What LA County Housing Authority does

LA County Housing Authority (also called the Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles) is a public agency that runs housing programs across unincorporated Los Angeles County — the areas not inside city limits. It does not serve the City of Los Angeles proper, which has its own housing authority. LACha administers Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and emergency information programs. It is the body you contact if you live in unincorporated county territory and need to understand what programs exist, what the waitlist status is, or how to move forward with an process.

The agency is separate from the City of Los Angeles Housing Department, which serves residents within city boundaries. If you are unsure whether you live in unincorporated county or within a city, check your property tax bill or call your local city hall — they can tell you which housing authority covers your address.

Key Takeaways

  • LA County Housing Authority serves unincorporated Los Angeles County only, not the City of Los Angeles or incorporated cities within the county.
  • The agency runs Section 8 voucher programs, public housing developments, and emergency rental information — each with separate waitlists and income limits.
  • Section 8 waitlists in LA County are typically closed and have thousands of people waiting; you can call to ask when applications reopen.
  • You will need proof of income, residency, citizenship or legal immigration status, and a valid ID to move forward with any program.
  • LACHA's main office is in Downey, but you can reach them by phone or mail to ask about programs, waitlist status, and next steps.

Section 8 vouchers through LACHA

LA County Housing Authority administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program for unincorporated county areas. This program gives you a voucher that covers part of your rent at a private landlord's property. You pay the difference between what the voucher covers and the actual rent. The voucher amount depends on the size of your household and the area where you live.

The Section 8 waitlist in LA County is almost always closed because demand far exceeds available vouchers. When the waitlist does open — which happens irregularly and may be announced only on LACHA's website or through local nonprofits — applications fill up within days or hours. Call LACHA's main number to ask whether the waitlist is currently open and when it last closed. If it is closed, ask to be added to a notification list or check the website every few months.

Income limits for Section 8 vary by household size and change yearly. A single person's income limit is typically around 50% of the area median income; a family of four's is higher. LACHA will tell you the exact limit for your household size when you call or visit in person.

Public housing managed by LACHA

LA County Housing Authority owns and operates public housing developments in unincorporated areas of the county. These are apartment complexes where rent is set at 30% of your household income, regardless of the market rate. Public housing has its own waitlist, separate from Section 8.

Public housing waitlists are also typically closed, but they move more slowly than Section 8 waitlists because there are fewer applicants. When a waitlist opens, LACHA accepts applications for a set period — sometimes a few weeks, sometimes longer. Call to ask the current status and whether you can request notification when applications reopen.

Income limits for public housing are the same as for Section 8. You must also meet citizenship or legal residency requirements and pass a background check. LACHA will explain these requirements in detail once you contact them.

Emergency rental information and other programs

LA County Housing Authority may administer emergency rental information funds during periods when money is available. These programs help people who have fallen behind on rent due to job loss, illness, or other hardship. Unlike Section 8 or public housing, emergency information is not a long-term program — it pays arrears (rent you already owe) and sometimes helps with future rent for a limited time.

Emergency rental information programs open and close based on funding. LACHA's website or a call to their main office will tell you whether funds are currently open. If they are closed, ask when they might reopen and whether you can leave your contact information to be notified.

LACHA may also administer other programs such as rapid rehousing or supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness. These programs change based on available funding and partnerships with nonprofits. Call to ask what programs currently exist and whether you may be a fit for any of them.

How to contact LA County Housing Authority

LA County Housing Authority's main office is located in Downey. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about waitlist status, program requirements, and how to move forward. The phone number and office hours are on their official website. You can also visit in person if you prefer to speak face-to-face.

When you call, have ready: your name, current address, household size, and approximate monthly income. This information helps LACHA tell you quickly whether you may be a fit for any current programs. If you are calling about Section 8 or public housing, also ask for the current income limit for your household size so you know whether to proceed.

You can also mail questions or documents to LACHA's address, though phone contact is usually faster. If you do not have a phone, many nonprofits and libraries in unincorporated county areas can help you make the call or provide computer access to check LACHA's website.

Documents you will need

Every LACHA program requires proof of identity, income, and residency. Bring a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). For income, bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement in your name.

You will also need to show citizenship or legal immigration status. This means a birth certificate, passport, green card, or work authorization document. LACHA cannot move forward without this.

If you are explore for emergency rental information, you will also need a signed lease and proof of the hardship — such as a termination letter from your employer or a medical bill. LACHA will tell you exactly what they need once you contact them about a specific program.

Waitlist status and how long things take

Section 8 and public housing waitlists in LA County are long. If you are added to a Section 8 waitlist, you may wait several years before being called. Public housing waitlists typically move faster, but still involve waiting months to years depending on the development and your household size.

Emergency rental information, when available, usually processes faster — typically within two to six weeks from process to payment. However, these programs run out of money and close regularly, so speed depends on whether funds are currently open.

LACHA will give you a waitlist number or confirmation when you explore. Keep this number and call periodically to ask about your position. Some programs allow you to update your contact information or household size by phone; others require you to reapply if your situation changes significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does LA County Housing Authority serve the City of Los Angeles?

No. LA County Housing Authority serves only unincorporated Los Angeles County. If you live within the City of Los Angeles, you work with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), which is a separate agency. Check your property tax bill or call your city to confirm which authority covers your address.

What is the income limit for Section 8 in LA County?

Income limits change yearly and vary by household size. For a single person, the limit is typically around 50% of area median income; for a family of four, it is higher. Call LACHA and tell them your household size — they will give you the exact current limit. You can also check their website, which usually posts income limits by household size.

Can I explore for Section 8 if the waitlist is closed?

Not until the waitlist reopens. When it does reopen, applications fill up quickly — sometimes within hours. Call LACHA to ask when the waitlist last closed and whether you can request notification when it opens again. Check their website every few months as well, since reopenings are sometimes announced only online.

What happens if I am on the Section 8 waitlist and my income or household size changes?

Call LACHA and tell them about the change. Some changes require you to update your process; others do not. LACHA will tell you what to do. If your income increases significantly, you may no longer be within the income limit, which could affect your position on the waitlist.

How do I know if emergency rental information is currently open?

Call LACHA or check their website. Emergency rental information programs open and close based on funding, so the status changes. If the program is closed, ask when it might reopen and whether you can leave your contact information to be notified. You can also call 211 (a free referral line) to ask whether any emergency rental funds are open in your area.