Frequently Asked Questions:
What specific criteria do you need for the application?
Basic qualifications are first, that you must live and second, work in Blaine County. Whether you apply for ownership or for rental, these two criteria must be met. There are a couple exceptions:
· If you are retired currently, you must have retired from your job in Blaine County, please provide proof of your last employment in Blaine
· If you have moved to the area recently for work, please provide a letter of hire from your Blaine County employer
I don't see anything available that fits my needs, can you still help?
Depends on your personal circumstances, but in most cases Yes! We have knowledge of other services and housing resources that may suit your current needs. Once you apply to BCHA, your information is entered into our database. When a unit comes available that matches your housing needs, we will notify you directly and this can happen at any time. There is no set timetable for when a unit will be available.
I don't see any rentals available, why?
Our rental stock is much smaller than our ownership units, this leads to a much higher demand than supply. However, to be considered for rentals when they come available, your application information must be kept up to date. Please notify us immediately to changes with your employment or household configuration.
Do I have to update my application?
YES! Please contact BCHA once a year to update your income information and housing needs. Without your updated information, we have difficulty matching your housing needs to the best unit. To make things easy, BCHA has an abbreviated application form for updating your information, found here: Applicant Update Form
Do you do Section 8?
BCHA is not the agency that issues Section 8 vouchers. We are happy to explain the process and direct you to the proper agency. The Idaho Housing and Finance Organization (IHFA) is the state sanctioned agency that issues Section 8 vouchers. Please visit their website for more information and to download the Section 8 application. IHFA Rental Assistance
I need a place to live for a short period of time, can you help?
Yes. BCHA operates the Lift Tower Lodge as Temporary Housing. Please refer to the Lift Tower Lodge tab under the Rent section to learn more.
What are the Income Limits?
In a nutshell, “Income & Asset Limits” is the total Gross Income of all members of your Household. This figure helps BCHA determine your household’s affordability for housing. To find your household’s income category please refer to the chart under the “Purchase” tab or click here Income & Asset Limits.
What’s an Income Category?
An Income Category is the classification of annual income based upon family size as a percentage of the Area Median Income assigned to Blaine County by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
What if I haven't filed my taxes?
For BCHA’s application purposes you need verifiable proof of your income, like recent pay stubs, W-2s for all jobs you had the previous year, and if you are self-employed; at least 3 months worth of bank statements.
Do I really need to provide a credit score?
Most definitely! And it’s easy! Go to creditkarma.com and quickly learn your credit score for free! Providing BCHA with your recent credit score helps us determine your household’s affordability for housing.
What if I have a bad credit score?
Fortunately, BCHA’s Program Director provides Housing Counseling for free! This one-on-one guidance for how to improve your financial circumstances and credit score will better your chances for finding an equitable solution to your housing search. Having good credit shows Lenders and Landlords that you are able to pay your bills on time and will be a minimal risk. Make an appointment today!
How do you choose one applicant over another?
Our system calculates priority points based on several factors such as length of time working in Blaine County, length of time in Database, Household Size, desired location, place of work, essential services worker, disabilities, retirement, etc. These factors give additional points to applicants and when a housing unit matching your individual needs comes available, chances are you will be one of the first few applicants listed.
Where are the majority of our units located?
The majority of housing units, whether for rent or ownership opportunities are located in Ketchum. However, new affordable units do get added to BCHA’s inventory from time to time. The trend lately is to add to the supply of affordable ownership and rental opportunities in Hailey and Bellevue.
Do you have another question?
Please email us at info@bcoha.org
Basic qualifications are first, that you must live and second, work in Blaine County. Whether you apply for ownership or for rental, these two criteria must be met. There are a couple exceptions:
· If you are retired currently, you must have retired from your job in Blaine County, please provide proof of your last employment in Blaine
· If you have moved to the area recently for work, please provide a letter of hire from your Blaine County employer
I don't see anything available that fits my needs, can you still help?
Depends on your personal circumstances, but in most cases Yes! We have knowledge of other services and housing resources that may suit your current needs. Once you apply to BCHA, your information is entered into our database. When a unit comes available that matches your housing needs, we will notify you directly and this can happen at any time. There is no set timetable for when a unit will be available.
I don't see any rentals available, why?
Our rental stock is much smaller than our ownership units, this leads to a much higher demand than supply. However, to be considered for rentals when they come available, your application information must be kept up to date. Please notify us immediately to changes with your employment or household configuration.
Do I have to update my application?
YES! Please contact BCHA once a year to update your income information and housing needs. Without your updated information, we have difficulty matching your housing needs to the best unit. To make things easy, BCHA has an abbreviated application form for updating your information, found here: Applicant Update Form
Do you do Section 8?
BCHA is not the agency that issues Section 8 vouchers. We are happy to explain the process and direct you to the proper agency. The Idaho Housing and Finance Organization (IHFA) is the state sanctioned agency that issues Section 8 vouchers. Please visit their website for more information and to download the Section 8 application. IHFA Rental Assistance
I need a place to live for a short period of time, can you help?
Yes. BCHA operates the Lift Tower Lodge as Temporary Housing. Please refer to the Lift Tower Lodge tab under the Rent section to learn more.
What are the Income Limits?
In a nutshell, “Income & Asset Limits” is the total Gross Income of all members of your Household. This figure helps BCHA determine your household’s affordability for housing. To find your household’s income category please refer to the chart under the “Purchase” tab or click here Income & Asset Limits.
What’s an Income Category?
An Income Category is the classification of annual income based upon family size as a percentage of the Area Median Income assigned to Blaine County by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
What if I haven't filed my taxes?
For BCHA’s application purposes you need verifiable proof of your income, like recent pay stubs, W-2s for all jobs you had the previous year, and if you are self-employed; at least 3 months worth of bank statements.
Do I really need to provide a credit score?
Most definitely! And it’s easy! Go to creditkarma.com and quickly learn your credit score for free! Providing BCHA with your recent credit score helps us determine your household’s affordability for housing.
What if I have a bad credit score?
Fortunately, BCHA’s Program Director provides Housing Counseling for free! This one-on-one guidance for how to improve your financial circumstances and credit score will better your chances for finding an equitable solution to your housing search. Having good credit shows Lenders and Landlords that you are able to pay your bills on time and will be a minimal risk. Make an appointment today!
How do you choose one applicant over another?
Our system calculates priority points based on several factors such as length of time working in Blaine County, length of time in Database, Household Size, desired location, place of work, essential services worker, disabilities, retirement, etc. These factors give additional points to applicants and when a housing unit matching your individual needs comes available, chances are you will be one of the first few applicants listed.
Where are the majority of our units located?
The majority of housing units, whether for rent or ownership opportunities are located in Ketchum. However, new affordable units do get added to BCHA’s inventory from time to time. The trend lately is to add to the supply of affordable ownership and rental opportunities in Hailey and Bellevue.
Do you have another question?
Please email us at info@bcoha.org