What the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles does

The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) is a public agency that runs affordable housing programs for low-income residents in Los Angeles. It manages public housing properties, administers the Section 8 voucher program, and operates other affordable housing initiatives across the city. HACLA does not set rent prices for private apartments — it helps people pay rent through government vouchers and maintains its own apartment buildings.

HACLA serves people whose income falls below certain thresholds set by the federal government. These thresholds change each year and depend on family size. The agency is separate from the City of Los Angeles government, though it receives public funding and operates under federal housing law.

Key Takeaways

  • HACLA runs two main programs: public housing (apartments it owns) and Section 8 vouchers (payments to private landlords on your behalf).
  • You must meet income limits based on your family size, and these limits change annually.
  • HACLA maintains a waitlist for both programs, and wait times can be years long depending on the program and your household type.
  • You can contact HACLA through its website, phone line, or in-person offices to learn about current waitlist status and program requirements.
  • HACLA also runs special programs for seniors, people with disabilities, and formerly homeless individuals.

HACLA's two main housing programs

Public housing means apartments that HACLA owns and operates. You pay rent based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income — and HACLA covers the rest of the operating costs. Public housing is scattered across Los Angeles in various neighborhoods. The waitlist for public housing is typically several years long.

Section 8 vouchers are payments HACLA makes directly to private landlords on your behalf. You find an apartment in the private market, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and HACLA pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the difference, usually 30 percent of your income. The Section 8 waitlist is also typically years long and is often closed to new applicants.

Both programs require you to meet income limits. HACLA publishes these limits on its website each year. Your household income must fall below the limit for your family size to be considered.

How to find out about waitlists and current status

HACLA maintains separate waitlists for public housing and Section 8 vouchers. Waitlist status changes — sometimes they are open to new applicants, sometimes they are closed. You can check the current status on HACLA's website or by calling their main phone line.

If a waitlist is open, you can request an process. HACLA will mail or email it to you. You return the completed process by mail or in person at one of HACLA's offices. Processing times vary, but HACLA typically sends you a notice within a few weeks confirming that your process was received.

If you are already on a waitlist, you can check your position by calling HACLA or logging into their online portal if you have created an account. Wait times depend on your household type — families with children, seniors, and people with disabilities may have different waitlist positions than other households.

HACLA's special programs for specific populations

HACLA runs programs designed for seniors (usually age 62 and older), people with disabilities, and formerly homeless individuals. These programs sometimes have shorter waitlists or different income limits than the general public housing and Section 8 programs. HACLA's website lists these programs and their specific requirements.

If you fall into one of these categories, ask HACLA staff whether you should explore to the general waitlist or a specialized program. Some people are better served by one program than another depending on their situation.

Income limits and rent calculations

HACLA uses federal income limits that vary by family size and are updated each year. A single person's limit is different from a family of four. Your household income includes wages, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and other regular income sources.

Once you are in a HACLA program, your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly household income. If your income increases, your rent increases. If your income decreases, your rent decreases. You report income changes to HACLA, and they recalculate your rent annually or when you report a significant change.

How to contact HACLA

HACLA's main office is located in downtown Los Angeles, and the agency also operates regional offices across the city. You can reach HACLA by phone, through its website, or by visiting an office in person. Phone wait times can be long, especially during business hours.

HACLA's website has information about current waitlist status, income limits, program requirements, and office locations. You can also find links to explore online or request an process by mail. If you need help understanding the programs or your process status, staff at any HACLA office can answer questions.

What happens after you are placed on a waitlist

Once your process is accepted and you are on the waitlist, you will receive periodic notices from HACLA. These notices confirm that you are still on the list and may ask you to update your information. You must respond to these notices or you may be removed from the waitlist.

When a unit or voucher becomes available and your name reaches the top of the waitlist, HACLA will contact you. You will be asked to complete additional paperwork, provide proof of income and identity, and participate in an interview. HACLA will also conduct a background check and verify your income. If everything is in order, you will be offered a unit or voucher.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a HACLA apartment or voucher?

Wait times vary widely depending on the program and your household type. Public housing and Section 8 waitlists typically have wait times measured in years, not months. Some specialized programs for seniors or people with disabilities may move faster. HACLA's website shows estimated wait times for each program.

Can I be on both the public housing and Section 8 waitlists at the same time?

Yes. You can explore to both programs simultaneously. Some people prefer one over the other, but explore to both increases your chances of being placed sooner. Let HACLA know if you are on multiple waitlists so they can coordinate if a unit or voucher becomes available.

What if my income is above the limit?

If your income exceeds HACLA's limit for your family size, you will not be able to enter the program. Income limits are set by the federal government and change each year. HACLA publishes the current limits on its website. If your income drops in the future, you can reapply.

Do I have to live in Los Angeles to explore to HACLA?

HACLA serves Los Angeles city residents. You typically must live or work in Los Angeles to be considered. Some programs have specific residency requirements. Check with HACLA about whether you meet the residency rules for the program you are interested in.

What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?

HACLA conducts background checks and reviews housing history. Some criminal convictions and recent evictions can disqualify you, but not all. HACLA evaluates each case individually. If you have concerns about your background, ask HACLA staff what their specific policies are before you explore.