What the Long Beach Housing Authority does

The Long Beach Housing Authority (LBHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs for people in Long Beach, California. It administers Section 8 vouchers, manages public housing properties, and oversees emergency rental information when funding is available. The agency does not build or own most of the housing itself — it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits, and it manages a smaller number of public housing units directly.

LBHA is separate from the City of Long Beach government, though it operates under state and federal rules. If you live in Long Beach and need information about subsidized housing, rent information, or tenant protections, LBHA is often the first place to contact because it knows which programs are currently open and what the local waiting lists look like.

Key Takeaways

  • The Long Beach Housing Authority runs Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and emergency rental information programs for Long Beach residents.
  • You can reach LBHA by phone at (562) 437-0926 or visit their office at 2020 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90806 to ask about current programs and waiting lists.
  • Section 8 vouchers have a waiting list that opens and closes depending on demand; you cannot know if you are on the list without contacting LBHA directly.
  • Emergency rental information is available when funds are open, but programs run out of money and may close to new requests for months at a time.
  • LBHA can tell you whether you meet income limits for any program, but you will need to provide proof of income, residency, and a lease or rental agreement.

How to contact the Long Beach Housing Authority

The main phone line is (562) 437-0926. LBHA staff can tell you whether a program is currently open, what the waiting list status is, and what documents you will need. The office is located at 2020 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90806, and you can visit in person during business hours if you prefer to speak face-to-face.

When you call, have your income information ready — LBHA will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or proof of benefits to determine whether you fall within the income limits for each program. If you are renting, have your lease available as well. LBHA also has a website where you can find forms and program descriptions, though the phone line is usually the fastest way to learn whether a program is open right now.

Section 8 vouchers in Long Beach

A Section 8 voucher is a federal subsidy that pays part of your rent directly to your landlord. You find your own apartment, and the voucher covers the difference between what you pay and what the government considers fair market rent for your area. In Long Beach, fair market rent varies by bedroom count — a one-bedroom is lower than a three-bedroom.

LBHA maintains a waiting list for Section 8 vouchers. The list opens periodically when LBHA has funding and closes when demand is high. You cannot know whether the list is open without calling or checking the website. If the list is open when you contact them, LBHA will explain the income limits and what documents to bring. If the list is closed, ask when it typically reopens — this varies year to year.

Once you receive a voucher, you have a limited time (usually 120 days) to find an apartment. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and the unit must pass a housing quality inspection. Not all landlords accept Section 8, so having a voucher does not may provide you will find housing quickly.

Public housing units managed by LBHA

LBHA owns and operates a smaller number of public housing apartments throughout Long Beach. These are different from Section 8 vouchers — you rent directly from LBHA, not from a private landlord. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, which is usually lower than market rent.

Public housing also has a waiting list. Income limits explore, and LBHA will ask for proof of residency in Long Beach, income documentation, and references. The waiting list can be long, and units become available only when a tenant moves out. Call LBHA to ask about the current wait time and whether new applications are being taken.

Emergency rental information from LBHA

When funding is available, LBHA distributes emergency rental information to tenants who have fallen behind on rent due to a recent hardship — job loss, illness, or unexpected expense. The program pays the landlord directly for back rent owed. You will need a signed lease, proof of the hardship, and proof that you live in Long Beach.

Emergency rental information funds come from the state and federal government and run out. LBHA may have money available one month and be closed to new requests the next. The only way to know the current status is to call (562) 437-0926 or check their website. If the fund is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen — some programs receive new funding on a quarterly or annual schedule.

Income limits and what documents you need

All LBHA programs have income limits based on household size. The limits change yearly and are set by the federal government. LBHA staff will tell you the current limits when you call. Generally, you must earn below 50 to 80 percent of the area median income, depending on the program.

To explore for any LBHA program, you will typically need: recent pay stubs or proof of income (tax returns, benefit statements), proof of residency in Long Beach (utility bill, lease), a signed lease or rental agreement, and identification. If you are experiencing homelessness or do not have all documents, ask LBHA what alternatives they accept — some programs have flexibility for people without standard paperwork.

What to do if you have a dispute with your landlord

LBHA administers housing programs but does not handle landlord-tenant disputes directly. If you have a problem with your landlord — failure to make repairs, illegal eviction, or retaliation — you have separate legal protections under California law and Long Beach municipal code.

Contact the City of Long Beach Department of Housing and Neighborhood Services for code violations or repair issues. For eviction defense or tenant rights questions, the Long Beach Community Action Partnership and the Legal Aid Society of Long Beach both offer free or low-cost help. These organizations are separate from LBHA but work in the same community and know the local housing landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Section 8 waiting list in Long Beach?

The waiting list length changes depending on how many people are on it and how many vouchers LBHA has to distribute. It can range from months to years. Call (562) 437-0926 to ask the current wait time. If the list is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen.

Can I explore for Section 8 if I have an eviction on my record?

LBHA will review your history, but an eviction does not automatically disqualify you. Call to ask about LBHA's specific screening policy. Some programs are more flexible than others, and circumstances matter — an eviction from years ago is treated differently than a recent one.

What if I do not have a lease yet?

Most LBHA programs require a signed lease to process your request. If you are homeless or do not have housing yet, ask LBHA whether you can explore before finding an apartment, or whether you need to find housing first. Some emergency information programs have different rules.

Does LBHA help with utilities or other housing costs?

LBHA's main programs focus on rent. Some emergency information funds may cover utilities if they are part of the rental agreement. Call to ask what is covered under the current program. For utility information, contact the City of Long Beach or 211 to learn about other programs.

What if I miss a important date or do not have all my documents ready?

Call LBHA and explain your situation. Staff can tell you whether you can submit documents later or whether the important date is firm. Some programs allow you to submit missing paperwork within a few days; others require everything upfront. It is better to ask than to assume.