Program Comparison Chart
Boulder Housing Partners offers a variety of rental apartments, flats, townhomes, duplexes and single family homes through four main programs outlined below. Programs are geared for different incomes, abilities, and household sizes. Click here to find out which programs you may qualify for.
| Questions | Public Housing & Section 8 Communities | Housing Choice (formerly known as Section 8 Voucher) | Boulder Affordable Rentals | Market Rate Rentals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What are the program basics? | Public Housing properties and Section 8 communities are found throughout Boulder. They are owned and managed by BHP. Rent adjusts according to income. | Housing Choice participants receive help with their rent within the private market. These homes are owned and managed by private landlords. | Rentals found throughout the City of Boulder are owned and managed by BHP. Your household income must be at least $25,000 to qualify. Rent does not adjust according to income. | Apartment homes owned and managed by BHP. |
| What is the most I can earn and still be eligible? | Residents can earn up to 80% of Area Median Income for Public Housing and 50% for Section 8. | Residents can earn up to 50% of Area Median Income. | Residents can earn up to 60% of the Area Median Income based on household size. | There is no income maximum. |
| What is the least I can earn and still be eligible? | There is no minimum income requirement for Public Housing or Section 8 applicants. | There is no minimum income requirement for Section 8 applicants. | $25,000 gross annual household income | Based on rental amount. |
| When is the wait list or lottery open? |
Please visit the Public Housing program page, Section 8 Communities program page, or call our wait list hotline (720) 564-4627 for waitlist opening information. Preference is given to those applicants who live and/or work within the city limits of Boulder and are elderly, individuals with disabilities or families with children. If an applicant does not have the preference, the chance of being selected is very limited. |
Please visit the Housing Choice program page or call our information hotline (720) 564-4627 for lottery opening information. Preference is given to those applicants who live and/or work within the city limits of Boulder and are elderly individuals, individuals with disabilities or families with children. If an applicant does not have the preference, the chance of their lottery number being selected is very limited. |
All available rentals are listed on the Now Renting page, property pages, and in our main office. They may also be listed on Craigslist. Please check these areas for availability. | All available rentals are listed on the Now Renting page, property pages, and in our main office. They may also be listed on Craiglist. Please check these areas for availability. |
| If I qualify, how soon will I receive housing? | The waiting period varies from approximately 9 months to 2 years, depending on the number of bedrooms you need and how many families are waiting. | Numbers are drawn randomly after the lottery closes. The time between the lotterly closing date and when you actually receive your voucher (if your application is successful) varies from 3 to 12 months. | Rentals are available on a first-come first-served basis and typically available for 3-21 days. | Rentals are available on a first-come first-served basis and typically available for 3-21 days. |
| How much will my rent be? | 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. | 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 $725 per month. | Rent is based on availability. Contact the Property Manager for details. |
| 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 the program's rental cap. Rent can change during the year | 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. | 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. |
| What size homes are available? | Studios to 4 bedrooms | Size varies. In this program, you find your own home. | 1 to 4 bedrooms | 1 to 4 bedrooms |
| How many homes are available? | About 450, managed by BHP property managers and maintenance. | The number depends on federal funding. | About 1000, managed by BHP property managers and maintenance. | |
| Regarding eligibility, do you give priority to particular groups? | 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. | No. Applications are considered on a "first come, first served" basis, by submission date. | No. Applications are considered on a "first come, first served" basis, by submission date. |
| Must I pass a criminal background check to qualify? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| How can I get an application? | To apply for Public Housing or Section 8 Communities you must first join our waitlist. Please visit the Public Housing program page, Section 8 Communities program page, or call our wait list hotline (720) 564-4627 for waitlist opening information. | To apply for a Housing Choice Voucher, you must be selected in our lottery. Please visit the Housing Choice program page or call our information hotline (720) 564-4627 for lottery opening information. | A link to our application will be furnished with available rentals on the Now Renting page, or contact the Leasing Representative. | A link to our application will be furnished with available rentals on the Now Renting page, or contact the Leasing Representative. |
| Are pets allowed? | We allow a maximum of one pet per household, with advance approval by property management. | Pet policy is determined by your landlord. | Most properties allow up to 2 pets (restrictions apply). A separate pet fee applies. | Most properties allow up to 2 pets (restrictions apply). A separate pet fee applies. |