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. 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. | Two times the rental amount, unless using a Housing Choice Voucher | Two times the rental amount, unless using a Housing Choice Voucher |
| 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. |
Lotteries open three times a year in the months of February, June and October. Exact dates will be posted on our website and lottery hotline at least one month in advance. Please visit the Housing Choice program page or call our information hotline (720) 564-4627 for lottery opening information. |
All available rentals are listed on the Now Renting page, property pages, and in our main office. | All available rentals are listed on the Now Renting page, property pages, and in our main office. |
| 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 lottery 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. | 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. | No. Rent stays the same throughout your annual lease term. It is not tied to changes in your income during that time. | 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 |
| Regarding eligibility, do you give priority to particular groups? |
Yes. We give priority to households who live or work in Boulder County*, and who apply as families, have disabilities, or are elderly. *For Arapahoe Court, priority is given to those who live or work in the City of Boulder. |
Yes. We give priority to households who live or work Boulder County, and who apply as families, have disabilities, or are elderly. | No. | No. |
| 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 randomly selected in our lottery. Please visit the Housing Choice program page or call our information hotline (720) 564-4627 for lottery opening information. | Contact the leasing team when you are interested in an available apartment on the Now Renting page. | Contact the leasing team when you are interested in an available apartment on the Now Renting page. |
| 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). | Most properties allow up to 2 pets (restrictions apply). A separate pet fee applies. |