Frequently Asked Questions
General
How can I receive immediate housing? How do I apply?
The Bloomington Housing Authority does not provide immediate housing. At this time the housing authority is accepting applications for the public housing program. Once an application is filled out, applicants are placed on a waiting list according to the date and time of their application, size of the unit for which they qualify (public housing only) and local preference for which they may qualify. Currently, the waiting list for public housing one bedroom units is approximately one year and for two, three, four and five bedroom units it is approximately 6 months.
Where am I on the waiting list?
The waiting list is updated frequently and you may check where you are on the list be calling our intake officer at 812.339.3491 Ext. 133 or come into the office located at 1007 N. Summit Street Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.
I have a voucher and I want to move to Indianapolis. Whom do I contact?
Call your immediate case manager in the Housing Choice Voucher Department. If you don't know your case manager, call the main office and someone will be able to assist you. Be sure you call before you move to prevent the loss of your voucher.
Do you have a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Home Ownership Program?
The BHA does have a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Home Ownership Program. To find out more about the program call 812.339.3491 Ext. 120 or 132.
I want to be a landlord on the Housing Choice Voucher Program (formerly known as Section 8). How can I list my unit?
The first step in renting your property to a Housing Choice Voucher participant is to review a property owner checklist and complete a rental listing form. The rental listing form allows the Bloomington Housing Authority to get information about your vacancy to advertise it to our clients who are moving. Once BHA posts your listing, clients will then contact you about renting your property. You will show them the property and conduct your normal screening process in selecting a tenant. For more information click here: link to HCVP-Landlord Information
What are the HQS standards for HCV (S8) inspections?
Click on the "HQS Form 52580" under forms.
What are the current utility allowances for the HCV (S8) Program?
What are the current utility allowances for the HCV (S8) Program?
Click on the "Utility Allowances" under forms.
What is the BHA policy on the Community Service requirements?
Download the current BHA policy on Community Service Requirements under forms.
What is the Family Self Sufficiency Program?
The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program encourages Participants to increase their earned income and become less dependent on government benefits. Participants sign a contract where they set the goals that they want to achieve in the next 5-years. The FSS Coordinator helps the Participant connect with community businesses, agencies and social services that will help the participant overcome the barriers to reaching their goals. The Housing Authority establishes an escrow account for the Participant for the life of the contract, in which funds are deposited to match the increases in rent that result from the Participant's increase in income. The Participant may access these funds during the contract in order to reach their goals and the balance of the account is disbursed to the Participant upon the completion of the contract. The head of household must be suitably employed to graduate and all household members must be free of cash welfare assistance.
Public Housing
How long can I Stay in public housing?
In general, you may stay in public housing as long as you comply with the lease.
If, at reexamination your family's income is sufficient to obtain housing on the private market, the BHA may determine whether your family should stay in public housing. You will not be required to move unless there is affordable housing available for you on the private market.
If, at reexamination your family's income is sufficient to obtain housing on the private market, the BHA may determine whether your family should stay in public housing. You will not be required to move unless there is affordable housing available for you on the private market.
How do I request repairs?
You may request a work order at any time by calling 339-3491 Ex. 111.
What is an emergency work order?
Examples of emergency work orders are: Broken pipes, refrigerator not working, furnace not working in the winter, or any health or safety situations.
When will my repairs be done?
Emergency work orders will be completed within 24 hours; Regular work orders will be completed in the order that they were received.
Will I be charged for repairs?
Tenant will only be charged if damages are due to resident neglect or abuse.
What do I do about my trash?
BHA provides dumpsters close to all housing units at no additional charge. However, any garbage or debris found in your yard or on your porch / patio must be removed by the tenant, or the BHA will remove the items and the tenant will be charged a fee. See Maintenance Policy under forms for more information.
Can I open my windows or doors?
Yes, but certain rules apply. If the furnace or air conditioner is on all windows and doors must be closed.
Can I have a pet?
Yes, with certain restrictions. If the pet is a cat or dog a deposit is required as well as other documentation. Please refer to the Pet policy under forms or call your property manager.
Do I pay utilities if I live in one of the BHA properties?
Most utilities are included in the rent paid if you reside in one of the BHA properties. You will be required to pay a small monthly fee if you have a washer and dryer or use air conditioning in the summer.
What is a reasonable accommodation?
A change in a landlords rules, policies, practices, or services that is needed to afford a person with a disability an equal opportunity to use and enjoy an apartment. If you need a reasonable accommodation please contact your Property Manager.
Can I have a garden?
The Housing Authority has developed guidelines for planting along with other rules that apply to the care of your yard and porch areas. Please refer to the Yard and Patio Policy under forms or call your property manager for more information.
Can I add someone to my lease?
Yes. You must complete an addition to lease form as well as a change form. You may obtain copies at the Housing Authority or contact your Property Manager. If the person you are adding to your lease is over 18 you must make an appointment. You will need to provide copies of the person's social security card and proof of birth. Once the appropriate forms are received the housing authority will conduct criminal background check and landlord screenings. As a reminder it is a violation of your lease to allow someone who is not on your lease to live with you.
May I have visitors?
Yes. You may have visitors as long as those visitors do not stay more than 14 days. You may get permission from the property manager to extend that time, put only under special circumstances. Your lease has further information regarding this issue. If you need further information about visitors please contact the Property Manager.
Why am I being charged for cleaning my yard?
In order to maintain the complex in a decent and enjoyable environment the grounds are picked up on a daily basis. If you have violated the yard policy and unapproved items are in your yard /porch you will be accessed a fee for the clean up of those items. It is necessary to charge residents who violate this policy in order to maintain our complex in a enjoyable environment.
What if I can not pay my rent?
Rent payments are due by the 5th of every month. If you are not able to pay your rent you may contact community agencies link to resources that may be able to assist you. However, if your rent is not kept current, the Housing Authority is required to collect your rent and if it is not paid an eviction may be filed. If you have questions about your rent payments please contact your Property Manager.
