What the Bellingham Housing Authority does

The Bellingham Housing Authority (BHA) is a public agency that owns and manages affordable rental housing in Bellingham, Washington. It does not run a waiting list for the general public to get on a housing list — instead, it owns specific apartment buildings and accepts applications for those properties directly. The BHA also administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program for Whatcom County, which means it issues vouchers that help people pay rent at privately owned apartments throughout the county.

The two paths work differently. If you want to rent a BHA-owned building, you explore to that specific property. If you want a Section 8 voucher, you explore to the BHA's voucher program, which has its own waiting list and rules. Both require you to meet income limits, but the income thresholds and process processes are separate.

Key Takeaways

  • The Bellingham Housing Authority owns apartment buildings and also runs the Section 8 voucher program for Whatcom County, but these are two separate programs with different applications.
  • To rent a BHA-owned apartment, you explore directly to that property and must meet income limits based on family size.
  • The Section 8 voucher program has a waiting list that opens and closes; when it is closed, you cannot explore until it reopens.
  • You can contact the BHA by phone at (360) 676-2950 or visit their office at 1411 Bay Street, Bellingham, to ask which program fits your situation.
  • Income limits change yearly, so your household size and recent income are what determine whether you meet the threshold.

how the process works for a BHA-owned apartment

When the BHA has an opening in one of its buildings, it posts the vacancy and accepts applications for that specific unit or building. You do not explore to a general waiting list; you explore to the property where you want to live. The process asks for proof of income, rental history, and references. The BHA will also run a background check and contact previous landlords.

Income limits for BHA housing are set at a percentage of the area median income and change each year. For 2024, limits vary by family size — a single person's limit is different from a family of four. You will need recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer showing your income. If you are unemployed or receive benefits, bring documentation of those as well.

Once you submit an process, the BHA reviews it and contacts you if you move forward. The timeline varies depending on how many applications they receive and how quickly they can verify your information. There is no single waiting list across all BHA properties; each building or unit opening has its own pool of applicants.

Understanding the Section 8 voucher program

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program is different from renting a BHA-owned apartment. With a voucher, the BHA gives you a document that you take to a private landlord. The voucher covers part of your rent, and you pay the rest. You can use a voucher at any apartment in Whatcom County where the landlord agrees to accept it.

The BHA maintains a waiting list for Section 8 vouchers. When the list is open, you can submit an process. When it is closed — which happens when the BHA has enough applicants to fill available vouchers — no new applications are taken. The waiting list can be closed for months or longer. You can call the BHA at (360) 676-2950 to ask whether the list is currently open.

If you are on the waiting list, the BHA will contact you when a voucher becomes available. The process can take months or years depending on your position on the list and how many vouchers the program has. Once you receive a voucher, you have a set amount of time to find an apartment and have the landlord sign the voucher agreement with the BHA.

Income limits and what counts as income

Both BHA-owned housing and Section 8 vouchers have income limits based on your household size and the area median income for Whatcom County. These limits are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and change every year. The BHA publishes its current income limits on its website or you can call to ask what the limit is for your family size.

Income includes wages from employment, self-employment income, Social Security, disability benefits, unemployment benefits, child support, and alimony. Some types of income are not counted — for example, income of children under 18 and certain educational grants. If you have mixed income sources, bring documentation for all of them. The BHA will add them together to determine your total household income.

If your income is above the limit, you do not meet the threshold for either program. If your income is at or below the limit, you can move forward with an process. Income limits are strict; there is usually no flexibility above the published number.

What documents you need to bring

For either a BHA apartment or a Section 8 voucher, you will need to show proof of identity, proof of income, and rental history. Bring a photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. For income, bring recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), tax returns from the past two years, or a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title and income. If you receive benefits, bring the award letter or benefit statement.

You will also need to provide references — usually previous landlords or employers who can speak to your reliability as a tenant. If you have an eviction history or prior lease violations, disclose them. The BHA will find out anyway through a background check, and honesty helps your case. Bring any documentation that explains the circumstances, such as a letter from a previous landlord or proof that you have paid back rent owed.

If you are currently homeless or have no previous rental history, tell the BHA. Some programs have flexibility for people in this situation, and the BHA staff can advise you on what documentation they can accept instead.

Contact information and next steps

The Bellingham Housing Authority is located at 1411 Bay Street, Bellingham, WA 98225. You can reach them by phone at (360) 676-2950 during business hours. Their website has current information about available apartments, Section 8 status, and income limits. You can also visit in person to pick up an process or ask questions about which program is right for your situation.

If you are not sure whether you meet the income limit or which program to explore for, call first. The BHA staff can tell you in a few minutes whether you are likely to meet the threshold, saving you time on an process you would not be approved for. They can also tell you whether the Section 8 waiting list is open and how long the wait typically is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore to both a BHA apartment and Section 8 at the same time?

Yes. The two programs are separate, so you can submit an process for a specific BHA apartment and also put your name on the Section 8 waiting list. If you are approved for a BHA apartment before a Section 8 voucher comes through, you can take the apartment and stay on the voucher list, or vice versa.

What happens if I am denied for a BHA apartment?

The BHA will tell you the reason — usually income above the limit, a negative rental history, or a background check issue. You can ask for details and may be able to reapply later if your circumstances change. If you believe the decision was made in error, ask about the appeal process.

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

There is no set timeline. It depends on how many people are ahead of you on the waiting list and how many vouchers become available. Some people wait months; others wait years. Call the BHA to ask what the current wait time is estimated to be.

Do I have to use my Section 8 voucher in Bellingham?

No. You can use a Section 8 voucher anywhere in Whatcom County where a landlord accepts it. Some landlords outside Bellingham do accept vouchers, though availability varies. The BHA can tell you about resources for finding voucher-friendly landlords.

What if my income changes after I am approved?

Report income changes to the BHA. If your income rises above the limit, you may lose your voucher or have to pay more rent. If your income drops, your rent contribution may decrease. The BHA will recalculate your rent based on your new income.