Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Los Angeles, California
There are 2 open waiting lists in the Los Angeles area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Los Angeles, California and updates statuses nightly. Below you will find every PHA in the area with current waitlist status, program types, and direct application links.
If no lists are currently open in Los Angeles, we recommend applying to nearby cities as well. There is no limit to the number of waiting lists you can join, and many housing authorities accept applications from non-residents.
Affordable Housing in Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 2 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Los Angeles area. There are also 37 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Los Angeles include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: PBV (1 open), Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles opened its PBV waitlist .
About Housing in Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California is served by the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), which manages various programs designed to provide affordable housing assistance. Currently, HACLA has two waiting lists open for prospective applicants. These include programs for Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) and Public Housing. While other programs like the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) are offered, their waiting lists are presently closed.
To qualify for many affordable housing programs, income limits apply. For instance, a very low-income family of four in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale metropolitan area has an annual income limit of $75,750 for Fiscal Year 2025. Los Angeles County benefits from approximately 59,703 assisted housing units across its various programs. The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) is the state agency responsible for overseeing housing initiatives throughout California.
Those seeking assistance are advised to frequently check for announcements regarding open waiting lists directly from HACLA. Careful attention to application deadlines and requirements is crucial to navigate the process effectively.
Housing Authorities in Los Angeles
How to Apply for Section 8 in Los Angeles
To apply for housing assistance in Los Angeles, California, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 2 waiting lists are accepting applications — apply as soon as possible, as open enrollment periods can close with short notice. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Before applying, gather the following documents for all household members: government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements), and proof of current address. For a family of four in this area, income must be below $75,750/year (Very Low Income threshold) to qualify for most programs. Having these ready before a waitlist opens can be the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Housing programs available in Los Angeles include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, RAD, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). Applying to multiple program types simultaneously improves your chances of receiving assistance. After submitting, you will be placed on the waiting list based on the date of your application and any applicable preferences (veterans, elderly, disabled, working families, or local residents).
Los Angeles, California Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Los Angeles, California, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $75,750 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $106,600.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $31,850 | $53,000 | $84,850 |
| 2 Persons | $36,400 | $60,600 | $96,950 |
| 3 Persons | $40,950 | $68,150 | $109,050 |
| 4 Persons | $45,450 | $75,750 | $121,150 |
| 5 Persons | $49,100 | $81,800 | $130,850 |
| 6 Persons | $52,750 | $87,850 | $140,550 |
| 7 Persons | $56,400 | $93,900 | $150,250 |
| 8 Persons | $60,000 | $100,000 | $159,950 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Los Angeles use these income limits to determine who qualifies for rental assistance. Your total household income before taxes is compared against the limit for your household size.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — Most Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing programs require your income to be at or below this level. This is the primary eligibility threshold.
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households at this level often receive priority on waiting lists. By law, housing authorities must allocate a portion of vouchers to extremely low-income families.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and locally funded initiatives, accept applicants up to this threshold. Contact individual housing authorities below for their specific requirements.
Nearby Cities with Housing Authorities
Applying to nearby cities increases your chances of receiving assistance sooner. These cities are within 75 miles of Los Angeles and have active housing programs.