What the Boise Housing Authority does

The Boise Housing Authority is a public agency that runs housing programs for low-income residents in Ada County, Idaho. It administers Section 8 vouchers (which help pay rent in private apartments), manages public housing properties, and runs other programs that make housing more affordable. The Authority is independent from the city government, though it works with local agencies and nonprofits.

The Boise Housing Authority does not build or own most of the housing it helps pay for. Instead, it gives vouchers to tenants and money to landlords, or it owns and operates a smaller number of public housing units directly. If you are looking for a place to live or need help paying rent, the Authority is often the first place to contact because it knows what programs exist locally and which ones have openings.

The Authority's main office is located at 1340 West Washington Street in Boise. You can reach them by phone at (208) 345-1530 during business hours, or visit their website to check current program status and find process materials.

Key Takeaways

  • The Boise Housing Authority runs Section 8 vouchers and public housing, and you must contact them directly to learn which programs have openings and what documents you need.
  • Section 8 waiting lists in Boise are often closed, so calling ahead to confirm the list is open before gathering documents saves time.
  • Income limits exist for most programs, and they vary by program and by household size — the Authority will tell you the exact limit when you call.
  • Public housing and Section 8 both require a background check and rental history review, which can take several weeks.
  • The Authority's office staff can answer questions about your specific situation and direct you to other local resources if their programs are full.

Section 8 vouchers in Boise

Section 8 is a federal program that pays part of your rent directly to a private landlord. You find your own apartment, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and the Authority pays the landlord a portion of the rent while you pay the rest. The amount the Authority pays depends on your income and the size of the unit.

The Boise Housing Authority's Section 8 waiting list is frequently closed because demand is much higher than the number of vouchers available. When the list is open, the Authority typically accepts applications for a limited time — sometimes just a few weeks — before closing again. Call (208) 345-1530 to ask whether the list is currently open. If it is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen and whether you can get on a notification list.

If you receive a voucher, you have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find an apartment that meets program standards and whose rent is within the Authority's payment limit for your area. The landlord must pass an inspection, and you must sign a lease. The process from voucher approval to moving in typically takes two to four months.

Public housing managed by the Boise Housing Authority

The Authority owns and operates public housing apartments and townhouses throughout Boise and Ada County. These are not temporary shelters — they are permanent homes where you pay rent based on your income, usually 30 percent of what you earn. Public housing is often easier to move into than Section 8 because the Authority controls the units directly and does not depend on private landlords to participate.

Public housing waiting lists also close when full, but they may have openings more frequently than Section 8 because the Authority manages the turnover. Call the Authority to ask which public housing communities have the shortest wait times. Income limits explore, and you must pass a background check and provide rental history.

Public housing communities in the Boise area include family apartments, senior housing, and mixed-income developments. The Authority can tell you which communities match your household size and needs when you contact them.

Income limits and who can participate

Both Section 8 and public housing have income limits based on the area median income for Ada County. These limits change each year and vary by household size. A single person's limit is lower than a family of four's limit. The Authority will tell you the current year's limits when you call or visit their office.

You must also pass a background check that looks at criminal history, eviction records, and rental payment history. The Authority has specific policies about what disqualifies you, but minor or old issues do not automatically mean you cannot participate. If you have concerns about your background, ask the Authority directly — they can tell you whether your situation is likely to be a barrier.

You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. Bring proof of identity, income, and residency when you explore. The Authority will tell you exactly which documents they need.

Other programs and resources

Beyond Section 8 and public housing, the Boise Housing Authority may administer or know about other local programs. These can include emergency rental information (when funding is available), supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness, and programs for seniors or people with disabilities. The Authority's staff can point you toward these options if you do not meet the income or other requirements for their main programs.

The Authority also works with nonprofits like the Community Council of Idaho and local homeless services providers. If you need help beyond housing — such as case management, job training, or mental health services — the Authority can refer you to organizations that provide those services alongside housing.

How to contact the Boise Housing Authority

The main office is at 1340 West Washington Street, Boise, ID 83702. Phone: (208) 345-1530. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though you should confirm current hours before visiting.

When you call, have ready: your household size, your approximate monthly income, and any specific housing needs (such as accessibility requirements or a need for a larger unit). The staff can tell you in one call whether any programs have openings and what the next step is. If you cannot reach someone by phone, visit the office in person — staff can often answer basic questions on the spot.

The Authority's website has process forms, current program information, and links to other local housing resources. You can also ask about submitting applications by mail if you cannot visit in person.

What happens after you explore

Once you submit an process, the Authority will review it for completeness and contact you if documents are missing. The background check and rental history review typically take two to four weeks. If you are approved, you will receive written notice and instructions for the next step — either receiving your Section 8 voucher or being placed on a lease for a public housing unit.

If you are denied, the Authority must tell you why and give you a chance to appeal. Appeals are handled by an independent hearing officer, not by the Authority staff who made the original decision. Ask for the appeal process and timeline when you receive a denial letter.

During the review process, stay in touch with the Authority if your circumstances change — such as a change in income, household size, or address. Tell them right away so your process stays accurate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for Section 8 in Boise?

The waiting list length changes depending on how many vouchers are available and how many people are ahead of you. When the list is open, the Authority will tell you the approximate wait time. In some cases it is several years; in others it may be shorter. Call (208) 345-1530 to ask about current wait times for both Section 8 and public housing.

Can I explore for both Section 8 and public housing at the same time?

Yes. You can have applications pending with both programs. If you are approved for one before the other, you can accept it and withdraw your other process, or stay on both lists. Tell the Authority if your circumstances change so both applications stay current.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

An eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but it will be reviewed as part of your background check. The Authority looks at how long ago it happened, why it occurred, and whether you have paid rent on time since then. Call the Authority before explore if you are worried about your eviction history — they can tell you whether it is likely to be a barrier.

Do I have to live in Boise to use the Boise Housing Authority?

No. The Boise Housing Authority serves Ada County, which includes Boise, Eagle, Meridian, and other surrounding areas. You can use a Section 8 voucher to rent anywhere in the county where a landlord accepts the program. Call to confirm whether your specific address is in the Authority's service area.

What if the waiting list is closed?

Ask the Authority when they expect to reopen the list and whether you can join a notification list so you know when applications are being taken again. In the meantime, look into other local resources — nonprofits, emergency rental information programs, and other housing initiatives may have shorter wait times or different requirements.