What California housing authorities are and who runs them

California does not have a single statewide housing authority. Instead, each city and county runs its own public housing authority (PHA), which is a local government agency that administers federal housing programs in that area. The largest is the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, which serves over 50,000 households. Smaller counties may have one authority covering the entire region, or a city may run its own separate from the county.

Each authority operates under federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), but decisions about who gets housed, how fast applications move, and what programs run locally belong to the local board. This means the same program — like Section 8 vouchers — works differently depending on which county you live in. Wait times, income limits, and process procedures all vary.

You find your local authority by searching "[your city or county name] housing authority" online, or by calling 211 and asking for the public housing authority in your area. The authority's office handles applications, maintains waiting lists, and pays landlords on behalf of tenants who hold vouchers.

Key Takeaways

  • California has dozens of separate housing authorities, one per city or county, not a single state agency you can call.
  • Each authority runs Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and emergency programs, but wait times and rules differ by location.
  • To reach your local authority, search online for "[city/county name] housing authority" or call 211 for a referral.
  • Most authorities have closed waiting lists for Section 8 vouchers, meaning you cannot add your name until they reopen, which may take years.
  • The authority pays landlords directly when you hold a voucher, so the landlord works with the authority, not just with you.

Section 8 vouchers and how local authorities manage them

The most common program a housing authority runs is Section 8, which is a federal voucher that pays part of your rent. The authority receives federal money each year and distributes vouchers to households that meet income limits. In California, the income limit for a single person is usually between $25,000 and $35,000 per year, depending on the county and family size, but this varies significantly.

Nearly all California housing authorities have closed their Section 8 waiting lists. This means you cannot explore right now — the list is full. When a list closes, the authority stops accepting new names until someone leaves the program or the authority receives more federal funding. Some lists reopen every few years; others have been closed for a decade. You can call your local authority to ask when the list last opened and whether they expect it to reopen, but they cannot predict federal funding.

If the waiting list is open in your area, you explore in person or online at the authority's office. You will need proof of income, a Social Security number, and documentation of your household composition. The authority then places your name on the list in order of process date or by priority (families with children, people with disabilities, and homeless households often rank higher). Once your name reaches the top and a voucher becomes available, the authority contacts you and you have a set time — usually 60 to 90 days — to find a rental unit and sign a lease.

Public housing and other programs run by local authorities

Beyond Section 8, housing authorities own and operate public housing — apartment buildings the authority owns directly. Tenants pay rent based on 30 percent of their income, with the federal government covering the rest. Public housing in California is older and often in poor condition because federal funding for maintenance has not kept pace with need. Wait times for public housing are long, and many authorities prioritize people who are homeless or have disabilities.

Some authorities also run Project-Based Vouchers, which attach a subsidy to a specific building rather than to a tenant. This means the voucher stays with the unit, not with you if you move. Project-Based Vouchers are less common than tenant-based Section 8 but offer more stable funding for landlords, so some buildings participate.

During the pandemic, many California authorities distributed emergency rental information and utility information. These programs have largely ended or are running out of money. Call your local authority to ask whether emergency funds are still available in your area.

Income limits and what counts as income

To hold a Section 8 voucher or live in public housing, your household income must fall below a limit set by HUD each year. The limit depends on family size and the county you live in. A single person in rural Northern California might have a limit of $28,000, while a single person in San Francisco might have a limit of $35,000. A family of four in Los Angeles might have a limit of $55,000, while the same family in a smaller county might have a limit of $45,000.

Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, disability benefits, unemployment, child support, and alimony. It does not include food stamps, Medicaid, or most one-time payments. If you are self-employed, the authority will ask for tax returns from the past two years. If you receive disability or Social Security, bring the award letter showing the monthly amount.

When you explore, the authority calculates your income based on documents you provide. If your income is above the limit, you do not meet the requirement. If your income drops later — because you lose a job or hours are cut — you can report the change and may become income-may be able to access again.

How to contact your local housing authority

The fastest way to find your authority is to call 211 (a free helpline) and say "housing authority" or "Section 8". They will give you the phone number and address. You can also search online for "[your city name] housing authority" or "[your county name] housing authority".

When you call, ask: Is the Section 8 waiting list open? If it is closed, when did it last open and when might it reopen? What documents do I need to explore? Can I explore online or do I have to come in person? What is the current wait time? Some authorities have websites where you can read the process and see the status of the waiting list.

If you cannot reach your local authority or it does not exist as a separate entity, call your county's social services office or community development department. They can tell you which authority serves your area and how to reach them.

What happens after you receive a voucher

Once you are approved for a Section 8 voucher, the authority issues you a document that shows the voucher amount — usually between 60 and 100 percent of your rent, depending on local market rates and your income. You then search for an apartment on the private market. The landlord must accept the voucher (though they can refuse), and the unit must pass a housing quality inspection by the authority.

The authority pays the landlord directly each month. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. If the rent is $1,500 and your voucher covers $1,200, you pay $300. The authority and landlord communicate about late payments and lease violations, not you and the landlord alone.

You must recertify your income every year. If your income rises above the limit, you may lose the voucher or your rent contribution may increase. If your income drops, your rent contribution drops. The authority sends you a form each year asking about changes in income, household size, and employment.

Waiting lists, priority, and how long it actually takes

When a waiting list is open, the authority ranks applicants by process date or by priority category. Priority categories vary by authority but often include people who are homeless, people with disabilities, families with children, and people over 62. Some authorities use a lottery system instead of date order.

Wait times are long. In Los Angeles, the Section 8 waiting list has been closed for years, and when it last opened, over 100,000 people applied in a few days. In smaller counties, wait times range from one to five years. Some people never reach the top of the list because the list is so long and vouchers turn over slowly.

If you are on a waiting list and your circumstances change — you become homeless, you have a baby, you develop a disability — tell the authority when ready. They may move you up the list or into a priority category. If you move out of the county, you usually must reapply to the new county's authority; your time on the old list does not transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore to more than one housing authority at the same time?

Yes. If you live near a county line or are planning to move, you can explore to multiple authorities. Each maintains its own waiting list. Tell each authority about your applications elsewhere so they do not issue you a voucher twice. If you receive a voucher from one authority, notify the others so they can remove your name.

What if I do not speak English?

Housing authorities are required to provide interpreters or translated documents. When you call or visit, tell them what language you speak. Bring a family member or friend who speaks English if you prefer, but the authority must also offer a professional interpreter at no cost to you.

How do I know if my landlord will accept a Section 8 voucher?

Ask before you sign a lease. Some landlords refuse vouchers because they think the process is slow or because they prefer to set their own rent. Once you have a voucher, the authority can help you search for landlords who accept them, and some authorities maintain lists of participating buildings.

What if I am homeless right now?

Contact your local homeless services agency or call 211. They can refer you to emergency shelter and may be able to fast-track you to a housing authority's waiting list or connect you with rapid rehousing programs. Some authorities have set-asides for people experiencing homelessness.

Can I transfer my voucher if I move to a different county?

Transferring a voucher between counties is difficult and not always possible. Some authorities allow it if you have a job or family in the new county, but others do not. Contact your current authority and the authority in the county you are moving to and ask about portability. If transfer is not possible, you will need to explore to the new county's waiting list from scratch.