What the Bridgeport Housing Authority Does
The Bridgeport Housing Authority (BHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and the Section 8 voucher program in Bridgeport, Connecticut. It does not provide cash information or pay bills directly to tenants. Instead, it owns and manages apartment buildings where rent is set based on your income, and it distributes vouchers that let you rent from private landlords while the program pays part of your rent to them.
The BHA serves Bridgeport residents only. If you live outside the city, you will need to contact your own local housing authority. The agency is located at 1 Lombard Street, Bridgeport, CT 06601, and you can reach it by phone at (203) 580-3500.
Key Takeaways
- The Bridgeport Housing Authority manages public housing apartments and Section 8 vouchers, but does not provide emergency rent money or direct cash payments.
- Public housing rent is based on your household income, usually 30 percent of what you earn, and you must meet income limits to live there.
- Section 8 vouchers let you choose your own apartment from private landlords, and the program pays the landlord a portion of the rent while you pay the rest.
- Both programs have waiting lists that are often closed; you can call the BHA to learn whether applications are being taken.
- You will need proof of income, identity, residency in Bridgeport, and a Social Security number for any BHA program.
Public Housing: Income-Based Rent in BHA Apartments
Public housing means you rent an apartment owned by the Bridgeport Housing Authority. Your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly household income, or the BHA's minimum rent, whichever is higher. The minimum rent varies but is typically between $50 and $100 per month. This means if your household earns $1,500 per month, your rent would be $450, assuming that is above the minimum.
To live in BHA public housing, your household income must fall below the area median income limit set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. These limits change yearly and depend on your household size. For example, in 2024, the income limit for a family of four in the Bridgeport area was approximately $61,000 per year, but you should call the BHA directly to confirm the current limit for your household size.
The BHA public housing waiting list is typically closed. You can call (203) 580-3500 to ask whether the list is open and, if it is, what documents you need to submit. When the list opens, you will need to provide proof of income (pay stubs or a letter from your employer), a government-issued ID, proof that you live in Bridgeport, and your Social Security number.
Section 8 Vouchers: Renting from Private Landlords
A Section 8 voucher is a document that lets you rent an apartment from any private landlord who will accept the program. The BHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent—usually between 70 and 90 percent—and you pay the rest. The amount the BHA pays depends on the size of your apartment and the neighborhood where it is located. You choose where to live, as long as the apartment meets BHA standards and the landlord agrees to participate.
Like public housing, Section 8 has income limits. Your household must earn below the area median income to be considered. The waiting list for Section 8 in Bridgeport is also typically closed. When it opens, the BHA usually accepts applications for a limited time. Call (203) 580-3500 to find out whether applications are being taken and what the current income limits are.
Once you receive a voucher, you have a set amount of time—usually 120 days—to find an apartment. The landlord must agree to rent to you, and the apartment must pass a BHA inspection. The inspection checks for basic safety and livability: working heat, hot water, no mold, functioning appliances, and no pest infestations. If the apartment fails, the landlord must fix the problems before you can move in.
Documents You Will Need
The BHA requires the same core documents for both public housing and Section 8. Bring originals or certified copies to your appointment or submit them with your process if the BHA accepts mail-in submissions.
| Document Type | What It Proves | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Income | Your household's monthly or yearly earnings | Recent pay stubs (last 30 days), tax returns, letter from employer, Social Security award letter |
| Identity | Who you are | Driver's license, state ID, passport, birth certificate |
| Residency in Bridgeport | You live in Bridgeport | Lease, utility bill, mail from a government agency, bank statement |
| Social Security Number | Verification of your identity and work history | Social Security card, tax return, W-2 form |
If you do not have all these documents, call the BHA before you visit. Staff can tell you which documents are required and which alternatives they will accept. For example, if you do not have a driver's license, a state ID or passport will work. If you have no recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer stating your wage will often be accepted.
What Happens After You explore
After you submit your process, the BHA will verify your income, check your identity, and confirm you live in Bridgeport. This process usually takes two to four weeks. The BHA may contact you by phone or mail to ask for additional information or to schedule an interview.
If you are found to meet the income and residency requirements, your name goes on the waiting list. The waiting list is ordered by date of process, so the longer you wait, the closer you move to the top. However, the BHA may give priority to certain groups, such as people experiencing homelessness or those with disabilities. Ask the BHA whether priority categories explore to your situation.
When an apartment becomes available in public housing or when a voucher is issued, the BHA will contact you. For public housing, you will be offered a specific apartment. For Section 8, you will receive a voucher and a important date to find your own place. If you turn down an offer without good cause, you may lose your place on the waiting list or be moved to the back of it.
Recertification and Ongoing Requirements
Once you are in a BHA program, you must recertify your income and household composition every year. Recertification means you provide updated pay stubs, tax returns, or other proof that your income has not changed significantly. If your income increases above the program limit, you may be asked to leave or your rent may increase.
For public housing, the BHA will also inspect your apartment annually to make sure you are maintaining it and that it still meets program standards. You are responsible for keeping the unit clean and reporting maintenance problems to the BHA promptly.
For Section 8, the BHA inspects the apartment every two years. The landlord is responsible for repairs and maintenance, but you must report problems to them in writing so there is a record. If the apartment fails inspection, the landlord has a set time to fix the issues or you will need to find a new place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the BHA waiting list is closed?
Call the BHA at (203) 580-3500 every few months to ask when the list will reopen. You can also ask to be placed on a notification list so the BHA contacts you when applications resume. Some people check in quarterly; others wait a year or more before a list reopens.
Can I use my Section 8 voucher outside of Bridgeport?
Section 8 vouchers are portable, meaning you can move to another city and use your voucher there. However, you must request a transfer from the Bridgeport Housing Authority and the receiving housing authority must have available vouchers. This process can take several months, and there is no may provide the other authority will accept your voucher.
What if my income changes after I move in?
Report the change to the BHA when ready. If your income decreases, your rent may go down. If it increases, your rent will go up at your next recertification. If your income rises above the program limit, you will be given time to move out, usually six months to a year, depending on the program.
Do I need a credit check or rental history to explore?
The BHA does not typically run credit checks for public housing or Section 8. However, for Section 8, the private landlord you choose may run a credit check or ask for references. The BHA cannot force a landlord to rent to you, but the landlord cannot discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.
What if I have an eviction or criminal record?
The BHA has the right to deny housing based on criminal history or eviction, but it must follow federal guidelines. Generally, the BHA looks at the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation. Call the BHA to discuss your specific situation before explore, as policies vary and staff can explain what the agency will consider.