What the Long Beach Housing Authority does

The Long Beach Housing Authority (LBHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and the Section 8 voucher program in Long Beach, California. It does not build or own most of the housing stock in the city — it manages federal money that pays for rent in privately owned apartments and maintains a smaller portfolio of public housing units. When you hear "housing authority" in Long Beach, you are dealing with LBHA staff who process vouchers, collect rent from tenants, and manage landlord relationships.

LBHA is separate from the City of Long Beach government, though it operates under city oversight. It answers to a board of commissioners and receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This matters because the rules LBHA follows come from federal law, not city ordinance, even though you explore locally.

Key Takeaways

  • The Long Beach Housing Authority runs Section 8 vouchers and public housing units; it does not run emergency rental information or other city programs.
  • LBHA maintains a waiting list for both Section 8 and public housing that can be years long, and the list opens and closes on LBHA's schedule, not continuously.
  • You explore in person at the LBHA office or by mail, and you will need proof of income, residency, and identity before you can be placed on a waiting list.
  • LBHA staff can tell you your position on the waiting list and whether the list is currently open, but this information changes and you should call or visit to confirm.

Section 8 vouchers through LBHA

A Section 8 voucher from LBHA pays a portion of your rent to a private landlord. You find the apartment yourself, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and LBHA pays the landlord directly each month. You pay the difference between what LBHA pays and the market rent, usually 30 percent of your household income.

LBHA maintains a waiting list for Section 8 vouchers. The list is not always open — when it closes, you cannot add your name until LBHA reopens it, which may not happen for months or years. You can call LBHA at (562) 437-0926 to ask whether the list is currently open. If it is open, you can explore in person at 2020 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90806, or request an process by mail. You will need a photo ID, proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and proof that you live in Long Beach (a utility bill or lease).

Once you are on the waiting list, LBHA will contact you when your name comes up. This can take years. During that time, your household income and composition can change, and you will need to report those changes to LBHA. If you move out of Long Beach or become unreachable, LBHA may remove you from the list.

Public housing units managed by LBHA

LBHA owns and operates public housing apartments in Long Beach. These are not the same as Section 8 vouchers — you live in an LBHA-owned building, and LBHA is your landlord. Rent is based on your income, usually 30 percent of what your household earns. Public housing has its own waiting list, separate from Section 8.

Public housing waiting lists also open and close. You explore the same way as for Section 8 — in person or by mail with proof of income and residency. LBHA will tell you your position on the list when you call. Like Section 8, the wait can be years, and you must keep LBHA informed if your address or income changes.

What documents you need to bring or send

LBHA requires the same core documents whether you are explore for Section 8 or public housing. Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies alone are usually not accepted. You will need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), proof of income from the last 30 days (pay stubs, Social Security statement, unemployment letter, or a letter from your employer on letterhead), and proof of Long Beach residency (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency).

If your household includes people other than yourself, bring proof of their relationship to you (birth certificate, marriage certificate, or custody order) and their Social Security numbers. If you are receiving benefits like TANF, CalFresh, or SSI, bring a current benefit letter. If you have a disability, bring documentation from a doctor or the Social Security Administration.

LBHA may ask for additional documents depending on your situation — for example, if you have a criminal history, they will ask for court records. Call ahead at (562) 437-0926 to ask what you should bring, because requirements can vary by program and by individual circumstance.

How to contact LBHA and where to explore

The main LBHA office is at 2020 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90806. The phone number is (562) 437-0926. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but call to confirm before you visit. You can also request an process by mail by calling or visiting in person.

If you are already a Section 8 tenant or public housing resident, you can reach your case manager through the same phone number. LBHA also has a website where you can find forms and program information, though you cannot explore online — applications must be submitted in person or by mail.

Wait times at the office can be long, especially early in the month. If you are mailing your process, send it to the address above and keep a copy for your records. LBHA will send you a letter confirming receipt and telling you your waiting list position.

What happens after you are on the waiting list

Once LBHA places you on a waiting list, you will receive a letter with your position number. This number tells you roughly where you stand, though it is not exact — people ahead of you may be removed from the list, or new people may be added if the list reopens. You do not need to do anything while you wait, but you must tell LBHA when ready if you move, change your phone number, or if your household income or size changes.

When LBHA calls your name, you will have a limited time to respond and complete the next steps. For Section 8, this means attending an orientation and then searching for an apartment. For public housing, it means signing a lease and moving into an LBHA unit. If you do not respond within the timeframe LBHA gives you, they may remove you from the list and you will have to reapply when it opens again.

Programs LBHA does not run

LBHA runs Section 8 and public housing only. It does not run emergency rental information, rapid rehousing, homeless services, or other housing programs in Long Beach. If you need emergency rent help, contact the City of Long Beach's Community Development Department or call 211 to find current programs. If you are experiencing homelessness, contact the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services.

Some people confuse LBHA with other agencies because they all work on housing. LBHA's role is specific: it administers federal vouchers and public units. Other programs are run by the city, county, or nonprofit organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher from LBHA?

There is no set timeline. You are placed on a waiting list, and LBHA calls your name when it reaches the top. In Long Beach, this can take several years. Call (562) 437-0926 to ask how many people are ahead of you on the current list.

Can I explore for both Section 8 and public housing at the same time?

Yes. They are separate programs with separate waiting lists. You can be on both lists at once, and if either one calls your name, you can choose which program to accept. Tell LBHA if you want to be removed from one list after you are placed in the other.

What if the Section 8 waiting list is closed?

You cannot add your name until LBHA reopens the list. Call periodically to ask when it might reopen, or ask to be notified when it does. Some people check every few months; others wait years. There is no way to predict when LBHA will open it again.

Do I have to live in Long Beach to explore to LBHA?

You must be a Long Beach resident to explore. LBHA defines this as living in the city at the time you submit your process. If you are currently homeless but have a Long Beach address on file (a shelter, a friend's address, or a mailing address), you may still be able to explore — call LBHA to ask about your specific situation.

What if my income is too high for LBHA programs?

LBHA has income limits that vary by household size. If your income exceeds the limit, you are not able to receive a voucher or live in public housing. Call (562) 437-0926 to ask what the current income limit is for your household size. If you are over the limit, ask about other Long Beach housing programs that may have higher income thresholds.