What the Housing Authority of Bossier City does

The Housing Authority of Bossier City (HABC) is a local government agency that runs public housing and rental voucher programs in Bossier City, Louisiana. They own and manage apartment complexes for low-income residents, and they distribute vouchers that help people pay rent at privately owned properties. HABC does not set income limits or program rules at the federal level — those come from HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) — but HABC decides how to run the programs locally, manages waiting lists, and processes paperwork.

If you live in Bossier City and need affordable housing, HABC is the office you contact. They are not a referral service or a counselor; they are the landlord for public housing and the voucher administrator for the area. You will work directly with their staff to explore, provide documents, and eventually move into housing or receive a voucher.

Key Takeaways

  • HABC runs two main programs: public housing (apartments they own) and the Housing Choice Voucher program (rent information at private landlords).
  • Both programs require proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a background check; income limits vary by family size and change yearly.
  • Waiting lists for both programs are often closed or have long wait times, so contact HABC directly to learn the current status.
  • HABC is located in Bossier City and handles all applications, lease signings, and ongoing rent payments or voucher management in person or by mail.
  • Once you receive a voucher or move into public housing, HABC conducts annual inspections and recertifies your income to confirm you still meet program rules.

Public housing managed by HABC

HABC owns and operates apartment buildings in Bossier City. When you live in public housing, HABC is your landlord. You sign a lease with HABC, pay rent to HABC, and call HABC for maintenance. The rent you pay is based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income, though HABC may set a minimum rent (often $50 to $100 per month). The rest of the cost is covered by federal funding.

To move into public housing, you must meet income limits set by HUD and verified by HABC. Income limits depend on family size and are adjusted yearly. For example, a single person's income limit might be around $28,000 to $32,000 per year, but this varies. You will also need to pass a background check and provide proof of citizenship or legal residency. HABC will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, a Social Security card, and identification.

Public housing waiting lists in Bossier City are often closed or have significant wait times. Contact HABC directly to ask whether the list is open and, if so, how long the typical wait is. Some applicants wait months or years before a unit becomes available.

Housing Choice Vouchers through HABC

The Housing Choice Voucher program (also called Section 8) lets you rent from a private landlord and receive a voucher that covers part of your rent. You find your own apartment, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and HABC pays the landlord a portion of the rent directly. You pay the difference out of pocket, usually 30 percent of your income.

Income limits for vouchers are the same as for public housing and are set by HUD. You must also pass a background check and provide proof of citizenship or legal residency. HABC will verify your income using recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements. If you are unemployed, you may need to provide proof of job search activity or documentation of why you cannot work.

The voucher waiting list in Bossier City is typically closed or has a long wait. When HABC opens the list, they usually accept applications for a limited time. Call or visit HABC to ask when the list might reopen and whether you can add your name to a future opening list. Once you receive a voucher, you have a set amount of time (usually 120 days) to find an apartment and have the landlord sign the voucher paperwork.

How to contact and explore with HABC

The Housing Authority of Bossier City is located at 2435 Beckett Avenue, Bossier City, Louisiana 71111. You can reach them by phone at (318) 747-8383. They accept applications in person during business hours or by mail. Call first to confirm current hours and whether the waiting list is open, because this changes and you do not want to make a trip only to learn the list is closed.

When you explore, bring or mail original documents: a photo ID, Social Security card, proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, birth certificate, or green card), recent pay stubs or tax returns, and a list of current household members with their dates of birth. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of your job search or a letter explaining why you cannot work. HABC will tell you what else they need once you start the process.

After you submit your process, HABC will contact you to schedule an interview. During the interview, staff will review your documents, verify your income, and explain the program rules. They will also conduct a background check. This process usually takes two to four weeks, though it can take longer if HABC needs to verify information with employers or other sources.

Income limits and rent calculations

HUD sets income limits for public housing and vouchers based on the area median income for Bossier City. These limits change every year, usually in April. A single person's limit might be around $28,000 to $32,000 annually, and a family of four might be around $45,000 to $51,000, but these are examples and the actual numbers vary by year. HABC can tell you the current limits when you call.

Your rent in either program is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly income, with a minimum rent set by HABC (often $50 to $100). If your income drops, your rent drops. If your income rises above the program limit, you may be asked to leave the program or your rent may increase significantly. HABC recertifies your income once a year, usually by asking you to bring recent pay stubs or tax returns.

Background checks and program rules

HABC will run a criminal background check and a credit check as part of the process. You may be denied if you have a felony conviction for drug manufacturing or distribution, or if you owe money to a previous housing authority. Some other criminal histories may disqualify you, but HABC considers the nature and age of the offense. Call HABC to ask about your specific situation before you explore.

Once you are in the program, you must follow lease rules: pay rent on time, keep the apartment clean and in good condition, and allow HABC to inspect the unit annually. If you break the lease or stop paying rent, HABC can evict you. If you move or your income changes significantly, you must tell HABC within a set time frame, usually 10 days.

What happens after you are approved

If you are approved for public housing, HABC will place you on a list for available units. When a unit matches your family size, HABC will contact you to view it and sign a lease. You will pay a deposit (usually equal to one month's rent) and move in. HABC will conduct a move-in inspection and take photos of the unit's condition.

If you are approved for a voucher, you have a limited time (usually 120 days) to find an apartment. You search on your own, and once you find a place, you give the landlord HABC's contact information. HABC will inspect the apartment to make sure it meets housing quality standards, and if it passes, they will sign the voucher paperwork with the landlord. You and the landlord then sign a lease, and HABC begins paying their portion of the rent.

In either program, HABC will conduct an annual inspection of your unit and ask you to recertify your income. If your income has changed, your rent will be recalculated. If you fail an inspection, HABC will give you time to fix the problems and will reinspect.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for public housing or vouchers?

Wait times vary and change frequently. Some applicants wait months, others wait years. HABC's waiting list is often closed. Call (318) 747-8383 and ask whether the list is currently open and what the typical wait time is. If the list is closed, ask if you can be added to a future opening list.

Can I be denied because of my criminal record?

HABC will deny you if you have a felony conviction for drug manufacturing or distribution. Other criminal histories may disqualify you depending on the offense and how long ago it occurred. Call HABC before you explore to discuss your specific situation and learn whether you are likely to be approved.

What if my income is above the limit?

You cannot move into the program if your income exceeds the limit at the time you explore. If your income rises after you are already in the program, HABC will recertify you at your annual review. Depending on how much your income increased, your rent may rise or you may be asked to leave the program.

Do I have to live in Bossier City to use HABC?

Yes. HABC serves only Bossier City. If you live outside the city, you will need to contact your local housing authority. You can find your local authority by calling 211 or searching HUD's website for housing authorities in your area.

What if I need help filling out the process?

Call HABC at (318) 747-8383 and ask if they can help you over the phone or if they have staff available to help in person. You can also ask a friend or family member to help you gather documents and fill out the form.