If you’ve applied for housing through the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority (BMHA), you may be wondering where your application is. You know that waiting is the hardest part. Whether you’ve applied for a public housing unit or a Section 8 voucher, wondering where your name is on the list can be stressful.
Checking the status of your BMHA housing application helps you know whether your application is active, where you are on the waiting list, and when you can expect to hear back.
In this guide, we explain how the BMHA waitlist works and how you can easily check your status online, over the phone, or in person.
What Is the BMHA Housing Waitlist?
The BMHA Housing Waitlist is a list of applicants waiting to receive affordable housing in Buffalo, New York.
When you apply, your name is added to the list based on a few things:
- The date and time you applied
- Your income and household size
- Any preferences you qualify for (such as disability, veteran status, or being a senior)
Because there are more applicants than available homes, it may take months or even years for some people to find a unit available.
Common BMHA Application Status Terms
When you check your status, you may see one of these updates:
- Active: Your application is on the waitlist and still being considered.
- Pending: BMHA is reviewing your information and documents.
- Ineligible: You don’t currently meet the program requirements.
- Housed: You’ve been offered or placed into a housing unit.
- Closed or Withdrawn: Your application was removed, usually because of missing information or no response.
How to Check Your BMHA Housing Application Status
You can check your BMHA housing application or waitlist position in several ways.
Method 1: Check Online (Waitlistcheck)
Most people who applied during the recent lottery cycle can check their status in seconds using the Waitlistcheck website. This is the official portal used by BMHA to organize thousands of applications.
- Website: www.waitlistcheck.com
- Provide your birth year and your Social Security Number.
- What to look for: If it says “Active,” you are still on the list. If it says “Withdrawn” or “Inactive,” it usually means the office tried to contact you and didn’t get a response.
Check Online via BMHA Participant Portal
Go to the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority website: www.bmhahousing.com
Steps:
- Visit the BMHA Applicant Portal.
- Log in using the Username and Password you created when applying.
- Click on “Application Status” or “My Waitlist.”
- You’ll see your current status and position on the list.
If you forgot your login information, click “Forgot Password” or contact BMHA support for help.
2. Check by Phone or Email
You can call or email BMHA directly to ask about your application:
- Section 8 Status Line: (716) 845-5364
- Main BMHA Office: (716) 855-6711
- Address: 476 Louisiana Street, Buffalo, NY 14204
- Email: info@bmhahousing.com
You must provide some information to verify a real person:
- Your full name
- Date of birth
- Last 4 digits of your Social Security Number
- The program you applied for (Public Housing or Section 8)
3. Check in Person
You can also visit the BMHA office for in-person assistance and ask about the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority application status.
- For Public Housing Applications: Visit the Housing Assistance Office located in the Stuyvesant Apartments.
- Address: 245 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14222
- For Section 8 (Vouchers): Visit the Section 8 Office (managed by CVR Associates).
- Address: 476 Louisiana Street, Buffalo, NY 14204
- For General Questions or Paper Forms: You can visit the Main Executive Office.
- Address: 300 Perry Street, Buffalo, NY 14204
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Note: You must bring a photo ID and any documents related to your application.
Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority Application Status
| Method | Best For… | Contact Info |
| Waitlistcheck | Quick status check | waitlistcheck.com |
| Participant Portal | Reporting changes | bmha.participantportal.org |
| Phone Call | Specific questions | (716) 845-5364 |
| In Person | Dropping off forms | 476 Louisiana St, Buffalo |
Conclusion
Checking the status of your BMHA housing application helps you stay informed and prepared. You can track your place on the waitlist online, by phone, or in person. Always keep your information updated and respond to any messages you receive from BMHA to ensure you remain eligible for housing assistance.