What Bakersfield Housing Authority does and how to reach them

Bakersfield Housing Authority (BHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and the Section 8 voucher program in Kern County. They own and manage apartment complexes for low-income residents, and they distribute federal housing vouchers that help people pay rent in the private market. If you live in Bakersfield or unincorporated Kern County and need affordable housing, BHA is the body you contact — not a state or federal office.

You can reach Bakersfield Housing Authority at their main office: 1601 California Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301. Their phone number is (661) 326-6061. They are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on federal holidays. You can also visit their website at bakersfieldhousing.org to read forms, check program status, and find information about current openings.

Key Takeaways

  • Bakersfield Housing Authority manages both public housing apartments and Section 8 vouchers for Kern County residents.
  • The Section 8 waiting list is typically closed, but you can call (661) 326-6061 to confirm current status and ask when applications may reopen.
  • Public housing has its own waiting list, and wait times vary depending on bedroom size and local demand.
  • You must meet income limits and citizenship or immigration status requirements to be considered for either program.
  • BHA requires proof of income, identification, and a background check before approval.

Public housing apartments managed by Bakersfield Housing Authority

BHA owns and operates apartment communities throughout Bakersfield and Kern County. These are not subsidized private rentals — BHA owns the buildings and sets the rent based on your household income, usually between 30 and 40 percent of what you earn. Rent is lower than market rate, and utilities are often included or heavily subsidized.

To be considered for public housing, you must meet income limits set by HUD (the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development). Income limits change yearly and depend on household size. For example, a single person's income limit is typically around $28,000 to $32,000 annually in Kern County, but this varies. You can call BHA to ask the current limit for your household size.

Public housing has a waiting list. Wait times depend on the number of bedrooms you need and how many units are available. Some bedroom sizes have shorter waits than others. You can call BHA to ask how long the current wait is for a one-bedroom, two-bedroom, or three-bedroom apartment.

Section 8 voucher program and the waiting list

The Section 8 program gives you a voucher that covers part of your rent in a private apartment you find yourself. You pay the difference between what the voucher covers and the actual rent. This gives you more housing choices than public housing, because you can rent from any landlord who accepts the voucher.

Bakersfield Housing Authority's Section 8 waiting list is usually closed. When it is closed, BHA is not taking new applications. The list reopens periodically when funding allows or when enough people move off the list. Call (661) 326-6061 to ask whether the list is currently open. If it is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen — BHA staff can tell you whether it might open in the next few months or if there is no timeline yet.

When the list does open, applications are typically accepted for a limited time only — sometimes a few weeks. BHA may announce the opening on their website, through local nonprofits, or by phone if you call to ask. If you want to be notified when it reopens, ask BHA whether they maintain a notification list.

Income limits, citizenship, and what documents you need

Both public housing and Section 8 have income limits. You must earn below a certain amount to be considered. Bakersfield Housing Authority counts income from employment, Social Security, disability benefits, child support, and other sources. They do not count certain income, such as some student financial aid or money from certain information programs — ask BHA which types of income they count.

You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. BHA will ask for proof of citizenship or immigration documents. If you are not sure whether your status qualifies, call and ask before you explore — BHA can tell you whether you are may be able to access without requiring you to submit an process.

When you explore, BHA will ask for proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters), a photo ID, Social Security numbers for all household members, and permission to run a background check. They will also verify your immigration status. Bring these documents when you visit or have them ready if you explore by mail.

Background checks and criminal history

Bakersfield Housing Authority runs a background check on all applicants. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but certain convictions may. BHA follows federal rules that prohibit housing for people convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine on the property, and they have discretion to deny housing based on other criminal history if they believe it poses a risk to other residents or property.

If you have a criminal record and are concerned about whether you will be considered, you can call BHA and ask about their policy. They cannot tell you whether you personally will be approved without an process, but they can explain what types of convictions they typically consider and what their process is. Being honest about your history during the process is important — lying on an process can result in permanent disqualification.

How long approval takes and what happens after you are accepted

The time from process to approval varies. For public housing, it typically takes several weeks to a few months, depending on how thorough the background check is and how busy BHA is. For Section 8, the process is similar once you are on the waiting list and your name comes up.

Once you are approved, BHA will place you on a lease for public housing or issue you a voucher for Section 8. For public housing, BHA will assign you an apartment based on availability and your needs. For Section 8, you have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a private apartment that meets program standards and whose landlord agrees to accept the voucher. If you cannot find an apartment in that time, you may lose the voucher.

Rent increases, lease violations, and tenant rights in BHA housing

In public housing, your rent is recalculated every year based on your current income. If your income goes up, your rent goes up. If your income goes down, your rent goes down. BHA must give you notice before a rent increase takes effect, usually 30 days.

You have rights as a tenant in BHA housing. BHA must maintain the apartment in safe, habitable condition. They must give you notice before entering your unit (usually 24 hours, except in emergencies). You have the right to a lease, and BHA cannot evict you without cause and without following the eviction process in court.

If BHA believes you have violated your lease — for example, by having an unauthorized occupant, damaging the unit, or not paying rent — they must give you written notice and a chance to cure (fix) the problem before they can file for eviction. If you disagree with an eviction notice, you can defend yourself in court. Legal aid organizations in Bakersfield can help if you cannot afford a lawyer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the wait for public housing in Bakersfield?

Wait times vary by bedroom size and change as units become available. Call BHA at (661) 326-6061 and tell them how many bedrooms you need. They can tell you the current wait time for that size unit. Some sizes may have a wait of several months; others may be longer.

Can I explore for Section 8 if the waiting list is closed?

No, you cannot explore when the list is closed. Call BHA to ask when it might reopen. Some people call every few months to check status. You can also ask whether BHA maintains a notification list so they can contact you when applications reopen.

What if I have a felony conviction?

A felony does not automatically disqualify you, but certain convictions do. Call BHA and describe your situation without explore first. They can explain their policy and whether your conviction is likely to be a barrier. Do not lie on an process — that will result in permanent disqualification.

Do I have to pay utilities in public housing?

It depends on the specific building. Some BHA apartments include utilities in the rent; others charge separately. Ask BHA which utilities are included in the rent for the type of unit you are interested in.

What happens if my income goes up after I move into public housing?

Your rent will increase at your next annual recertification. BHA will recalculate your rent based on your new income and give you written notice before the increase takes effect. You will not be evicted for earning more, but your rent will reflect your higher income.