Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Santa Barbara, California
There are 8 open waiting lists in the Santa Barbara area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara, California is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 8 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Santa Barbara area. There are also 25 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Santa Barbara include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Public Housing, RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: PBV (1 open).
Latest Opening
Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara opened its Senior Subsidized Housing waitlist on Jun 20, 2023.
About Housing in Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara, California offers various affordable housing options, primarily managed by the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara. The area currently provides approximately 2,931 assisted housing units. For those seeking assistance, it's important to note that while 8 waiting lists are open, 9 are currently closed. Applicants should regularly check for updates to ensure they apply for available programs as soon as they become accessible.
Programs with open waiting lists include FUP, Garden Court, Johnson Court, PBV, Senior Subsidized, Senior Subsidized Housing, and Vera Cruz Village, alongside other general housing options. Eligibility for these programs often depends on income. For instance, a very low-income family of four in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA MSA area must have an annual income no higher than $88,250, based on FY2025 guidelines. The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) also oversees housing initiatives across the state. Staying informed about application periods and eligibility requirements is key for successful applications.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Santa Barbara
To apply for housing assistance in Santa Barbara, California, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 8 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 $88,250/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 Santa Barbara include FUP, Garden Court, Senior Subsidized, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Senior Subsidized Housing, Other, Johnson Court, Vera Cruz Village, Public Housing, El Carrillo, Artisan Court, Supportive Housing, Senior Housing, Workforce Housing, other, RAD, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Workforce Housing Program, Mainstream. 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).
Santa Barbara, California Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Santa Barbara, California, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $88,250 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $113,300.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $37,100 | $61,800 | $98,850 |
| 2 Persons | $42,400 | $70,600 | $113,000 |
| 3 Persons | $47,700 | $79,450 | $127,100 |
| 4 Persons | $52,950 | $88,250 | $141,200 |
| 5 Persons | $57,200 | $95,350 | $152,500 |
| 6 Persons | $61,450 | $102,400 | $163,800 |
| 7 Persons | $65,700 | $109,450 | $175,100 |
| 8 Persons | $69,900 | $116,500 | $186,400 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara and have active housing programs.