What the Santa Monica Housing Authority does

The Santa Monica Housing Authority (SMHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program in Santa Monica. It does not run all housing programs in the city — the city government, nonprofits, and state programs operate separately — but SMHA is the body you contact for public housing units and vouchers.

SMHA owns and manages public housing developments directly. It also administers Section 8 vouchers, which means it processes applications, determines who receives vouchers, and handles the paperwork between you, your landlord, and the federal government. The agency is independent from the city but accountable to HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development).

Most people contact SMHA for one of two reasons: they want to get on a waiting list for public housing, or they want information about Section 8 vouchers. Both have separate waiting lists, separate income limits, and separate process processes.

Key Takeaways

  • SMHA runs public housing units and Section 8 vouchers in Santa Monica, but not all housing information in the city — other programs are run by the city government and nonprofits.
  • Public housing and Section 8 vouchers have separate waiting lists, separate income limits, and separate process important date.
  • You can contact SMHA directly by phone, mail, or in person at their office to ask about current waiting list status and whether applications are open.
  • Both programs require proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a background check; income limits vary by household size and are set annually by HUD.
  • Waiting times for both programs are long in Santa Monica because demand is high and the number of available units is limited.

Public housing through SMHA

SMHA owns and operates public housing developments in Santa Monica. These are apartment buildings where SMHA is the landlord. You pay rent based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income — rather than market rent. The rest of the cost is covered by federal funding.

To get on the waiting list for public housing, you must meet income limits set by HUD each year. For 2024, the income limit for a single person is roughly 80 percent of the area median income; for a family of four, it is higher. SMHA publishes the exact limits on its website and can tell you over the phone whether your household income falls within the range.

You will need to provide proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of citizenship or legal residency (a birth certificate, passport, or green card), and consent for a background check. SMHA will also verify your rental history and credit if you have one.

The waiting list for public housing in Santa Monica is long — typically several years — because there are far more applicants than available units. SMHA may open and close the waiting list depending on how many people are on it. Call or visit their office to find out whether the list is currently open.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers administered by SMHA

A Section 8 voucher is a federal subsidy that pays part of your rent to a private landlord. You find your own apartment, and the voucher covers the difference between what you pay and what the program considers the fair market rent for that unit. You pay the rest out of pocket, usually 30 percent of your income.

SMHA administers the Section 8 program in Santa Monica, meaning it processes applications, issues vouchers, and handles the paperwork with landlords. The voucher itself is federal money, but SMHA is the local body that runs the program.

Income limits for Section 8 are the same as for public housing and are set by HUD each year. You must also be a U.S. citizen or have legal residency status. SMHA will verify your income, run a background check, and check your rental history.

The Section 8 waiting list in Santa Monica is also long and often closed. When it is open, SMHA may accept applications for a limited time — sometimes a few weeks — before closing again. You can call SMHA to find out whether the list is currently open and when the next opening might be.

How to contact SMHA and check waiting list status

The Santa Monica Housing Authority office is located at 1527 Ocean Park Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90405. You can reach them by phone at (310) 450-1860 during business hours. They also accept mail inquiries and have a website where you can find current information about waiting lists and process periods.

When you call, ask whether the public housing waiting list and the Section 8 waiting list are currently open. If they are closed, ask when they are expected to reopen. SMHA staff can also tell you the current income limits and what documents you will need to bring if you decide to explore.

If you visit in person, bring a photo ID and be prepared to ask questions about both programs. Staff can give you an process on the spot if the waiting list is open, or they can tell you how to submit one by mail.

Income limits and household size

HUD sets income limits for public housing and Section 8 each year based on the area median income in Santa Monica. The limits are higher for larger households. A single person has a lower limit than a family of four, which has a lower limit than a family of eight.

SMHA publishes the current year's income limits on its website and can read them to you over the phone. If your household income is at or below the limit for your household size, you may be within range. If you are above the limit, you will not be able to get on the waiting list.

Income includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security, disability benefits, unemployment benefits, child support, and other regular payments. SMHA will ask you to document all sources of income for the past 30 days or the past year, depending on the source.

Background checks and rental history

SMHA runs a background check on all applicants. This includes a criminal history check and a check of your rental history. If you have been evicted in the past, SMHA may deny your process, though the rules vary depending on how long ago the eviction was and the reason for it.

You will also be asked about your rental history — whether you paid rent on time, whether you damaged the unit, and whether you broke a lease. If you have a history of not paying rent or damaging property, SMHA may deny your process.

If you have a criminal record or an eviction, you can still explore, but you should be prepared to explain the circumstances. SMHA considers the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and what you have done since then. Some offenses — such as drug manufacturing or violent crimes — may result in automatic denial.

What happens after you get on a waiting list

Once you are on the waiting list, SMHA will contact you when a unit becomes available or when your name reaches the top of the list. This can take months or years. You must keep your contact information current with SMHA — if they cannot reach you, they may remove you from the list.

When SMHA contacts you, you will be asked to verify that your income and household composition have not changed. If they have, you may no longer be within the income limit, which could affect your placement. You will also be asked to confirm that you still want the unit or voucher.

If you receive a public housing unit, SMHA will sign a lease with you and you will move in. Your rent will be calculated based on your current income. If you receive a Section 8 voucher, you will have a limited time to find an apartment and have the landlord sign the lease with SMHA before the voucher expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for both public housing and Section 8 at the same time?

Yes. The two programs have separate waiting lists and separate process processes. You can be on both lists at once. If you receive a unit or voucher from one program, you will typically be removed from the other list, but you can ask SMHA about their specific policy.

What if my income goes up after I get a voucher or unit?

If you are in public housing, your rent will increase to reflect your new income, though it will still be capped at 30 percent of your gross income. If you have a Section 8 voucher, the subsidy may decrease, but you can stay in the program. SMHA will recalculate your rent at your annual recertification.

How long does it take to hear back after I explore?

SMHA will contact you within a few weeks to verify your information and schedule an interview if needed. However, getting called for a unit or voucher can take months or years depending on how many people are on the waiting list ahead of you.

What if I was denied in the past — can I explore again?

Yes, you can reapply. If you were denied for an eviction or criminal record, circumstances may have changed. Tell SMHA about any changes in your situation when you reapply, and ask whether the reason for the previous denial still applies.

Does SMHA help with other housing programs in Santa Monica?

No. SMHA runs only public housing and Section 8 vouchers. The city of Santa Monica runs other programs, and nonprofits run others. Call 211 or visit the city's housing page to learn about other options.