What the Monterey County Housing Authority does

The Monterey County Housing Authority (MCHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs across Monterey County, California. It administers Section 8 vouchers, manages public housing properties, and oversees other affordable housing initiatives. The Authority does not build or own most of the housing itself — it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits, and it sets the rules for who can participate and how much they pay.

MCHA serves renters in unincorporated Monterey County and in the cities that contract with it for services. The cities of Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Carmel do not use MCHA; they have their own housing authorities or programs. If you live in one of those cities, you will need to contact your city's housing department directly.

The Authority's main job is to reduce the rent burden on low-income households. Under Section 8, MCHA pays the difference between what you can afford (usually 30 percent of your income) and the actual rent, up to a limit set by the federal government. You choose the landlord and the property; MCHA inspects it and signs the lease with the landlord.

Key Takeaways

  • MCHA administers Section 8 vouchers and public housing in unincorporated Monterey County and several cities; Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Carmel have separate authorities.
  • Section 8 vouchers let you choose your own rental property, and MCHA pays the landlord the difference between your portion and the full rent.
  • Income limits explore — you must earn below a threshold set each year, and MCHA will verify your income and household size before you can participate.
  • MCHA's Section 8 waiting list is closed most of the time; when it opens, it fills quickly and then closes again for months or years.
  • You can contact MCHA by phone, mail, or in person at their office in Salinas to ask about current programs and waiting list status.

Section 8 vouchers and how they work in Monterey County

A Section 8 voucher is a federal subsidy that follows you to any rental property that meets MCHA's standards. You find a landlord willing to accept the voucher, MCHA inspects the unit, and then MCHA pays the landlord directly each month. You pay your portion of the rent — typically 30 percent of your gross household income — and MCHA covers the rest, up to the payment standard for your area and unit size.

The payment standard is the maximum rent MCHA will cover. In Monterey County, this varies by bedroom count and changes annually. MCHA publishes the current payment standards on its website. If you find a unit that rents for more than the payment standard, you can still rent it, but you pay the difference out of pocket on top of your regular tenant share.

Once you have a voucher, you have a limited time — usually 60 to 120 days depending on MCHA policy — to find a landlord and a property. If you do not find one in that window, MCHA may take back the voucher. You can ask for an extension if you have a good reason, such as a disability that requires accessible housing or a medical condition that limits your search.

Income limits and who can participate

MCHA sets income limits based on the federal poverty guidelines and the area median income for Monterey County. These limits change every year. For 2024, the income limit for a single person is roughly 50 percent of the area median income; for a family of four, it is higher but still well below the county median. You must provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer to prove your income.

MCHA also checks your rental history, credit, and criminal background. You do not need perfect credit or a spotless record, but MCHA will look for patterns of non-payment, evictions, or criminal activity related to drugs or violence. Each case is reviewed individually, and MCHA has some discretion to overlook older issues or to require a co-signer or guarantor.

Your household size matters too. MCHA counts everyone living in the unit, including children and dependents. If your household size changes — you have a baby, a family member moves in, or someone moves out — you must report it to MCHA. Your rent share may change as a result.

The Section 8 waiting list and how to get on it

MCHA's Section 8 waiting list is not always open. The Authority closes it when the list grows too long relative to the number of vouchers available. When it is closed, you cannot add your name, and you will have to wait until MCHA announces it is open again. This can take months or years.

To find out whether the waiting list is currently open, call MCHA at (831) 759-7373 or visit their office at 1136 Natividad Road, Salinas, CA 93906. You can also check their website for updates. If the list is open, MCHA will give you an process form and tell you what documents to bring — typically proof of income, identification, and proof of residency in Monterey County.

When you submit your process, MCHA assigns you a date and time. Your place on the waiting list is based on that date, not on need or urgency. If the list closes after you explore, you stay on it. If you are selected and offered a voucher, you have a set amount of time to accept it and begin your search for housing.

Public housing managed by MCHA

In addition to Section 8, MCHA owns and manages several public housing properties in Monterey County. These are apartment complexes where MCHA is the landlord. Rent in public housing is also based on 30 percent of your income, and income limits explore. Public housing waiting lists are separate from the Section 8 waiting list.

Public housing units tend to have longer waiting lists than Section 8 vouchers because there are fewer of them. MCHA prioritizes applicants based on date of process and sometimes on local preference (for example, people who work in Monterey County). To ask about public housing, contact MCHA directly — they can tell you which properties have openings and whether their waiting lists are open.

What happens after you receive a voucher

Once you have a Section 8 voucher, you become a voucher holder. You must follow MCHA's rules: pay your rent share on time, keep the unit in good condition, report changes in household income or size, and allow MCHA to inspect the property annually. If you break the lease or stop paying your share, MCHA can terminate your voucher and you will lose the subsidy.

MCHA will also conduct a housing quality inspection before you move in and then annually after that. The inspector checks that the unit meets basic safety and livability standards — working plumbing, heat, no lead paint hazards, no pest infestations, and so on. If the unit fails inspection, the landlord must fix the problems before you can move in or before MCHA continues to pay.

You can keep your voucher as long as you remain income-may be able to access and follow the rules. If your income rises above the limit, MCHA may ask you to leave the program, though some households are allowed to stay at a higher rent share for a limited time. If you move out of Monterey County, you can ask MCHA to transfer your voucher to another housing authority, but the new authority must have openings and must approve the transfer.

How to contact MCHA and what to bring

Monterey County Housing Authority is located at 1136 Natividad Road, Salinas, CA 93906. You can reach them by phone at (831) 759-7373 during business hours, Monday through Friday. They also accept mail and have an online portal for some transactions, though you will need to call or visit in person to ask about waiting list status or to submit an initial process.

When you contact MCHA or visit in person, have ready: a photo ID, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), proof of residency in Monterey County (utility bill or lease), and a list of household members with their dates of birth. If you have a disability or special housing need, mention it — MCHA has programs and accommodations for people with disabilities, and they can explain your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does MCHA cover utilities in addition to rent?

No. MCHA pays the landlord for rent only. You are responsible for utilities unless your lease says the landlord covers them. Some MCHA payment standards include a utility allowance, which reduces the amount you pay as your tenant share, but MCHA does not pay the utility company directly.

What if I am homeless or living in a shelter right now?

You can still explore for Section 8 or public housing. You will need to provide proof of residency in Monterey County — a shelter letter, mail from a government agency, or a letter from a social worker can work. MCHA may also prioritize homeless applicants when the waiting list opens, depending on current policy.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher in a different county?

Not automatically. If you move out of Monterey County, your voucher ends unless you request a transfer to another housing authority. The receiving authority must have openings and must approve the transfer. Contact MCHA before you move to ask about the process and whether the county you are moving to is likely to accept your voucher.

What if my landlord refuses to accept a Section 8 voucher?

That is illegal in California. Landlords cannot discriminate against you because you use a voucher. If a landlord refuses, you can file a complaint with MCHA or with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. MCHA can also help you find another property or landlord.

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

MCHA will contact you when a voucher is available and give you time to accept it. After you accept, you have 60 to 120 days to find a property and a landlord. Once MCHA approves the unit, you can move in. The whole process from selection to move-in typically takes two to four months, depending on how quickly you find housing.