What the Los Angeles Housing Authority is and who it serves

The Los Angeles Housing Authority (LAHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs for low-income residents across Los Angeles County. It is not a landlord itself — it does not own most of the apartments it helps pay for. Instead, LAHA administers federal money that subsidizes rent in privately owned buildings, and it also manages some public housing properties. The agency serves roughly 60,000 households through various programs, though the exact number changes as funding and demand shift.

LAHA operates under federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This means the programs, income limits, and waiting lists follow a national framework, but LAHA makes decisions about how to run them locally. If you live in Los Angeles County and your income is below a certain threshold — which varies by program and family size — you may be able to use LAHA services.

Key Takeaways

  • LAHA runs the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8), public housing, and other subsidized programs, but does not own most of the apartments it helps pay for.
  • Income limits and rent contributions are set by federal rules and vary by program, family size, and the area where you live.
  • Waiting lists for most LAHA programs are closed or have years-long waits, so you should check the current status on the LAHA website before planning around a program.
  • LAHA is located in downtown Los Angeles, but you can reach it by phone, mail, or online portal — you do not have to visit in person for most tasks.
  • If you have a dispute with LAHA or your landlord, you have the right to a hearing, and LAHA must follow specific procedures before taking action like terminating your voucher.

The Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly called Section 8, is LAHA's largest program. If you receive a voucher, LAHA pays a portion of your rent directly to your landlord, and you pay the rest. The amount LAHA pays is based on the fair market rent for your area and your household income. You choose where to live — the voucher works at any privately owned apartment where the landlord agrees to participate, not just LAHA-owned buildings.

To use a voucher, you must find a landlord willing to accept it, pass an inspection, and sign a lease. Your share of the rent is typically 30 percent of your adjusted gross income, though this can vary. LAHA pays the difference between your share and the voucher amount, up to the fair market rent limit for your area. If you find an apartment that rents for less than the voucher amount, you pay less.

The Section 8 waiting list in Los Angeles County has been closed since 2008. LAHA occasionally opens it for brief periods — usually a few weeks — but it closes again once a certain number of people have registered. You can check the LAHA website or call their main line to find out whether the list is currently open. If it is closed, you can ask to be notified when it opens again.

Public housing and other LAHA programs

LAHA owns and manages public housing apartments in several Los Angeles neighborhoods. These are buildings where LAHA is both the owner and the landlord. Rent is based on your income, typically 30 percent of what you earn. Public housing waiting lists are also closed in most cases, though LAHA sometimes opens them for specific developments or neighborhoods.

LAHA also runs smaller programs including Project-Based Vouchers (where the subsidy is tied to a specific building rather than following you), supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness, and programs for seniors and people with disabilities. Each has its own waiting list and rules. The LAHA website lists all active programs and whether their waiting lists are open.

Income limits and how much you pay

LAHA programs have income limits that change each year. For Section 8, the limit is usually 50 percent of the area median income for Los Angeles County, though some households earning up to 80 percent of median income may be served depending on funding. A family of four in Los Angeles County, for example, has a different income limit than a single person, and the limit itself shifts annually based on HUD calculations.

Your rent contribution is calculated from your gross income minus deductions for dependents, disability, medical expenses, and child care. LAHA will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or other proof of income. If your income changes, you must report it to LAHA — failing to do so can result in overpayment and a demand to repay the difference.

How to contact LAHA and check waiting list status

LAHA's main office is located at 1020 South Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015. You can reach them by phone at (213) 252-2500. Most LAHA services can be handled by phone or through their online portal — you do not need to visit in person to explore or report changes. LAHA also has regional offices in other parts of Los Angeles County; the website lists their addresses and phone numbers.

Before contacting LAHA, check their website at lahc.la.gov to see which waiting lists are currently open and what documents you will need. The website also has information about income limits for the current year and links to the online portal where you can check your process status if you are already in the system.

What happens after you receive a voucher or are placed in public housing

Once you receive a Section 8 voucher, you have a limited time — usually 60 to 120 days depending on your circumstances — to find an apartment and have it inspected. LAHA will give you a list of requirements the apartment must meet, including safety and habitability standards. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher and sign a lease with LAHA.

After you move in, LAHA conducts an annual inspection to make sure the apartment still meets standards. You must pay your share of rent on time and report any changes in income or household composition. If you move, you can transfer your voucher to a new apartment as long as you follow LAHA's procedures. If you stop using the voucher for more than a certain period, LAHA may terminate it.

Your rights and how to file a complaint or request a hearing

LAHA must follow federal and state housing law when making decisions about your program participation. You have the right to know why LAHA is taking action against you — such as terminating your voucher or evicting you from public housing — and you have the right to request a hearing before that action takes effect. LAHA must provide written notice and give you time to respond.

If you believe LAHA has violated your rights or made an error, you can file a complaint with LAHA's Office of Inspector General or with HUD's Office of Inspector General. You can also contact a legal aid organization in Los Angeles County, many of which offer free help with housing issues. The California Department of Consumer Affairs also handles complaints about housing programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Wait times depend on when the waiting list opened and how many people are ahead of you. In Los Angeles, the list has been closed since 2008, so there is no current wait time — you cannot register unless LAHA opens the list. When it does open, it typically closes within weeks. Once you are on the list and it begins to move, it can take several years to reach the top.

Can I use my LAHA voucher outside Los Angeles County?

Yes, Section 8 vouchers are portable. You can move to another county or state and use your voucher there, but you must contact LAHA first and follow their transfer procedures. The new housing authority in your destination area will take over administering your voucher. Fair market rent limits may be different in the new location, which could affect how much LAHA pays.

What if I lose my job while I have a voucher?

Report the change to LAHA when ready. Your rent contribution will be recalculated based on your new income. If your income drops to zero, LAHA may reduce your rent to a minimum amount (usually $25 to $50 per month). You must continue to pay your share and keep the apartment in good condition. LAHA can terminate your voucher if you do not pay rent or violate lease terms.

Can LAHA evict me from public housing?

Yes, LAHA can evict you for lease violations such as non-payment of rent, criminal activity, or damage to the property. LAHA must follow eviction procedures under California law, which means providing written notice and opportunity to cure the violation before filing in court. You have the right to a hearing before LAHA terminates your lease.

What if I think LAHA made a mistake with my rent calculation?

Request a hearing with LAHA's hearing officer. You will have the chance to present documents showing your actual income and explain any errors. Bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, or other proof of income. If LAHA did overcharge you, they must refund the difference. If you underpaid, LAHA may ask you to repay it or adjust future rent.