Program Comparison Chart

Questions

Boulder Affordable Rentals

Public Housing

Section 8 Voucher

What are the program basics?

Rentals found throughout the City of Boulder are owned and managed by BHP. Your household income must be at least $20,000 to qualify. Rent does not adjust according to income.

Public Housing properties are found throughout Boulder. They are owned and managed by BHP. Rent adjusts according to income.

Section 8 participants receive help with their rent within the private market. These homes are owned and managed by private landlords.

What is the most I can earn and still be eligible?

Residents can earn up to 60% of the Area Median Income based on household size.

Residents can earn up to 80% of Area Median Income.

Residents can earn up to 50% of Area Median Income.

What is the least I can earn and still be eligible?

$20,000.00 per year

There is no minimum income requirement for Public Housing applicants.

There is no minimum income requirement for Section 8 applicants.

When is the wait list open?

Boulder Affordable Rentals program continuously reviews applications.

Waitlist is currently closed. The waitlist opens as needed.

Waitlist is currently closed. The waitlist opens as needed.

If I qualify, how soon will I receive housing?

The waiting period varies from 6 months to over 1 year, depending on number of bedrooms and how many families are waiting.

The waiting period varies from 2 to 4 years, depending on the number of bedrooms you need and how many families are waiting.

The waiting period varies from 3 to 6+ years, depending on federal funding and availability.

How much will my rent be?

Rent will be lower than most of Boulder's market rate rentals. Rent varies by number of bedrooms, location, and other factors. One bedroom apartments start at $600 per month.

Households pay approximately 30%of their household's adjusted gross income, if all household members qualify.

Rent is based on income, the payment standard that applies, and the program rental cap. Both you and BHP pay a portion of your rent directly to the landlord.

Could my monthly rent vary during my annual lease term?

No. Rent stays the same throughout your annual lease term. It is not tied to changes in your income. It may change at lease renewal.

Yes, rent varies depending upon income and can change during the year.

Yes, rent varies depending upon income and the program's rental cap. Rent can change during the year.

Questions

Boulder Affordable Rentals

Public Housing

Section 8 Voucher

What size homes are available?

1 to 4 bedrooms

Studios to 4 bedrooms

Size varies. In this program, you find your own home.

How many homes are available?

About 500, managed by BHP property managers and maintenance.

About 450, managed by BHP property managers and maintenance.

Depending on Federal Funding, we offer 750 vouchers which subsidize private sector rents.

Regarding eligibility, do you give priority to particular groups?

No. Applications are considered on a "first come, first served" basis, by submission date.

Yes. We give priority to households who live or work in the City of Boulder, and who apply as families, have disabilities, or are elderly.

Yes. We give priority to households who live or work in the City of Boulder, and who apply as families, have disabilities, or are elderly.

Must I pass a criminal background check to qualify?

Yes

Yes

Yes

How can I get an application?

Application

Waitlist is currently closed.

Waitlist is currently closed

Are pets allowed?

Most properties allow up to 2 pets. A separate pet fee applies.

We allow a maximum of one pet per household.

Pet policy is determined by your landlord.