What the Brevard Housing Authority does

The Brevard Housing Authority (BHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and rental information programs in Brevard County, Florida. It owns and manages apartment complexes for low-income residents and administers voucher programs that help people pay rent in privately owned units. The BHA does not build or finance homes for purchase — it focuses on rental housing and subsidies.

The agency serves residents across the county, including the cities of Melbourne, Cocoa, Rockledge, and Palm Bay. If you live in Brevard County and need affordable rental housing or want to understand what programs might be available to you, the BHA is the local body that runs them.

Key Takeaways

  • The Brevard Housing Authority manages public housing apartments and rental voucher programs for low-income households in Brevard County, Florida.
  • Public housing units are owned and operated by the BHA, while voucher programs let you rent from a private landlord with a subsidy that covers part of your rent.
  • Income limits and family size determine who can participate, and these thresholds change yearly based on area median income.
  • Waiting lists for both public housing and vouchers are typically long, and the BHA can tell you current wait times and whether lists are open to new applicants.
  • You can contact the BHA directly to learn about current programs, get on a waiting list, or ask about your status if you have already applied.

Public housing versus voucher programs

The BHA runs two main types of rental information. Public housing means you rent an apartment that the BHA owns and manages. The BHA sets the rent based on your income — typically 30 percent of your monthly gross income — and you pay that amount directly to the authority. The BHA covers maintenance, utilities (in most cases), and building operations.

Voucher programs work differently. The BHA gives you a voucher that subsidizes rent at a privately owned apartment or house. You find the rental unit yourself, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and the BHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent while you pay the rest. This gives you more choice in where you live, but the landlord must agree to participate and the unit must pass a BHA inspection.

Public housing has a fixed supply — the BHA owns a set number of units — so waiting lists can be years long. Voucher programs also have waiting lists, but the number of vouchers available can change based on federal funding. Both programs have income limits, and both require you to meet other criteria such as citizenship or legal residency status.

Income limits and who can participate

The BHA sets income limits based on family size and the area median income for Brevard County. These limits change each year. A family of four, for example, might have a different income ceiling than a single person or a family of six. If your household income exceeds the limit, you will not be able to participate in either public housing or voucher programs.

Beyond income, you must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, have a valid Social Security number, and pass a background check. The BHA will review your rental history, criminal history, and credit. Some criminal convictions or evictions can disqualify you, though the BHA considers the details and timing of each case.

If you have questions about whether your income or background meets the requirements, contact the BHA directly. They can give you specific information about current income limits and what the background review process looks like.

How to get on a waiting list

To explore for public housing or a voucher, you typically need to visit the BHA office in person or call to ask about the current process process. The BHA may accept applications year-round or may open and close the waiting list depending on demand and funding. Some programs have waiting lists that are closed to new applicants when they are very long.

When you explore, bring proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of residency in Brevard County, identification, and Social Security numbers for all household members. The BHA will also ask about your housing situation and why you need information.

After you explore, you will be placed on a waiting list in the order applications were received. Wait times vary widely — public housing waiting lists in some areas are several years long, while voucher lists may be shorter or longer depending on the current number of available vouchers. The BHA can tell you the approximate wait time when you explore.

What happens after you are called from the waiting list

When the BHA calls your name from the waiting list, you will be asked to come in for an interview. At this meeting, the BHA will verify the information on your process, review your income and family composition, and explain the program rules and your responsibilities as a tenant or voucher holder.

For public housing, the BHA will show you available units and help you choose one that fits your family size. For a voucher, you will receive the voucher document and instructions on how to search for a rental unit. You then have a set amount of time (usually 60 days) to find a unit, have the landlord agree to accept the voucher, and have the unit inspected by the BHA.

Once you move in, you will pay your portion of the rent each month and follow the lease terms. The BHA or the landlord (depending on the program) will conduct annual inspections to make sure the unit meets housing standards. If your income changes, you must report it to the BHA, as your rent contribution may change.

Waiting list status and how to contact the BHA

If you have already applied and want to check your status on the waiting list, contact the Brevard Housing Authority directly. You can reach them by phone or by visiting their office. Have your process number or name ready when you call.

The BHA office can also tell you whether waiting lists are currently open, what the current wait times are, and whether any units or vouchers are expected to become available soon. They can answer questions about income limits, background requirements, and the process process specific to your situation.

The BHA's contact information and office hours are available on their website or through a local 211 referral service, which can also provide information about other housing resources in Brevard County.

Other housing resources in Brevard County

If the BHA waiting list is closed or the wait time is too long, other organizations in Brevard County may offer rental information, emergency housing, or homeownership programs. Local nonprofits, community action agencies, and the county government sometimes run their own programs or can refer you to resources.

A 211 call or online search can connect you to these organizations. Some programs focus on emergency rental help, others on transitional housing, and still others on down payment information for homebuyers. The BHA itself can also point you toward other resources if you ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for public housing in Brevard County?

Wait times vary depending on the type of unit and current demand. The BHA can tell you the approximate wait time when you explore. Some waiting lists are several years long, while others may be shorter. Call the BHA to ask about current wait times for the specific program you are interested in.

Can I explore for both public housing and a voucher at the same time?

Yes, you can explore to both programs. You will be on separate waiting lists, and if you are called from one list before the other, you can accept that offer. Let the BHA know if you have already been placed in one program so they can remove you from the other waiting list.

What if my income increases after I move into public housing or get a voucher?

You must report income changes to the BHA. Your rent contribution may increase, or you may eventually earn too much to stay in the program. The BHA will explain the rules about income limits and how long you can remain in the program if your income rises.

Do I have to live in a specific part of Brevard County?

Public housing units are located in specific BHA-owned buildings throughout the county. With a voucher, you can rent anywhere in Brevard County as long as the landlord accepts the voucher and the unit passes inspection. The BHA can tell you where public housing units are located.

What if I have a criminal record or past eviction?

The BHA reviews each case individually. Some convictions or evictions will disqualify you, but others may not, depending on how long ago they occurred and the circumstances. Contact the BHA to discuss your specific situation and learn whether you would be considered for the program.