What Long Beach Housing Authority does

Long Beach Housing Authority (LBHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs for low-income residents in Long Beach, California. It does not build or own most of the housing — instead, it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits, and it manages waiting lists for public housing units that LBHA does own directly.

The two main programs are Section 8 vouchers (also called Housing Choice Vouchers) and public housing. Section 8 lets you rent from a private landlord while LBHA pays part of your rent; public housing means you rent directly from LBHA in a building it owns. Both require you to be on a waiting list, and both have income caps that vary by family size.

LBHA also administers emergency rental information when funding is available, though that money comes from state or federal grants and runs out. The agency is separate from the City of Long Beach government, though it works with city departments on housing policy.

Key Takeaways

  • Long Beach Housing Authority runs Section 8 vouchers and public housing for low-income households, with separate waiting lists for each program.
  • You must meet income limits based on family size, and income is verified through tax returns, pay stubs, and other documents before you are admitted.
  • Waiting lists are typically years long; LBHA publishes when lists open and close, usually once per year or less frequently.
  • You can contact LBHA directly by phone, mail, or in person at their office in Long Beach to ask about current waiting list status and income limits.
  • If you are already in a program, LBHA handles rent calculations, lease approvals, and inspections of rental units.

Section 8 vouchers versus public housing

A Section 8 voucher is a subsidy that LBHA gives you to use with a private landlord of your choice. You find the apartment, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and LBHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent (usually 70 to 80 percent). You pay the rest out of pocket, typically 30 percent of your income. The voucher is portable — if you move within Long Beach or to another California county, you can take it with you if that county's housing authority accepts transfers.

Public housing means LBHA owns the building and you rent directly from them. LBHA sets the rent based on your income, usually 30 percent of what you earn. You do not choose the location or unit — LBHA assigns you based on availability and family size. Public housing is not portable; if you move out, you lose the unit.

Section 8 is more flexible because you choose where to live, but it depends on landlords being willing to accept vouchers. Public housing is more stable because the rent is locked to your income, but you have no choice in where you live. Both have waiting lists, and both require income verification.

Income limits and how they are checked

LBHA sets income limits for each program based on the area median income for Long Beach. The limits change yearly and depend on family size. A single person might have a limit of around 50 percent of area median income, while a family of four might have a higher limit. LBHA publishes these numbers on its website and can tell you the current limit when you call.

To prove your income, LBHA asks for recent tax returns (usually the last two years), current pay stubs, a letter from your employer, or proof of benefits if you receive Social Security, unemployment, or other information. If you are self-employed, you will need business tax returns and possibly a profit-and-loss statement. LBHA staff review these documents to calculate your annual income and determine whether you fall within the limit.

If your income is above the limit when you are first admitted, you cannot join the program. If your income rises after you are admitted, LBHA may allow you to stay but will recalculate your rent contribution. The rules vary slightly between Section 8 and public housing, so ask LBHA which documents they need before you gather them.

How to get on a waiting list

LBHA opens its waiting lists at irregular intervals — sometimes once a year, sometimes less often. When a list opens, you must submit an process in person, by mail, or online (if LBHA offers online applications). The process asks for your name, address, income, family composition, and contact information. You do not need to submit income documents at the time of process; LBHA asks for those later if you are selected from the list.

Once your process is received, LBHA assigns you a place on the waiting list based on the date and time you applied. The list is processed in order, but LBHA may give priority to people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, or families with very low incomes — the exact priorities are set by LBHA policy and posted when the list opens.

Waiting times vary widely. Section 8 waiting lists in Long Beach have historically been several years long, while public housing lists may be shorter or longer depending on unit availability. LBHA can tell you the current wait time when you call or visit. You can be on both lists at the same time.

What happens after you are selected from the waiting list

When LBHA reaches your name on the list, staff will contact you by phone or mail to schedule an appointment. At that appointment, you will bring income documents (tax returns, pay stubs, proof of benefits) so LBHA can verify that you still meet the income limit. If you do, LBHA will explain the program rules, have you sign a lease or housing information payment contract, and explain your rights and responsibilities.

For Section 8, LBHA will give you a voucher and a list of landlords who have worked with the program before. You then search for an apartment on your own. Once you find one and the landlord agrees, LBHA inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards (safe, clean, working utilities, no lead paint hazards). If it passes, LBHA and the landlord sign a contract, and you move in.

For public housing, LBHA will show you available units and you choose one (or LBHA assigns one if you do not choose). LBHA will explain the lease, collect a security deposit if required, and you move in. Your rent is calculated based on your income and is usually due on the first of the month.

Rent calculations and annual recertification

In public housing, your rent is 30 percent of your gross monthly income (with some deductions allowed for dependents, medical expenses, or disability-related costs). If your income changes, you must report it to LBHA, and your rent will be recalculated. LBHA conducts annual recertifications where you provide updated income documents so they can verify your current earnings.

In Section 8, the calculation is similar: you pay 30 percent of your income, and LBHA pays the landlord the difference (up to the voucher amount). If your income drops, your share of rent drops. If your income rises above a certain threshold, you may lose the voucher or your rent contribution will increase significantly. Annual recertifications are required for Section 8 as well.

If you do not report income changes or miss a recertification appointment, LBHA may terminate your information. It is important to stay in contact with LBHA and provide documents on time. If you have a change in income, family size, or living situation, contact LBHA when ready to report it.

How to contact Long Beach Housing Authority

LBHA's main office is located in Long Beach. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about waiting list status, income limits, or program rules. The phone number and office address are on LBHA's website. You can also visit in person to submit an process or ask questions.

If you are already in a program and need to report a change, pay rent, request a repair, or ask about your lease, contact the same office. LBHA staff can answer questions about your specific situation and direct you to the right department. Response times vary, but LBHA is required to respond to maintenance requests within a certain timeframe (usually 24 to 48 hours for emergencies).

LBHA's website lists office hours, phone numbers, and sometimes allows you to submit forms online. If you have a complaint about LBHA's actions or believe you have been treated unfairly, you can file a grievance with LBHA's administrative office, which will investigate and respond in writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be on both the Section 8 and public housing waiting lists at the same time?

Yes. The two programs have separate waiting lists, and LBHA allows you to explore to both. If you are selected from one list before the other, you can accept that offer and remain on the second list, or you can decline and stay on both. Let LBHA know your preference when you are selected.

What if my income goes above the limit after I am admitted?

LBHA will recalculate your rent, and you may pay more. If your income exceeds the limit by a certain amount (usually 120 percent of area median income), LBHA may terminate your information after a grace period. The exact rules depend on the program, so ask LBHA what happens if your income rises.

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher after I am selected?

After you are selected and income is verified, LBHA will issue the voucher within a few weeks. You then have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find an apartment. If you do not find one in that time, LBHA may extend the important date or terminate the voucher.

What if my landlord will not accept my Section 8 voucher?

Landlords are not required to accept vouchers, but Long Beach has a fair chance ordinance that limits how landlords can screen tenants. If you believe a landlord refused you because of the voucher itself (rather than your credit or income), you can file a complaint with the City of Long Beach or contact a legal aid organization.

Can I transfer my Section 8 voucher to another county?

Yes, Section 8 vouchers are portable. You can request a transfer to another county's housing authority, but that authority must have funding available and must accept the transfer. Contact LBHA to start the process; they will work with the receiving authority to complete the move.