Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Pasadena, California
All waiting lists in Pasadena are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Pasadena, 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 Pasadena, 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 Pasadena, California
Pasadena, California is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Pasadena are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 39 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Pasadena 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 Pasadena right now, there are 39 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 Pasadena, California
Pasadena, California's affordable housing needs are primarily addressed by the City of Pasadena Housing Department. Individuals and families seeking housing assistance should be aware that currently, all seven housing waiting lists are closed, with no new applications being accepted at this time. The area currently provides approximately 1,515 assisted housing units across various programs.
The City of Pasadena Housing Department manages programs such as Continuum of Care Rental Assistance, Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), HOPWA, Mainstream, Non-Elderly Disabled, Non-Elderly Disabled Vouchers, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA), and VASH. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit for the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA HUD Metro FMR Area is $75,750 per year, as per FY2025 guidelines. The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) also oversees state-level housing initiatives.
Given that waiting lists are currently closed, prospective applicants are advised to regularly monitor the City of Pasadena Housing Department for announcements regarding future openings. This proactive approach is essential for those seeking to apply for housing assistance in Pasadena.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Pasadena
To apply for housing assistance in Pasadena, California, submit an application directly to City of Pasadena Housing Department, 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 Pasadena include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD, Mainstream, TBRA, HOPWA, Public Housing, Non-Elderly Disabled, VASH, Non-Elderly Disabled Vouchers, Continuum of Care Rental Assistance. 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).
Pasadena, California Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Pasadena, 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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena and have active housing programs.