changes if your income changes. Public housing units are inspected regularly and maintained by BRHA staff.

Public housing has the same income limits as vouchers. If you live in BRHA public housing and your income rises above the limit, you will be notified and given time to move or adjust your rent. Lease violations — such as unauthorized occupants, criminal activity, or damage to the unit — can result in eviction, but you have the right to a hearing before the Authority before eviction is filed in court.

Maintenance and repairs in BRHA housing

If you rent from BRHA or live in BRHA public housing, maintenance requests go directly to the Authority. Call the main office to report a repair need. Emergency repairs — no heat in winter, no water, electrical hazards, or roof leaks — should be reported as emergencies and are usually addressed within 24 to 48 hours. Routine repairs like a broken cabinet or a leaky faucet are scheduled within a longer timeframe.

BRHA is responsible for structural repairs, appliances, plumbing, and electrical systems. You are responsible for keeping the unit clean and not damaging it beyond normal wear and tear. If BRHA does not make a repair within a reasonable time and the problem affects your health or safety, you may have the right to repair-and-deduct or to break the lease without penalty — but check your lease and call BRHA first to document the delay.

Grievances and disputes with BRHA

If you disagree with an BRHA decision — such as an eviction notice, a rent calculation, a lease violation finding, or a denial of a repair request — you have the right to file a grievance. The grievance process is internal to BRHA and happens before any court case. You must request a grievance hearing in writing, usually within a set number of days of the decision you are disputing.

At a grievance hearing, you can present your side of the story, bring witnesses, and ask questions. An impartial hearing officer listens and makes a decision. If you lose the grievance and BRHA moves forward with eviction, the case then goes to court. Winning a grievance can stop an eviction, reverse a rent increase, or force BRHA to make a repair. Ask BRHA for the grievance procedure in writing when you receive any notice you want to dispute.

BRHA waiting list and housing search

BRHA maintains a waiting list for both public housing and Section 8 vouchers. The list opens and closes depending on how many people are waiting and how much funding the Authority has. When the list is closed, you cannot join it, and you must wait for it to reopen. Check the BRHA website or call the main office to find out whether the list is currently open.

If the waiting list is open, you can request an process. You will need to provide proof of income, identification, Social Security numbers for all household members, and rental history. BRHA will verify your information and place you on the list. How long you wait depends on the size of the list and the Authority's funding. Some people wait months; others wait years. BRHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a BRHA voucher and public housing?

With a voucher, you find and rent from a private landlord, and BRHA pays part of the rent. With public housing, BRHA is the landlord and owns the building. Both have income limits and rent is based on your income, but public housing is inspected and maintained by BRHA staff, while voucher landlords are responsible for repairs.

Can I be evicted from BRHA housing?

Yes. BRHA can evict you for lease violations, non-payment of rent, criminal activity, or unauthorized occupants. You have the right to a grievance hearing before eviction goes to court. If you lose the grievance, BRHA files in court and a judge decides whether to order you out.

What happens if my income goes above the limit?

You will be notified and given time to move. Your rent may increase to market rate, or you may be asked to leave. The exact process depends on your lease and BRHA policy. Contact BRHA when ready if your income changes so there are no surprises.

How long does it take to get a voucher or public housing unit?

It depends on how many people are on the waiting list and how much funding BRHA has. Some people wait months; others wait years. BRHA will contact you when something becomes available. You can call to ask your position on the list, though the list is often very long.

What if BRHA will not fix something in my unit?

Document the problem in writing and send it to BRHA with a date. If they do not respond within a reasonable time, file a grievance. You may also have the right to repair-and-deduct or to break the lease, but check your lease first and ask BRHA about your options before taking action on your own.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.