What the Housing Authority of the County of Kern does

The Housing Authority of the County of Kern (HACK) is a public agency that runs housing programs across Kern County, California. It administers vouchers that help low-income households pay rent in the private market, manages public housing properties, and handles other federal housing programs. HACK does not build or own most of the housing it helps fund — it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits.

HACK serves unincorporated Kern County and some cities that contract with it. If you live in Bakersfield, Delano, or another incorporated city, that city may run its own housing authority instead, so you will need to confirm which agency covers your address. HACK's main office is in Bakersfield, and it has satellite locations in other parts of the county.

The agency is funded primarily by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It does not set its own income limits, rent caps, or program rules — those come from federal law. HACK's job is to process paperwork, verify household information, manage the landlord network, and distribute the federal money according to those rules.

Key Takeaways

  • HACK administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8), public housing, and other federal programs across Kern County, but only in unincorporated areas and cities that contract with it.
  • Income limits, rent amounts, and program rules are set by federal law, not by HACK, so the agency cannot waive requirements or make exceptions.
  • You must contact HACK directly to learn whether you are on a waiting list, how long the wait is, and when applications might reopen.
  • HACK verifies income, citizenship, and housing history through documents you provide — the process typically takes several weeks after you submit a complete process.
  • If you live in an incorporated city, that city's housing authority may serve you instead, so confirm your jurisdiction before contacting HACK.

The Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8)

HACK's largest program is the Housing Choice Voucher, commonly called Section 8. The voucher is a monthly payment that goes directly to your landlord, covering a portion of your rent. You pay the difference between what the voucher covers and what the landlord charges, as long as the rent is within the program's limit for your area.

To receive a voucher, your household income must fall below a threshold set by HUD each year. For Kern County, the income limit varies by household size — a single person has a lower limit than a family of four. HACK publishes these limits on its website and can tell you over the phone whether your income qualifies. You will need to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or other proof of income when you explore.

The voucher is not permanent. HACK recertifies your household every year or two, meaning it verifies your income again to confirm you still may have access to. If your income rises above the limit, you may lose the voucher. If it stays below the limit, you can keep it as long as you follow program rules — paying your share of rent on time, maintaining the unit, and not subletting without permission.

Public housing managed by HACK

HACK also owns and operates public housing units — apartments and townhomes that the agency rents directly to low-income households. These are not the same as vouchers. When you live in public housing, HACK is your landlord, and your rent is set at 30 percent of your household income (or the minimum rent, whichever is higher).

Public housing units are separate from the voucher waiting list. HACK maintains its own waiting list for public housing, and the wait time can be months or years depending on the number of available units and the size of the list. Like voucher holders, public housing residents must recertify their income annually.

Public housing is often a faster route than vouchers if the waiting list is shorter in your area, but availability depends on which unit sizes HACK has open. Contact HACK directly to ask about public housing waiting lists and current openings.

How to contact HACK and check waiting list status

HACK's main office is located in Bakersfield. You can reach the agency by phone, email, or in person to ask about waiting lists, program rules, and process status. The agency's website lists phone numbers, office hours, and addresses for its main office and any satellite locations.

If you are already on a waiting list, HACK can tell you your position and estimated wait time, though these change as people move through the process. If you are not yet on a list, HACK will tell you whether applications are currently open or closed. Many housing authorities, including HACK, close applications when the waiting list becomes very long, then reopen them periodically.

When you contact HACK, have your Social Security number and current address ready. If you are calling about an existing process, have your case number if you have one. Be prepared to provide basic household information — number of people, ages, income range — so staff can give you accurate information about wait times and income limits.

Documents you will need to provide

HACK requires specific documents to process your process and verify your household information. The exact list depends on the program, but typically includes proof of identity (driver's license or state ID), proof of Social Security number, and proof of income.

Proof of income usually means recent pay stubs (usually the last two months), a recent tax return, or a letter from your employer. If you are self-employed, retired, or receive benefits, HACK will ask for different documents — bank statements, benefit award letters, or Social Security statements. If you have no income, you may still may have access to for some programs, but you will need to document that.

You will also need to provide proof of citizenship or legal residency. This can be a birth certificate, passport, green card, or other document HACK accepts. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may still be able to use a voucher if you have a green card or certain other immigration statuses, but HACK will verify this.

HACK may also ask for a housing history — names and addresses of landlords you have rented from in the past, and dates you lived there. This helps the agency verify that you have paid rent on time and maintained housing. If you have an eviction or unpaid judgment on your record, HACK will consider it, but it does not automatically disqualify you.

Income limits and rent calculations

HUD sets income limits for each county each year. For Kern County, the limit depends on your household size and is expressed as a percentage of the area median income. A household of one person has a lower limit than a household of four. HACK publishes these limits and can tell you the exact number for your household size.

If you are approved for a voucher, the amount HACK pays depends on the rent your landlord charges and the payment standard for your area. The payment standard is a cap set by HUD — HACK will not pay more than this amount, even if your landlord charges more. You pay the difference. If the landlord charges less than the payment standard, HACK pays what the lease says, and you pay the rest.

Your share of the rent is typically 30 percent of your household income, but HACK calculates this based on your reported income at the time of recertification. If your income changes during the year, your share may change at your next recertification.

What happens after you submit an process

After you submit a complete process, HACK begins verifying the information you provided. This process typically takes two to four weeks, though it can take longer if HACK needs to contact your employer, previous landlords, or other sources to confirm details.

HACK will contact you if it needs additional documents or clarification. If you do not respond within the timeframe HACK gives you, your process may be closed. Keep your contact information current with HACK so you do not miss calls or letters.

Once HACK approves you, you move from the process stage to the waiting list. The waiting list is separate from the process process — being approved does not mean you receive a voucher when ready. You will wait until a voucher or unit becomes available. HACK will contact you when it is your turn, and you will have a limited time to accept the voucher or unit.

If you are denied, HACK will send you a written notice explaining why. You have the right to request a hearing to dispute the decision. The notice will tell you how to request a hearing and the important date to do so.

Rules you must follow as a voucher or public housing resident

HACK program rules are set by federal law, and HACK enforces them. As a voucher holder, you must pay your share of rent on time, keep the unit in good condition, and report any changes in household composition or income to HACK. You cannot sublet the unit or allow someone not on your lease to live there without HACK's permission.

You must also allow HACK to inspect the unit annually to confirm it meets housing quality standards. The landlord is responsible for repairs, but HACK will not pay if the unit fails inspection. If the landlord does not make repairs, you may need to move or pay for repairs yourself.

If you violate program rules — for example, by not paying your share of rent or by allowing unauthorized occupants — HACK can terminate your voucher. Termination means you lose the subsidy and must pay full rent or move. HACK will give you notice and a chance to cure the violation, but repeated violations can result in termination.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for HACK vouchers?

Wait times vary and change frequently. HACK may have a wait of several months to several years depending on how many vouchers are available and how many people are on the list. The only way to know your specific wait time is to contact HACK directly. The agency can also tell you whether applications are currently open or closed.

Can I use a HACK voucher to rent anywhere in Kern County?

You can use a voucher only in areas where HACK administers the program — unincorporated Kern County and cities that contract with HACK. If you live in an incorporated city that runs its own housing authority, you must use that city's program. Ask HACK which areas it covers before you search for housing.

What if my income increases after I receive a voucher?

HACK recertifies your income annually. If your income rises above the program limit, you may lose your voucher. However, some programs allow a gradual phase-out rather than when ready termination. Contact HACK to understand how income increases affect your specific situation and whether you have options.

Do I need a lease to explore for a HACK voucher?

No, you do not need a lease to explore. You explore first, get approved, and then search for a landlord who accepts vouchers. Once you find a unit and sign a lease, HACK inspects the property and begins paying the landlord. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher payment before you sign the lease.

What if HACK denies my process?

HACK will send you a written notice explaining the reason for denial. You have the right to request a hearing to challenge the decision. The notice will include instructions on how to request a hearing and the important date. You can also contact HACK to ask whether you can reapply or whether the issue can be resolved.