How do I apply for Section 8 in Idaho?

Apply to the local public housing agency that serves the area where you want to live. Each agency runs its own waiting list; check its official site to see whether the list is open.

Section 8 in Idaho: Housing Authorities and How to Apply

Section 8 (the Housing Choice Voucher program) is run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). You apply to the agency that serves where you want to live; many keep waiting lists that open only at times. Here are the agencies serving Idaho's largest areas, from HUD's official contact list and each agency's site.

Is it illegal for a Idaho landlord to refuse Section 8? No. The Idaho Human Rights Act's housing protections cover race, color, religion, sex, national origin (and disability/familial status provisions), not source of income. Since 2025, local governments may not require owners to participate in optional federal housing assistance programs (e.g., Housing Choice Vouchers). Idaho Code §§ 67-5909, 55-306

Housing authorities in Idaho

Boise City / Ada County Housing Authorities (BCACHA) — Boise, Ada County
Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing, HUD-VASH, Family Self-Sufficiency, Homeownership
Phone: (208) 345-4907
Idaho Housing and Finance Association (state voucher program) — Boise, 34 of Idaho's 44 counties (not Ada County)
Housing Choice Voucher, Family Self-Sufficiency, Mainstream vouchers (by referral)
Phone: 208-331-4700; toll-free 855-505-4700
How to apply / waiting list

Source: HUD public housing agency contact list. Check the agency's own site before applying; waiting lists open and close.

Statewide housing agency

Idaho Housing and Finance Association — Runs Housing Choice Vouchers in 34 counties (Ada County residents apply to BCACHA), Family Self-Sufficiency, free housing counseling through Finally Home!, and the HousingIdaho.com rental search.

Help paying rent in Idaho

HousingIdaho.com — Affordable rental search linked from Idaho Housing and Finance.

How to apply

Find the housing authority for the city or county where you want to live (list above).
Check whether its voucher waiting list is open; many open for short windows or use a lottery.
Apply only through the agency's official site or office. Applying is free — no one may charge you to get on a list.
Keep your contact information current with the agency so you do not lose your place.
When a voucher is issued, you find a rental whose rent fits the agency's payment standard and that passes inspection.

Rent levels (HUD Fair Market Rent) and local help by county

Idaho tenant rights · Free legal help in Idaho · Section 8 in other states

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.