Frequently Asked Questions About Housing Choice Program

What are the program basics?

Housing Choice (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 50% of Area Median Income at the time they are accepted into the program.

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

There is no minimum income requirement for Section 8 applicants.

When is the lottery open?

A lottery system is used for applicants to become HCV participants. Beginning in 2020, the lottery will open online three times a year in the months of February, June, and October (every 4 months).  The lottery will be open for two days during those months.  Exact dates of the openings will be posted on our website and lottery hotline (720-564-4627) at least one month in advance. Our goal in opening the lottery on a regular basis is to allow for a quicker turn-around time to help community members as they plan for housing options.

If I qualify, how soon will I receive housing?

The winning lottery numbers will be posted generally within six weeks after the lottery opening. From that list, applicants will be processed over the next six to nine months in the random order in which they were selected.

How much will my rent be?

Rent is based on income, applicable payment standard, and program rental cap.

Where are BHP homes located?

Homes are managed by private landlords throughout Boulder County. In this program, you find your own home. After your first year in the program you can move outside Boulder County.

What size homes are available?

Size varies depending upon availability.

How many homes are available?

Depending on Federal Funding, BHP offers 750 vouchers which subsidize private sector rents.

Regarding eligibility, do you give priority to particular groups?

Preference is given to applicants who live or work within Boulder County, or households with an adult who attends school full-time within Boulder County. From this group, we then select applicants who are elderly, are living with a disability, or are members of families with children. Applicants who are not living, working, or have an adult household member attending school full-time within Boulder County and are single-person households (not disabled or 62 and over) will not be selected.

Must I pass a criminal background check to qualify?

Yes.

How can I get an application?

To receive a Housing Choice Voucher, you must be selected in our lottery and successfully complete the application process. Lottery applications will only be accepted via our website when the lottery is open. The lottery will be open at different times throughout the year. Please visit the program page or call our waitlist hotline at 720-564-4627 to check the lottery opening dates.

Are pets allowed?

Pet policy is determined by your landlord.