What the Boise Housing Authority does

The Boise Housing Authority is a public agency that owns and manages affordable rental housing in Ada County, Idaho. It does not decide who gets housing vouchers statewide — that is handled by the Idaho Housing and Finance Association. Instead, the Boise Housing Authority runs its own public housing developments, manages the Section 8 voucher program for the Boise area, and administers other local housing programs.

The agency operates from a single main office and handles applications, lease agreements, inspections, and maintenance for the properties it controls. If you live in Boise or nearby unincorporated Ada County and are looking for affordable housing, the Boise Housing Authority is usually the first place to contact, though wait lists and program availability change throughout the year.

Key Takeaways

  • The Boise Housing Authority manages public housing units and Section 8 vouchers in the Boise area, separate from statewide programs run by the state housing finance agency.
  • Most programs have wait lists that open and close based on funding and turnover, so you need to contact the agency directly to learn current status.
  • You can reach the Boise Housing Authority by phone, mail, or in person at their main office; online applications may be available for some programs.
  • Rent in Boise Housing Authority units is typically set at 30 percent of your household income, with income limits that vary by family size.
  • The agency conducts annual inspections of all units and can terminate your lease if your home fails inspection or you violate lease terms.

Public housing units managed by the Boise Housing Authority

The Boise Housing Authority owns and operates apartment complexes throughout the Boise area. These are not temporary shelters — they are permanent rental homes where residents can live long-term. Units range from one-bedroom to three-bedroom apartments, though availability depends on current openings and wait list position.

Rent in public housing is calculated as 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income, with a minimum rent that varies by property. The agency sets income limits based on family size and area median income; a single person might have a different limit than a family of four. You must meet the income limit at the time you are offered a unit, though your rent amount adjusts if your income changes after you move in.

The Boise Housing Authority maintains all units and is responsible for major repairs, utilities in common areas, and grounds upkeep. You are responsible for keeping your unit clean and reporting maintenance issues promptly. The agency inspects every unit at least once per year to may support it meets housing quality standards.

Section 8 vouchers in the Boise area

The Boise Housing Authority also administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program for Boise and surrounding areas. A Section 8 voucher is a subsidy that helps you pay rent at a privately owned apartment or house — you are not limited to agency-owned buildings. The voucher covers a portion of your rent, and you pay the difference out of pocket, typically 30 percent of your income.

To use a Section 8 voucher, you must find a landlord willing to accept the program, and the unit must pass a housing quality inspection. The landlord signs an agreement with the Boise Housing Authority and receives payment directly from the agency. If you move, you can take your voucher to a new unit, as long as it meets program standards and the landlord agrees to participate.

The Section 8 wait list in Boise is typically closed, meaning the agency is not accepting new applications. When the list opens, it usually fills within days or weeks. You can contact the Boise Housing Authority to ask when applications will be accepted and whether you can request notification when the list reopens.

How to contact the Boise Housing Authority

The Boise Housing Authority's main office is located in Boise and handles all inquiries about public housing and Section 8 vouchers. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about current wait lists, program requirements, and process procedures. The agency also accepts mail inquiries and may have an online portal for certain applications or account management.

When you call or visit, have your household income information, family size, and any documentation of special needs ready. Staff can tell you whether programs are currently accepting applications and what documents you will need to submit. If you are interested in a specific property or program, ask about the expected wait time and whether you can be added to a notification list.

The Boise Housing Authority's contact information is available through the agency's website and through 211 Idaho, a free referral service. If you cannot reach the main office, 211 can also provide information about other housing resources in the Boise area.

Income limits and rent calculations

The Boise Housing Authority sets income limits based on the area median income for Ada County and the size of your household. These limits change annually and are published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. A family of four will have a higher income limit than a single person, and limits are higher for elderly or disabled households in some cases.

Your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your gross household income, which includes wages, Social Security, child support, and other regular income sources. If your income drops, your rent decreases. If your income rises above the program limit, you may be asked to leave the program or your rent may increase to market rate. The agency reviews income annually and adjusts rent accordingly.

Some households pay a minimum rent even if 30 percent of their income is lower. Minimum rent amounts vary by property but are typically between $50 and $100 per month. If you experience a significant drop in income, you can request a rent adjustment by contacting the Boise Housing Authority.

Lease terms and what can end your tenancy

When you sign a lease with the Boise Housing Authority, you agree to maintain the unit in good condition, pay rent on time, and follow all lease rules. The lease typically runs for one year and renews automatically unless either party gives notice. The agency can terminate your lease if you fail the annual housing quality inspection, violate lease terms, or engage in criminal activity.

Common lease violations include unauthorized occupants, keeping a pet without permission, damaging the unit beyond normal wear, or creating a nuisance. If the agency finds a violation, it will give you written notice and a period to correct the problem — usually 14 to 30 days depending on the severity. If you do not cure the violation, the agency can begin eviction proceedings.

If your unit fails inspection due to maintenance issues caused by the agency, the agency must make repairs before the next inspection. If the unit fails due to your actions or neglect, you must correct the problems or risk lease termination. The agency will provide a written list of deficiencies and a important date for repairs.

Moving and transferring between units

If you want to move to a different Boise Housing Authority unit, you can request a transfer. Transfers are granted based on availability, your lease compliance history, and the agency's priorities. You may be able to transfer to a larger unit if your family size has grown, or to a different location if you have a documented need.

If you have a Section 8 voucher, you can move to any privately owned unit that meets program standards and where the landlord agrees to participate. You do not need permission from the Boise Housing Authority to move, but you must notify the agency of your new address and the landlord must sign a new agreement. The agency will conduct a housing quality inspection of the new unit before the voucher can be used there.

Moving costs and transportation are your responsibility. The Boise Housing Authority does not provide relocation information, though other local nonprofits may offer moving support for low-income households. Ask the agency whether it knows of any moving information programs in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the wait list for Boise Housing Authority units?

Wait times vary depending on the type and size of unit you need and current turnover. Some properties may have shorter waits than others. Contact the Boise Housing Authority directly — they can tell you the current wait time for the unit size you need and whether you can be added to a list for notification when a unit becomes available.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher outside of Boise?

Section 8 vouchers issued by the Boise Housing Authority can typically be used in other areas, but you must request a "portability" transfer and the receiving housing authority must approve it. Not all areas accept portable vouchers, and rules vary. Contact the Boise Housing Authority before you move to confirm whether your voucher can be used in your new location.

What happens if I lose my job and cannot pay rent?

Contact the Boise Housing Authority when ready to report the change in your income. Your rent will be recalculated based on your new income, which may be lower. If you are behind on rent, the agency may work with you on a payment plan, but you must communicate before the debt grows. The agency can still evict you for non-payment, so do not wait to reach out.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to live in Boise Housing Authority housing?

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, but you must have a valid immigration status. may be able to access statuses include U.S. citizens, permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and certain other categories. Contact the Boise Housing Authority with your immigration documents to confirm your status before you explore.

Can the Boise Housing Authority evict me without notice?

No. The agency must provide written notice of the lease violation or non-payment, give you time to correct the problem (usually 14 to 30 days), and then file for eviction in court if you do not comply. You have the right to appear in court and defend yourself. Eviction is a legal process, not something the agency can do on its own.