What the Los Angeles County Housing Authority Does

The Los Angeles County Housing Authority (LACHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs across unincorporated Los Angeles County — the areas outside city limits. It does not serve the City of Los Angeles itself, which has its own housing authority. LACHA administers Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and other federal programs funded through HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development).

LACHA's main job is to hold a waiting list, process vouchers, and inspect properties. It does not build or own most of the housing; it pays landlords to rent to low-income tenants. If you live in unincorporated County territory — places like Palmdale, Lancaster, Antelope Valley, or the unincorporated areas around Long Beach — LACHA is the agency you contact for Section 8 or public housing questions.

The agency also runs a homelessness prevention program and works with nonprofits on rapid rehousing. But the bulk of its work is managing the Section 8 waiting list and issuing vouchers to households that meet income limits.

Key Takeaways

  • LACHA serves unincorporated Los Angeles County only; the City of Los Angeles is served by a separate housing authority.
  • The Section 8 waiting list is usually closed and can take years to open; you can check the current status on LACHA's website.
  • Section 8 vouchers require your household income to be at or below 50 percent of the area median income, which varies by family size.
  • LACHA requires a signed lease, landlord consent, and a property inspection before a voucher can be used.
  • You can contact LACHA by phone, mail, or in person at their office in Downey to ask about waiting list status or program rules.

How LACHA's Section 8 Voucher Program Works

A Section 8 voucher is a federal subsidy that pays part of your rent directly to your landlord. You find your own apartment, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and LACHA pays the difference between what you can afford and the actual rent. You pay the rest out of pocket.

To use a voucher, you must have a signed lease with a landlord who is willing to participate. LACHA then inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards — things like working plumbing, heat, and no lead paint hazards. Only after inspection passes does the voucher become active and rent payments begin.

The voucher is not cash; it is a contract between LACHA and the landlord. If you move, you can take the voucher to a new place, but you have to find a new landlord and go through inspection again. The voucher is yours to use for as long as you remain income-may be able to access and follow program rules.

Income Limits and Who Can Receive a Voucher

LACHA sets income limits based on family size and the area median income for Los Angeles County. These limits change each year. A single person's limit is different from a family of four. You must be at or below 50 percent of the area median income to be considered for a voucher.

You also must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. LACHA will ask for proof of identity, Social Security number, and immigration documents. If you have an eviction judgment on your record or owe money to a previous housing authority, you may be denied, though LACHA reviews each case individually.

Families with children, elderly people, and people with disabilities are not given preference on the waiting list — LACHA uses a lottery system when the list opens. However, once you receive a voucher, you have the same rights as anyone else in the program.

The Waiting List: How to Get On It and How Long It Takes

LACHA's Section 8 waiting list opens and closes based on how many vouchers the agency has available. When the list is open, you can submit an process by mail or in person. The process asks for household composition, income, and contact information. You do not pay a fee to explore.

Once your process is accepted, you go on the waiting list. LACHA then contacts you by mail when it is your turn. This can take months or years, depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many vouchers become available. During the wait, your income and household size may change — you are responsible for reporting changes to LACHA.

You can check whether the waiting list is currently open by visiting LACHA's website or calling their main office. The status changes; a closed list may reopen in the future. Some people wait two to three years; others wait longer. There is no way to speed up the process once you are on the list.

Documents You Will Need to Provide

When you explore or when LACHA calls you to process your voucher, you will need to bring or mail several documents. These include a photo ID, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return), proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and proof of citizenship or may be able to access immigration status (passport, green card, or I-94).

If you are unemployed, bring a letter from your last employer or unemployment benefits documentation. If you receive benefits — SNAP, CalWORKs, SSI, or Social Security — bring the award letter. LACHA also asks for proof of any child support or alimony you pay or receive.

When you find an apartment and are ready to use your voucher, you will need a signed lease from the landlord. LACHA will contact the landlord directly to verify the lease and arrange the inspection. Keep copies of all documents you submit; LACHA may ask for them again.

What Happens After You Receive a Voucher

Once LACHA approves you, you have a set amount of time — usually 60 to 120 days — to find an apartment and sign a lease. The landlord must agree to accept the Section 8 voucher. Not all landlords participate; some refuse vouchers or have their own rules about who they will rent to.

After you sign the lease, LACHA schedules a housing quality inspection. An inspector visits the unit and checks for safety and livability standards. Common issues that fail inspection include broken windows, no working heat, mold, or pest infestations. If the unit fails, the landlord has time to fix the problems and request a re-inspection.

Once inspection passes, LACHA and the landlord sign a contract, and rent payments begin. You will pay your portion of the rent to the landlord each month, and LACHA pays its portion directly to the landlord. You are responsible for following your lease and program rules, including reporting income changes and household composition changes.

How to Contact LACHA and Find Your Local Office

LACHA's main office is located in Downey. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about waiting list status, program rules, or to report a change in your household. The phone number and office hours are on LACHA's official website.

You can also visit in person to submit an process or ask questions. Bring your ID and any documents you have ready. If you prefer to mail your process, LACHA's mailing address is also on their website. Response times vary; expect to wait several weeks for a reply to a mailed process.

LACHA also has a tenant services line if you already have a voucher and need to report a maintenance issue with your unit or ask about your lease. Keep your case number handy when you call; it speeds up the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore if I live in the City of Los Angeles?

No. The City of Los Angeles Housing Authority serves the city proper. LACHA serves only unincorporated County areas. If you are unsure whether your address is in the city or unincorporated County, call LACHA or check the County Assessor's website with your address.

What if my income goes up after I receive a voucher?

You must report income changes to LACHA. If your income exceeds the program limit, you may lose the voucher. However, LACHA allows a grace period in some cases and may let you keep the voucher at a higher rent contribution. Always report changes; hiding income can result in program termination and repayment demands.

Can I use my voucher in a different county?

No. LACHA vouchers can only be used in unincorporated Los Angeles County. If you move out of the County, you lose the voucher. Some other counties have their own housing authorities and waiting lists, but you would have to explore separately.

What if the landlord wants to raise the rent after I move in?

Rent increases are allowed, but they must follow California law and your lease terms. LACHA does not control what landlords charge; it only pays its portion based on the lease amount. If the rent goes up, you pay more out of pocket unless LACHA's payment limit increases, which happens rarely.

How do I report a problem with my apartment or landlord?

Contact LACHA's tenant services line with your case number and a description of the issue. LACHA can require the landlord to make repairs or can help mediate disputes. If the landlord refuses to maintain the unit, LACHA may terminate the lease and help you find a new place.