What Bergen County Housing Authority does

Bergen County Housing Authority (BCHA) is a public agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in Bergen County, New Jersey. It does not build or own most of the housing it oversees — instead, it administers federal funding that helps low-income residents afford rent in privately owned apartments. The agency also runs its own public housing developments, though the waiting list for those units is typically years long.

BCHA operates under federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This means the programs follow the same basic structure as housing authorities nationwide, but BCHA's specific policies, wait times, and available units are local to Bergen County.

Key Takeaways

  • BCHA administers two main programs: public housing (units it owns or controls) and Section 8 vouchers (rent information you use at a private landlord's property).
  • Both programs have waiting lists that can be years long; BCHA opens its list periodically and closes it when demand is high.
  • To explore, you must meet income limits, pass a background check, and provide proof of residency and income documentation.
  • BCHA's office is located in Hackensack, and you can reach them by phone or visit in person to ask about current intake status.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers

BCHA manages two distinct programs, and understanding the difference matters because they have separate waiting lists and different rules about where you live.

Public housing means BCHA owns or controls the building. You pay rent to BCHA directly, and your rent is set as a percentage of your household income (typically 30 percent). Public housing units in Bergen County are located in specific developments; you do not choose the property. Wait times for public housing are often five years or longer.

Section 8 vouchers are rent subsidies you use at any private landlord who agrees to participate in the program. You find your own apartment, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and BCHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent while you pay the rest. This gives you more choice about where to live, but landlords are not required to accept vouchers, and finding a landlord willing to do so can be difficult. Section 8 waiting lists are also typically years long.

Income limits and who can explore

BCHA sets income limits based on household size and area median income. These limits change annually. For example, a household of one might have a limit around $40,000 to $50,000 per year, but the exact number depends on current HUD guidelines and BCHA's local information. You must call BCHA or visit their office to learn the current limits for your household size.

Beyond income, BCHA requires you to be a U.S. citizen or may be able to access immigrant, have a valid Social Security number, and pass a background check. The agency will look at your rental history, criminal history, and whether you owe money to a previous housing authority. Some criminal convictions and evictions can disqualify you permanently; others may disqualify you for a set period. BCHA has discretion in these decisions, so if you have a past issue, ask directly whether it will block your process.

You must also be able to prove residency in Bergen County and provide documentation of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements). If you are unemployed, you may need to show that you are actively seeking work or receiving unemployment benefits.

how the process works and what to expect

BCHA does not accept applications at all times. The agency opens its waiting list periodically — sometimes for a few weeks, sometimes for a few months — and then closes it when the list reaches a certain size. Before you go to explore, call BCHA to confirm that the list is open. If it is closed, ask when it typically reopens; this varies by program and by year.

When the list is open, you can explore in person at BCHA's main office in Hackensack or sometimes online, depending on current procedures. Bring proof of income, proof of residency, identification, and Social Security documentation. The process itself is straightforward, but gathering the documents takes time.

After you submit your process, BCHA will verify your information and conduct a background check. This process typically takes several weeks to a few months. Once you are on the waiting list, your position depends on the date you applied and any preferences BCHA gives (for example, some programs prioritize people with disabilities or very low incomes). You will not hear anything until a unit becomes available or BCHA contacts you with a question about your process.

Wait times and what happens when a unit is offered

Wait times for both public housing and Section 8 vouchers in Bergen County are long. Public housing wait times are often five to ten years or longer, depending on the type of unit you need. Section 8 wait times are similarly long. These are not estimates BCHA publishes regularly, so call the agency to ask what the current wait is for your household size and program.

If a unit or voucher becomes available and BCHA offers it to you, you will have a limited time to accept or decline. If you accept, you will need to move quickly — usually within 30 to 60 days. If you decline, you may lose your place on the list or move to the back of it, depending on BCHA's policy. Read any offer letter carefully and ask questions before you accept.

Once you move in, your rent will be recalculated annually based on your income. If your income changes, report it to BCHA; your rent may go up or down. If you stop paying rent or violate your lease, BCHA can evict you, just as a private landlord can.

Contact information and next steps

Bergen County Housing Authority is located at 595 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601. You can reach them by phone at (201) 489-6502 during business hours. The agency's website may also have current information about waiting list status and required documents.

Before you visit or call, write down your household size, current income, and any special circumstances (disability, veteran status, homelessness). These details will help BCHA staff answer your questions quickly. If the waiting list is closed, ask when it typically opens and whether you can call back to check. If you are currently homeless or in crisis, ask BCHA whether there are emergency programs or referrals they can provide while you wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a unit after I explore?

Wait times are typically five to ten years for public housing and similarly long for Section 8 vouchers, though this varies. Your position on the list depends on when you applied and any preferences BCHA gives. Call BCHA to ask what the current wait is for your household size.

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

Yes. They are separate programs with separate waiting lists, so you can be on both lists simultaneously. You will need to submit separate applications and meet the requirements for each.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

BCHA will consider your rental history as part of the background check. An eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but it may. Call BCHA and ask directly whether your specific situation would block your process; the agency has some discretion in these decisions.

Do I have to live in a specific location if I get a public housing unit?

Yes. Public housing units are in specific BCHA-owned or controlled buildings. You do not choose the location; BCHA assigns you based on availability and your household size. Section 8 vouchers give you more choice because you can use them at any participating private landlord.

What happens if my income goes up after I move in?

BCHA recalculates your rent annually based on your income. If your income increases, your rent will likely increase. You are required to report income changes to BCHA; failing to do so can result in overpayment and debt.