What the Bakersfield Housing Authority Does

The Bakersfield Housing Authority (BHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs for low-income residents in Kern County. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits, and it manages a waitlist for public housing units it does own. The agency administers Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and some emergency or project-based information.

The Authority's main office is located in Bakersfield, and it serves residents across the county. If you live in an unincorporated area or a smaller city within Kern County, you still explore to BHA rather than to a separate local authority. The agency is funded by federal dollars from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which means the rules and income limits are set at the federal level, though BHA implements them locally.

Key Takeaways

  • Bakersfield Housing Authority administers Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and project-based rental information for Kern County residents.
  • Income limits and rent calculations follow federal rules set by HUD, not local rules, so they change each year based on area median income.
  • Waitlists for Section 8 and public housing are typically closed, and when they open, they fill quickly — you must explore during the open period to get on the list.
  • You can contact BHA directly by phone or in person to learn whether a waitlist is currently open and what documents you need to bring.
  • If you are experiencing a housing emergency or eviction, contact 211 Kern County or your local city housing department, as BHA does not run emergency rental information.

Section 8 Vouchers and How BHA Administers Them

A Section 8 voucher is a monthly subsidy that BHA pays to your landlord on your behalf. You find your own apartment in the private market, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and BHA pays a portion of the rent — typically 60 to 75 percent — while you pay the rest out of pocket. The voucher amount is based on the size of your household and the local rent standard, not on what you actually earn.

To receive a voucher, you must be on BHA's waitlist. The waitlist is almost always closed because demand far exceeds available vouchers. When BHA does open the waitlist — which happens irregularly, sometimes years apart — applications are accepted for a limited time only, often just a few weeks. Once the list is full, it closes again. You can call BHA's main office to ask whether the Section 8 waitlist is currently open and when it might reopen.

If you are already on the waitlist, BHA will contact you when a voucher becomes available. The wait can be several years. Once you receive a voucher, you have a limited time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find an apartment and have it inspected by BHA before the voucher is issued. If you do not find a unit in time, you lose the voucher and return to the waitlist.

Public Housing Units Owned by BHA

Bakersfield Housing Authority owns and manages a smaller number of public housing apartments throughout Kern County. These are older, federally funded properties where BHA is both the landlord and the subsidy provider. Rent is calculated the same way as Section 8 — you pay 30 percent of your adjusted gross income, and BHA covers the rest — but you are renting directly from BHA rather than from a private landlord.

Public housing has its own waitlist, which is also typically closed. The process process is similar to Section 8: you explore during an open period, wait to be called, and then move into a unit when one becomes available. Public housing units tend to have longer waits than Section 8 vouchers in some areas, though this varies by location within Kern County.

Living in public housing means you must follow BHA's lease terms, which include rules about occupancy, maintenance, and guest policies. If you violate the lease, BHA can evict you. Public housing is not temporary — you can stay as long as you remain income-may be able to access and follow the lease, though BHA conducts periodic recertifications to verify your income.

Income Limits and Rent Calculations

BHA uses federal income limits set by HUD each year. These limits depend on the size of your household and are based on the area median income for Kern County. In 2024, the limits vary — for example, a family of four might have a limit around $60,000 to $65,000 annually, but you should contact BHA directly for the current year's exact figures, as they change every April.

Your rent under Section 8 or public housing is calculated as 30 percent of your adjusted gross income. "Adjusted" means BHA subtracts certain deductions — such as medical expenses, childcare costs, and disability-related expenses — before calculating the 30 percent. If your income drops, your rent drops. If your income rises above the limit, you may lose your voucher or housing, though BHA typically allows a grace period and recertifies annually.

You must report changes in income, household size, and employment to BHA within 30 days. Failing to report changes can result in overpayment of rent, which you will owe back, or termination of your voucher or lease.

How to Contact Bakersfield Housing Authority

Bakersfield Housing Authority's main office is located at 1601 California Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301. You can reach them by phone at (661) 326-6061. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though you should call ahead to confirm current hours and to ask about waitlist status.

When you call or visit, have your Social Security number, photo ID, and proof of income ready. If you are calling to ask about waitlist openings, ask specifically whether Section 8 or public housing lists are open, as they open and close independently. If you need to submit documents, ask whether you can mail them, fax them, or must deliver them in person, as policies may vary.

BHA also has a website where you can find information about current programs and sometimes read applications. However, the website does not show real-time waitlist status — you must call or visit in person to learn whether a list is open.

What BHA Does Not Do

Bakersfield Housing Authority does not run emergency rental information programs. If you are behind on rent, facing eviction, or need when ready help, you must contact a different agency. The City of Bakersfield and Kern County both have emergency rental information programs, and you can also call 211 Kern County (dial 2-1-1) to be referred to the program currently accepting applications in your area.

BHA also does not provide homeless services, mental health treatment, substance abuse counseling, or job training. If you need those services in addition to housing, 211 can connect you to local nonprofits and county departments that provide them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher from BHA?

The wait depends on how many people are ahead of you on the list. In Bakersfield, waits have ranged from two to five years or longer, though this varies. Once you receive a voucher, you have 60 to 120 days to find an apartment. Call BHA to ask about current wait times.

Can I use my BHA voucher at any apartment in Bakersfield?

No. The landlord must agree to accept Section 8, and the apartment must pass BHA's inspection. Some landlords refuse vouchers. You can only use the voucher in units where the rent is at or below BHA's payment standard for that area and bedroom size.

What happens if my income goes above the limit?

You do not lose your voucher or housing when ready. BHA recertifies your income annually and allows a grace period if you exceed the limit. However, if your income stays above the limit for too long, you may be terminated from the program. Contact BHA if your income changes to discuss your options.

Is there a fee to explore to BHA's waitlist?

No. explore to Section 8 or public housing through Bakersfield Housing Authority is free. Be cautious of any organization that charges you to explore or promises to move you up the waitlist — that is a scam.

Can I explore to BHA if I have an eviction on my record?

BHA considers eviction history but does not automatically deny you. Each process is reviewed individually. If you have an eviction, be honest about it on your process and explain the circumstances. Contact BHA to discuss your specific situation before explore.