What Ada County Housing Authority Does

Ada County Housing Authority (ACHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs in Ada County, Idaho — primarily Section 8 vouchers and public housing. It does not build or own most of the housing; instead, it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits. ACHA is separate from the City of Boise and serves the whole county, including Meridian, Eagle, and unincorporated areas.

The agency administers two main programs: the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) and public housing units. Both are federally funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). ACHA also manages waiting lists, conducts income verifications, and inspects units to may support they meet housing quality standards.

Key Takeaways

  • Ada County Housing Authority runs Section 8 vouchers and public housing for the entire Ada County area, not just Boise.
  • You must explore directly to ACHA; the agency maintains its own waiting lists and does not use a shared regional system.
  • Income limits vary by program and family size, and ACHA verifies income through tax returns, pay stubs, and employer letters.
  • Waiting lists for both Section 8 and public housing are typically closed or have long delays; you can call to ask current status.
  • Once you receive a voucher or are placed in public housing, ACHA continues to recertify your income annually.

Section 8 Vouchers Through ACHA

The Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly called Section 8, is ACHA's largest program. The agency gives you a voucher that covers a portion of your rent at a privately owned apartment or house. You find the unit yourself, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and ACHA pays the landlord directly. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent.

To receive a voucher, your household income must fall below 50 percent of the area median income (AMI) for Ada County. The exact income limit depends on your family size. A single person, for example, has a different limit than a family of four. ACHA publishes these limits annually and can tell you the current threshold when you contact them.

The Section 8 waiting list is typically closed. When it opens, ACHA accepts applications for a limited time, then closes it again. You can call ACHA to ask whether the list is currently open and when it might reopen. If the list is closed, you can ask to be notified when it opens again.

Public Housing Units Managed by ACHA

ACHA also owns and operates public housing apartments and townhomes throughout Ada County. These are units where ACHA is the landlord. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, so your payment adjusts if your income changes. Like Section 8, public housing is for households below 50 percent of AMI.

The public housing waiting list is also typically closed or has significant delays. Units become available only when current residents move out, so turnover is slow. ACHA maintains a separate waiting list for public housing from the Section 8 list, so you must explore to each program independently if you want to be considered for both.

Public housing tenants must recertify their income annually. If your income rises above the program limit, you may be asked to leave or your rent may increase substantially. ACHA sends recertification notices in advance and schedules appointments to review your documents.

Income Verification and Recertification

When you explore, ACHA will ask for proof of income. This typically includes recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), tax returns from the previous year, and a letter from your employer confirming your job and wage. If you receive benefits — unemployment, Social Security, TANF, or child support — bring documentation of those payments as well.

ACHA uses this information to calculate your household income and determine whether you fall below the income limit. The agency also conducts a background check and verifies your rental history. If you have an eviction on your record, you may still be considered, but ACHA will review the circumstances.

Once you are in a program, ACHA recertifies your income every 12 months. You will receive a notice asking you to provide updated pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters. Missing your recertification appointment or failing to provide documents can result in your voucher or housing being terminated.

How to Contact Ada County Housing Authority

ACHA's main office is located in Boise. You can reach the agency by phone to ask about waiting list status, program requirements, and process procedures. The agency also has a website where you can find contact information, current income limits, and sometimes process forms.

When you call, have your household size and approximate income ready. ACHA staff can tell you whether you likely meet income limits and whether the waiting list for your program is open. If the list is closed, ask how to request notification when it reopens.

Applications are typically submitted in person at the ACHA office, though some programs may allow mail or online submission during open process periods. Bring all required documents with you to speed up the process. ACHA will give you a list of what to bring when you call or visit.

What Happens After You Are Approved

If you are approved for Section 8, ACHA will issue you a voucher and give you a important date to find a unit. The voucher is valid for a set period (usually 60 to 120 days, depending on ACHA policy). You must locate a rental property, negotiate with the landlord, and have ACHA inspect the unit before the voucher expires.

Once you move in, ACHA pays the landlord each month. You pay your portion of the rent directly to the landlord. If your income changes, you must report it to ACHA. Your voucher is recertified annually, and ACHA will contact you to update your information.

If you are placed in public housing, ACHA is your landlord. You sign a lease with ACHA, and your rent is calculated at 30 percent of your income. You pay ACHA directly each month. Like Section 8, you must report income changes and attend annual recertification appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher from ACHA?

Waiting times vary widely depending on how many people are on the list and how many vouchers ACHA has available. Some people wait months; others wait years. Call ACHA to ask the current average wait time. If the list is closed, there is no timeline because new applications are not being accepted.

Can I use my ACHA voucher outside Ada County?

Section 8 vouchers can sometimes be used in other areas through a process called "portability," but you must request this from ACHA and the receiving agency must have available funding. Contact ACHA to discuss whether this is possible and what steps you need to take.

What if my income increases while I have a voucher?

You must report income changes to ACHA. Depending on how much your income rises, your rent contribution may increase, or you may eventually exceed the program's income limit. ACHA will work with you during recertification to recalculate your portion based on your new income.

Does ACHA consider people with eviction records?

ACHA reviews eviction history but does not automatically deny applicants. The agency looks at when the eviction occurred, the reason, and your circumstances. Recent evictions are harder to overcome than older ones. Contact ACHA to discuss your specific situation.

What if I miss my recertification appointment?

Missing recertification can result in your voucher or housing being terminated. If you cannot make your scheduled appointment, contact ACHA when ready to reschedule. ACHA will work with you to find another time, but you must follow up before the important date passes.