Finding affordable housing in Los Angeles can be difficult, especially for households with limited income. The City of Los Angeles Section 8 housing program helps eligible low-income families, older adults, people with disabilities, and individuals afford safe rental housing.
Officially known as the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, Section 8 is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Within the City of Los Angeles, the program is administered by the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA).
Eligible households generally receive a housing voucher and look for a qualifying rental unit. HACLA pays part of the approved rent directly to the landlord, while the household pays its required share. However, receiving assistance usually involves joining a waiting list, completing an eligibility review, and finding a unit that meets program requirements.
This guide explains how City of Los Angeles Section 8 housing works, who may qualify, how to apply, and what applicants should expect.
Quick Answer: How Does City of Los Angeles Section 8 Housing Work?
The City of Los Angeles Section 8 program provides rental assistance through housing vouchers. Eligible households use their vouchers to rent qualifying homes in the private rental market.
In general:
- HACLA administers the program within the City of Los Angeles.
- Applicants must meet income and other eligibility requirements.
- Applications are accepted only when the appropriate waiting list is open.
- Being placed on a waiting list does not guarantee a voucher.
- Selected applicants must complete an eligibility review.
- Voucher holders generally find their own rental housing.
- HACLA must approve the unit and rent before assistance begins.
- The rental unit must meet federal housing quality requirements.
The amount a household pays depends on factors such as income, household circumstances, the approved rent, and applicable program rules.
Official Source: Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles – About Section 8
What Is the City of Los Angeles Section 8 Housing Program?
The City of Los Angeles Section 8 housing program is a federal rental assistance program administered locally by HACLA. It is designed to help eligible households afford privately owned rental housing.
Unlike traditional public housing, a Housing Choice Voucher is generally connected to the participating household rather than a specific public housing development. After receiving a voucher, a household is responsible for finding a suitable rental unit where the owner is willing to participate in the program.
Housing choices may include:
- Apartments
- Townhouses
- Single-family homes
- Other eligible privately owned rental units
Before rental assistance can begin, HACLA must approve the unit and lease. The initial lease is generally for at least one year.
Section 8 does not usually pay the household’s entire rent. The tenant pays a required portion based on program calculations, and HACLA pays an approved housing assistance payment directly to the landlord.
Official Source: Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles – About Section 8
Who Manages Section 8 Housing in the City of Los Angeles?
The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) manages the Housing Choice Voucher Program within its jurisdiction.
HACLA is responsible for major program activities, including:
- Managing the Section 8 waiting list
- Reviewing household eligibility
- Issuing housing vouchers when funding is available
- Determining eligible voucher bedroom sizes
- Reviewing proposed rents
- Inspecting participating rental units
- Making housing assistance payments to landlords
- Conducting ongoing eligibility reviews
Applicants should make sure they are contacting the correct housing authority. HACLA primarily serves the City of Los Angeles, while other cities and areas in Los Angeles County may be served by different housing authorities.
The Los Angeles County Development Authority may administer housing programs in participating areas outside HACLA’s jurisdiction. Therefore, living in Los Angeles County does not automatically mean that HACLA is the correct agency for an applicant.
Who Is Eligible for City of Los Angeles Section 8 Housing?
Eligibility for City of Los Angeles Section 8 housing depends on federal requirements and HACLA program rules. Meeting the basic requirements does not guarantee immediate assistance because the number of applicants is often much greater than the number of available vouchers.
HACLA generally reviews the following factors.
Household Income
Household income must be within the limits established by HUD for the Los Angeles area. Income limits are based partly on household size and are updated periodically.
HACLA states that only households within the applicable very low-income limits are eligible for Section 8 assistance. However, federal program rules may also affect how available vouchers are distributed among eligible households.
Income limits are not one fixed amount for everyone. A household with one person may have a different limit from a household with four or more people.
Because HUD may update income limits annually, applicants should review HACLA’s current income-limit information rather than relying on figures from an older article or application period.
Official Source: Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles – Section 8 Income Limit
Household Size
The number of people in the household can affect:
- The applicable income limit
- Voucher bedroom size
- Required documentation
- Housing needs
Applicants should include all household members who are expected to live in the assisted rental unit. Household information must be accurate and may need to be verified before assistance is approved.
Citizenship or Eligible Immigration Status
Federal housing assistance is generally limited to U.S. citizens and certain noncitizens with eligible immigration status. HACLA may request documentation to verify eligibility.
Some households may include both eligible and ineligible members. These are sometimes called mixed-status families. Assistance may be adjusted according to federal rules.
Applicants should provide complete and accurate information about all household members. Immigration-related housing rules may change, so households should review current HACLA and HUD requirements when completing an eligibility review.
Official Source: Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles – About Section 8
Social Security and Identification Information
HACLA may require Social Security numbers and identity documents for household members when applicable under federal program rules.
Requested documents may include:
- Social Security cards
- Birth certificates
- Government-issued identification
- Immigration eligibility documents, when applicable
The specific documents required may depend on the household’s circumstances.
Program Screening Requirements
Applicants may be subject to screening under federal housing rules and HACLA policies. Certain criminal activity, fraud, previous housing-program violations, or other disqualifying circumstances may affect eligibility.
A past issue does not necessarily result in automatic denial in every situation. Eligibility decisions depend on the applicable rules and the facts of the case.
What Income Counts for Los Angeles Section 8 Eligibility?
HACLA generally reviews income received by household members when determining eligibility and calculating rental assistance.
Income that may need to be reported can include:
- Wages and salaries
- Self-employment income
- Social Security benefits
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Retirement income
- Pension payments
- Unemployment compensation
- Certain disability benefits
- Child support or alimony
- Income from assets
- Other regular sources of income
Not every type of money received by a household is necessarily counted in the same way. Federal rules exclude certain types of income and may allow specific deductions when calculating adjusted household income.
Applicants should report all requested income information and allow HACLA to determine what is included or excluded. Leaving income off an application can delay processing or affect eligibility.
How to Apply for City of Los Angeles Section 8 Housing
The application process depends on whether HACLA’s Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is open.
Applicants generally cannot submit a regular Section 8 application whenever they choose. HACLA announces when applications are being accepted and provides instructions for the application period.
Step 1: Check Whether the HACLA Waiting List Is Open
Visit HACLA’s official website and review current announcements, waiting-list information, and application notices.
Waiting lists may remain closed for long periods because demand is much greater than the number of available vouchers.
Do not assume that an old application link or previous waiting-list announcement is still active. Always check the date and current status.
Official Source: Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles – Official Website
Step 2: Complete the Application During the Open Period
If HACLA opens the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list, follow the instructions in the official announcement.
Applicants may be asked to provide information such as:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Household size
- Household member information
- Contact information
- Mailing address
- Household income
- Social Security number, when required
- Information related to any applicable waiting-list preferences
Review all information before submitting the application. Incorrect or incomplete information may cause delays or create problems during eligibility verification.
Step 3: Save the Application Confirmation
After submitting an application, save any:
- Confirmation number
- Application number
- Confirmation email
- Screenshot or printed confirmation page
This information may be needed to check the application status or communicate with HACLA.
Applicants should not pay anyone to submit a standard Section 8 waiting-list application. Be cautious of websites or individuals requesting fees in exchange for guaranteed approval, priority placement, or a voucher.
Step 4: Check Your Waiting-List Status
Follow HACLA’s instructions for checking application or waiting-list status.
Being selected for or placed on a waiting list does not mean that a household has received a voucher. It generally means the household may be considered for assistance when funding and vouchers become available.
Step 5: Keep Your Information Updated
Applicants should update important information when required, including changes to:
- Mailing address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Household members
- Other information requested by HACLA
Failing to respond to notices or keeping outdated contact information on file may affect an applicant’s place on the waiting list.
Use only HACLA’s official procedures to report changes.
Is the City of Los Angeles Section 8 Waiting List Open?
Waiting-list status can change. HACLA opens the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list only during announced application periods.
The most recent broad HACLA Section 8 waiting-list lottery application period opened in October 2022 and later closed. Applicants should not assume that a new general application period is available unless HACLA publishes a current announcement.
HACLA may also administer specialized housing programs or separate waiting lists with different eligibility requirements. Availability can vary based on funding and program capacity.
Before applying, check HACLA’s official website for current information.
Official Source: Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles – News and Notifications
How Does the Section 8 Waiting List Work?
When applications exceed available assistance, HACLA uses a waiting-list process.
Depending on the application period, applicants may be selected through a lottery or another process described in the official notice. Applying early during a lottery period may not provide an advantage unless HACLA specifically says otherwise.
After placement on the waiting list, applicants may wait a significant amount of time before being contacted. The length of the wait depends on factors such as:
- Available federal funding
- Number of available vouchers
- Number of applicants
- Applicable waiting-list preferences
- Household eligibility
- HACLA program policies
There is no guaranteed waiting time.
When an applicant reaches the appropriate stage of the process, HACLA may request documents and conduct a full eligibility review. Applicants must still meet program requirements at that time.
What Happens After You Are Selected?
Selection from the waiting list is an important step, but it does not automatically mean that rental assistance will begin.
Applicants may need to complete several additional steps.
Eligibility Verification
HACLA may request documents to verify:
- Household income
- Household members
- Identity
- Citizenship or eligible immigration status
- Social Security information
- Assets
- Other eligibility information
Applicants should provide complete documents by the stated deadline.
Program Briefing
Eligible applicants may be required to attend a Housing Choice Voucher briefing. During the briefing, HACLA may explain:
- How the voucher works
- The authorized bedroom size
- How to search for housing
- Tenant responsibilities
- Landlord responsibilities
- Rental approval requirements
- Housing inspection requirements
Voucher Issuance
After completing the required process, the household may receive a voucher.
The voucher generally provides a limited period to find an eligible rental unit. Applicants should carefully review the voucher’s expiration date and HACLA’s rules regarding any possible extension.
How to Find Housing With a HACLA Section 8 Voucher
Voucher holders are generally responsible for finding their own rental units.
A household may search for housing through:
- HACLA property listings
- Rental listing websites
- Local property-management companies
- Community housing organizations
- Landlord advertisements
- Affordable housing search services
The rental unit must be located in an area where the voucher can be used under applicable program rules.
HACLA provides property-listing information for voucher holders. However, a listing does not necessarily mean that the unit is still available or automatically approved.
Official Source: Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles – Section 8 Property Listings
Does a Landlord Have to Accept Section 8 in Los Angeles?
California law generally protects people from housing discrimination based on their source of income. These protections include the use of rental assistance such as a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher.
A landlord generally cannot reject an applicant simply because the applicant uses a Section 8 voucher. Landlords also generally may not advertise that they refuse Section 8 or use a different income standard that improperly ignores the voucher.
However, voucher holders are not automatically entitled to every rental unit. Landlords may still apply lawful and consistent rental requirements, such as reviewing rental history, credit information, or the applicant’s ability to pay the tenant portion of the rent.
The unit must also satisfy Housing Choice Voucher requirements. HACLA must review the proposed rent, approve the tenancy, and confirm that the unit meets applicable housing standards before assistance can begin.
Applicants who believe they experienced unlawful housing discrimination may contact the California Civil Rights Department or another appropriate fair housing agency.
Official Source: California Civil Rights Department – Source of Income Discrimination
What Requirements Must a Section 8 Rental Unit Meet?
Finding a landlord who accepts the voucher does not automatically complete the process.
Before housing assistance begins, HACLA generally reviews the proposed tenancy and rental unit.
The unit must meet requirements related to:
- Health and safety
- Basic utilities
- Electrical systems
- Plumbing
- Heating
- Structural condition
- Security
- Sanitation
- Space and occupancy
- Other applicable federal housing standards
The proposed rent must also be reviewed under program rules.
If the unit does not meet the required standards, the landlord may need to make repairs before HACLA approves the tenancy.
How Much Rent Do Section 8 Tenants Pay in Los Angeles?
The tenant’s share of rent is calculated according to federal Housing Choice Voucher rules and the household’s circumstances.
Many participating households pay an amount generally connected to their adjusted monthly income. However, the exact tenant payment can be affected by:
- Household income
- Allowable deductions
- Utility responsibilities
- Approved rent
- Voucher payment standard
- Bedroom size
- Other program calculations
The household’s payment may be different from exactly 30% of gross income. Applicants should rely on HACLA’s official calculation rather than estimating their final rent from a general percentage.
HUD explains that households receiving rental assistance generally contribute toward housing costs based on program income calculations, while the housing agency pays an approved subsidy.
Official Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Housing Choice Voucher Program
What Are HACLA Voucher Payment Standards?
A voucher payment standard is used when calculating the amount of housing assistance available for an eligible household.
The payment standard is not necessarily:
- The maximum rent a landlord may charge
- The exact amount HACLA will pay
- The amount the tenant will pay
- A guarantee that a rental unit will be approved
Payment standards may vary based on factors such as voucher bedroom size and location. HACLA uses applicable payment standards when calculating housing assistance payments.
A household may be able to rent a unit above the payment standard in some circumstances, but this can increase the tenant’s required payment and remains subject to program limits and approval.
HACLA may update payment standards. Voucher holders should use the current information provided by HACLA.
Official Source: Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles – Voucher Payment Standards
Can You Use a Los Angeles Section 8 Voucher in Another City?
Housing Choice Vouchers may be portable. Portability allows eligible voucher holders to move and use assistance in another housing authority’s jurisdiction, subject to federal rules and housing authority procedures.
For example, a HACLA voucher holder may be able to move to another city or state after completing the required portability process.
Voucher holders should not move or sign a new lease before receiving the required approvals.
The process may involve:
- Contacting HACLA
- Confirming eligibility to move
- Receiving portability instructions
- Transferring required documents
- Working with the receiving housing authority
- Finding an eligible rental unit
- Completing the new housing approval process
Rules may differ for new voucher holders and current participants.
Official Source: Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles – Portability
City of Los Angeles Section 8 vs. Public Housing
Section 8 and public housing both help eligible households obtain affordable housing, but they work differently.
| Program | How It Generally Works |
| Housing Choice Voucher Program | The household generally finds an eligible privately owned rental unit and uses a voucher to help pay rent. |
| Public Housing | The household rents a unit in a public housing property managed or supported by a housing authority. |
HACLA maintains separate waiting lists for Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing. Applicants may be allowed to apply to both when the appropriate waiting lists are open.
Applying for public housing does not automatically place someone on the Section 8 waiting list, and applying for Section 8 does not automatically create a public housing application.
How to Avoid Section 8 Housing Scams
High demand for affordable housing can create opportunities for scams.
Watch for warning signs such as:
- Requests for payment to join a standard Section 8 waiting list
- Promises of guaranteed voucher approval
- Claims that payment can move an applicant to the top of the list
- Requests for money through gift cards or unusual payment methods
- Unofficial websites requesting sensitive information
- Rental listings that require payment before viewing the unit
- Individuals pretending to be HACLA employees
Use HACLA’s official website to verify waiting-list announcements and application instructions.
Never assume that a website is official simply because it uses the words “Section 8,” “HACLA,” or “Los Angeles housing.”
What Should You Do While Waiting for Section 8?
Because waiting periods may be long, applicants may want to explore other housing resources.
Possible options include:
- Applying to other open housing-authority waiting lists
- Checking public housing availability
- Searching for income-restricted apartments
- Reviewing affordable housing listings
- Contacting local housing assistance organizations
- Exploring programs for veterans, older adults, people with disabilities, or people experiencing homelessness
Households may generally apply to multiple housing waiting lists, although they cannot receive duplicate housing assistance from multiple housing authorities at the same time.
Eligibility and availability vary by program.
Conclusion:
The City of Los Angeles Section 8 housing program helps eligible low-income households afford privately owned rental housing through the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
To receive assistance, applicants generally must apply while the HACLA waiting list is open, remain on the waiting list until selected, complete an eligibility review, and receive a voucher. Voucher holders are then responsible for finding a suitable rental unit that meets program requirements and receives HACLA approval.
Because waiting-list availability, income limits, payment standards, and program procedures may change, applicants should verify current information directly through HACLA and HUD. Avoid unofficial services that promise guaranteed approval or faster access in exchange for payment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is City of Los Angeles Section 8 the same as HACLA?
HACLA is the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles. It administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program within its jurisdiction.
Can I apply for Los Angeles Section 8 at any time?
Usually, no. Applicants generally must wait until HACLA announces that the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is open.
Is the HACLA Section 8 application free?
Applicants should not have to pay a fee to submit a standard HACLA Section 8 waiting-list application. Be cautious of anyone charging money for guaranteed approval or priority placement.
Does joining the waiting list guarantee a voucher?
No. Placement on a waiting list does not guarantee rental assistance. Applicants must wait for assistance to become available and complete the required eligibility process.
How long is the Los Angeles Section 8 waiting list?
There is no guaranteed waiting period. The wait can depend on available funding, voucher availability, the number of applicants, applicable preferences, and other program factors.
Can a single person qualify for Section 8 in Los Angeles?
Yes. A single person may qualify if they meet applicable income and other program requirements.
Can seniors receive Section 8 housing assistance?
Yes. Older adults may qualify if they meet the applicable eligibility requirements.
