What the Housing Authority of Bergen County does

The Housing Authority of Bergen County (HABC) is a public agency that owns and manages rental housing in Bergen County, New Jersey, and administers federal housing vouchers that let low-income tenants rent from private landlords. It does not run a single countywide waiting list — instead, it operates as a landlord for its own properties and as a voucher administrator, and it works alongside municipal housing authorities in towns like Jersey City, Newark, and Hoboken that run their own programs.

HABC's main programs are public housing (apartments it owns directly) and the Housing Choice Voucher Program, sometimes called Section 8. The agency also manages some project-based vouchers, which are tied to specific buildings rather than portable across the rental market. If you are looking for affordable housing in Bergen County, you will likely encounter HABC either as a landlord or as the body that processes your voucher paperwork — but which one depends on where you live and which program you are seeking.

Key Takeaways

  • The Housing Authority of Bergen County owns public housing and administers Housing Choice Vouchers, but it is not the only housing authority in the county — many municipalities run their own programs.
  • Public housing waiting lists and voucher waiting lists are separate, and both are typically closed or have long wait times; you can contact HABC to ask current status.
  • If you receive a voucher, you search for your own rental unit on the private market, and HABC inspects the property and pays the landlord a portion of the rent.
  • HABC's main office is in Hackensack, and you can reach it by phone or mail to ask about programs, waiting list status, or to report a maintenance issue if you live in HABC housing.
  • Rules about income limits, family size, and rent burden vary by program and change annually, so contacting HABC directly is the only way to know whether you meet current requirements.

Public housing owned and managed by HABC

HABC owns and operates apartment buildings across Bergen County. These are public housing units — the agency is the landlord, sets the rent based on your income (typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income), and handles maintenance and repairs. Public housing is the most affordable option HABC offers because rent is income-based rather than market-rate.

To get on the waiting list for public housing, you must contact HABC directly. The waiting list is typically closed, meaning HABC is not accepting new applications at the moment, but you can call or visit in person to ask the current status. If the list opens, HABC will announce it publicly. Waiting times are often several years, even when the list is open, because demand far exceeds available units.

Once you are on the list and a unit becomes available, HABC will contact you. You will need to provide proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a background check. HABC has the right to deny housing based on criminal history, eviction history, or other factors — there is no automatic right to public housing even if you meet income limits.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher Program lets you find a rental unit on the private market — any apartment, house, or condo — and HABC pays a portion of the rent directly to your landlord. You pay the difference, which is typically 30 percent of your income. The voucher is portable, meaning you can use it at any property that meets HABC's standards, in Bergen County or elsewhere.

Like public housing, the voucher waiting list is typically closed. When it opens, HABC accepts applications for a limited time. The waiting list is long — often years — because vouchers are federally funded and the number available is fixed. You can call HABC to confirm whether the list is open and to ask about your position if you are already on it.

If you receive a voucher, you become responsible for finding a landlord willing to accept it. Not all landlords participate in the program. Once you find a unit, HABC inspects it to make sure it meets housing quality standards (safe, sanitary, structurally sound). If it passes, HABC signs a lease with the landlord and begins paying their portion of the rent. You sign a separate lease with the landlord for your portion.

Income limits and family size requirements

HABC sets income limits based on area median income (AMI) for Bergen County. These limits change every year and vary depending on family size. For example, the income limit for a single person is lower than for a family of four. You must fall below the limit to be considered for either public housing or a voucher.

HABC also has preferences for certain groups — such as people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, or families with children — which can affect your position on the waiting list. These preferences are set by federal law and HABC policy, and they change. When you contact HABC, ask whether any preferences explore to your situation.

Because income limits and preferences change annually, the only way to know whether you meet current requirements is to contact HABC directly. Do not assume you are ineligible based on information from a previous year.

How to contact the Housing Authority of Bergen County

HABC's main office is located in Hackensack. You can reach the agency by phone during business hours to ask about waiting list status, program requirements, or to report a maintenance issue if you are a current resident. The phone number and mailing address are available on the HABC website.

When you call, have your name, address (if you are a current resident), and a brief description of your question ready. If you are calling about the waiting list, ask whether the list is currently open and what the average wait time is. If you are a resident with a maintenance issue, provide your unit number and a description of the problem.

You can also visit the HABC office in person during business hours. Bring identification and any documents related to your question — for example, if you are asking about waiting list status, bring proof of income or residency if you have it. Office hours and location are on the HABC website.

Municipal housing authorities in Bergen County

Bergen County has multiple housing authorities. In addition to HABC, larger municipalities like Jersey City, Newark, Hoboken, and Paterson run their own housing authorities with their own waiting lists and programs. If you live in one of these cities, you may have a separate local authority to contact in addition to or instead of HABC.

Local authorities sometimes have shorter waiting lists or different preferences than HABC, so it is worth contacting both if you live in a municipality with its own authority. Each authority maintains its own waiting list and sets its own policies within federal guidelines.

What happens after you are approved

If you are approved for public housing, HABC will assign you a unit when one becomes available. You will sign a lease, pay your income-based rent, and HABC will maintain the building and handle repairs. If something breaks, you report it to HABC's maintenance line, and they are responsible for fixing it within a set timeframe (usually 24 to 72 hours depending on severity).

If you are approved for a voucher, you have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a unit. You search on your own, negotiate with landlords, and once you find a place, you notify HABC. HABC inspects the unit, and if it passes, they issue a lease addendum and begin paying the landlord. You are responsible for finding the unit, but HABC is responsible for ensuring it meets housing quality standards.

In both cases, HABC can terminate your information if you violate lease terms, fail to report changes in income, or engage in criminal activity. You have the right to a hearing before termination in most cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Wait times vary widely depending on the program and current demand. Public housing waiting lists can be several years long. Voucher waiting lists are often closed entirely. Contact HABC directly to ask the current average wait time for each program.

Can I be on both the public housing waiting list and the voucher waiting list at the same time?

Yes. The two waiting lists are separate, and you can be on both. If you are approved for one program before the other, you can accept it and remain on the other list, or you can decline and stay on both lists. Ask HABC about their policy when you explore.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

HABC can deny housing based on eviction history, but it is not automatic. Each case is reviewed individually. If you have an eviction, contact HABC to ask about your options. Some programs have more flexibility than others, and some may consider the circumstances of the eviction.

Do I have to use a voucher in Bergen County?

No. Housing Choice Vouchers are portable, meaning you can use them in most places in the United States, not just Bergen County. However, the voucher amount is based on Bergen County's fair market rent, so moving to a lower-cost area may give you more housing options.

What if my landlord refuses to accept a voucher?

Landlords are not required to accept vouchers, and refusing a voucher is legal in New Jersey. This is one of the biggest challenges voucher holders face. HABC can sometimes help you negotiate with landlords or provide a list of landlords known to accept vouchers, but ultimately you are responsible for finding a willing landlord.