What the Housing Authority of Kern does

The Housing Authority of Kern (HAK) is a public agency that runs housing programs in Kern County, California. It administers Section 8 vouchers, public housing units, and other federal programs funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HAK does not build or own most of the housing itself — it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits, and it manages waiting lists for people seeking vouchers or public housing.

HAK serves Bakersfield and unincorporated areas of Kern County. If you live in an incorporated city within Kern County — such as Delano, Ridgecrest, or Tehachapi — your local city housing authority may run its own program instead, though some cities contract with HAK to administer their vouchers.

The agency's main office is located in Bakersfield. You can reach HAK by phone, mail, or in person, though wait times vary by season and program demand. The website lists current phone numbers and office hours, which change periodically.

Key Takeaways

  • HAK administers Section 8 vouchers and public housing units in Kern County, but does not operate programs in incorporated cities that run their own housing authorities.
  • To receive a voucher or public housing unit, your household income must fall below a limit set by HUD each year, which varies by family size.
  • Waiting lists for both vouchers and public housing are typically closed, and when they reopen, they fill quickly — you must explore during the open period to be added.
  • HAK pays landlords directly under Section 8; you pay a portion of rent and HAK covers the rest, as long as the unit and landlord meet program standards.
  • Once you receive a voucher, you search for your own apartment and the landlord must accept the voucher; HAK does not assign housing.

Section 8 vouchers: how they work and who can get one

A Section 8 voucher is a subsidy that HAK pays to your landlord each month. You find an apartment on the private market, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and HAK pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord. You pay the remainder, called your tenant contribution, which is typically 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income.

To be considered for a voucher, your household income must not exceed 50 percent of the area median income (AMI) for Kern County. HUD sets this limit each year. For example, a household of four might have a limit around $35,000 to $40,000 annually, but the exact figure changes yearly and depends on family size. You must verify your income with recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer.

The waiting list for Section 8 vouchers in Kern County is usually closed. When HAK opens the list — which may happen once every few years — applications are accepted for a limited time only. You must submit your process during that window to be added. Once on the list, you may wait months or years before your name is called. HAK prioritizes based on date of process and sometimes gives preference to people experiencing homelessness or other vulnerable situations.

When your name reaches the top of the list, HAK issues you a voucher and gives you a time period — usually 60 to 120 days — to find an apartment. The landlord must accept the voucher, the unit must pass a HAK inspection, and the rent cannot exceed the program's payment standard for that area. If you cannot find a unit in time, you may request an extension, but extensions are not automatic.

Public housing units managed by HAK

HAK also owns and operates public housing units — apartments it owns directly and rents to low-income households. These are separate from Section 8 vouchers. Public housing has its own waiting list, which is also typically closed. Income limits are the same as for Section 8: your household must earn no more than 50 percent of AMI.

Public housing rent is set at 30 percent of your gross household income, just as with Section 8. The difference is that HAK is your landlord directly, not a private property owner. Maintenance and repairs are HAK's responsibility. Public housing units are located throughout Kern County, and you do not choose your unit — HAK assigns you based on availability and family size.

The waiting list for public housing opens and closes on HAK's schedule. You can call or visit the office to ask whether the list is currently open and what documents you need to submit. If the list is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen so you can plan to explore.

Income limits and how HAK verifies your earnings

HAK uses gross monthly income to determine whether you meet the income limit. Gross income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, disability benefits, unemployment, child support, and most other regular income sources. It does not include one-time payments, tax refunds, or certain benefits like SNAP or WIC.

You must provide recent documentation of all income sources. For employment, this means recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days) and sometimes a letter from your employer stating your job title, hourly rate or salary, and expected hours per week. For self-employment, you will need tax returns from the past two years. For benefits, bring the award letter or benefit statement showing the monthly amount.

If your income changes — you lose a job, get a raise, or start receiving benefits — you must report it to HAK. Failing to report changes can result in overpayment of your subsidy, which HAK may ask you to repay. If your income rises above the program limit, you may lose your voucher or public housing unit, though HAK usually gives you time to transition.

The process process and required documents

When HAK opens a waiting list, you can explore in person at the office, by mail, or sometimes online through HAK's website. The process asks for household members' names and dates of birth, income information, current address, and contact details. You must provide proof of identity for the head of household and all other adults in the home.

Required documents typically include:

  • Photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) for all adults
  • Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit award letters)
  • Proof of residency in Kern County (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency)
  • Social Security numbers for all household members
  • Birth certificates or proof of citizenship for all household members

HAK may also conduct a background check and contact previous landlords to verify your rental history. If you have an eviction on your record, it does not automatically disqualify you, but HAK will review the circumstances. Criminal history is reviewed on a case-by-case basis; some convictions may disqualify you, while others may not.

After you submit your process, HAK will send you a letter confirming receipt and telling you your position on the waiting list. This letter is important — keep it for your records. If you move, you must notify HAK of your new address so you receive future communications.

What happens after you receive a voucher or housing unit

Once you are issued a Section 8 voucher, you have a set time period to locate an apartment. You search the private rental market yourself — HAK does not provide a list of available units or help you search. The apartment must be in Kern County (or in a neighboring county if HAK has a reciprocal agreement), and the rent cannot exceed HAK's payment standard for that area and bedroom size.

Before you move in, the landlord must sign a lease with you and agree to accept the Section 8 voucher. You then contact HAK to schedule an inspection. A HAK inspector visits the unit to may support it meets housing quality standards — the roof, plumbing, electrical, heating, and other systems must be safe and functional. If the unit fails inspection, the landlord must make repairs before you can move in.

Once the unit passes inspection and the lease is signed, HAK begins paying the landlord. You pay your tenant contribution (usually 30 percent of your income) directly to the landlord each month, and HAK pays the rest. If your income changes, your contribution may change, and HAK will notify you of the new amount.

You must recertify your income and household composition annually. This means you submit updated pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters to HAK so they can verify that your income and family size have not changed. If you fail to recertify, your voucher or housing unit may be terminated.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher after I explore?

There is no set timeline. Once you are added to the waiting list, you may wait months or years depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many vouchers become available. HAK prioritizes based on process date and sometimes gives preference to people experiencing homelessness. You can call HAK to ask your approximate position on the list, though they may not give an exact number.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher in a different county?

Section 8 vouchers are portable, meaning you can move to another county and use your voucher there — but only if that county's housing authority has agreed to accept portable vouchers from Kern County. You must contact HAK before you move to request a transfer. Some counties accept transfers and some do not, so confirm before you sign a lease elsewhere.

What if I lose my job while I have a Section 8 voucher?

You must report the job loss to HAK within 30 days. Your tenant contribution will be recalculated based on your new (lower) income. If you have no income, your contribution may drop to a minimum amount set by HAK, usually around $25 to $50 per month. You can continue to receive the voucher as long as your household income stays below the program limit.

Can I be denied a voucher because of my criminal history?

HAK reviews criminal history on a case-by-case basis. Some convictions — particularly those related to drug manufacturing or violent felonies — may disqualify you permanently. Others may not. You should disclose your history on the process; hiding it and having it discovered later can result in denial. If you are denied, HAK will provide a reason in writing and may give you an opportunity to appeal.

What happens if I move out of my apartment while I have a Section 8 voucher?

You must notify HAK and your landlord before you move. HAK will terminate the lease with your current landlord and stop paying them. You then have a new time period to find another apartment and move in. If you do not find a unit within that period, your voucher may be terminated. Always contact HAK before you move to avoid losing your voucher.