What the Boise City Ada County Housing Authority does

The Boise City Ada County Housing Authority (HACBA) is a public agency that runs housing programs for low-income residents in Ada County, Idaho. It does not build or own most of the housing itself. Instead, it administers vouchers that let you rent from private landlords, manages public housing properties it does own, and runs other information programs funded by federal and local money.

HACBA is separate from the City of Boise and Ada County government, though it works with both. It answers to a board of commissioners and operates under federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rules. If you live in Boise or unincorporated Ada County and need rental help, HACBA is usually the first place to contact because it runs the programs that serve your area.

Key Takeaways

  • HACBA administers Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and emergency information programs in Ada County, and you contact them directly to learn about each program's current status.
  • Most HACBA programs have waiting lists that can be months or years long, and you must live in Ada County to be considered.
  • You can reach HACBA by phone, mail, or in person at their office; their website lists current program openings and closure dates.
  • HACBA verifies your income and household size using tax returns, pay stubs, and lease documents, and the process typically takes several weeks.
  • If you are denied information, HACBA must provide a written reason and information about how to request a hearing to dispute the decision.

Section 8 vouchers and how HACBA administers them

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program is HACBA's largest program. It gives you a voucher that covers part of your rent at a private apartment or house. You find the unit yourself, the landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and HACBA pays the landlord a portion of the rent each month. You pay the rest, usually 30 percent of your household income.

HACBA's Section 8 waiting list is closed most of the time because demand far exceeds available vouchers. When the list opens, HACBA announces it on their website and through local media. You must explore during the open period. Once you are on the list, you may wait months or years before a voucher becomes available. HACBA prioritizes households with the greatest need, such as those experiencing homelessness or living in unsafe conditions.

To be considered for Section 8, you must live in Ada County, have a household income below the area median income limit (which varies by household size and changes yearly), and pass a background check. HACBA will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, proof of residency, and identification. If you have a criminal history, HACBA will review it but will not automatically deny you; they consider the nature and age of the offense.

Public housing properties HACBA owns and manages

HACBA owns and operates several public housing communities in the Boise area. These are apartment buildings or complexes where HACBA is the landlord. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, and utilities are usually included. Public housing is separate from Section 8 vouchers, though some people use both.

Public housing also has waiting lists. The length varies by property and changes as units become available. You explore directly to HACBA for public housing, and the same income and residency rules explore. HACBA will inspect the unit before you move in and conducts regular inspections while you live there. If you damage the unit beyond normal wear, you may be charged for repairs.

Income limits and household verification

HACBA programs serve households earning below a certain percentage of the area median income. The exact limit depends on your household size and the program. For example, a family of four might have a different limit than a single person. These limits change each year, and HACBA publishes them on their website and in program materials.

When you explore, HACBA will verify your income using recent documents. Bring your last two months of pay stubs, last year's tax return, and a letter from your employer stating your job title and hourly rate or salary. If you receive benefits like Social Security, unemployment, or child support, bring documentation of those payments. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns for the last two years and a profit-and-loss statement. HACBA may also contact your employer or benefits provider directly to confirm the information.

HACBA recertifies your income annually. This means you will need to provide updated documents each year to stay in the program. If your income rises above the program limit, you may lose information, though some programs allow a temporary income increase before removal.

How to contact HACBA and explore

You can reach the Boise City Ada County Housing Authority by phone, mail, or in person. Their main office is located in Boise. Call their main number to ask which program you should explore for and whether the waiting list is open. You can also visit their website to read applications and see which programs currently accept new names on the waiting list.

Applications are submitted in person, by mail, or sometimes online, depending on the program. Bring or mail all required documents at once. Incomplete applications may be rejected or delayed. After you submit your process, HACBA will contact you within a few weeks to schedule an interview. During the interview, a staff member will review your documents, ask about your household, and explain program rules.

Processing times vary. A complete process for Section 8 or public housing may take four to eight weeks to process, though this can be longer if HACBA needs to verify information or if your process is incomplete. Emergency programs may move faster if funds are available.

Background checks and criminal history

HACBA conducts a background check on all adult household members as part of the process process. They look at criminal history, eviction records, and sometimes credit history. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you. HACBA considers the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and whether you have rehabilitated.

Certain offenses may result in denial. These include convictions for manufacturing methamphetamine in a federally-assisted housing unit and some sex offenses. If you have been denied because of your criminal history, HACBA must tell you in writing and explain which offense caused the denial. You have the right to request a hearing to dispute the decision.

What happens if HACBA denies your process

If HACBA denies your process, they must send you a written notice explaining the reason. Common reasons include income above the limit, failure to provide required documents, criminal history, or eviction history. The notice will also tell you how to request a hearing to challenge the decision.

You have a limited time to request a hearing, usually 10 to 14 days from the date of the denial notice. Request the hearing in writing and send it to HACBA's office. At the hearing, you can present documents, call witnesses, and explain your situation. A hearing officer who did not make the original decision will listen and decide whether to uphold or reverse the denial. This process usually takes several weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Section 8 waiting list in Ada County?

The waiting list length changes as vouchers become available and people move through the program. HACBA publishes the current wait time on their website and can tell you by phone. In some years it has been several years long; in others, shorter. Call HACBA directly for the current estimate.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher to rent anywhere in Idaho?

No. Your voucher is tied to Ada County, and you must rent within HACBA's jurisdiction. If you move outside Ada County, you lose the voucher. Some other housing authorities in Idaho administer their own vouchers, and you would need to explore to them separately.

What if my landlord will not accept a Section 8 voucher?

The landlord's choice to accept or reject a voucher is their decision. HACBA cannot force a landlord to participate. You will need to find a different unit with a landlord willing to accept the voucher. HACBA can provide a list of landlords who have worked with the program before.

Do I have to pay anything to explore to HACBA programs?

No. HACBA does not charge an process fee. If someone asks you for money to help you explore or to get on the waiting list, that is a scam. explore directly to HACBA at no cost.

What if my household income changes after I am approved?

You must report income changes to HACBA. If your income rises, your rent may increase. If it falls, your rent may decrease. Some programs allow a temporary income increase before you are removed. Report changes as soon as they happen; failing to report can result in overpayment of information and a bill to repay HACBA.