What the Baltimore Housing Authority does

The Baltimore Housing Authority (BHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program in Baltimore City. It does not run programs for the surrounding counties — Baltimore County, Howard County, and others have their own housing authorities. BHA owns and manages apartment buildings where tenants pay rent based on their income, and it also distributes vouchers that let people rent from private landlords while the program pays a portion of the rent.

BHA is separate from the city government's Department of Housing and Community Development, though both work on housing issues. If you live in Baltimore City proper, BHA is the agency you contact for public housing or Section 8. If you live outside the city limits, you need your county's housing authority instead.

Key Takeaways

  • BHA runs two main programs: public housing (apartments BHA owns) and Section 8 vouchers (rent information at private apartments).
  • Both programs have long waiting lists, and BHA opens and closes them based on funding and demand.
  • You must meet income limits and other requirements; BHA will verify your income, citizenship status, and rental history before approval.
  • BHA's main office is at 417 East Fayette Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, and you can reach them by phone or visit in person to ask about current waiting list status.

Public housing managed by BHA

BHA owns and operates apartment complexes throughout Baltimore City where rent is set at 30 percent of your household income. This means if your household earns $1,500 per month, your rent would be $450. You do not pay utilities separately in most BHA buildings — they are included in the rent. BHA maintains the buildings and handles repairs, though response times vary.

Public housing is not temporary. Once you move in, you can stay as long as you follow the lease, pay rent on time, and meet program rules. You can live there while working, in school, or retired. However, if your income rises above certain thresholds, BHA may increase your rent or eventually ask you to leave the program.

The waiting list for BHA public housing is long and often closed. When it is open, BHA accepts applications for a limited time, then closes it again. You can call BHA or visit their office to find out whether applications are being taken right now.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

A Section 8 voucher is a rental subsidy that lets you choose where to live in Baltimore City, as long as the landlord accepts the program. You find an apartment, the landlord agrees to rent to you, and Section 8 pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the rest, usually 30 percent of your income. The voucher is portable — if you move to another city that participates in Section 8, you can transfer it.

Like public housing, the Section 8 waiting list is long and frequently closed. When BHA opens the list, they may accept applications for a few weeks or a few months, then close it again. The wait from the time you are added to the list until you receive a voucher can be several years, depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many vouchers BHA has available.

Once you have a voucher, you have a limited time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find an apartment. The apartment must pass a BHA inspection and meet rent limits for your area. Not all landlords accept Section 8, so finding a unit can take effort.

Income limits and other requirements

Both public housing and Section 8 have income limits based on household size. These limits change each year. For example, in 2024, a single person's income limit for Section 8 was around $40,000 per year, but this varies. You must contact BHA directly to learn the current limits for your household size, as they update annually.

BHA will also check your credit and rental history. If you have unpaid debts to previous landlords, evictions on your record, or criminal convictions (especially drug-related), you may be denied. BHA has some flexibility — they may overlook older issues or approve you with conditions — but they do review your background.

You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. BHA will ask for proof of identity and citizenship. If you are not a citizen, you may still be may be able to access if you hold a green card or certain other visas; ask BHA about your specific status.

How to contact BHA and check waiting list status

The Baltimore Housing Authority's main office is located at 417 East Fayette Street, Baltimore, MD 21202. You can visit in person during business hours to ask about waiting list status, pick up an process, or speak with a staff member. Phone lines are often busy, but calling is faster than visiting if you only need to know whether the list is open.

You can also visit BHA's website to look for announcements about when waiting lists open. When a list opens, BHA usually posts the dates and instructions online and may advertise through local media or community organizations.

If you are explore, bring documents that prove your identity, income, and household composition. BHA will tell you what specific documents they need when you explore.

What happens after you submit an process

After you turn in an process, BHA will verify the information you provided. This includes checking your income (they may request recent pay stubs or tax returns), confirming your identity, and reviewing your rental and credit history. This process typically takes several weeks to a few months.

If BHA approves you, you will be placed on the active waiting list. For public housing, you will wait until an apartment becomes available in a building where you are interested. For Section 8, you will receive a voucher and have a set time to find an apartment.

If BHA denies you, they will send a letter explaining why. You have the right to request a hearing to dispute the decision. The letter will include instructions on how to request a hearing and the important date to do so.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for both public housing and Section 8 at the same time?

Yes. The two programs have separate waiting lists, and you can be on both. However, once you receive a voucher or move into public housing, you typically must leave the other waiting list. Ask BHA about their current policy when you explore.

What if I am homeless or about to be evicted?

Homelessness or an active eviction does not automatically move you to the front of the waiting list, but it may help your case. Tell BHA about your situation when you explore. Some programs in Baltimore also offer emergency rental information or rapid rehousing, which are separate from BHA and may be faster. Contact 211 Maryland or your local community action agency for those options.

How long does it take to get a voucher or apartment after I am approved?

For public housing, the wait depends on how many people are ahead of you and how often apartments open up. For Section 8, once you receive a voucher, you typically have 60 to 120 days to find an apartment. The overall wait from process to move-in can be months to years.

What if my income goes up after I move into public housing or get a voucher?

BHA will recalculate your rent based on your new income. Your rent will increase, but you will not be when ready removed from the program. If your income rises significantly above the program limit, BHA may eventually ask you to leave, but this is not automatic and usually happens over time.

Can I transfer my Section 8 voucher if I move out of Baltimore?

Yes, Section 8 vouchers are portable. If you move to another city or county that participates in the Section 8 program, you can request a transfer. Contact BHA before you move to start the process, as there are specific steps and timelines you must follow.