What the Los Angeles Housing Authority does

The Los Angeles Housing Authority (LAHA) is a public agency that runs affordable housing programs for low-income residents across the city. It manages public housing units, administers the Section 8 voucher program, and operates other information programs. LAHA does not set may be able to access rules on its own — those come from federal law — but it is the body that processes requests, maintains waiting lists, and distributes vouchers in Los Angeles.

LAHA is separate from the City of Los Angeles government, though it operates under city boundaries. It answers to a board of commissioners and receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If you live in Los Angeles and are looking for affordable housing through a federal program, LAHA is the agency you will contact.

Key Takeaways

  • The Los Angeles Housing Authority runs Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and other affordable housing programs within city limits.
  • LAHA maintains separate waiting lists for different programs, and most lists are currently closed to new applicants.
  • You can contact LAHA directly by phone, mail, or through its website to learn which programs are open and what documents you will need.
  • Section 8 vouchers allow you to rent from a private landlord and pay a portion of rent while LAHA pays the rest directly to the landlord.
  • Public housing units are owned and managed by LAHA itself, and rent is based on your household income.

Section 8 vouchers through LAHA

The Section 8 program is LAHA's largest program. A Section 8 voucher allows you to rent an apartment or house from a private landlord and pay a portion of the rent yourself — typically 30 percent of your household income — while LAHA pays the landlord the difference. The voucher is not cash; it is a commitment from LAHA to the landlord that covers the gap between what you pay and the fair market rent for your area.

To use a Section 8 voucher, you must find a landlord willing to accept it. Not all landlords participate, so you will need to search for units and confirm the landlord accepts vouchers before explore. Once you have a lease signed, LAHA inspects the unit to may support it meets housing quality standards, then begins paying the landlord.

The Section 8 waiting list in Los Angeles is currently closed. LAHA opens the list periodically, usually for a limited time, and then closes it again once a certain number of applicants have been added. You can check the LAHA website or call to learn when the list may reopen.

Public housing managed by LAHA

LAHA also owns and manages public housing units throughout Los Angeles. These are apartments and complexes owned by the authority itself, not private landlords. Rent in public housing is set at 30 percent of your household income, regardless of the market rent in your neighborhood. This can be significantly cheaper than private market rent, especially in expensive areas of Los Angeles.

Public housing has its own waiting list, which is also currently closed. The process process requires proof of income, household composition, and citizenship or immigration status. Units vary in size and location, and LAHA assigns units based on family size and preferences when a unit becomes available.

Other LAHA programs and services

Beyond Section 8 and public housing, LAHA administers other programs that may be available depending on your situation. These include housing for seniors, people with disabilities, and families experiencing homelessness. Some programs are project-based, meaning the subsidy is tied to a specific building rather than to you as a tenant.

LAHA also provides housing search information and landlord outreach for Section 8 participants. If you hold a voucher, LAHA can help you understand your rights and responsibilities, and can provide resources for finding participating landlords.

How to contact LAHA and check waiting list status

You can reach the Los Angeles Housing Authority by phone at (213) 252-2500. The main office is located at 2600 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90057. LAHA also maintains a website where you can find information about current programs, waiting list status, and process requirements.

When you call or visit, have your household income information ready and be prepared to describe your housing situation. LAHA staff can tell you which waiting lists are currently open, what documents you will need to bring, and what the timeline typically looks like. Because waiting lists change status throughout the year, calling directly is the fastest way to learn whether you can explore now.

You can also visit LAHA's office in person during business hours. Bring identification and any documents related to your income, household size, and current housing situation. Staff can answer questions and provide process materials on the spot.

Income limits and rent calculations

LAHA programs have income limits that vary by program and household size. These limits are set by HUD and change annually. A household of one person has a lower limit than a household of four, for example. You must fall below the limit for your household size to be considered for most programs.

Rent in LAHA programs is calculated as 30 percent of your gross household income. If your income is $2,000 per month, you would pay $600 per month in rent. If your income increases, your rent increases proportionally. LAHA recertifies your income annually, so your rent can change year to year based on changes in your earnings.

What happens after you are on a waiting list

Once your process is accepted and you are added to a waiting list, you enter a queue. LAHA contacts applicants in the order they applied, though some programs prioritize certain groups — such as people experiencing homelessness or those with disabilities — and may move them up the list. The wait time varies widely depending on the program and how many people are ahead of you.

While you are waiting, keep your contact information current with LAHA. If you move, change your phone number, or have a significant change in your household, notify LAHA when ready. If LAHA cannot reach you when a unit or voucher becomes available, you may be skipped and moved to the bottom of the list or removed entirely.

When LAHA contacts you, you will be asked to provide updated income verification and household information. You will also be told about the unit or voucher available to you and given a important date to accept or decline it. If you decline, you may lose your place on the list or be moved down, depending on the program rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Wait times vary significantly depending on how many people are on the list ahead of you. In Los Angeles, wait times have ranged from several years to over a decade in the past. Since the Section 8 list is currently closed, you cannot know your position until the list reopens and your process is processed.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher from LAHA to rent outside Los Angeles?

No. A Section 8 voucher issued by the Los Angeles Housing Authority can only be used to rent within LAHA's jurisdiction, which is the city of Los Angeles. If you move outside the city, you would need to transfer your voucher to another housing authority, and that authority would need to have available funding to accept the transfer.

What if I am denied by LAHA?

LAHA will provide a reason for denial in writing. Common reasons include income above the limit, failure to provide required documents, or criminal history that disqualifies you under federal rules. You have the right to request a hearing to dispute the decision. Contact LAHA to learn the process for requesting a hearing in your case.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to explore for LAHA programs?

No, but you must have may be able to access immigration status. Permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and certain other categories are may be able to access. Undocumented immigrants are not may be able to access for federal housing programs. LAHA will ask for immigration documentation as part of the process process.

Can I own a car or have savings and still get Section 8 or public housing?

Yes. LAHA programs have income limits but generally do not have asset limits. You can own a vehicle and have money in the bank. What matters is your monthly household income, not what you own. However, income from savings or investments counts toward your total income.