What Linn Benton Housing Authority does

Linn Benton Housing Authority (LBHA) is a public agency that serves Linn and Benton counties in Oregon. It administers public housing, rental information programs, and housing search resources for people with low to moderate incomes. The authority owns and manages apartment complexes directly and also provides vouchers that let you rent from private landlords.

LBHA is not a landlord for all rental housing in the area — it manages specific properties and administers specific information programs. If you are looking for housing or need help paying rent, LBHA is one place to contact, but the programs available depend on your income, family size, and what type of information you need.

Key Takeaways

  • Linn Benton Housing Authority manages public housing properties and administers rental vouchers in Linn and Benton counties, Oregon.
  • The authority's main programs are public housing (where LBHA owns the building) and Housing Choice Vouchers (where you rent from a private landlord and LBHA subsidizes part of the rent).
  • Income limits explore to most LBHA programs, and they are based on the area median income for the two-county region.
  • Wait lists for public housing and vouchers are often closed, so contacting LBHA directly is the only way to know current status and when lists may reopen.

Public housing managed by LBHA

LBHA owns and operates apartment communities in Albany, Corvallis, Lebanon, and other parts of Linn and Benton counties. These are public housing properties — the authority is the landlord. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, so it adjusts if your income changes. You pay utilities separately unless they are included in your lease.

Public housing has income limits. You must earn below a certain threshold based on family size and the area median income. The exact limits change yearly. Once you move in, your income can rise above the limit without affecting your tenancy, but your rent will increase to reflect the higher income.

Public housing wait lists are typically long and often closed to new applications. Contact LBHA directly to ask whether the list is open for the community where you want to live. Some properties may have shorter waits than others.

Housing Choice Vouchers

A Housing Choice Voucher is a subsidy that LBHA gives you to use toward rent at a private landlord's property. You find the rental unit yourself, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and LBHA pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord. You pay the difference out of pocket.

The voucher amount is based on the fair market rent for your area and your household size. If you find a unit that rents for less than the voucher amount, your share of the rent is lower. If the unit costs more, you pay the difference — LBHA will not cover it.

Voucher wait lists are also typically closed. LBHA maintains a list of people waiting for vouchers to become available. When funding allows, the authority opens the list for a set period, then closes it again. You can contact LBHA to ask when the list is expected to reopen and whether you can request to be notified.

Income limits and how they work

Most LBHA programs have income limits tied to the area median income (AMI) for Linn and Benton counties. The limits are usually set at 50 percent or 60 percent of AMI, depending on the program. A family of four might have a different limit than a single person.

Income limits are recalculated each year and published by LBHA. Your income is counted as gross household income — wages, Social Security, child support, and other regular sources. Some types of income may be excluded or counted differently; LBHA will explain what counts when you contact them.

If you are in public housing and your income rises above the limit after you move in, you can stay, but your rent will increase. If you are on a wait list and your income exceeds the limit before you are housed, you will not be able to move into a public housing unit or receive a voucher until your income drops back below the limit.

How to contact Linn Benton Housing Authority

LBHA has offices in Albany and Corvallis. You can reach the main office by phone or visit in person to ask about current programs, wait list status, and what documents you will need. The authority's website lists phone numbers, office hours, and addresses for both locations.

When you contact LBHA, have ready your household size, gross monthly income, and any special needs (such as accessibility requirements). Ask specifically whether wait lists are open for the type of housing you need. If lists are closed, ask when they are expected to reopen and whether you can request notification.

LBHA also works with local nonprofits and community action agencies that may offer housing search information or help with applications. If you are having trouble reaching LBHA or need additional support, ask whether a local partner organization can help you navigate the process.

Wait lists and process timing

Both public housing and voucher programs use wait lists. When a list is open, you submit an process. The authority then places you on the list in the order applications were received (first-come, first-served) or by priority criteria such as homelessness or disability. Wait times vary widely — from months to several years — depending on the program and how many people are ahead of you.

If a wait list is closed, you cannot explore. LBHA will not add new names until the list reopens. Reopening dates are not always announced in advance, so calling periodically or asking to be notified is the best way to know when you can explore.

Some applicants are given priority on wait lists. Priorities may include people who are homeless, people with disabilities, people fleeing domestic violence, or people with very low incomes. Ask LBHA whether your situation qualifies for priority placement.

What happens after you are housed

Once you move into public housing or receive a voucher, LBHA remains your partner. For public housing, LBHA is your landlord and handles maintenance, lease enforcement, and rent collection. For vouchers, LBHA monitors the rental agreement and your compliance with program rules, but the private landlord handles day-to-day maintenance.

Both programs require you to report changes in household income, family composition, or employment. LBHA will recalculate your rent or voucher amount based on new information. If you move or no longer need the information, you must notify LBHA so the unit or voucher can be made available to someone else.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the wait list for public housing?

Wait times vary by property and location. Some communities have waits of one to two years; others may be longer. The only way to know is to contact LBHA directly and ask about the specific property where you want to live. They can tell you the current position on the list and estimate how long it may take.

Can I use a Housing Choice Voucher at any rental property?

No. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and the property must meet LBHA's housing quality standards. LBHA inspects the unit before you move in. Some landlords are familiar with vouchers and welcome them; others may be reluctant. LBHA staff can suggest properties or landlords in your area who accept vouchers.

What if my income is above the limit but I still need housing help?

LBHA programs are specifically for low-income households, so you would not be able to use public housing or vouchers. However, other organizations in the area — such as community action agencies or nonprofit housing developers — may offer programs for moderate-income households. LBHA can refer you to other resources.

Do I have to pay utilities in public housing?

It depends on the lease. Some LBHA properties include utilities in the rent; others do not. When you explore or move in, your lease will specify which utilities you pay and which are covered. Ask about this before you commit to a unit.

What if I am homeless right now?

Contact LBHA and mention your situation. Homeless individuals and families typically receive priority on wait lists. LBHA may also be able to connect you with emergency shelter or rapid rehousing programs while you wait for permanent housing. Local homeless services and community action agencies can also help you find when ready shelter and navigate longer-term options.