What the Broward County Housing Authority does

The Broward County Housing Authority (BCHA) is a public agency that runs public housing, administers rental vouchers, and manages affordable housing programs across Broward County, Florida. It is not a private landlord or property management company — it is a government body that owns and operates housing for low-income residents, and it also distributes federal vouchers that let people rent from private landlords with subsidy help.

If you live in public housing owned by BCHA, you pay rent to BCHA directly. If you hold a voucher from BCHA, you find your own rental unit and BCHA pays part of your rent to the landlord. The agency also runs programs for homeless prevention, supportive housing, and housing search information.

BCHA serves residents across Broward County, including Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, and unincorporated areas. The agency is separate from your city government, though it works with local municipalities on housing policy.

Key Takeaways

  • BCHA operates public housing units and distributes federal rental vouchers; you contact them directly if you live in their buildings or hold one of their vouchers.
  • The main BCHA office is in Fort Lauderdale, and you can reach them by phone, mail, or in person to ask about programs, report maintenance issues, or handle lease matters.
  • BCHA maintains a waiting list for public housing and vouchers that is usually closed; you can check the agency's website to see whether applications are being taken.
  • If you are behind on rent or facing eviction, BCHA may have information about emergency rental information programs run by Broward County, though BCHA itself does not administer those funds.
  • Maintenance requests, lease violations, and rent payment questions go through BCHA's tenant services line or your property manager, not through a general city hotline.

How to reach the Broward County Housing Authority

The main BCHA office is located at 2 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. You can call the agency at (954) 765-4500 during business hours. The phone line handles general inquiries, maintenance requests, lease questions, and information about programs.

BCHA also accepts mail at the same address. If you need to submit documents — such as income verification, lease renewal paperwork, or a maintenance request in writing — you can mail them to this office. Response times vary depending on the volume of requests and the complexity of your issue.

The agency maintains a website where you can find information about current programs, waiting list status, and tenant resources. You can also visit the office in person during business hours to speak with staff, though calling ahead is often faster for straightforward questions.

Public housing and voucher programs through BCHA

BCHA owns and operates public housing complexes throughout Broward County. If you live in one of these buildings, you are a tenant of BCHA. Your lease is with BCHA, you pay rent to BCHA, and maintenance requests go to BCHA's maintenance department or your on-site property manager.

The agency also administers the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8), which is a federal program that helps low-income renters afford private apartments. If you hold a BCHA voucher, you find your own rental unit, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and BCHA pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord each month. You pay the difference out of pocket.

Both programs have waiting lists. BCHA's waiting list is frequently closed, meaning the agency is not taking new applications because the list is already very long. You can contact BCHA or check their website to find out whether applications are open. When the list does open, there is usually a limited window to explore.

Maintenance requests and lease issues

If you live in BCHA public housing and have a maintenance problem — a leak, broken appliance, heating or cooling issue, or other repair — contact your property manager or BCHA's maintenance line. For urgent issues like no heat in winter or a gas leak, call when ready and describe the emergency.

BCHA has standards for how quickly maintenance must be addressed. Non-emergency repairs typically have a longer timeline than emergency repairs. If a repair is not completed within the promised timeframe, follow up in writing and keep a copy for your records.

If you have a lease question — about house rules, rent increases, lease renewal, or a notice from BCHA — contact tenant services at the main office. Do not ignore notices from BCHA; they often have important date for your response.

Rent payment and financial issues

If you are a BCHA public housing tenant, you pay rent to BCHA according to the terms of your lease. Rent is usually due on the first of the month. If you are having trouble paying rent, contact BCHA's tenant services line before you fall behind. Some residents are may be able to access for rent adjustments based on income changes, and BCHA can explain what documentation you need to request a review.

If you hold a BCHA voucher and are having trouble affording your share of the rent, contact your voucher caseworker at BCHA. They can discuss whether your income has changed and whether your voucher amount needs to be recalculated.

If you are facing eviction or have received an eviction notice, contact BCHA when ready. The agency may have information about emergency rental information programs in Broward County, though those programs are usually run by the county or by nonprofit organizations, not by BCHA itself.

Waiting lists and how to check your status

BCHA maintains a waiting list for both public housing and vouchers. The list is usually very long, and new applications are accepted only when BCHA opens the list — which happens infrequently and usually for a limited time.

To find out whether BCHA is taking applications, visit the agency's website or call (954) 765-4500. Staff can tell you the current status of the waiting list and explain how the process works if the list is open. If you have already applied and want to check your position on the list, you can also call or visit in person with your process number.

Waiting times vary widely. Some people wait months; others wait years. BCHA prioritizes certain groups, such as people experiencing homelessness or those with disabilities, but the exact order depends on the agency's policies and available funding.

Other BCHA programs and services

Beyond public housing and vouchers, BCHA runs other programs that may help you. These include supportive housing for people with disabilities, homeless prevention information, and housing search services. The agency also partners with nonprofits and local government on affordable housing initiatives.

To learn what programs are available and whether you might be a candidate for one, call the main office or visit in person. Staff can explain may be able to access requirements, what documents you need, and how long the process typically takes.

BCHA also works with the Broward County government on emergency rental information and other housing support. If you are in crisis, BCHA staff may be able to point you toward the right program or organization, even if BCHA does not run it directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it usually take to get public housing or a voucher from BCHA?

There is no standard timeline. Waiting lists are often closed, and when they are open, the wait can be months to years depending on your priority and the number of available units or vouchers. Call BCHA to ask about current wait times for the specific program you are interested in.

What if I have a maintenance emergency after hours?

BCHA public housing buildings usually have an emergency maintenance line or an on-site manager who handles after-hours emergencies. Check your lease or call the main office during business hours to get the after-hours number. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911.

Can BCHA help me if I am behind on rent?

If you are a BCHA tenant, contact tenant services to discuss your situation. If you hold a voucher, contact your caseworker. BCHA itself may not have emergency funds, but staff can direct you to county or nonprofit programs that help with back rent.

Do I need to be a Broward County resident to explore for BCHA housing or vouchers?

BCHA serves Broward County, but specific residency requirements depend on the program. Call the agency to ask about requirements for the program you are interested in. Some programs may have local preferences, while others serve anyone in the county.

What should I do if I disagree with a decision BCHA made about my lease or rent?

Contact BCHA's tenant services or administrative office to request an explanation. Ask whether there is a formal appeal or grievance process. BCHA is required to follow federal and state housing law, and you have the right to understand the reason for any decision that affects your housing.