What the Riverside Housing Authority does and who runs it

The Riverside Housing Authority (RHA) is a public agency that manages public housing, administers the Section 8 voucher program, and runs other affordable housing programs in Riverside County. It is a separate government body from the City of Riverside or County of Riverside — it has its own board and budget, though it receives federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The RHA owns and operates public housing developments where tenants pay rent based on their income. It also distributes Section 8 vouchers, which are rental subsidies that allow low-income households to rent from private landlords. The agency also manages other programs like project-based information and supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness.

If you live in Riverside and are looking for affordable housing or have questions about a current lease in RHA housing, the RHA is the agency you contact — not the city government or a separate nonprofit.

Key Takeaways

  • The Riverside Housing Authority is a separate government agency that manages public housing and Section 8 vouchers in Riverside County.
  • You can reach RHA by phone at (951) 351-0700 or visit their office at 5728 Mission Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92509 during business hours.
  • The RHA maintains a waiting list for both public housing and Section 8 vouchers; you must register on the list to be considered for either program.
  • Section 8 vouchers are often the faster route to affordable housing because you can use them at any participating private landlord, not just RHA-owned buildings.
  • If you are already a tenant in RHA housing, contact your property manager or the RHA directly for maintenance requests, rent questions, or lease disputes.

How to contact the Riverside Housing Authority

The main phone number for the Riverside Housing Authority is (951) 351-0700. You can call during business hours (typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) to ask about programs, waiting lists, or your current lease. Have your case number or lease information ready if you are already a tenant.

The RHA office is located at 5728 Mission Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92509. You can visit in person to submit documents, ask questions, or request forms. Some transactions — like updating your address or reporting a maintenance issue — may be faster in person because staff can process them when ready.

The RHA website is www.riversidehousing.org. It lists current programs, waiting list information, and downloadable forms. However, the website does not allow you to explore online; you must call or visit in person to start the process.

Understanding the Section 8 waiting list

The RHA maintains a waiting list for Section 8 vouchers. To get on the list, you must visit the RHA office or call to request an process. The waiting list is not automatic — you have to register yourself. The RHA opens and closes the list periodically depending on how many vouchers are available and how many people are already waiting.

When the list is open, you can register in person or by mail. You will need to provide proof of income, residency, and identification. Once you are on the list, the RHA will contact you when a voucher becomes available. Wait times vary; some people wait months, others wait years, depending on your priority and the size of the list.

Priority is usually given to people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, and families with children. If you have a special circumstance, mention it when you register. The RHA may move you up the list if you meet certain criteria.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers

The RHA operates two main programs, and they work very differently. Public housing means you rent an apartment that the RHA owns and manages. You pay rent based on your income (usually 30 percent of what you earn), and the RHA handles maintenance and repairs. Public housing is limited to specific buildings in Riverside.

Section 8 vouchers are rental subsidies you can use at any private landlord who agrees to participate. You find your own apartment, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and the RHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the rest. This gives you more choice in where you live, but you have to find a landlord willing to work with the program.

Section 8 is often faster because there are more participating landlords than RHA-owned units. However, some landlords refuse Section 8 tenants, so your search may take longer. Public housing has a shorter waiting list in some cases but limits where you can live.

What to do if you are already an RHA tenant

If you already rent from the RHA or hold a Section 8 voucher, your first contact should be your property manager or case manager. They handle day-to-day issues like maintenance requests, lease questions, and rent payment problems. You can usually reach them by phone or email; your lease or voucher paperwork will have their contact information.

For urgent maintenance issues (no heat, broken plumbing, electrical hazards), call your property manager when ready. If they do not respond within 24 hours, contact the RHA main office. The RHA has rules about how quickly maintenance must be completed, and you have the right to request repairs.

If you have a dispute with your property manager or believe the RHA is not following its own rules, you can file a grievance. Ask your property manager or the RHA office for the grievance procedure. Grievances must usually be filed in writing within a certain time frame.

Income limits and rent calculations for RHA housing

To live in RHA public housing or use a Section 8 voucher, your household income must be below a certain limit. These limits change yearly and depend on household size and the area. For Riverside County, the limits are set by HUD and published on the RHA website.

In public housing, you pay rent equal to 30 percent of your gross monthly income, or the minimum rent set by the RHA (usually around $50 to $100), whichever is higher. If your income changes, you must report it to the RHA. Your rent will be recalculated, and you may pay more or less depending on your new income.

With a Section 8 voucher, the same 30 percent rule applies to your portion of the rent. The RHA pays the rest, up to a maximum amount called the "payment standard." If the apartment costs more than the payment standard, you pay the difference out of pocket.

Documents you will need to provide

When you register for RHA programs, you will need to bring or mail several documents. Have recent pay stubs or a letter from your employer showing your income. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of benefits (unemployment, disability, Social Security). If you are self-employed, bring tax returns from the last two years.

You will also need a photo ID, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease in your name), and Social Security numbers for everyone in your household. If you have a disability or special circumstance that affects your housing needs, bring documentation from a doctor or social worker. The RHA uses this information to determine your priority and calculate your rent.

Keep copies of everything you submit. The RHA may ask for updated documents later, and having copies speeds up the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Wait times vary widely depending on the size of the waiting list and your priority. Some applicants wait six months to two years. The RHA will contact you when a voucher is available; you cannot check your position on the list online. Call (951) 351-0700 to ask about current wait times.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher outside of Riverside?

Yes, but only in areas where the RHA has a portability agreement with another housing authority. If you move to a different county or state, contact the RHA before you go. They can tell you whether your voucher is portable to your new location and help you transfer it.

What happens if I report a maintenance problem and the RHA does not fix it?

Federal rules require the RHA to make repairs within a certain time frame (usually 24 hours for emergencies, longer for non-urgent issues). If repairs are not made, you can file a grievance or contact a local legal aid organization. Do not stop paying rent; that can lead to eviction.

Do I have to be a Riverside resident to register for RHA programs?

You must live in Riverside County to use RHA programs. Some programs require you to work in Riverside County as well. Call the RHA to confirm residency rules for the specific program you are interested in.

What if my income increases while I am in public housing or using a Section 8 voucher?

You must report income changes to the RHA within 30 days. Your rent will be recalculated based on your new income. If your income exceeds the program limit, you may lose your voucher or be asked to leave public housing, though the RHA usually gives you time to transition.