Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Los Angeles, California
All waiting lists in Los Angeles are currently closed. 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. Currently, all waitlists in Los Angeles are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 42 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Los Angeles include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, RAD, VASH.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Los Angeles right now, there are 42 open lists within 50 miles. Most housing authorities accept applications from non-residents, so applying in neighboring cities is a practical strategy. Scroll down to "Nearby Cities" below for options.
About Housing in Los Angeles, California
Federal rental assistance in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County is administered by Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HUD agency code CA004). It administers roughly 59,703 assisted housing units — 6,302 public housing units and 53,401 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 10 waiting lists across this agency. As of Aug 10, 2026, none are accepting applications. Another 42 open lists are within 50 miles; most agencies accept applications from non-residents.
HUD sets income eligibility for this area as Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA HUD Metro FMR Area. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $75,750 per year, and as Low Income at or below $121,150 (HUD FY2025 limits).
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. All waitlists are currently closed, but openings happen with as little as 48 hours 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 RAD, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), EHV, HOPWA, Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), FUP, VASH, Mainstream, Foster Youth to Independence (FYI). 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.