What the Santa Barbara Housing Authority does

The Santa Barbara Housing Authority (SBHA) is a public agency that runs affordable housing programs in Santa Barbara County. It administers Section 8 vouchers, manages public housing properties, and runs other programs designed to help people with low incomes find and keep stable housing. The Authority is a separate government entity from the City of Santa Barbara, though it serves the same geographic area.

SBHA does not build or own most of the housing it helps people access — it pays landlords on behalf of tenants, manages waiting lists, and ensures properties meet housing quality standards. If you are looking for affordable housing in Santa Barbara County, SBHA is usually the first place to contact because it controls the largest pool of subsidised housing options available.

Key Takeaways

  • The Santa Barbara Housing Authority runs Section 8 vouchers and public housing, and you contact them directly — not through a city office or online portal — to learn about current programs.
  • Section 8 waiting lists in Santa Barbara County are typically closed, and when they reopen, they fill quickly; you can call to ask when the next opening might occur.
  • SBHA requires proof of income, citizenship or may be able to access immigration status, and a background check before you can receive a voucher or public housing unit.
  • Public housing units and Section 8 vouchers have different rules about how much rent you pay — usually 30 percent of your income — and how long you can keep them.
  • If you have a complaint about SBHA's decisions or a landlord's conduct, you can file a grievance with the Authority, and SBHA has a formal process to hear your case.

How to contact the Santa Barbara Housing Authority

You reach SBHA by phone, mail, or in person at their office. The main number is (805) 963-0293. The office is located at 1000 Olive Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. You can also visit their website at sbhousing.org to read forms and read current program information.

When you call, have your Social Security number, income information, and household size ready. SBHA staff can tell you whether waiting lists are open, what documents you need to bring, and how long the wait typically is. Call times can be long during peak hours, so early morning or mid-week calls often move faster.

SBHA also has a satellite office in Carpinteria. If you live in that area, you may be able to complete some paperwork there instead of traveling to Santa Barbara.

Section 8 vouchers and waiting lists

Section 8 is a federal program that pays part of your rent directly to a landlord. You pay the difference — usually 30 percent of your income — and SBHA pays the rest, up to a limit called the "payment standard." The payment standard varies by bedroom size and changes each year. A one-bedroom voucher in Santa Barbara County covers more rent than a one-bedroom in a less expensive area.

The Section 8 waiting list in Santa Barbara County is usually closed. When it is closed, SBHA is not taking new applications. The Authority opens the list periodically — sometimes for a few weeks, sometimes for a few months — and then closes it again once a certain number of applications arrive. You can call SBHA to ask when the list last opened and whether staff have any estimate for the next opening.

If the list opens while you are waiting, SBHA will not contact you automatically. You must call or visit in person to submit an process during the open period. Missing the window means waiting for the next opening, which could be months or years away.

Public housing units managed by SBHA

SBHA owns and manages public housing apartments throughout Santa Barbara County. These are different from Section 8 vouchers: you live in an SBHA-owned building rather than renting from a private landlord. Rent is still usually 30 percent of your income, and you must meet the same income and citizenship requirements as Section 8 applicants.

Public housing waiting lists also close and reopen. The wait time varies depending on the size of unit you need and current turnover. Some people wait several years for a public housing unit. SBHA maintains separate waiting lists for different property locations, so you may be able to join multiple lists if you are flexible about where you live.

Public housing comes with lease terms set by SBHA, including rules about occupancy, maintenance, and guest policies. You have the right to a lease in writing and the right to know the rules before you sign. If SBHA wants to evict you, it must follow a formal process and give you a chance to respond to the charges.

What you need to bring when you explore

SBHA requires specific documents before it can process your process. Bring a photo ID, proof of Social Security number (your card or a letter from Social Security), and proof of income for the past 30 days — usually recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer, or proof of benefits. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns or bank statements showing income.

You also need proof of citizenship or may be able to access immigration status. U.S. citizens bring a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. Non-citizens must show an may be able to access visa category or work permit. SBHA has a list of which immigration statuses may have access to; call ahead if you are unsure whether you meet this requirement.

Bring information about everyone in your household, including children and any non-relatives living with you. SBHA will run a background check on all household members age 18 and older. Bring your Social Security numbers for everyone.

Background checks and disqualifying factors

SBHA runs a criminal background check and checks your rental history as part of the process process. A criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify you, but certain offenses — particularly drug-related crimes, violent crimes, or sex offenses — may. SBHA uses a case-by-case approach and considers how long ago the offense occurred and what you have done since.

Eviction history is also reviewed. A recent eviction for non-payment or lease violation can delay your process or result in denial, though SBHA does not automatically reject all applicants with eviction records. If you have an eviction on your record, explain the circumstances when you explore — for example, if you lost a job temporarily or faced a family emergency.

If SBHA denies your process, you have the right to a hearing where you can present your side of the story. The Authority must give you written notice of the reason for denial and information about how to request a hearing.

How rent is calculated and what happens if your income changes

In both Section 8 and public housing, your rent is usually 30 percent of your gross monthly income. If your income is $1,500 per month, your rent would be $450. SBHA recalculates your rent once a year during your annual recertification, or sooner if your income changes significantly.

If your income goes down — because you lose a job or hours are cut — report it to SBHA as soon as possible. Your rent will be recalculated, and you may pay less. If your income goes up, your rent will increase at the next recertification. SBHA allows some income disregards for certain situations, such as when a family member starts working; ask about these when you recertify.

If you do not report income changes, SBHA may discover them during a recertification and ask you to pay back rent at the higher rate. It is always better to report changes yourself.

Filing a complaint or grievance with SBHA

If you believe SBHA made an error in calculating your rent, denied your process unfairly, or violated your rights as a tenant, you can file a grievance. SBHA has a formal grievance process outlined in its policies. You can request a copy of the grievance procedure by calling the main office or visiting in person.

Grievances must usually be filed within a certain time frame — often 30 days from the action you are challenging. You can file in writing or in person. SBHA will schedule a hearing where you can present your case and SBHA will explain its decision. You have the right to bring documents, witnesses, or a representative to the hearing.

If you disagree with SBHA's decision after the hearing, you may have the right to appeal to a higher authority or to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Ask SBHA for information about appeals when you receive the hearing decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it usually take to get a Section 8 voucher or public housing unit?

Wait times vary widely. Some people wait one to two years; others wait five years or longer. It depends on how many people are on the waiting list, how many units become available, and what size unit you need. Call SBHA to ask about current wait times for the specific unit size you are looking for.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher to rent anywhere in Santa Barbara County?

You can rent from any landlord willing to accept Section 8, as long as the unit meets SBHA's housing quality standards and the rent is not higher than the payment standard for that area and bedroom size. Some landlords refuse Section 8 tenants, so you may need to contact multiple landlords. SBHA can provide a list of properties that have accepted vouchers in the past.

What happens if I lose my job while I have a Section 8 voucher?

Call SBHA when ready to report the change. Your rent will be recalculated based on your new income. If your income drops to zero, your rent may drop to a minimum amount (usually around $50 to $75). You keep your voucher as long as you remain otherwise in good standing and meet program requirements.

Can I be evicted from public housing if I break a lease rule?

Yes, but SBHA must follow a formal eviction process. You must receive written notice of the violation, a chance to respond, and a hearing before eviction can proceed. If you receive a notice, contact SBHA when ready to discuss the issue and ask about the hearing process.

What if I disagree with SBHA's decision about my rent amount?

You can request a hearing to challenge the rent calculation. Bring documentation of your income — pay stubs, benefit letters, or tax returns — and ask SBHA to explain how it calculated your rent. If you still disagree after the hearing, ask about the appeal process.