Torrance, CA

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Torrance, California

All waiting lists in Torrance are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Torrance, 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 Torrance, 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.

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Agencies
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Open Now
9
Closed

Affordable Housing in Torrance, California

Torrance, California is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Torrance 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 Torrance 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 Torrance 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 Torrance, California

Affordable housing assistance in Torrance, California, is primarily administered by the Housing Authority of the City of Torrance. For those seeking assistance, it is important to note that currently, all 9 housing waitlists in Torrance are closed, with no new applications being accepted at this time. This includes various program types such as Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV), Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream Vouchers, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), Stability Vouchers (SV), and HUD-VASH.

The Torrance area currently has approximately 722 assisted housing units available through these programs. While waitlists are closed, staying informed about potential future openings is advisable. The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) oversees housing efforts statewide and can be a resource for broader information. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit for the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale HUD Metro FMR Area is $75,750 per year for FY2025. Understanding these income thresholds is crucial for eligibility once waitlists do reopen. Applicants should regularly check for updates from the Housing Authority of the City of Torrance and be prepared to apply promptly when lists become available.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Torrance

To apply for housing assistance in Torrance, California, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of the City of Torrance, 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 Torrance include EHV, RAD, Mainstream, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV), Stability Voucher (SV), Emergency Housing Voucher Program (EHV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, SV, VASH, Stability Vouchers (SV). 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).

Torrance, California Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Torrance, 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
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $106,600 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Torrance 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there open Section 8 waiting lists in Torrance?
Currently, all waiting lists in Torrance, California are closed. Section 8 Waitlist checks every housing authority nightly and will show openings as soon as they occur. In the meantime, consider applying to nearby cities listed below.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Torrance if I don't live there?
In most cases, yes. While some PHAs give preference to local residents, there is no federal rule requiring you to live in a city to apply for its waiting list. Many applicants apply to housing authorities in multiple cities and states simultaneously to increase their chances of receiving assistance.
How long is the wait for Section 8 in Torrance?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Torrance wait times depend on the specific housing authority and program type. Contact the PHA directly for current estimates, and consider applying to multiple PHAs to improve your chances.
All housing authorities in California