Portability allows a tenant to take their Voucher anywhere in the USA. The receiving housing authority will either absorb the Voucher or bill the Bethlehem Housing Authority for the rental assistance in which they will remain a part of the program.
A tenant moving with portability must be in good standing with our regulations which includes rent and utility bills are current, and there are no damages to the unit which would exceed the amount of the Security Deposit. An applicant who is issued a new Voucher must currently reside within BHA jurisdiction. Please be advised that we are currently NOT absorbing portability Vouchers
Portability paperwork should be sent to:
Bethlehem Housing Authority
attention: Patricia Donchez
645 Main Street
Bethlehem PA 18018
610-865-8355
610-865-8318 (fax)
Note: The Bethlehem Housing Authority will cover City of Bethlehem portability only. Units outside the area must be directed to other local authorities.
Here is information about our "Housing Choice Voucher Program", also called Vouchers, Housing Choice and formerly known as "Section 8".
Scroll down for updated unit listings in the area...
BETHLEHEM HOUSING AUTHORITY
AVERAGE RENTS IN AREA
(Tenant paying ALL utilities
except trash hauling & water/sewer)
FAIR AVG. VERY GOOD
↓
1BR 600 625 650
2BR 675 700 750
3BR 825 850 875
4BR 875 900 925
5BR 950 975 1000
↑
The rents between the arrows are the average rents for each bedroom size normally approved by BHA’s Section 8 office. Any increase in those amounts MUST BE APPROVED BY OUR OFFICE. NO ONE CAN AUTOMATICALLY PAY ANY RENT DIFFERENCE WITHOUT APPROVAL FROM THE BHA OFFICE!!
IF THE LANDLORD PAYS MAJOR UTILITIES (IE: HEAT OR HEAT AND HOT WATER, THE RENTS WILL BE ADJUSTED ACCORDINGLY.