What the Burlington Housing Authority does and how to reach them

The Burlington Housing Authority (BHA) is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Burlington, Vermont. They own and operate apartment buildings throughout the city and administer housing programs for low- and moderate-income residents. If you live in one of their properties, need to report a maintenance issue, or want to learn about their rental programs, the BHA is your direct contact.

You can reach the Burlington Housing Authority at their main office located at 1 North Street, Burlington, VT 05401. Their phone number is (802) 865-7194. They are open during standard business hours, Monday through Friday. For questions about a specific lease, maintenance request, or rent payment, have your lease number or apartment address ready when you call.

The BHA website provides information about available units, process procedures, and tenant resources. You can also visit their office in person to pick up applications, ask questions, or handle administrative matters. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, Vermont Relay Service (711) can help you communicate with the BHA.

Key Takeaways

  • The Burlington Housing Authority manages affordable apartments in Burlington and can be reached at (802) 865-7194 or at 1 North Street during business hours.
  • If you rent from the BHA, you contact them directly for maintenance requests, lease questions, and rent payment issues.
  • The BHA maintains a waiting list for housing; the length of the wait depends on the type of unit you need and current demand.
  • Tenants in BHA housing pay rent based on their income, typically 30 percent of gross monthly income, though the exact amount follows federal guidelines.
  • The BHA also administers Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) for some residents, which work differently than direct BHA rental.

how the process works for BHA housing

To explore for an apartment managed by the Burlington Housing Authority, you must complete their rental process form. You can obtain the process by calling (802) 865-7194, visiting their office at 1 North Street, or checking their website. The process asks for basic information about your household, income, employment history, and rental references.

You will need to provide proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements), identification, and permission for the BHA to conduct a background check. The BHA reviews applications and maintains a waiting list. The time from process to being offered a unit varies depending on the size of unit you need and how many people are ahead of you on the list.

Once you are offered a unit, you will sign a lease and pay a security deposit. The BHA will explain the lease terms, your responsibilities as a tenant, and the house rules before you move in. If you have questions about the process process or your status on the waiting list, call the main office.

Understanding rent and income-based payments

Rent in BHA housing is calculated based on your household income. Most BHA tenants pay approximately 30 percent of their gross monthly income as rent, though the exact percentage follows federal public housing rules and may vary. If your income changes, you must report it to the BHA so they can recalculate your rent.

When you first move in, the BHA will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or documentation of benefits to determine your income. If you lose a job, receive a raise, or have other changes in household income, contact the BHA to update your file. Failing to report income changes can result in an overpayment or underpayment of rent, which may affect your lease.

Rent is due on the first of each month. If you have trouble paying rent, contact the BHA when ready to discuss your situation. They may be able to refer you to emergency information programs or work out a payment plan. Paying late or not at all can lead to eviction proceedings.

Maintenance requests and tenant responsibilities

If something in your apartment needs repair—a leaky faucet, broken window, heating problem, or appliance malfunction—contact the BHA maintenance department. Call (802) 865-7194 and describe the issue. For emergencies such as no heat in winter, a gas leak, or a fire hazard, tell the staff it is an emergency so they prioritize the response.

The BHA is responsible for maintaining the building structure, roof, plumbing, electrical systems, and heating. You are responsible for keeping your apartment clean, not damaging walls or fixtures beyond normal wear, and following house rules. If damage is caused by your negligence, the BHA may charge you for repairs.

Maintenance requests are typically handled within a set timeframe depending on urgency. Non-emergency repairs may take one to two weeks. If a repair is not completed within a reasonable time and affects your health or safety, document the issue and contact the BHA office in writing to escalate the request.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers through the BHA

The Burlington Housing Authority also administers Housing Choice Vouchers, commonly called Section 8. This program is different from renting directly from the BHA. With a voucher, you find your own apartment from a private landlord, and the voucher program pays a portion of your rent directly to the landlord. You pay the difference.

The BHA maintains a waiting list for Housing Choice Vouchers. Because demand is high and funding is limited, the waiting list is often closed. You can call (802) 865-7194 to ask whether the voucher waiting list is currently open and how to be added if it is. When the list opens, applications are usually accepted for a limited time only.

If you receive a voucher, you will work with the BHA to find an approved landlord and apartment. The landlord must meet program standards, and the rent cannot exceed the program's payment limit for your area. Once you move in, you pay your share of rent to the landlord, and the BHA pays their share directly to the landlord each month.

Tenant rights and lease termination

As a tenant in BHA housing, you have rights under Vermont law and the lease agreement. The BHA cannot evict you without cause and proper legal process. Causes for eviction include non-payment of rent, repeated lease violations, or criminal activity. The BHA must provide written notice and an opportunity to cure (fix) the problem before filing for eviction in court.

If you receive a notice to quit or an eviction notice, contact the BHA office when ready to discuss the issue. Some problems can be resolved by paying back rent or stopping the behavior. If you cannot resolve it, you may want to contact a legal aid organization such as Vermont Legal Aid (802-863-5615) for help understanding your rights.

If you want to move out, you must provide written notice according to your lease, typically 30 days. Failure to give proper notice may result in charges for rent owed through the end of the notice period. When you move out, the BHA will inspect the apartment and return your security deposit minus any deductions for damage beyond normal wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for BHA housing?

The waiting list length varies by unit type and changes over time. Some unit sizes may have a wait of several months to a year or longer. Call (802) 865-7194 to ask about the current wait time for the size apartment you need. The BHA can also tell you whether they are currently accepting new applications.

What if I cannot afford the rent the BHA calculated based on my income?

Contact the BHA office to discuss your situation. If your income has dropped or you have unexpected expenses, they may recalculate your rent if you provide updated income documentation. The BHA can also refer you to local information programs that may help with rent or other costs.

Can the BHA evict me without notice?

No. Vermont law requires the BHA to provide written notice and give you time to fix the problem (if it is fixable, like paying back rent) before filing for eviction in court. You have the right to appear in court and defend yourself. If you receive an eviction notice, contact Vermont Legal Aid or the BHA when ready.

What is the difference between BHA housing and a Section 8 voucher?

In BHA housing, you rent directly from the BHA in one of their buildings. With a Section 8 voucher, you find your own apartment from a private landlord, and the program pays part of the rent. Section 8 gives you more choice in where to live, but landlords must agree to participate in the program.

How do I report a maintenance emergency after hours?

Call the main BHA number (802) 865-7194 during business hours to ask about the emergency maintenance procedure. Some housing authorities have an after-hours emergency line for serious issues like no heat or water. Ask the staff to provide you with the emergency contact number when you move in.