Applicants
Housing Choice Voucher
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program helps income-eligible families, seniors, and individuals rent safe housing in the private market. You choose the home. The East Baton Rouge Parish Housing Authority (EBRPHA) helps pay for it.
What is the Housing Choice Voucher?
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) provides federally funded rental assistance to eligible families, seniors, and people with disabilities. Administered locally by EBRPHA with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), HCV helps households afford safe, quality housing in the private rental market throughout East Baton Rouge Parish.
How it works
After EBRPHA approves you, you receive a voucher and search for a home. You can rent from any landlord who accepts the program, including a single-family home, townhome, or apartment. EBRPHA pays part of your rent straight to the landlord each month. You pay the rest, which is usually about 30% of your household income.
- You pick the home.
Use your voucher with any participating landlord. - You pay what you can afford.
Your share is based on your household income. - Support along the way.
Housing counselors guide you from application through move-in.
Program at a glance
Who qualifies
Income-eligible households at or below 50% of the area median income who live in or are moving to EBR Parish.
The benefit
EBRPHA pays the subsidy straight to your landlord. Your share stays tied to what you earn.
The process
Housing counselors guide you from application to move-in.
How It Works
From application to move-in, the key steps to getting your Housing Choice Voucher.
Apply
Submit your application when the waitlist opens — date and time stamped.
Get Approved
We review your application for eligibility, income, and household size.
Find a Home
Search for a home with any landlord who accepts the HCV program.
Move In
We inspect the unit and begin paying your portion of rent to the landlord.
Waitlist Status
The Housing Choice Voucher and Affordable Housing waitlists are currently closed.
EBRPHA only accepts HCV applications when the waitlist is open. Check the EBRPHA website, EBRPHA social media, and your local paper to know when the waitlist is open.
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Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to common questions. Need more help? Contact the EBRPHA team.
Eligibility depends on your household income, family size, and citizenship or eligible immigration status. Most households that earn at or below 50% of the area median income may qualify. EBRPHA prioritizes help to families at the extremely low-income level, about 30% of the area median income. EBRPHA confirms your eligibility during the review.
When a waitlist is open, you submit an application with your household and income details. If EBRPHA selects your name, complete the eligibility paperwork, you attend a briefing, and begin your housing search with your voucher.
Yes. “Portability” lets you use your voucher in another area under certain rules. Talk with your caseworker before you move so EBRPHA can set up the transfer with no gap in help.
Once a year, EBRPHA reviews your income and household so your rent share stays correct. EBRPHA sends you the forms and the timeline. Report any income or household changes when they happen, not just at recertification.
Pay your share of rent on time, keep your home in good condition, report changes in income or household size promptly, follow your lease, and attend your yearly recertification.