What the Boise City Housing Authority does
The Boise City Housing Authority (BCHA) is a public agency that owns and manages public housing in Boise, Idaho, and administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) for Ada County. It does not set local housing policy or regulate private landlords — it operates housing programs directly and processes vouchers that let people rent from private landlords using federal subsidy.
BCHA manages roughly 600 public housing units across Boise and distributes vouchers to households that meet income limits. The agency also runs supportive housing programs for people experiencing homelessness. If you live in a BCHA public housing unit or hold a BCHA voucher, BCHA is your landlord or the entity that pays part of your rent to your actual landlord.
The Authority is governed by a Board of Commissioners and employs its own maintenance, leasing, and compliance staff. It is separate from the City of Boise government, though it works with city agencies on homelessness and housing policy.
Key Takeaways
- BCHA owns and manages public housing units and administers Housing Choice Vouchers for Ada County residents who meet income limits.
- Public housing waiting lists are typically years long; voucher waiting lists may be closed or have thousands of names ahead of you.
- If you live in BCHA housing or hold a BCHA voucher, you contact BCHA directly for lease issues, maintenance requests, and rent payment questions.
- BCHA's main office is located at 1340 Quince Street, Boise, and you can reach them by phone or in person during business hours.
- BCHA also runs rapid rehousing and supportive housing programs for people experiencing homelessness, separate from the public housing and voucher programs.
Public housing units and how to get on the waiting list
BCHA owns and operates public housing complexes throughout Boise. These are apartment buildings where BCHA is the landlord. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, with a minimum rent that varies by property. To live in BCHA public housing, your household income must fall below 80 percent of the area median income — the exact threshold depends on household size and changes annually.
BCHA maintains a single waiting list for public housing. The list is currently closed to new applications, meaning you cannot add your name at this time. When the list reopens, BCHA announces it on its website and through local partners. Waiting times for public housing are typically several years; the exact wait depends on the property type you need and current demand.
To check the status of the waiting list or learn when it reopens, contact BCHA directly at 208-385-4637 or visit their office at 1340 Quince Street, Boise, ID 83702. You can also check their website for announcements about list openings.
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) and the voucher waiting list
The Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly called Section 8, lets you rent from a private landlord while BCHA pays a portion of your rent directly to the landlord. You pay the difference, which is capped at 30 percent of your household income. To hold a voucher, your household income must be at or below 50 percent of the area median income.
BCHA administers vouchers for Ada County. The voucher waiting list is also currently closed. When it opens, BCHA uses a lottery system to select names from applicants who applied during the open period. Waiting times can be several years, and the list may include thousands of households.
If you want to know when the voucher list reopens, contact BCHA at 208-385-4637 or check their website regularly. Some people also contact local nonprofits like the Community Council or Interfaith Sanctuary, which refer people to housing resources and may have information about when BCHA lists are expected to reopen.
What to do if you live in BCHA housing or hold a BCHA voucher
If you are a current BCHA resident or voucher holder, you contact BCHA directly for lease questions, rent payment issues, maintenance requests, and lease violations. BCHA's leasing office handles move-ins, lease renewals, and rent calculations. The maintenance department responds to repair requests for public housing units.
For voucher holders, BCHA processes your lease paperwork, calculates the subsidy amount, and pays your landlord each month. If your income changes, your family size changes, or you need to move to a different unit or address, you must notify BCHA. Vouchers are portable within Ada County, meaning you can use your voucher at any private rental property where the landlord agrees to participate in the program.
Rent is due on the date specified in your lease. If you fall behind, contact your BCHA leasing officer or the rent payment line before the late fee applies. BCHA also has a tenant advocate who can help with disputes or questions about your lease.
Supportive housing and rapid rehousing programs
BCHA operates housing programs for people experiencing homelessness, including rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing. These programs provide housing plus case management, mental health services, or substance use treatment depending on the program. Referrals typically come through the Boise/Ada County homeless services system, which uses a coordinated entry process.
If you are experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing your home, contact the Community Council's homeless services line or go to a local shelter for a referral to BCHA's supportive housing programs. You do not contact BCHA directly for these programs; you go through the coordinated entry system first.
How to contact BCHA and what to bring
BCHA's main office is at 1340 Quince Street, Boise, ID 83702. You can reach them by phone at 208-385-4637 during business hours. The office is open Monday through Friday; call to confirm hours before you visit.
If you are explore for public housing or a voucher when the lists reopen, bring a photo ID, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), proof of residency, and Social Security numbers for all household members. If you are a current resident with a maintenance issue, describe the problem and your unit number when you call.
BCHA also has a website where you can find information about programs, waiting list status, and how to submit maintenance requests online if you are a current resident.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get public housing or a voucher from BCHA?
Wait times are typically several years for both programs. The exact time depends on the type of unit you need, your household composition, and how many people are ahead of you on the list. BCHA prioritizes some applicants — for example, people with disabilities or experiencing homelessness — which can shorten the wait.
Can I use a BCHA voucher to rent anywhere in Idaho?
No. BCHA vouchers are valid only within Ada County. If you move outside Ada County, you must transfer your voucher to the housing authority in that county, and the receiving authority must have funding available to accept it. Not all housing authorities accept transfers.
What happens if I don't pay my rent in BCHA public housing?
BCHA can begin eviction proceedings if you fall behind on rent. Contact your leasing officer when ready if you cannot pay. BCHA may work with you on a payment plan, or you may be able to access emergency rental information through local programs. An eviction makes it harder to find housing later.
How do I request a repair in my BCHA unit?
Call BCHA's maintenance line or submit a work order online if you are a current resident. Describe the problem and your unit number. BCHA aims to respond to urgent repairs (no heat, water, electrical hazards) within 24 hours and routine repairs within a few days, though response times vary by workload.
What if I disagree with BCHA about my lease or rent amount?
Ask to speak with BCHA's tenant advocate or a supervisor at the leasing office. If you believe BCHA made an error in calculating your rent or violated your lease, the advocate can review the issue. You can also file a grievance with BCHA's management; the process is outlined in your lease.