What the Kern Housing Authority does

The Kern Housing Authority (KHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs in Kern County, California. It administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, manages public housing properties, and handles other affordable housing initiatives in the county. If you live in Kern County and are looking into subsidized housing or vouchers, KHA is the local body that processes applications and manages those programs.

KHA does not create housing policy or set income limits — those come from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). But KHA decides how to run those programs locally, sets its own waiting lists, and determines the order in which it processes applications. Understanding how KHA specifically operates matters because rules and timelines can differ from other housing authorities in California.

Key Takeaways

  • The Kern Housing Authority runs Section 8 vouchers and public housing in Kern County, and you must contact KHA directly to learn about current openings and wait times.
  • Section 8 vouchers let you rent from a private landlord while KHA pays part of your rent; you pay the difference based on your income.
  • Public housing properties owned by KHA charge rent based on 30 percent of your household income, with no voucher needed.
  • KHA's waiting lists can be closed or open depending on demand, and you can call or visit their office to find out the current status.
  • Income limits and rent calculations change yearly, so your household's income determines whether you can participate in either program.

Section 8 vouchers through Kern Housing Authority

A Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher is a subsidy that lets you rent from a private landlord while KHA pays a portion of your rent directly to the landlord. You pay the rest — typically 30 percent of your household income, though this can vary. The voucher is tied to you, not to a specific unit, so you can use it at any rental property where the landlord agrees to participate in the program.

To get a voucher from KHA, you must be on their waiting list. KHA periodically opens and closes this list depending on how many vouchers they have available and how many people are already waiting. When the list is open, you can submit an process. When it is closed, you cannot explore until KHA reopens it — there is no way to get on the list during a closure. Call KHA directly at their main office to find out whether the Section 8 waiting list is currently open or closed.

If you are accepted for a voucher, KHA will issue it to you and you then search for a rental property. The landlord must agree to accept Section 8 tenants and pass a KHA inspection. Once you move in, KHA pays the landlord their portion of the rent each month, and you pay your share. If your income changes, your rent contribution may change as well.

Public housing managed by Kern Housing Authority

KHA also owns and operates public housing units throughout Kern County. These are apartment buildings or complexes owned directly by KHA, not private rentals. Rent in public housing is set at 30 percent of your household's adjusted gross income, which is usually lower than market rent in the area. You do not need a voucher to live in public housing — you explore directly to KHA for a unit.

Public housing has its own waiting list, separate from the Section 8 voucher list. Like the voucher program, this list opens and closes based on availability. The wait time can be months or years depending on demand and how many units KHA has available. Once you are housed, you pay rent based on your income, and KHA handles maintenance and building operations.

Income limits and how they affect you

Both Section 8 vouchers and public housing have income limits set by HUD. These limits change each year and are based on the area median income for Kern County. If your household income exceeds the limit, you do not meet the basic requirement to participate in either program. KHA can tell you the current year's income limits when you contact them.

Your income is calculated as the total gross income of all household members, minus certain deductions. Employment income, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and other sources all count. Some deductions explore — for example, child care expenses or medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members. KHA will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements to verify your income when you explore.

How to contact Kern Housing Authority

The main Kern Housing Authority office is located in Bakersfield. You can reach them by phone, visit in person, or check their website for current program information. When you call, ask whether the Section 8 waiting list is open, whether the public housing waiting list is open, and what the current income limits are for your household size. They can also tell you the typical wait time if you explore.

Bring identification and proof of income when you visit or explore. You will need to provide Social Security numbers for all household members, proof of citizenship or may be able to access immigration status, and documentation of your current income. KHA staff can walk you through what documents they need for your specific situation.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Both the Section 8 voucher list and the public housing list are first-come, first-served once you are accepted. Your position on the list depends on when you applied, not on your income level or family size. Wait times vary widely — some people receive a voucher or unit within months, while others wait several years. KHA can give you an estimate based on how many people are ahead of you on the list.

While you are waiting, your circumstances may change — your income might increase, you might move out of the county, or your family size might change. You are responsible for keeping KHA informed of any changes. If you move or no longer want to participate, let KHA know so they can move to the next person on the list.

What happens after you receive a voucher or unit

Once you have a Section 8 voucher, you have a set amount of time to find a rental property and move in. The landlord must agree to accept Section 8 tenants, and the unit must pass a KHA inspection to make sure it meets housing quality standards. KHA will not pay the landlord until the inspection is complete and the lease is signed.

If you are assigned a public housing unit, KHA will contact you with the address and move-in date. You will sign a lease with KHA and pay rent based on your income. Both programs require you to report changes in income, household composition, or address to KHA. Failure to report changes can result in overpayment of rent or loss of your voucher or unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the Section 8 waiting list is open?

Call the Kern Housing Authority main office directly. They can tell you when ready whether the list is open, closed, or if they are taking applications by lottery. You can also visit their office in person or check their website for current status updates.

What is the difference between a Section 8 voucher and public housing?

With a Section 8 voucher, you find and rent from a private landlord, and KHA pays part of the rent. With public housing, you rent directly from KHA in a unit they own. Both charge rent based on your income, but public housing is owned and managed by KHA while Section 8 lets you choose where to live.

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher or public housing unit?

Wait times vary depending on how many people are on the list and how many units or vouchers KHA has available. Some people wait months; others wait years. KHA can estimate your wait time based on your position on the list when you explore.

What if my income is too high for the program?

If your household income exceeds KHA's current income limit, you do not meet the requirement to participate. Income limits change yearly, so you can ask KHA to contact you if your income drops below the limit in the future, or you can reapply the following year.

Do I have to report changes in my income or family size?

Yes. You must tell KHA if your income changes, if someone moves into or out of your household, or if you move. Reporting changes keeps your rent calculation accurate and prevents overpayment or program violations.