The Los Angeles Section 8 waiting list is closed, and reopening dates are unpredictable

The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) manages Section 8 in Los Angeles proper, and the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) manages it in unincorporated county areas and some cities. Both operate waiting lists that open and close based on funding. As of now, HACLA's waiting list is closed and has been for years. LACDA's list also closes regularly. There is no set date when either will reopen — you have to check their websites directly or call to learn the current status.

When a list does open, it typically stays open for a limited time — sometimes a few weeks, sometimes a few months — then closes again once a certain number of applications arrive. The wait time from application to lease-up ranges from two to ten years depending on your household size, income, and local demand. Smaller households and those with lower incomes sometimes move faster.

If you cannot wait for Section 8, Los Angeles has other rental support programs that may have shorter timelines or open lists. These include emergency rental assistance through the city or county, rapid rehousing programs, and nonprofit housing programs. Your local 211 service can tell you which programs are currently taking new people.

Key Takeaways

  • HACLA (for Los Angeles city) and LACDA (for county areas) each maintain separate waiting lists that open and close unpredictably based on funding.
  • You must check the HACLA or LACDA website or call directly to find out whether the list is currently open — there is no advance notice of reopening dates.
  • The application itself is free and can be submitted online, by mail, or in person, but you will need proof of income, residency, and Social Security numbers for all household members.
  • Wait times range from two to ten years after you are added to the list, and you must recertify your income and household composition annually while waiting.
  • If the Section 8 list is closed, emergency rental assistance, rapid rehousing, and nonprofit programs may offer faster routes to stable housing.

Checking whether the HACLA or LACDA waiting list is open

Visit the HACLA website at hacla.org or the LACDA website at lacda.org and look for the Section 8 or Housing Choice Voucher program page. Both sites display the current status of their waiting lists prominently. If the list is closed, the page will say so. Some years the list has reopened for a few weeks in spring or fall, but this is not may provide and dates change.

You can also call HACLA at (213) 252-2500 or LACDA at (626) 586-1500 to ask directly whether the list is open. Have your zip code ready — staff can tell you which authority serves your area and whether you can currently submit an application. If the list is closed, ask when it last opened and whether there is any timeline for the next opening. Neither authority can predict reopening dates, but they may have historical patterns.

Some people sign up for email alerts or check the websites monthly. If you are in a crisis situation — facing eviction or homelessness — tell the staff member you speak with. They may refer you to emergency programs that move faster than Section 8.

What documents you need before you apply

Gather these documents before you start an application. You will need them whether you apply online or on paper:

  • Proof of income for the past 30 days for every household member who works (pay stubs, self-employment tax returns, benefit letters from Social Security or unemployment).
  • Proof of residency in Los Angeles County for the past 12 months (utility bills, lease, mail from a government agency).
  • Social Security numbers or ITIN numbers for all household members, including children.
  • Photo ID for the person applying (driver's license, passport, or state ID).
  • Proof of citizenship or legal residency status (birth certificate, passport, green card, or work authorization document).
  • If you are receiving benefits, letters from the program (CalFresh, CalWORKs, SSI, SSDI, unemployment).
  • If you have zero income, a letter from a social worker, case manager, or nonprofit explaining your situation.

If any household member is not a citizen, HACLA and LACDA still accept mixed-status households. You will need to provide immigration status documentation for each person, but non-citizens with valid work authorization or legal residency can be included in the voucher.

Make copies of everything. Keep the originals. If you apply online, you will upload scans or photos of these documents. If you apply by mail or in person, bring originals and copies.

How to submit your application when the list is open

HACLA and LACDA both offer online applications when the waiting list is open. Visit their websites and look for a link to the online portal or application system. You will create an account, enter your household information, and upload your documents. Online applications typically process faster than paper ones.

If you cannot apply online, both authorities accept paper applications by mail or in person. HACLA's main office is at 2600 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90057. LACDA has multiple offices throughout the county — check their website for the location nearest you. Paper applications take longer to process and may require follow-up calls to confirm receipt.

When you submit, you will receive a confirmation number or receipt. Write this down and keep it. You will use it to check the status of your application and to communicate with the authority about your case. Do not assume your application was received unless you have this confirmation in writing.

What happens after you submit your application

After submission, your application enters a queue. HACLA and LACDA prioritize applications based on preferences set by their boards — these may include homelessness, disability, elderly status, or very low income. Your position on the waiting list depends on when you applied and whether you meet any priority criteria.

You will receive a letter confirming that your application was received and telling you your position on the waiting list. This letter is important — keep it. The authority will also tell you how to check your status online or by phone. You can call or log into the portal to see where you stand, but the list moves slowly, and your position may not change for months or years.

While you are on the waiting list, you must recertify your household income and composition every year. HACLA and LACDA will send you a recertification form by mail. You must return it by the deadline with updated pay stubs, benefit letters, or proof of zero income. If you do not recertify, you may be removed from the list. If your household size or income changes, report it immediately — changes can affect your position or your rent payment once you receive a voucher.

What to expect during the waiting period

Waiting times in Los Angeles are long. HACLA's average wait is currently five to seven years for a single person and three to five years for a family, though these numbers shift based on funding and demand. LACDA's wait times vary by city and household size. You may wait years without hearing anything except annual recertification notices.

During this time, you can move, change jobs, or change your household composition. Tell HACLA or LACDA about any changes in writing. If you move out of Los Angeles County, you may be able to transfer your voucher to another housing authority, but this requires advance coordination. If you move and do not notify them, you may lose your place on the list.

If your circumstances change dramatically — you become homeless, face eviction, or have a medical emergency — contact the authority and explain. Some authorities have expedited review processes for people in crisis, though this is not may provide. Having a case manager or social worker write a letter on your behalf can help.

When the Section 8 list is closed: other programs to explore

Because HACLA and LACDA waiting lists close for extended periods, you should explore other programs while you wait or if you need housing sooner. The City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County both run emergency rental assistance programs that help people pay rent arrears or future rent. These programs have shorter wait times than Section 8 and may reopen multiple times per year.

Rapid rehousing programs, run by nonprofits and the county, help people move from homelessness into housing quickly and provide rental assistance for a limited time. If you are currently unhoused or at imminent risk of homelessness, these programs may move faster than Section 8.

Call 211 (dial 2-1-1 from any phone) or visit 211la.org to search for current rental assistance, housing programs, and nonprofits in your area. You can also contact the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) at (213) 473-3900 if you are experiencing homelessness or at risk of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply to both HACLA and LACDA at the same time?

Yes. If you live in Los Angeles city, you apply to HACLA. If you live in unincorporated county areas or certain cities like Long Beach or Santa Monica, you apply to LACDA. Some people live in areas served by both — check the HACLA and LACDA websites to confirm which authority serves your address. You can be on both waiting lists simultaneously.

What if I have an eviction notice or I am currently homeless?

Tell HACLA or LACDA when you apply. Some authorities prioritize people facing eviction or homelessness, though this varies. More importantly, contact your local emergency rental assistance program or LAHSA immediately — these programs move much faster than Section 8 and can prevent eviction or help you find immediate shelter while you wait for a voucher.

Do I have to pay a fee to apply for Section 8?

No. HACLA and LACDA do not charge application fees. Be cautious of any organization claiming to charge money to help you apply or to move you up the waiting list — this is a scam. The application is free through the official housing authority websites only.

What if my income is too high for Section 8?

Section 8 income limits in Los Angeles vary by household size and are set annually. A single person's limit is typically around $50,000 to $55,000 per year, though this changes. If your income exceeds the limit, you do not meet the basic requirement and cannot receive a voucher. Check the current income limits on the HACLA or LACDA website when you apply.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher in a different city or state?

You can transfer your voucher to another housing authority if you move, but you must request a transfer before you leave Los Angeles. The receiving authority must have funding available and must agree to accept your voucher. This process takes time and is not may provide. Contact HACLA or LACDA before you move to learn whether a transfer is possible.