How the Long Beach Housing Authority Works and What It Administers

What the Long Beach Housing Authority does

The Long Beach Housing Authority (LBHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs in Long Beach, California. It administers Section 8 vouchers, manages public housing properties, and oversees other federal housing programs in the city. The Authority does not build or own most of the housing itself — it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who hold vouchers, and it manages a smaller portfolio of public housing units.

If you live in Long Beach and receive a housing voucher, your voucher is issued by LBHA. If you live in a public housing unit owned by the city, LBHA maintains and manages that property. The Authority also runs programs for people experiencing homelessness and administers some local housing information funds when they are available.

Key Takeaways

The Long Beach Housing Authority issues Section 8 vouchers and manages public housing in Long Beach; it does not run every housing program in the city.
To reach LBHA directly, contact their main office at 1515 North Long Beach Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802, or call (562) 437-0926.
LBHA maintains a waiting list for Section 8 vouchers and public housing, and the list is often closed because demand far exceeds available units.
If you already hold an LBHA voucher or live in LBHA public housing, you contact the Authority for rent calculations, lease issues, and maintenance requests.
Emergency rental information in Long Beach may come from LBHA, the city, or the county depending on the program and funding source.

Section 8 vouchers through LBHA

The Long Beach Housing Authority issues Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, which are federal subsidies that pay a portion of your rent to a private landlord. The voucher amount depends on the size of your household, the local rent standard, and your income. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent, usually 30 percent of your adjusted gross income.

To get on the LBHA Section 8 waiting list, you must live or work in Long Beach. The waiting list is frequently closed because thousands of people are already on it. When LBHA opens the list, applications are usually accepted for a limited period — sometimes a few weeks — and then the list closes again. You can call (562) 437-0926 to ask whether the list is currently open.

If you are already on the waiting list, you can check your position by calling LBHA or visiting their office. Wait times vary widely depending on household size and preference categories (such as homelessness or disability). Some households wait several years before receiving a voucher.

Public housing managed by LBHA

The Long Beach Housing Authority owns and manages public housing units throughout the city. These are apartments where LBHA is the landlord. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, and LBHA handles maintenance and repairs.

To get on the waiting list for public housing, you explore through LBHA using the same process process as Section 8. The public housing waiting list is also typically closed. When it opens, you can explore in person at the LBHA office or sometimes online, depending on how the Authority is accepting applications at that time.

If you currently live in LBHA public housing, you contact the Authority's maintenance line for repairs, your lease administrator for lease questions, and the rent office for questions about your rent calculation.

Contacting LBHA and finding office hours

The Long Beach Housing Authority main office is located at 1515 North Long Beach Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802. The main phone number is (562) 437-0926. Office hours and specific department phone numbers change, so calling first is the fastest way to confirm hours and reach the right department.

LBHA also has a website where you can find information about current programs, waiting list status, and process forms. If you need to explore for a voucher or public housing, ask whether LBHA is currently accepting applications and what documents you will need to bring.

If you are experiencing a housing emergency — such as an eviction notice or when ready need for shelter — LBHA can refer you to emergency services, but the primary emergency response in Long Beach is usually handled by the city's homeless services department or the county.

Other housing programs in Long Beach

Not all housing information in Long Beach comes from LBHA. The City of Long Beach runs its own programs, including emergency rental information when funding is available. Long Beach also participates in county-level programs through Los Angeles County, which administers some homelessness services and housing support.

If you need emergency rent help, call 211 (a free referral line) or contact the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services to learn which programs are currently open. Emergency rental information programs change as funding becomes available and runs out, so the program you heard about may not be active when you call.

LBHA can also refer you to supportive housing programs, rapid rehousing, and other services if you are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of losing housing.

What happens after you receive a voucher

Once LBHA issues you a Section 8 voucher, you have a limited time — usually 120 days — to find a landlord who will accept the voucher. Not all landlords participate in Section 8. You search for housing on your own, and once you find a unit and a willing landlord, LBHA inspects the property to make sure it meets housing quality standards.

After the inspection passes, LBHA signs a contract with the landlord and begins paying the voucher portion of the rent. You pay your share directly to the landlord each month. If the rent changes, the landlord wants to end the lease, or you move, you contact LBHA to update your voucher status.

If you have trouble finding a landlord, LBHA has a landlord liaison office that can help connect you with participating landlords. Call the main number and ask to speak with the landlord liaison or housing search information program.

Income limits and rent calculations

To receive a Section 8 voucher or public housing through LBHA, your household income must be at or below 50 percent of the area median income. The exact income limit depends on your household size. LBHA calculates your rent at 30 percent of your adjusted gross income, which means certain deductions (such as medical expenses or childcare) can lower the amount you owe.

If your income increases after you receive a voucher, you must report it to LBHA. Your rent may go up, but you will not lose your voucher. If your income drops, you can request a rent recalculation. LBHA reviews income annually, so bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, or other income documents to your annual recertification appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Long Beach Housing Authority waiting list open right now?

The waiting list status changes frequently. Call LBHA at (562) 437-0926 to ask whether Section 8 or public housing applications are currently being accepted. When the list opens, it is usually only open for a few weeks before closing again.

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher from LBHA?

Wait times vary depending on household size and whether you have a preference (such as homelessness or disability). Some households wait one to three years, while others wait much longer. LBHA can tell you your approximate position on the list if you call with your process number.

Can I use my LBHA voucher to rent anywhere in California?

No. Your LBHA voucher is portable to other housing authorities in California, but you must request a transfer and the receiving authority must have available vouchers. Most transfers require you to move to the new area within a set timeframe. Contact LBHA to ask about portability if you are planning to move.

What do I do if my LBHA public housing unit needs repairs?

Call LBHA's maintenance line to report the repair. Provide your unit number and a description of the problem. LBHA aims to respond to urgent repairs (such as no heat or water) within a few days and non-urgent repairs within a longer timeframe. If the repair is not made, you can file a complaint with LBHA or contact the city's housing department.

Where do I find emergency rental help in Long Beach if LBHA cannot help?

Call 211 or contact the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services to learn about emergency rental information programs. These programs are run by the city or county and have different income limits and requirements than LBHA vouchers. Availability changes as funding becomes available.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.