What the Riverside County Housing Authority does

The Housing Authority of the County of Riverside (HACRIV) is a public agency that runs housing programs across unincorporated Riverside County and some incorporated cities within the county. It does not serve all of Riverside County — some cities run their own housing authorities, and some areas have no public housing at all. HACRIV's main role is to administer public housing (apartments it owns and operates) and Housing Choice Vouchers (formerly called Section 8), which are rental subsidies you use with a private landlord.

HACRIV also manages other federal programs including Project-Based Vouchers (where the subsidy stays with a specific building rather than moving with you) and programs for people experiencing homelessness. The agency does not make loans, does not may provide housing, and does not determine who gets information — that information comes from federal rules and your household circumstances. HACRIV administers the programs; it does not create them.

Key Takeaways

  • HACRIV runs public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers in unincorporated Riverside County and some cities; check whether your city is served before contacting them.
  • Housing Choice Vouchers let you rent from a private landlord and pay a portion of rent while the program pays the rest, but vouchers are not currently being issued due to long waitlists.
  • Public housing is owned and operated by HACRIV, and rent is based on your income, typically 30 percent of what your household earns.
  • You can contact HACRIV directly to learn about current programs, waitlist status, and what documents you will need if a program reopens.
  • HACRIV's office is located in Riverside, and you can reach them by phone or visit in person to ask about programs serving your specific address.

Housing Choice Vouchers and current waitlist status

A Housing Choice Voucher is a federal subsidy that allows you to rent from any private landlord who will accept the voucher. You pay a portion of the rent (usually 30 percent of your household income), and the program pays the landlord the difference, up to a maximum amount called the payment standard. The payment standard varies by bedroom size and by area within Riverside County.

HACRIV's Housing Choice Voucher waitlist has been closed for several years due to the number of people already waiting. When a waitlist is closed, HACRIV is not taking new requests to be added. The agency periodically opens the waitlist for a limited time, usually announced on their website and through local media. If you want to know when the next opening might occur, contact HACRIV directly — they can tell you whether an opening is planned and what to watch for.

If you are currently on the waitlist, HACRIV will contact you when a voucher becomes available. The wait time varies significantly depending on when you were added to the list and your household circumstances. Families with children, elderly people, and people with disabilities may be prioritized in some cases.

Public housing operated by HACRIV

HACRIV owns and operates public housing apartments in several communities across its service area. Public housing rent is calculated as 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income, or the minimum rent set by the federal government, whichever is higher. The minimum rent is typically between $25 and $50 per month. You pay this amount directly to HACRIV; the federal government covers the rest of the operating costs.

Public housing units are scattered throughout the county rather than concentrated in one location. Some are in apartment complexes; others are individual homes. Availability depends on when units become vacant, which is unpredictable. HACRIV maintains a waitlist for public housing separate from the Housing Choice Voucher waitlist. You can ask HACRIV whether public housing is currently available in your area and what the wait time is.

To live in HACRIV public housing, you must meet income limits set by the federal government. These limits change annually and depend on your household size and the area where you want to live. HACRIV staff can tell you whether your household income qualifies.

How to contact HACRIV and what to bring

The Housing Authority of the County of Riverside is located at 4075 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92501. You can reach them by phone at (951) 368-8341. Their office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though you should call ahead to confirm current hours and to ask whether you need an appointment.

When you contact HACRIV, have your address ready so they can tell you whether your location is in their service area. If you are calling about a specific program, ask what documents you will need to bring if you decide to pursue it. Generally, HACRIV will ask for proof of income, proof of residency, identification, and information about your household composition.

If you prefer to visit in person, bring the same documents. HACRIV staff can answer questions about current programs, explain how rent is calculated, and tell you about waitlist status. They can also explain what happens if you are selected and what your responsibilities would be as a tenant.

Programs for people experiencing homelessness

HACRIV administers federal programs designed to help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. These programs include rapid rehousing (short-term rental information to move into permanent housing) and permanent supportive housing (long-term housing with support services). These programs are separate from public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers, and they have their own intake processes.

If you are homeless or at when ready risk of homelessness, contact the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services or call 211 (a free referral line) to learn about emergency housing resources and whether HACRIV programs might help. The 211 line can connect you to intake workers who understand the full range of programs available in your area.

What HACRIV does not do

HACRIV does not provide emergency rental information for rent you currently owe. That program is run separately by Riverside County and has its own process process. HACRIV does not make loans, does not may provide that you will receive housing, and does not have discretion to override federal income limits or other may be able to access rules.

HACRIV also does not serve all of Riverside County. Some cities, including the City of Riverside itself, operate their own housing authorities. If you live in an incorporated city, check whether that city has its own housing authority before assuming HACRIV serves your address. HACRIV's website lists the jurisdictions it serves.

Understanding waitlists and how long they take

Both public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers operate on waitlists because demand far exceeds the number of available units and vouchers. A waitlist is not a line that moves at a predictable pace. Your position on the list depends on when you were added, your household circumstances, and when units or vouchers become available.

Wait times can range from months to years. HACRIV can tell you the current average wait time for each program, though that average may not reflect your individual situation. Some people move up the list faster if they are in a priority category (such as families with children or people with disabilities). Ask HACRIV whether your household qualifies for priority status.

While you are waiting, your circumstances may change — your income might increase, your household size might shift, or you might move to a different address. Tell HACRIV about changes so your file stays current. If you move out of HACRIV's service area, you may need to transfer to a different housing authority or reapply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does HACRIV serve my city or neighborhood?

HACRIV serves unincorporated Riverside County and some incorporated cities, but not all. Check HACRIV's website or call (951) 368-8341 with your address. Some cities run their own housing authorities, so if you live in an incorporated city, ask whether that city has a separate program.

How much will I pay in rent if I get a voucher or public housing?

With a Housing Choice Voucher, you typically pay 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income toward rent. With public housing, rent is also usually 30 percent of income, or a minimum rent (typically $25 to $50), whichever is higher. HACRIV can calculate your exact rent based on your income.

Can I explore for both public housing and a Housing Choice Voucher at the same time?

Yes. The waitlists are separate, and being on one does not affect your position on the other. You can be on both lists simultaneously. If you receive a voucher or public housing from one program, you will typically be removed from the other waitlist.

What if I have an eviction or bad rental history?

HACRIV can deny housing based on criminal history, evictions, or other lease violations, but they must follow federal rules about what they can consider. Contact HACRIV to ask about their specific policies. Having a difficult history does not automatically disqualify you, but you should understand what they will review.

How do I know if the Housing Choice Voucher waitlist has reopened?

Check HACRIV's website regularly or call (951) 368-8341 to ask when the next opening is expected. HACRIV also announces openings through local media and community organizations. Sign up for email alerts on their website if that option is available.