What the Burlington Housing Authority does

The Burlington Housing Authority (BHA) is a public agency that owns and manages affordable rental housing in Burlington, Vermont. It does not process applications for Section 8 vouchers statewide — that work belongs to the Vermont Housing Finance Agency. Instead, BHA directly owns and operates apartment buildings where tenants pay rent based on their income, typically 30 percent of what they earn.

BHA also administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) for the Burlington area specifically. This means BHA holds the vouchers available to people in that region, maintains the waiting list, and works with landlords who agree to rent to voucher holders. The agency is governed by a board of commissioners and answers to HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development).

Key Takeaways

  • BHA owns apartment buildings where rent is based on your income, usually 30 percent of gross monthly earnings, and maintains a separate waiting list for public housing.
  • BHA also holds Section 8 vouchers for the Burlington area and keeps a waiting list for those; the two programs are separate and have different waiting lists.
  • Both waiting lists are typically closed to new applicants, but you can contact BHA directly to learn when they reopen or ask to be notified.
  • BHA's main office is at 1 North Street, Burlington, and you can reach them by phone or visit in person to ask about current openings.
  • If you are experiencing a housing crisis, contact the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission or call 211 Vermont for emergency rental help, which is separate from BHA's programs.

BHA public housing and how rent works

BHA owns several apartment complexes throughout Burlington where tenants live in income-based housing. When you live in a BHA building, your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly household income. This means if your household earns $2,000 per month, your rent would be $600. BHA also charges a minimum rent, which varies by property but is typically between $200 and $300 per month, even if 30 percent of your income is lower.

Tenants in BHA housing must meet income limits to move in. These limits change yearly and depend on household size. BHA staff can tell you the current limits when you contact them. Once you are a resident, your rent adjusts each year based on your reported income, so if your earnings change, your rent changes too.

Section 8 vouchers through BHA

BHA administers Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) for Burlington and surrounding areas. A voucher allows you to rent from a private landlord while the program pays a portion of your rent directly to the landlord. You pay the difference, usually 30 percent of your income, and the voucher covers the rest up to a limit called the "payment standard."

To use a Section 8 voucher, you must find a landlord willing to participate in the program. Not all landlords do. Once you have a lease signed, BHA inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards, then begins paying the landlord. The voucher is yours to use at any participating property in the area, so you are not limited to BHA buildings.

Waiting lists and how to get on them

Both BHA public housing and Section 8 vouchers have separate waiting lists. Most of the time, both lists are closed to new applicants because demand far exceeds available units. When a list is closed, you cannot add your name, but you can contact BHA to ask when it might reopen or request to be notified if it does.

To get on a waiting list when it opens, you must submit an process in person at BHA's office or by mail. You will need proof of income, identification, and information about your household. BHA staff can tell you what documents to bring. The waiting time varies widely — some people wait months, others wait years. Your position on the list depends on when you applied, not on your income level or housing situation.

Contact information and office hours

The Burlington Housing Authority is located at 1 North Street, Burlington, Vermont 05401. You can reach them by phone at (802) 865-7000. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but you should call ahead to confirm current hours or to ask about waiting list status.

You can visit in person to ask questions, pick up an process if a list is open, or request to be added to a notification list. Staff can also tell you whether either waiting list is currently accepting applications and what documents you will need if you explore.

If you need housing help right now

If you are facing eviction, homelessness, or a housing emergency, BHA's waiting lists will not help you when ready. Instead, contact the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission's emergency rental information program or call 211 Vermont. These programs can help with overdue rent, security deposits, or utility bills much faster than BHA's waiting lists.

You can also reach out to local nonprofits like the Community Justice Center or the Champlain Housing Trust, which offer rapid rehousing, emergency funds, and other when ready support. These organizations work alongside BHA but operate independently and often have faster timelines.

Income limits and rent calculations

BHA updates income limits each year based on the area median income for Chittenden County. Limits are higher for larger households. For example, a single person might have a limit of around $40,000 to $45,000 annually, while a family of four might have a limit around $57,000 to $65,000. These numbers change yearly, so you should ask BHA for the current limits that explore to your household size.

If your income exceeds the limit when you explore, you will not be admitted to public housing. However, if your income rises after you move in, you are usually allowed to stay; your rent straightforward increases. Some residents eventually earn too much to remain in the program, and BHA will notify you when that happens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the BHA waiting lists open right now?

Most of the time, both the public housing and Section 8 waiting lists are closed. Call BHA at (802) 865-7000 to ask the current status. If a list is closed, ask to be placed on a notification list so you are contacted when it reopens.

How long does it take to get a voucher or apartment?

Wait times vary widely. Some people wait one to two years, others much longer. Your position depends on when you applied, not on your need. BHA can tell you approximately where you stand on the list when you call.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher at any apartment in Burlington?

No. The landlord must be enrolled in the Section 8 program and agree to rent to voucher holders. BHA can provide a list of participating landlords, or you can ask a landlord whether they accept vouchers before you explore for a lease.

What if I do not meet the income limit?

If your income is too high for BHA housing, you may still be able to rent privately. Contact 211 Vermont or local nonprofits for information about other affordable housing options, rental information, or down payment help.

Does BHA help with emergency rent or eviction prevention?

No. BHA manages long-term housing only. For emergency rent help or to prevent eviction, contact the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission, call 211 Vermont, or reach out to the Community Justice Center.