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 does not process applications for federal programs or determine who gets housing vouchers — that work belongs to the Palm Beach County Housing Authority. Instead, BRHA directly owns and operates apartment communities where rent is set below market rate, and it manages the waiting lists for those properties.

If you are looking for a place to live in Boca Raton and your income is low to moderate, BRHA properties are one option to explore. The agency also handles maintenance, lease enforcement, and tenant services at the properties it owns. Understanding what BRHA actually controls — and what it does not — helps you know whether to contact them or another agency.

Key Takeaways

  • The Boca Raton Housing Authority owns and manages its own apartment communities; it does not administer Section 8 vouchers or federal rental information programs.
  • To live in a BRHA property, you must be on the waiting list for that specific community, and waiting times vary by property and change throughout the year.
  • Income limits explore — you must earn below a certain threshold to be considered, and those thresholds depend on household size.
  • The Palm Beach County Housing Authority handles Section 8 vouchers and other federal programs for the broader county, separate from BRHA's own properties.
  • Contact BRHA directly by phone or visit their office to ask about current openings, waiting list status, and what documents you will need to bring.

BRHA properties and how waiting lists work

The Boca Raton Housing Authority owns several residential communities within the city. Each property has its own waiting list, and being on one list does not put you on another. When a unit becomes available, BRHA offers it to the next person on that specific property's list who meets income and other requirements.

Waiting times are not fixed. A property might have a short wait if units turn over frequently, or a long wait if the community is full and few people move out. Some BRHA properties may temporarily close their waiting lists when the list grows too long. You can call BRHA to ask which properties are currently accepting new applicants and how long the wait is for each one.

Once you are on a waiting list, BRHA will contact you when a unit is available and you are next in line. You will have a limited time to respond — usually a few days — or you may lose your place. If you are no longer interested or cannot be reached, BRHA will move to the next person on the list.

Income limits and who can live in BRHA housing

To be considered for a BRHA property, your household income must fall below the limit set for your household size. These limits are tied to the area median income (AMI) for the Miami-Fort Lauderdale region and change each year. A household of one person has a lower limit than a household of four, for example.

BRHA will ask for proof of income — recent pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements, or a letter from your employer. If you are unemployed or self-employed, bring documentation that shows your situation. The agency uses this information to confirm you meet the income requirement and to calculate your rent, which is typically 30 percent of your household income.

You must also meet other requirements: a valid lease history or landlord references, no outstanding evictions or criminal convictions related to drug use, and proof of identity and residency. BRHA may conduct a background check. Requirements vary slightly by property, so ask when you call.

How rent is calculated in BRHA housing

In most BRHA properties, you pay 30 percent of your gross household income as rent. If your household earns $2,000 per month, your rent would be $600. This is called income-based rent, and it is the main reason BRHA housing is affordable — the rent moves with your income rather than staying fixed at market rate.

When your income changes, you report it to BRHA, and your rent adjusts at your next lease renewal. If you lose a job or your hours are cut, your rent goes down. If you get a raise or a second job, your rent goes up. This means BRHA housing can remain affordable even if your circumstances shift, but it also means you cannot hide income increases.

You are responsible for utilities unless your lease specifies otherwise. Ask about what is included in your rent — some BRHA properties include water and trash, others do not. Get this in writing before you sign.

The difference between BRHA and the Palm Beach County Housing Authority

The Boca Raton Housing Authority and the Palm Beach County Housing Authority are separate agencies with different roles. BRHA owns and manages its own properties. The County Housing Authority administers the Section 8 voucher program, emergency rental information, and other federal programs across Palm Beach County.

If you are interested in a Section 8 voucher — which lets you rent from a private landlord and the program pays part of the rent — you explore to the Palm Beach County Housing Authority, not BRHA. If you need help paying rent you already owe, you contact the County Housing Authority about emergency rental information. BRHA does not run those programs.

Both agencies can help you find affordable housing, but through different paths. BRHA is the direct landlord; the County Housing Authority is the middleman between you and private landlords, or the source of emergency funds.

How to contact BRHA and what to bring

The Boca Raton Housing Authority has a main office in the city. You can call them to ask about current openings, waiting list status, and process requirements. Have your household size and approximate income ready when you call — they will tell you whether you likely meet the income limit and which properties might be a fit.

When you are ready to explore, bring original or certified copies of documents: a government-issued photo ID, proof of Social Security number, recent pay stubs or tax returns, and a letter from your current or most recent landlord. If you receive benefits, bring the benefit statement. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns and business records. BRHA will give you a full list of what they need when you call or visit.

You can explore in person at the BRHA office or ask whether they accept applications by mail. Processing takes several weeks. Once you are on a waiting list, check in periodically — do not assume BRHA has your current phone number or address if you move.

What happens after you are approved and move in

Once you sign a lease with BRHA, you become a tenant with the same rights and responsibilities as any renter. You must pay rent on time, keep the unit in good condition, and follow the lease terms. BRHA handles maintenance requests — call or submit a work order if something breaks or needs repair.

Your lease will specify the lease term, usually one year. At renewal time, BRHA will recalculate your rent based on your current income. If your income has changed significantly, your rent will change too. You can renew your lease or move out; BRHA cannot force you to leave just because your income went up, but your rent will reflect it.

If you fall behind on rent or violate the lease, BRHA can begin eviction proceedings. This is rare, but it happens. Pay rent on time and keep communication open with BRHA if you are having trouble.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get into a BRHA property?

Waiting times vary by property and change throughout the year. Some properties might have a wait of a few months; others could be a year or longer. Call BRHA and ask about the current wait for each property. If one property has a long wait, another might be shorter.

What if my income is above the limit?

You will not be considered for BRHA housing if your income exceeds the limit for your household size. The Palm Beach County Housing Authority may have other programs, or you can explore private rental options. Income limits are set annually, so you can ask BRHA to check again next year if your situation changes.

Can I get a Section 8 voucher from BRHA?

No. Section 8 vouchers are administered by the Palm Beach County Housing Authority, not BRHA. Contact the County Housing Authority directly if you want to learn about the voucher program. BRHA only manages its own properties.

What if I cannot afford the process fee?

Ask BRHA whether they charge an process fee and whether it can be waived based on income. Some housing authorities waive fees for applicants below a certain income threshold. Call and ask before you assume you have to pay.

Can I stay in BRHA housing if my income goes up?

Yes. Your rent will increase to 30 percent of your new income, but you can stay. BRHA does not evict tenants because they earn more money. However, if your income rises significantly above the area median income, BRHA may have rules about how long you can stay — ask about this when you explore.