What the Santa Barbara Housing Authority actually does

The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara is a public agency that runs affordable housing programs in Santa Barbara. It administers Section 8 vouchers (which pay part of your rent at a private landlord's property), manages public housing units it owns directly, and runs other affordable housing programs. The Authority does not set local rent control policy — that is the City of Santa Barbara's job — but it does operate the main subsidy programs that make housing affordable for lower-income residents in the city.

The Authority is a separate legal entity from the city government, though it is a public agency. It has its own board, budget, and staff. If you need to reach them about a specific program, you contact the Authority directly, not the city.

Key Takeaways

  • The Santa Barbara Housing Authority runs Section 8 vouchers, public housing units, and other affordable programs — not all affordable housing in the city.
  • Section 8 vouchers through the Authority typically have a waiting list, and the list opens and closes depending on funding and demand.
  • Public housing units owned by the Authority are separate from Section 8 — they are properties the Authority owns and manages directly.
  • You contact the Authority directly for questions about its programs; the city government handles rent control and other housing regulations separately.
  • The Authority's contact information, current waiting list status, and program details are on its official website or by phone.

Section 8 vouchers and how the waiting list works

The Santa Barbara Housing Authority administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. A voucher pays a portion of your rent at a private landlord's property — you pay the difference. The voucher amount depends on the size of your household and the local rent standard, not on what the landlord actually charges.

The Authority maintains a waiting list for Section 8 vouchers. The list is not always open. When it is closed, you cannot add your name. When it opens — which happens periodically when funding allows — you have a limited window to request to be added. The Authority announces openings on its website and through local media. Once you are on the list, the wait time varies; Santa Barbara's list can be years long depending on funding and turnover.

To be considered for a voucher, you must meet income limits set by the federal government. These limits change yearly and depend on household size. You also need to pass a background check and provide proof of income and residency. The Authority will tell you the current income limits and required documents when you request to be added to the list.

Public housing units owned by the Authority

The Santa Barbara Housing Authority owns and manages public housing units — actual apartments and homes that the Authority owns. These are different from Section 8 vouchers. With public housing, you rent directly from the Authority, not from a private landlord. The rent you pay is based on your income, typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income.

Public housing has its own waiting list, separate from the Section 8 list. Availability and wait times depend on how many units the Authority owns and how often units turn over. Like Section 8, you must meet income limits and pass a background check. The Authority sets its own lease terms and house rules for public housing.

If you are interested in public housing, contact the Authority directly to ask about current availability and how to request to be added to the waiting list.

How to contact the Santa Barbara Housing Authority

The Santa Barbara Housing Authority has a main office in Santa Barbara. You can reach them by phone, mail, or in person to ask about current programs, waiting list status, and how to request to be added to a list. The Authority's phone number, mailing address, and office hours are on its official website.

When you call or visit, have your household size, income range, and any special needs (such as accessibility requirements) ready. The Authority staff can tell you whether a waiting list is currently open, what documents you will need, and what the current wait time is. They can also explain the difference between Section 8 and public housing and help you understand which program might work for your situation.

Income limits and rent calculations

Both Section 8 vouchers and public housing through the Santa Barbara Housing Authority have income limits. These are set by the federal government and adjusted yearly. Income limits are based on the area median income (AMI) for Santa Barbara County. A household at 50 percent AMI, for example, has a lower income limit than one at 80 percent AMI.

For Section 8, your rent contribution is typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income, and the voucher covers the rest up to the payment standard. For public housing, your rent is also usually 30 percent of income. The Authority calculates your income-based rent when you move in and recertifies it yearly. If your income changes, your rent may change.

The Authority will provide you with the current income limits and explain how rent is calculated when you inquire about programs.

What happens after you are on a waiting list

Once your name is on a waiting list, the Authority contacts you when a unit or voucher becomes available. You do not need to reapply or check in repeatedly — the Authority has your contact information. However, you should update the Authority if your phone number, address, or household composition changes.

When the Authority contacts you, you will be asked to complete additional paperwork, provide updated income and residency documentation, and pass a background check (if you have not already). You will also attend an orientation or briefing about the program. For Section 8, you will learn how to search for a landlord and how the voucher works. For public housing, you will learn about lease terms and house rules.

If you are offered a unit or voucher and decline it, you may be removed from the list or moved to the back, depending on the Authority's policy. Ask about this when you are added to the list.

Other programs and resources

Beyond Section 8 and public housing, the Santa Barbara Housing Authority may run other programs depending on funding and partnerships. These can include supportive housing (housing plus services), family self-sufficiency programs, or other initiatives. The Authority's website and staff can tell you what programs are currently available.

If you need help paying rent right now — not a long-term subsidy — you may be looking for emergency rental information instead. That is a different program, usually run by the city or county. The Santa Barbara Housing Authority can point you toward emergency resources if you ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher from the Santa Barbara Housing Authority?

Wait time depends on the size of the waiting list and how often vouchers become available. Santa Barbara's list can be several years long. Once you are called from the list, the process from that point to receiving a voucher usually takes a few weeks to a few months, depending on how quickly you complete paperwork and find a landlord.

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

Yes. The two programs are separate, and you can request to be on both lists. Being on one list does not disqualify you from the other. However, if you receive a voucher or are offered public housing, you may need to decline the other offer or be removed from that list.

What if my income is above the limit for Section 8 or public housing?

You would not be able to participate in these programs. The Authority enforces federal income limits. If your income is too high, ask the Authority about other affordable housing options in Santa Barbara, such as deed-restricted affordable units or other programs that may have different income thresholds.

Do I need a Social Security number to explore for Section 8 or public housing?

Yes, the Authority requires a Social Security number for each household member. If you do not have one, you may be able to explore for one through the Social Security Administration. Contact the Authority to ask about your specific situation.

What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?

The Authority conducts background checks and may deny housing based on criminal history or eviction records, but it does not automatically deny everyone with a record. Each case is reviewed individually. Contact the Authority to discuss your situation and ask what factors they consider.