What Bucks County Housing Authority does and who runs it

Bucks County Housing Authority is a public agency that manages affordable housing programs across Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The Authority operates public housing units, administers voucher programs that help tenants pay rent in private apartments, and runs other housing information initiatives. It is a separate government entity from the county itself, though it receives some county oversight and federal funding.

The Authority's main office is located in Levittown, Pennsylvania. Staff there handle applications, lease questions, maintenance requests, and disputes between tenants and the Authority. If you live in public housing or hold a voucher, the Authority is the organization you contact for most housing-related matters.

Key Takeaways

  • Bucks County Housing Authority manages public housing units and rental vouchers, and you contact them directly for lease issues, maintenance, or payment questions.
  • The main office in Levittown handles applications and most tenant matters, though some services may be handled by satellite offices or by phone.
  • Tenants in public housing pay rent based on 30 percent of their income, and the Authority sets the lease terms and maintenance standards.
  • If you have a voucher, the Authority pays your landlord a portion of rent in private apartments, but you choose where to live within program rules.
  • Disputes over maintenance, lease violations, or rent calculations should be raised in writing to create a record and give the Authority time to respond.

How to reach Bucks County Housing Authority

The main office is at 1359 Bustleton Pike, Levittown, PA 19054. You can reach them by phone at 215-946-5500 during business hours. The Authority also has a website where you may find additional contact numbers for specific departments, such as maintenance or the leasing office.

If you are calling about a maintenance emergency—such as no heat in winter, a gas leak, or a burst pipe—ask to speak with the emergency maintenance line. Non-emergency repairs are typically scheduled through the regular maintenance department and may take several days to a week depending on the issue's severity.

For questions about your lease, rent calculation, or voucher status, the leasing or administrative office can direct you to the right staff member. Having your lease number, unit address, or voucher number ready when you call will speed up the process.

Public housing rent and lease terms

If you live in a Bucks County Housing Authority public housing unit, your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your adjusted gross income. This means the Authority reviews your household income annually and adjusts your rent accordingly. If your income drops, your rent goes down; if it rises, your rent goes up.

The Authority sets the lease terms, which typically include rules about occupancy, maintenance of the unit, guest policies, and lease violations. Leases are usually one year and renew automatically unless the Authority or tenant gives notice. If you violate the lease—such as by allowing unauthorized occupants, damaging the unit, or engaging in criminal activity—the Authority can begin eviction proceedings.

You are responsible for keeping your unit clean and reporting maintenance problems promptly. The Authority is responsible for structural repairs, appliance maintenance, plumbing, electrical systems, and heating. If the Authority fails to make repairs within a reasonable time, you have the right to request a rent reduction or, in some cases, to withhold rent—but you must follow the proper legal process and document your requests in writing.

Rental voucher programs and how they work

Bucks County Housing Authority administers Housing Choice Vouchers (formerly called Section 8 vouchers) and may offer other local voucher programs. If you hold a voucher, the Authority pays your landlord a portion of your rent in a private apartment. You pay the difference between the Authority's payment and the actual rent, usually 30 percent of your income.

To use a voucher, you must find a landlord willing to accept it, and the apartment must pass a Housing Quality Standards inspection. The Authority inspects the unit to may support it meets safety and livability standards—working plumbing, adequate heat, no lead paint hazards, and so on. Once the unit passes, you and the landlord sign a lease, and the Authority begins making payments directly to the landlord.

Vouchers are portable within the county and sometimes across county lines, meaning you can move to a different apartment and keep your voucher as long as the new unit meets program rules and the landlord agrees. If you want to move, notify the Authority before your current lease ends so they can process the paperwork and inspect the new unit.

Maintenance requests and emergency repairs

To request a maintenance repair, call the Authority's maintenance department at the main number or visit the office in person. Describe the problem clearly—for example, "the kitchen faucet is leaking" or "the bathroom exhaust fan is not working." The Authority will schedule a time for a maintenance worker to visit.

For emergencies such as no heat in winter, no water, gas leaks, or electrical hazards, call and ask for the emergency line. Emergency repairs are typically handled within 24 hours. For non-emergency repairs, expect to wait several days to a week depending on the workload and the repair's complexity.

If the Authority does not respond to a maintenance request within a reasonable time—usually 14 to 30 days depending on the issue—document your request in writing and send it to the main office via certified mail. Keep a copy for your records. This creates a paper trail and may give you grounds to pursue a rent reduction or other remedy if the Authority continues to neglect the repair.

Lease violations and eviction process

If the Authority believes you have violated your lease, they will typically send you a written notice describing the violation and giving you a chance to cure it—that is, to fix the problem. Common violations include unauthorized occupants, damage to the unit, failure to pay rent, or criminal activity on the premises.

If you do not cure the violation within the time given (usually 14 to 30 days), the Authority can file for eviction in Bucks County Court. You will receive a court summons and have the right to appear before a judge. If the judge rules in the Authority's favor, you will be ordered to vacate the unit, usually within 10 days.

If you receive a violation notice, respond promptly in writing, either curing the violation or explaining why you believe the violation did not occur. Keep copies of all correspondence. If you cannot afford a lawyer, contact the Bucks County Bar Association or a local legal aid office to ask about free or low-cost representation.

Income recertification and rent adjustments

Once a year, the Authority will ask you to recertify your household income. You will receive a notice asking you to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or other income documentation. This is how the Authority calculates your rent for the coming year.

If your income has changed significantly—you lost a job, got a raise, or a household member moved out—report it to the Authority as soon as possible. Do not wait for the annual recertification. Changes in income can affect your rent when ready, and reporting them promptly prevents overpayment or underpayment.

If you disagree with the Authority's calculation of your income or rent, request a meeting with a supervisor to review the numbers. Bring documentation of your actual income. If you still disagree, you may have the right to a hearing before an independent officer, depending on the Authority's policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I explore for public housing or a voucher with Bucks County Housing Authority?

Contact the Authority's leasing office at 215-946-5500 or visit the main office in Levittown. They will tell you whether the program you are interested in is currently accepting applications, as many programs have waiting lists. You will need to provide proof of income, identification, and rental history.

What should I do if my landlord is not making repairs?

If you hold a voucher and your landlord is not making repairs, contact the Authority's voucher program office and report the issue. The Authority can inspect the unit and may reduce or stop payments to the landlord until repairs are made. If you live in public housing, call the maintenance department and follow up in writing if repairs are not completed within a reasonable time.

Can I be evicted for owing back rent?

Yes. If you do not pay your rent on time, the Authority can begin eviction proceedings. If you are having trouble paying, contact the Authority when ready to discuss payment plans or other options. Some tenants may be able to defer rent or work out a reduced payment schedule.

What happens if I move out before my lease ends?

If you break your lease early, you may owe the Authority rent for the remainder of the lease term, or the Authority may pursue other remedies. Contact the leasing office before you move to discuss your options and understand what you may owe.

How do I file a complaint about the Authority?

Start by raising the issue with the staff member or department involved. If that does not resolve it, request to speak with a supervisor or the executive director. You can also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which oversees housing authorities nationwide. HUD's contact information is available on their website.