What the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles actually does

The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) is a public agency that runs three main programs: public housing, Section 8 vouchers, and mixed-income developments. It does not set housing policy for the city — that is the city council's job. HACLA administers the programs themselves: it owns and maintains public housing buildings, issues and manages Section 8 vouchers that subsidize rent at private landlords, and develops new affordable housing on its own land.

HACLA serves roughly 65,000 households across Los Angeles. Most people interact with it through the Section 8 voucher program, which is the largest. If you live in HACLA public housing or hold a Section 8 voucher, HACLA is your landlord or the agency managing your subsidy.

The agency is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council. It has its own executive director and staff separate from city government, though it operates under city authority and receives some city funding alongside federal money.

Key Takeaways

  • HACLA runs public housing, Section 8 vouchers, and new affordable developments — these are three separate programs with different rules and waiting lists.
  • Section 8 vouchers are the most common way people interact with HACLA, and the waiting list is typically closed because demand far exceeds available vouchers.
  • If you live in HACLA public housing or hold a voucher, HACLA or its contractors handle rent collection, maintenance, and lease enforcement.
  • HACLA's main office is downtown, but you can reach it by phone or mail; many transactions can be done online through the resident portal.
  • Disputes with HACLA over lease violations, maintenance, or voucher termination can be appealed through HACLA's internal process before going to court.

The three programs HACLA runs and how they differ

Public housing means HACLA owns the building and you are the tenant. HACLA sets the rent based on your income (usually 30 percent of what you earn), handles maintenance and repairs, and enforces the lease. Public housing has the lowest rent but the longest waiting list — some sites have not opened their list in years. Buildings vary widely in condition and location.

Section 8 vouchers mean you find a private apartment and HACLA pays part of the rent to the landlord. You pay the rest (usually 30 percent of your income). You choose where to live within Los Angeles County, and the landlord must accept the voucher. HACLA inspects the unit, approves the lease, and pays the landlord directly. This program has more housing choice than public housing but the waiting list is also closed most of the time.

Mixed-income developments are newer buildings HACLA builds or acquires where some units are subsidized (for low-income households) and some are market-rate. These are less common and have their own waiting lists. Rent rules vary by building.

How to contact HACLA and what you can do by phone or online

HACLA's main phone line is (213) 252-2500. You can reach different departments by extension: Housing Choice Voucher Program (extension 2700), Public Housing (extension 2800), and Leased Housing (extension 2900). Wait times are often long, especially early in the week. You can also mail questions to HACLA's downtown office at 1020 South Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015.

If you are a current HACLA resident or voucher holder, you can log into the resident portal at www.hacla.org to pay rent, request maintenance, view your lease, and check your account balance. The portal is available 24/7. You will need your HACLA account number and a password to log in.

For questions about waiting lists, you can also visit HACLA's website to see whether lists are open for each program. The website shows the current status and sometimes the estimated wait time, though this changes frequently.

What happens if you have a dispute with HACLA over your lease or voucher

If HACLA issues you a notice of lease violation, non-payment, or intent to terminate your voucher, you have the right to a hearing before HACLA terminates your housing. This is called an informal hearing or grievance hearing depending on the program. You must request it in writing within a set number of days (usually 10 to 14 days) of receiving the notice. HACLA will schedule a hearing officer to listen to your side of the story.

At the hearing, you can bring documents, witnesses, and a representative (a lawyer, advocate, or family member). The hearing officer will decide whether HACLA's action was justified. If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal to HACLA's executive director. If you still disagree, you can file a lawsuit in court, but the hearing process must come first.

For maintenance issues in public housing, you can request repairs through the portal or by phone. If HACLA does not make repairs within a reasonable time, you can file a grievance. For Section 8 vouchers, the landlord is responsible for repairs, but HACLA can inspect and enforce housing quality standards if the landlord fails.

HACLA's income limits and rent calculations

HACLA programs serve households at or below 80 percent of the area median income (AMI) for Los Angeles County. The exact income limit depends on household size and changes yearly. For example, in 2024 the limit for a single person was roughly $68,000 per year, but this varies. You can find current limits on HACLA's website or by calling.

Rent in HACLA housing is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly income, with a minimum rent (usually $25 to $50 per month). If your income changes, you must report it to HACLA. If you earn more, your rent goes up. If you earn less, your rent goes down. HACLA reviews income annually and may ask for proof (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer).

Utilities are included in public housing rent. For Section 8 vouchers, you pay utilities separately unless the lease says otherwise. The voucher amount (called the payment standard) is set by HACLA and varies by bedroom size and neighborhood.

How waiting lists work and what to expect

HACLA maintains separate waiting lists for public housing and Section 8 vouchers. Most of the time both lists are closed, meaning HACLA is not taking new applications because the list is already very long. When a list opens, HACLA announces it on its website and through local media. You must explore during the open period — there is no way to explore when the list is closed.

Once you are on the list, your position depends on the program. For public housing, HACLA typically uses a lottery system when a list opens. For Section 8 vouchers, HACLA uses a date-and-time system: the earlier your process was received, the sooner you move up. Wait times vary from a few months to many years depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many vouchers become available.

HACLA will contact you by mail or phone when a unit or voucher is available. You must respond within the important date (usually 10 days) or you lose your spot. If you turn down an offer, you may be removed from the list or moved to the back, depending on HACLA's rules at that time.

Your rights as a HACLA resident or voucher holder

You have the right to a lease that follows California law and HACLA's rules. HACLA cannot evict you without cause or without following the eviction process in court. You have the right to a safe, habitable home — HACLA must make repairs within a reasonable time. You have the right to privacy: HACLA can only enter your unit with notice (usually 24 hours) and for a legitimate reason (inspection, repair, emergency).

You have the right to fair treatment regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, familial status, or sexual orientation. If you believe HACLA has discriminated against you, you can file a complaint with HACLA's civil rights office or with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

You have the right to know the rules you must follow. HACLA must give you a copy of the lease and house rules before you move in. You have the right to request a hearing if HACLA tries to evict you or terminate your voucher. You have the right to organize with other residents and to request reasonable accommodations if you have a disability.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Wait times vary widely. Some people wait 2 to 3 years, others wait 10 or more years. It depends on how many people are ahead of you on the list and how many vouchers HACLA receives funding for each year. HACLA's website sometimes shows an estimated wait time, but this is not may provide.

Can HACLA raise my rent if my income goes up?

Yes. HACLA reviews your income every year. If you earn more, your rent (30 percent of income) goes up. You must report income changes within 30 days. If you do not report and HACLA finds out, you may owe back rent.

What do I do if HACLA says I violated my lease?

Request a hearing in writing within the important date on the notice (usually 10 to 14 days). Bring documents and witnesses that support your side. A hearing officer will decide whether the violation happened. If you lose, you can appeal to the executive director and then to court.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher outside Los Angeles County?

No. HACLA vouchers are only valid in Los Angeles County. If you move out of the county, your voucher ends. Some other housing authorities in California may have their own vouchers, but you would need to be on their waiting list.

What if HACLA's maintenance is slow or the building is not safe?

Request repairs through the portal or by phone. If HACLA does not respond within a reasonable time (usually 14 to 30 days depending on the issue), you can file a grievance. You can also contact a tenant rights organization or call 211 for a referral to a legal aid group that handles housing disputes.