Presented below is a formal, comprehensive comparative outline summarizing key procedural distinctions, contact information, and HQS inspection requirements for all major Housing Authorities within Palm Beach County and Broward County, Florida.
This is intentionally structured for operational clarity, compliance with HUD requirements, and ease of reference when managing multiple Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) tenancies across municipalities.
Comparative Guide: Housing Authorities — Palm Beach County & Broward County
I. Palm Beach County Housing Authorities
Palm Beach County has multiple jurisdictions managing Section 8 voucher administration. Although HUD regulations and HQS standards apply universally, procedural nuances vary by agency.
1. West Palm Beach Housing Authority (WPBHA)
Contact Information:
• Address: 3700 Georgia Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33405
• Phone: (561) 655-8530
• Website: www.wpbha.org
• General Email: info@wpbha.org
Key Notes:
• Accepts physical or digital RFTA submissions.
• Caseworkers are assigned individually — maintain direct communication.
• Payment Standards updated annually; always verify before lease-up.
• HQS inspections scheduled within ~10 business days post-RFTA.
• Pre-inspection strongly recommended to reduce failed inspections.
2. Palm Beach County Housing Authority (PBCHA)
Contact Information:
• Address: 3432 W 45th Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33407
• Phone: (561) 684-2160
• Website: www.pbchafl.org
• General Email: info@pbchafl.org
Key Notes:
• Administers vouchers outside WPBHA’s city limits — covers broader unincorporated areas.
• Requires specific RFTA forms from PBCHA’s website.
• Prefers submissions via mail or secure drop box; phone appointments recommended for new landlords.
• Annual inspections conducted with strict HQS adherence — frequent re-inspections may result in administrative fees.
• Written approval required for all rent increases; submit at least 60 days prior.
3. Delray Beach Housing Authority (DBHA)
Contact Information:
• Address: 82 NW 5th Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444
• Phone: (561) 272-6766
• Website: www.dbha.org
• General Email: info@dbha.org
Key Notes:
• Serves the city limits of Delray Beach only.
• Landlord Portal available for payment tracking.
• All RFTA forms must be signed by the property owner and the applicant.
• HQS inspections can be stricter on plumbing and pest control.
• Lead-based paint disclosures rigorously enforced for older units.
4. Pahokee Housing Authority
Contact Information:
• Address: 465 Friend Terrace, Pahokee, FL 33476
• Phone: (561) 924-5565
• Website: www.cityofpahokee.com
• General Email: Call to confirm specific case manager.
Key Notes:
• Small portfolio; primarily rural vouchers.
• Limited landlord portal functionality; most communications handled by phone/email.
• HQS inspections coordinated with Palm Beach County Building Department in some instances.
II. Broward County Housing Authorities
Broward County includes several independent municipal housing authorities. Policies and communication styles can differ significantly.
1. Housing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale (HACFL)
Contact Information:
• Address: 500 W Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
• Phone: (954) 556-4100
• Website: www.hacfl.com
• General Email: info@hacfl.com
Key Notes:
• Robust online Landlord Portal is mandatory for RFTA submissions and payment tracking.
• Inspections scheduled swiftly; cancellations with short notice may delay lease-up.
• Annual HQS strictly enforced — repeat failed inspections can lead to HAP suspension.
• Written rent increase requests must be submitted through the Portal.
2. Broward County Housing Authority (BCHA)
Contact Information:
• Address: 4780 North State Road 7, Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33319
• Phone: (954) 739-1114
• Website: www.bchafl.org
• General Email: contact@bchafl.org
Key Notes:
• Covers unincorporated Broward and smaller municipalities not served by their own authorities.
• BCHA’s landlord website includes payment history, unit status, and inspection reports.
• RFTA packet must be submitted by mail or in-person.
• HQS inspections typically occur within 7-10 business days after RFTA approval.
3. Dania Beach Housing Authority
Contact Information:
• Address: 715 W Dania Beach Blvd., Dania Beach, FL 33004
• Phone: (954) 920-9662
• Website: www.daniabeachhousing.org
Key Notes:
• Small housing authority covering Dania Beach city limits only.
• Most communications done by phone; caseworkers assigned by property location.
• HQS inspections often coordinated jointly with city code enforcement.
4. Deerfield Beach Housing Authority
Contact Information:
• Address: 533 S Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
• Phone: (954) 428-0678
• Website: www.dbhaonline.org
Key Notes:
• Independent jurisdiction for Deerfield Beach city limits.
• Landlord onboarding includes a brief orientation.
• HQS inspections focus heavily on safety hazards (locks, railings, smoke detectors).
• Keep a digital record of each RFTA submission, inspection report, and payment ledger.
5. Hollywood Housing Authority
Contact Information:
• Address: 7350 Davie Road Extension, Hollywood, FL 33024
• Phone: (954) 989-4691
• Website: www.hollywoodhousingauthority.com
Key Notes:
• Manages HCVP for Hollywood city limits.
• Uses a designated online landlord portal for routine status checks.
• Strict about submission of original signed documents — digital-only signatures may not suffice.
• Lead-based paint compliance carefully enforced for pre-1978 units.
III. Universal HQS Requirements
All Housing Authorities above must follow HUD’s national Housing Quality Standards (HQS), including:
✅ Safe and operational electrical, plumbing, and heating systems.
✅ Unit free from mold, infestations, or excessive clutter.
✅ Proper locks and windows that open and close securely.
✅ Working smoke detectors on each level and in sleeping areas.
✅ Functional kitchen appliances in good repair.
✅ Sanitary bathroom facilities.
✅ No trip hazards or broken stair railings.
✅ Units built before 1978 require lead-based paint inspections/disclosures.
IV. Best Practices For All
- Use each Housing Authority’s designated forms — do not interchange.
- Submit all RFTA packets completely and double-check signatures.
- Keep direct lines for caseworkers in your digital contact log.
- Maintain a digital record of inspections, repairs, and HAP payment communications.
- Attend inspections when possible to expedite corrections.
- Submit rent increase requests early — written approval must be obtained before implementation.
- Never accept or request side payments from voucher holders.
Key Differences — Palm Beach County Housing Authorities
1. West Palm Beach Housing Authority (WPBHA)
✅ Jurisdiction: City limits of West Palm Beach only.
✅ RFTA Submissions: Accepts both physical and digital submissions; paper is still common practice.
✅ Communication: Each voucher holder has an individually assigned caseworker; direct contact is essential.
✅ Rent Increases: Submit written request at least 60 days before effective date; flexible on format if details are clear.
✅ Inspections: Standard HQS; pre-inspections strongly recommended.
✅ Payment Processing: Local disbursements; payments may arrive via direct deposit or check depending on landlord setup.
Key Difference: WPBHA remains flexible with traditional paperwork while increasingly modernizing but still relies heavily on caseworker relationships.
2. Palm Beach County Housing Authority (PBCHA)
✅ Jurisdiction: Unincorporated Palm Beach County areas and municipalities outside city-specific Housing Authorities.
✅ RFTA Submissions: Requires PBCHA-specific forms, available from their website.
✅ Communication: Appointment strongly recommended for onboarding new landlords; some in-person requirements persist.
✅ Rent Increases: 60-day notice; must use PBCHA’s standard rent increase request form.
✅ Inspections: HQS compliance coordinated directly; repeated failures can result in administrative fees.
Key Difference: PBCHA requires stricter form adherence and more in-person documentation handling compared to WPBHA.
3. Delray Beach Housing Authority (DBHA)
✅ Jurisdiction: City of Delray Beach only.
✅ RFTA Submissions: Requires landlord and tenant signatures on all documents; uses a Landlord Portal for payment ledgers.
✅ Communication: Smaller case management team, so phone contact is generally efficient.
✅ Rent Increases: Written request required; strict on lead paint disclosures.
✅ Inspections: Very vigilant on pest control, plumbing, and window safety.
Key Difference: DBHA enforces very detailed unit condition standards, particularly for pest and plumbing, compared to other local authorities.
4. Pahokee Housing Authority
✅ Jurisdiction: Pahokee city area — mostly rural, small portfolio.
✅ RFTA Submissions: Primarily by mail or in person; minimal digital infrastructure.
✅ Communication: Phone calls and direct manager emails only — no robust portal.
✅ Rent Increases: Must be requested in writing; local office determines approvals.
✅ Inspections: Often coordinated with local code enforcement, unique for rural areas.
Key Difference: Operates on a low-tech, more personal basis with tight-knit staff relationships; slower process if forms are incomplete.
Key Differences — Broward County Housing Authorities
1. Housing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale (HACFL)
✅ Jurisdiction: City limits of Fort Lauderdale only.
✅ RFTA Submissions: Mandatory submission via the HACFL Landlord Portal.
✅ Communication: Caseworkers expect landlords to use Portal for updates and documents.
✅ Rent Increases: Must be filed through the Portal; informal requests are rejected.
✅ Inspections: Highly organized; strict scheduling. Repeat failures may result in admin fees or HAP holds.
Key Difference: HACFL’s digital-first approach stands out — any paper or verbal submissions are considered non-compliant.
2. Broward County Housing Authority (BCHA)
✅ Jurisdiction: All unincorporated Broward areas and cities not covered by municipal HAs.
✅ RFTA Submissions: Paper submissions required — drop box or mail only.
✅ Communication: Dedicated landlord phone line; online landlord site for payment status only.
✅ Rent Increases: 60-day formal request; moderate in approval process.
✅ Inspections: Standard HQS; moderate scheduling flexibility.
Key Difference: Hybrid approach — uses online access for payments but requires physical RFTA packets, unlike HACFL.
3. Dania Beach Housing Authority
✅ Jurisdiction: City limits of Dania Beach only.
✅ RFTA Submissions: All done in-person or via email; smaller office.
✅ Communication: No portal; direct phone calls.
✅ Rent Increases: Must be in writing; formal but straightforward.
✅ Inspections: Local code enforcement may accompany HQS inspectors.
Key Difference: Very personal, localized operation; small scale means faster resolutions but limited digital tools.
4. Deerfield Beach Housing Authority
✅ Jurisdiction: City limits of Deerfield Beach only.
✅ RFTA Submissions: Paper only; in-person recommended for initial onboarding.
✅ Communication: Small team; direct lines to caseworkers are common.
✅ Rent Increases: Written, formal request required.
✅ Inspections: Focus heavily on safety items — railings, locks, smoke alarms.
Key Difference: Emphasizes unit safety above all; they have zero tolerance for missing smoke detectors or trip hazards.
5. Hollywood Housing Authority
✅ Jurisdiction: City limits of Hollywood only.
✅ RFTA Submissions: Uses online landlord tools but still requires original signed documents for legal record.
✅ Communication: Mixed — portal plus direct case manager contacts.
✅ Rent Increases: Must be signed and submitted formally; no side payments.
✅ Inspections: Rigorous about lead-based paint for pre-1978 units; documentation is strictly audited.
Key Difference: Strictly formal with original signatures and lead-based paint compliance, even if other items are submitted digitally.
Universal HQS Requirements — Key Reminder
✅ All Housing Authorities follow HUD’s HQS:
- Safe, working plumbing, electrical, HVAC systems
- Sound structure, no mold or leaks
- Proper locks and window screens
- Smoke detectors in every bedroom and hallway
- Pest control addressed — no infestations
- Lead-based paint disclosures mandatory for units built before 1978
Failing HQS will always stop HAP payments — thorough pre-inspections protect your revenue.
Key Operational Takeaway
📌 Biggest differences across agencies:
• Some authorities (HACFL) are portal-only; others (Pahokee) are entirely paper-based.
• Jurisdiction must match the Housing Authority — they will not process an RFTA outside city limits.
• Rent increase forms vary — some accept landlord letters, others require standard forms.
• HQS inspections universally follow HUD but each authority may emphasize different points (pests, plumbing, lead paint, railings).
