What Riverside Housing Authority does

Riverside Housing Authority (RHA) is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing and rental information programs in Riverside County, California. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it administers federal funding and vouchers that help lower-income households pay rent to private landlords. RHA also runs public housing properties and manages the Section 8 voucher program for the county.

The agency's main role is to distribute federal money from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to people who meet income limits. It acts as the middleman between the federal government, landlords, and tenants. If you live in Riverside County and need rental help, RHA is usually the office that determines whether you can receive it and how much.

RHA serves Riverside County but does not serve the cities of Moreno Valley, Victorville, or Barstow, which have their own housing authorities. If you live in one of those cities, you will need to contact that city's housing authority instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Riverside Housing Authority administers Section 8 vouchers and public housing for Riverside County, but not for Moreno Valley, Victorville, or Barstow.
  • The agency maintains waiting lists for both Section 8 vouchers and public housing, and these lists are often closed due to high demand.
  • You can contact RHA by phone, mail, or in person at their office to ask about current program status and what documents you will need.
  • Income limits vary by program and family size, and RHA will tell you whether you meet them when you contact them.
  • Processing times for vouchers and public housing can take several months to over a year, depending on waiting list length and your priority status.

Section 8 vouchers through Riverside Housing Authority

The Section 8 program is RHA's largest program. It gives may be able to access households a voucher that covers part of the rent at a private apartment or house. You find the housing yourself, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and RHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent each month. You pay the difference out of your own money.

RHA's Section 8 waiting list is usually closed because demand far exceeds available vouchers. When the list does open, it fills quickly — sometimes within hours or days. You can call RHA to ask whether the list is currently open and whether you meet the basic income requirements. If it is open and you may have access to, you will be added to the waiting list, and RHA will contact you when a voucher becomes available, which can take months or years.

To be considered for Section 8, you must have a household income below a certain threshold. For Riverside County, this limit varies by family size but is typically around 50% of the area median income. RHA will verify your income using tax returns, pay stubs, and other documents. You must also pass a background check and credit review, though the standards are not as strict as private landlord requirements.

Public housing managed by Riverside Housing Authority

RHA owns and operates public housing apartments and complexes throughout Riverside County. These are rental units owned directly by the housing authority, not by private landlords. Rent is set at 30% of your household income, which is typically much lower than market rent in the area.

Public housing has its own waiting list, separate from Section 8. Like the Section 8 list, it is often closed. When open, you can request to be added to the list. Priority is usually given to people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, and families with children, though this varies by property.

Public housing comes with lease terms and house rules set by RHA. You must maintain the unit in good condition, follow noise and conduct rules, and allow RHA staff to inspect the property. Violations can result in lease termination and eviction, so it is important to understand the rules before you move in.

How to contact Riverside Housing Authority

RHA's main office is located in Riverside. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about program status, waiting list openings, and what documents you need. The phone number and office address are available on the RHA website and through a 211 call (dial 2-1-1 from any phone).

You can also visit the office in person to ask questions or request information about programs. Bring your identification and proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns) if you want to discuss your situation. Some offices offer appointments, so calling ahead is a good idea.

RHA also has a website where you can find program information, waiting list status, and links to process materials. If the Section 8 or public housing waiting list is open, you can usually submit an process online or in person.

Income limits and household size

Every RHA program has income limits based on family size and area median income. These limits change each year and vary depending on whether you are explore for Section 8, public housing, or another program. RHA will tell you the current limits when you call or visit.

Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, disability benefits, child support, and other regular sources of money. RHA will ask for documentation — usually the last two months of pay stubs, a recent tax return, and a letter from your employer or benefits provider stating your income.

If your income is above the limit, you will not be able to participate in RHA programs. If it is below the limit, you may be considered, though income alone does not may provide you will receive a voucher or housing. You must also pass background and credit checks and meet other program requirements.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Both Section 8 and public housing use waiting lists. When you are added to a list, RHA assigns you a date and time. When a voucher or unit becomes available, RHA contacts people on the list in order. The time from process to receiving a voucher or being offered housing can range from several months to several years, depending on how many people are ahead of you and how quickly units or vouchers become available.

Some households receive priority on the waiting list. This usually includes people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, families with children, and people living in substandard housing. If you believe you should have priority status, tell RHA when you explore and bring documentation to support your claim.

While you are on the waiting list, your circumstances may change — your income may increase, you may move, or your family size may change. You must notify RHA of any changes, as they can affect your may be able to access or priority status. If you move out of Riverside County, you will be removed from the list.

What happens after you receive a voucher or are offered housing

If you receive a Section 8 voucher, RHA will give you a packet of information explaining how the program works, what landlords must do, and what you must do. You then have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find an apartment or house where the landlord agrees to accept the voucher. Not all landlords participate in Section 8, so you may need to contact many properties before finding one that will work with you.

Once you find housing, RHA will inspect the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards. The inspection checks for things like working plumbing, heat, electrical safety, and structural soundness. If the unit fails inspection, the landlord must make repairs before you can move in. After the unit passes, RHA and the landlord sign a contract, and you sign a lease.

If you are offered public housing, RHA will show you available units and explain the lease and house rules. You will sign a lease with RHA, and rent will be set at 30% of your household income. You must move in within a certain timeframe or you may lose the offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Riverside Housing Authority the same as a local housing authority in my city?

No. RHA serves Riverside County as a whole. If you live in Moreno Valley, Victorville, or Barstow, those cities have their own housing authorities and you must contact them instead. If you live in any other part of Riverside County, RHA is the agency you contact.

How do I know if the Section 8 waiting list is open right now?

Call RHA directly or check their website. Waiting lists open and close based on funding and demand, and status changes frequently. A 211 call can also tell you the current status and give you RHA's phone number.

What if my income is too high for RHA programs?

If you exceed the income limit, you will not be able to use Section 8 or public housing through RHA. You may be able to find affordable housing through private landlords, nonprofit organizations, or other local programs. A 211 call can connect you to other resources in your area.

Can I explore for both Section 8 and public housing at the same time?

Yes. The waiting lists are separate, and you can be on both. If you receive a voucher or are offered housing through one program, you can ask to be removed from the other list, or you can stay on both lists in case your circumstances change.

What documents do I need to bring when I explore?

You will need proof of identity, proof of income (pay stubs or tax returns), proof of residency, and information about any household members. RHA will give you a full list of required documents when you contact them or visit the office. Having these documents ready will speed up the process.