Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, California
Last Updated
Less than an hour ago
About Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara
Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HUD agency code CA076) is the public housing agency serving Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County, California. It administers 2,931 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 25 waiting lists at this agency, covering FUP, Other, PBV, Senior, TBRA, Affordable, HCV, Public Housing, RAD, Supportive, Mainstream. As of Mar 19, 2026, 9 are open and 15 are closed. Status is unconfirmed for 1 further list.
Income eligibility is set by HUD for the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA MSA. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $88,250 per year, and as Low Income at or below $141,200 (HUD FY2025 limits). Most waiting lists at this agency apply the Very Low Income threshold.
Section 8 Waitlist has recorded 80 status changes at this agency, most recently on Sep 29, 2026. Always confirm current status with the agency directly before applying.
Family Unification Program (FUP) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
HACSB is currently accepting online applications for its housing programs through a single streamlined application. Preferences include living or working in South Santa Barbara County, persons with disabilities, veterans, and 'in-place' applicants. Wait times are typically several years due to high demand and limited funding.
Other Programs Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 20, 2023
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This program is for Senior Subsidized housing. Eligible applicants must be at least 62 years old; persons with disabilities are housed before single persons under 62.
Garden Court
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 20, 2023
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The waitlist for Garden Court opened on June 20, 2023. Applications are ranked by date, time, and preference points including local residency and veteran status.
Johnson Court
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 20, 2023
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Waitlist ranking is based on date and time of application, and preference points, with families, seniors, and disabled individuals given priority.
Vera Cruz Village
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 20, 2023
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Waitlist ranking is based on date and time of application, and preference points, with families, seniors, and disabled individuals given priority.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Project-based vouchers are for people with low income who are willing to live in specific housing units offered to them. When a unit is available, the Housing Authority will offer it to someone on the PBV waiting list.
Senior Housing Waitlist
Senior Subsidized Housing
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 20, 2023
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Applications are prioritized by date and time, with preferences for seniors, those living or working in South Santa Barbara County, persons with disabilities, and veterans.
Senior Subsidized Housing / Specific Properties
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 20, 2023
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Waitlist applications for Senior Subsidized, Johnson Court, and Vera Cruz Village properties opened on June 20, 2023. Preference is given to those who live or work in South Santa Barbara County.
Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
This program is for individuals moving within the Lompoc City Limits to assist with security deposits.
Other Programs
8 programsThese programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.
This program assists members of the workforce earning up to 120% of the area median income for Santa Barbara.
The tenant-based voucher program waitlist is currently closed to new applications. The Housing Choice Voucher program offers tenant-based vouchers and project-based vouchers, each with their own waiting list. Mixed-status families will continue to receive prorated assistance under existing regulations.
The waitlist for Artisan Court remains closed until further notice.
The waitlist for El Carrillo remains closed until further notice.
The waitlist for Artisan Court remains closed until further notice. During previous openings, preferences may have included those living or working in South Santa Barbara County, persons with disabilities, and veterans.
The waitlist for El Carrillo remains closed until further notice. During previous openings, preferences may have included those living or working in South Santa Barbara County, persons with disabilities, and veterans.
Waitlists for El Carrillo, Artisan Court, and Bradley Studios remain closed.
Designed to assist workforce members earning up to 120% of the area median income.
Subsidized low-income properties operated by HACSB, located within the City of Santa Barbara, with units ranging from one to five bedrooms. Rent is based on 30% of the household's adjusted annual income. Families, seniors, and the disabled are given priority on the waiting list.
The waitlist for Bradley Studios remains closed until further notice.
Eligible applicants must be at least 62 years old; units are one bedroom with rent based on income. Applicants for senior housing are placed on waiting lists for all HACSB programs, including Section 8.
Waitlist applications for Senior Subsidized housing, including specific properties like Johnson Court and Vera Cruz Village, were last accepted starting June 20, 2023. Eligible applicants must typically be at least 62 years old, with rent based on income.
Eligible applicants for this program must be at least 62 years old.
Eligible applicants must be at least 62 years old for this waiting list.
The Supportive Housing waiting list was open from January 20, 2025, to February 20, 2025.
Mainstream Vouchers provide rental assistance specifically for non-elderly persons with disabilities. The program helps individuals transition out of institutional settings or avoid institutionalization by subsidizing housing costs in the private market.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara
Check Current Status
Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara currently has 9 open waiting lists (Family Unification Program (FUP), Other Programs, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Senior Housing, Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $88,250/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara manages approximately 2,931 assisted housing units (2,931 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Santa Barbara. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara
FUP Family Unification Program (FUP) open
The Family Unification Program (FUP) program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Barbara. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other Other Programs open
The Other Programs program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Barbara. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher (PBV) open
Project-Based Vouchers at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Santa Barbara. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.
Senior Senior Housing open
The Senior Housing program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Barbara. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
TBRA Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) open
The Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Barbara. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Affordable Affordable Housing closed
The Affordable Housing program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Barbara. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Santa Barbara. This program serves approximately 2,931 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Public Housing Public Housing closed
Public Housing units at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Santa Barbara maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Supportive Supportive & Transitional Housing closed
The Supportive & Transitional Housing program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Barbara. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed
Mainstream Vouchers at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara free?
How long is the wait at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara?
What are the income limits for Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara?
Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $88,250. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.
| 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 |
What do these income limits mean?
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara — including across state lines.