What the Bossier City Housing Authority Does

The Bossier City Housing Authority is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental vouchers in Bossier City, Louisiana. It does not provide cash information or emergency grants. Instead, it owns and operates public housing units and administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8), which pays a portion of your rent to a private landlord on your behalf.

The Authority is separate from the City of Bossier City government, though it receives public funding. It answers to a board of commissioners and operates under federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If you live in Bossier City and need rental help, the Housing Authority is usually your first stop — but you must meet income limits and pass a background check.

Key Takeaways

  • The Bossier City Housing Authority runs public housing units and the Housing Choice Voucher program, both of which require you to meet income limits based on your household size.
  • Public housing is owned and managed by the Authority; vouchers let you rent from a private landlord and the Authority pays part of your rent directly to them.
  • Both programs have waiting lists that can be months or years long, and the Authority periodically opens and closes them depending on funding.
  • You must provide proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and pass a criminal background check and rental history review to be considered.
  • The Authority's office is located in Bossier City, and you can contact them by phone or in person to ask about current waiting list status.

Public Housing vs. Housing Choice Vouchers

The Authority manages two separate programs. Public housing means you rent an apartment or house that the Authority owns. You pay rent based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income — and the Authority covers the rest from federal funds. The Authority is responsible for maintenance and repairs.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) work differently. You find your own rental unit from a private landlord who agrees to participate in the program. The Authority pays the landlord a portion of the rent, and you pay the rest. The voucher amount depends on the size of your household and the local rental market. You keep the voucher as long as you stay within income limits and follow program rules.

Public housing has no time limit — you can live there indefinitely if you remain income-may be able to access. Vouchers also have no time limit, but the Authority must recertify your income annually. Both programs require you to maintain the unit in good condition and follow a lease.

Income Limits and Household Size Requirements

The Bossier City Housing Authority sets income limits based on the federal poverty guidelines, adjusted for household size. These limits change each year. For example, a single person's limit is lower than a family of four's limit. You must be at or below the limit to be considered for either program.

The Authority counts all household members' income, including wages, Social Security, child support, and unemployment benefits. Some income sources — such as student financial aid or certain disability payments — may not count. You will need to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters to prove your income.

If your income rises above the limit after you are admitted to a program, you may be able to stay temporarily, but the Authority will eventually require you to leave or transition out. The exact rules depend on whether you are in public housing or using a voucher.

How to Get on the Waiting List

To be considered for public housing or a voucher, you must explore directly with the Bossier City Housing Authority. The process process typically requires you to visit their office in person, though some housing authorities now accept mail or online applications — contact them to confirm their current method.

You will need to bring or provide: proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters), proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, green card, or birth certificate), a photo ID, and proof of your current address. The Authority will also conduct a background check, which includes a criminal history review and a check of your rental payment history.

Once you submit your process, the Authority places you on a waiting list. The waiting list is usually very long — often months or years — because demand for affordable housing far exceeds available units. The Authority prioritizes applicants based on local preferences, which may include homelessness, domestic violence, or work in the city. Ask the Authority about their current preferences when you explore.

Background Check and Rental History Requirements

The Authority will not admit you if you have certain criminal convictions, including drug-related felonies, violent crimes, or sex offenses. The specific rules are set by federal law, but local policy may be stricter. A misdemeanor or old conviction does not automatically disqualify you — the Authority considers the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation.

The Authority also reviews your rental history. If you have unpaid rent, evictions, or a pattern of lease violations, you may be denied. However, if you can show that you have paid back the debt or resolved the issue, you may still be considered. Bring documentation of any payments or settlements if you have a past rental problem.

If you are denied, the Authority must give you a written reason and tell you how to appeal or request reconsideration. You have the right to respond to any negative information before a final decision is made.

Waiting List Status and How Long It Takes

The Bossier City Housing Authority's waiting list is usually closed to new applications because it is already very long. The Authority opens the list periodically — sometimes for a few weeks, sometimes for a few months — when funding allows or when turnover creates openings. You can call or visit the Authority's office to ask whether the list is currently open.

If the list is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen and whether you can request notification when it does. Some housing authorities maintain a "future applicants" list so they can contact you when applications resume.

Once you are on the waiting list, the wait time varies widely. In Bossier City, it can range from several months to several years, depending on the program and your priority. The Authority will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. If you do not respond within the timeframe they give you — usually a few days — you may lose your spot.

What Happens After You Are Approved

If a unit or voucher becomes available and you are selected, the Authority will contact you to schedule an orientation. You will learn about your rights and responsibilities, including how to pay rent, what maintenance is covered, and what happens if you violate the lease.

For public housing, the Authority will show you available units and you choose one that meets your needs. For vouchers, you have a set amount of time — usually 60 to 90 days — to find a rental unit that meets program standards and a landlord willing to accept the voucher. The Authority inspects the unit to may support it is safe and meets housing quality standards before you move in.

After you move in, you must recertify your income and household composition annually. If your circumstances change — such as a job loss, a new household member, or a move — you must report it to the Authority. Failure to report changes can result in overpayment of information or program termination.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I contact the Bossier City Housing Authority?

You can reach the Authority by phone or by visiting their office in person. Their contact information is available through the City of Bossier City's website or by calling 211 (a free referral line). Have your household size and approximate income ready when you call, so they can tell you whether you may be within income limits.

What if I am homeless or at risk of homelessness?

Many housing authorities give priority to homeless applicants. Tell the Authority about your situation when you explore. You may also be referred to emergency shelter or rapid rehousing programs run by other agencies. Call 211 or your local homeless services coordinator for when ready help.

Can I use a voucher outside of Bossier City?

Vouchers can sometimes be used in other cities, but only if the receiving housing authority agrees to accept a transfer. This is called "portability." Contact the Bossier City Housing Authority to ask whether your voucher can be ported and which other areas accept transfers.

What if my income goes up after I am admitted?

If your income rises above the limit, you may be allowed to stay in public housing or keep your voucher for a limited time — usually one to two years — while you transition to market-rate housing. The Authority will notify you of the important date. If you exceed the limit significantly, you may be asked to leave sooner.

Can I appeal if I am denied?

Yes. The Authority must provide a written reason for denial and explain how to request a hearing or reconsideration. You have the right to present your side of the story and provide documents that support your case. Contact the Authority's office to ask about their appeal process.