What the Housing Authority of Long Beach does
The Housing Authority of Long Beach (HALB) is a public agency that owns and manages rental housing in Long Beach, California, and administers federal housing voucher programs for low-income residents. It does not set citywide housing policy or regulate private landlords — it operates as a landlord itself and as a voucher administrator. HALB manages roughly 3,000 public housing units and distributes Section 8 vouchers to households that meet income limits.
The agency's main role is to provide affordable housing directly through its own properties, and to help residents pay rent in the private market through vouchers. Both programs have income limits and waiting lists. HALB is separate from the City of Long Beach government, though it receives some city funding and works with city departments on housing issues.
Key Takeaways
- HALB manages public housing units and Section 8 vouchers; it does not regulate private landlords or set city housing rules.
- Both public housing and voucher programs have income limits based on area median income, and both have waiting lists that can be years long.
- You can contact HALB directly by phone, mail, or in person at their main office to ask about current programs and waiting list status.
- Public housing and Section 8 vouchers are separate programs with different process processes and different rules about rent you pay.
- HALB also runs other programs including family self-sufficiency services and homeownership counseling for some residents.
HALB public housing: what it is and how to get on the waiting list
HALB owns apartment buildings throughout Long Beach and rents units to households below certain income thresholds. In public housing, you pay rent based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income, though HALB's exact formula depends on your household composition and circumstances. The agency covers the rest of the cost through federal funding.
To get on the waiting list for public housing, you must meet income limits set by HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development). For Long Beach, the limits change yearly but are roughly 50 to 80 percent of area median income depending on household size. You will need to provide proof of income, citizenship or immigration status, and a Social Security number for each household member.
HALB's public housing waiting list is typically closed or has a very long wait time — sometimes several years. You can call HALB's main office to ask whether the list is currently open and what documents you need to bring. If the list is closed, ask when it typically reopens or whether you can request notification when it does.
Section 8 vouchers: how they work and current status
A Section 8 voucher is a federal subsidy that pays part of your rent in a private apartment. You find your own place, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and HUD pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the difference — usually 30 percent of your income, though this varies by program and household.
HALB administers Section 8 vouchers for Long Beach residents. Like public housing, the program has strict income limits and a waiting list. The waiting list for Section 8 is also typically closed or very long. When it opens, HALB usually accepts applications for a limited time — sometimes a few weeks — then closes it again. You can contact HALB to learn when the list last opened and whether there is any estimate for the next opening.
If you receive a voucher, you have a set amount of time to find a landlord who will accept it. Not all landlords participate in Section 8, and some refuse vouchers even though it is illegal to do so in California. HALB can provide a list of landlords who have worked with the program before, though finding a place can still be difficult in a tight rental market.
How to contact HALB and what to ask
The Housing Authority of Long Beach is located at 2640 North Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90815. You can reach them by phone at (562) 437-0926. They also have a website where you can find information about current programs and sometimes submit inquiries online.
When you call or visit, ask specifically: Is the public housing waiting list open, and if not, when did it last open? Is the Section 8 waiting list open? What documents do you need to bring to explore? What are the current income limits? How long is the current wait time? These are factual questions HALB staff can answer directly.
If you are currently in HALB housing or have a voucher, you can also contact them about maintenance requests, rent calculations, or changes to your household income. Each program has a separate office or department, so ask which one handles your situation.
Other programs HALB runs
Beyond public housing and Section 8 vouchers, HALB administers a Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program that helps residents increase income and move toward self-sufficiency. The program offers case management, job training referrals, and sometimes helps with childcare or transportation costs. FSS is available to some public housing and voucher residents, though not all.
HALB also provides homeownership counseling and down payment information for residents who want to buy a home. These programs have their own income limits and requirements. Ask HALB whether you are currently in a program that makes you may be able to access for FSS or homeownership services.
What HALB does not do
HALB does not regulate private landlords, enforce tenant rights, or handle complaints about private rental housing. If you have a dispute with a private landlord — over repairs, eviction, security deposits, or discrimination — you need to contact the City of Long Beach's Department of Housing and Neighborhood Services or a tenant rights organization, not HALB.
HALB also does not run emergency rental information programs, though the City of Long Beach may have separate emergency funds. If you need help with current rent arrears or upcoming rent, ask HALB whether they know of city or county programs, but understand that HALB's own programs are for long-term housing, not emergency relief.
Income limits and how they affect your options
Both HALB public housing and Section 8 vouchers have income limits. You must earn below a certain amount to be admitted to either program. The limits are set by HUD and adjusted yearly based on area median income. For a single person in Long Beach, the limit for public housing admission is typically around $35,000 to $45,000 per year, though this varies by program and year. For a family of four, it is higher.
If your income is above the limit, you do not meet the basic requirement and cannot get on the waiting list. If your income rises after you are admitted, HALB may increase your rent but usually will not evict you when ready. Ask HALB about their income recertification policy and what happens if your income changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the waiting list for HALB housing?
Wait times vary and change frequently. Public housing and Section 8 waiting lists are often closed or have waits of several years. Call HALB at (562) 437-0926 to ask the current status. They can tell you whether the list is open and, if it is, how long people typically wait.
Can I explore for both public housing and Section 8 at the same time?
Yes. They are separate programs with separate waiting lists and applications. Being on one list does not affect your chances on the other. However, if you receive public housing, you typically cannot also hold a Section 8 voucher.
What if I do not have proof of citizenship?
HALB requires proof of citizenship or may be able to access immigration status for all household members. If you are not a U.S. citizen, ask HALB which immigration statuses may have access to for public housing or Section 8. Some statuses make you ineligible; others do not. Bring documentation of your status when you explore.
Does HALB help with eviction or landlord disputes?
No. HALB handles only its own housing and voucher programs. For disputes with a private landlord or help with eviction, contact the City of Long Beach's Department of Housing and Neighborhood Services or a local tenant rights organization.
What happens if my income increases while I am in HALB housing?
HALB will recertify your income, usually yearly. If your income rises, your rent will increase — you will pay a higher percentage of your income. You will not lose your housing when ready, but your rent obligation will change. Ask HALB about their recertification schedule and rent adjustment policy.