The Los Angeles Housing Authority controls Section 8 in the county, and you apply through them — not through a private landlord or a website

The Los Angeles Housing Authority (LAHA) is the only place to apply for Section 8 in Los Angeles County. You cannot apply online or through a third party. LAHA accepts applications only during open enrollment periods, which happen irregularly — sometimes once a year, sometimes not for several years. When the list closes, it stays closed until LAHA announces the next opening, usually through their website and local media.

Before you apply, know that Section 8 in Los Angeles has a waiting list of over 40,000 people. Even after you are added to the list, you may wait years before your name reaches the top. Some applicants wait five to ten years or longer. This is not a fast path to housing.

You will need a few documents ready before enrollment opens: a photo ID, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and proof of citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate, passport, green card, or work permit). If you are applying as a family, bring documents for every household member.

Key Takeaways

  • LAHA opens Section 8 applications only during announced enrollment periods, which are not regular — check their website or call 213-252-4600 to learn when the next opening is.
  • You must apply in person at an LAHA office or by mail during the open enrollment window; online applications are not available.
  • Bring photo ID, proof of income, and proof of citizenship or legal residency; applications without these documents will be rejected.
  • After you are added to the waiting list, you may wait several years before LAHA contacts you with a voucher.

How to find out when applications open

LAHA does not announce enrollment dates far in advance. The best way to stay informed is to check their website regularly at www.lahousing.org or call their main line at 213-252-4600 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). When enrollment opens, LAHA posts the dates and instructions on their homepage.

You can also sign up for email alerts through their website, though response times vary. Some community organizations in Los Angeles, including local nonprofits and housing counseling agencies, also share enrollment announcements — ask at your local library or community center whether they have a mailing list.

Do not rely on social media or unofficial sources for enrollment dates. LAHA's official website and phone line are the only reliable sources.

What to bring to apply in person

During open enrollment, LAHA sets up application sites at multiple locations across Los Angeles County. The main office is at 2600 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90057, but LAHA also operates satellite offices in Long Beach, Pasadena, and other areas. Check their website to find the location nearest you and the hours it will be open.

Bring originals or certified copies of these documents:

  • Photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
  • Proof of income for the past 30 days (pay stubs, self-employment tax returns, unemployment benefits letter, or a signed letter from your employer on company letterhead)
  • Proof of citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate, passport, green card, Employment Authorization Document, or visa)
  • Proof of Social Security number for every household member (Social Security card, tax return, or W-2)
  • Proof of residence in Los Angeles County (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency dated within the last 60 days)

If you are applying as a family, bring documents for every person who will live in the unit. If a household member is not a U.S. citizen, bring their immigration documents. LAHA staff will make copies at the application site, but bringing originals speeds up the process.

How to apply by mail if you cannot go in person

If you are unable to apply in person during the enrollment period, you may be able to request a mail-in application. Call LAHA at 213-252-4600 during open enrollment to ask whether mail applications are being accepted that year. Not all enrollment periods allow mail applications, so confirm before you send anything.

If mail applications are available, LAHA will send you an application packet. Fill it out completely, include copies of all required documents, and mail it to the address LAHA provides. Mail applications must arrive by the deadline posted on the enrollment notice — applications that arrive after the deadline are rejected, so send yours early enough to account for postal delays.

Keep a copy of everything you mail and consider using certified mail with return receipt so you have proof LAHA received your packet.

What happens after you submit your application

After you apply, LAHA will send you a confirmation letter within a few weeks. This letter confirms that your application was received and tells you your position on the waiting list. Keep this letter — you will need it if you ever need to contact LAHA about your status.

LAHA does not contact you again until your name reaches the top of the list and a voucher becomes available. This can take years. During that time, your household circumstances may change — if you move, change your phone number, or your income changes significantly, contact LAHA to update your file. If LAHA cannot reach you when your voucher is ready, they may remove you from the list.

You can call LAHA to ask about your position on the list, though wait times are often long. Some years LAHA publishes a waiting list report showing how many people are ahead of you; check their website to see whether this information is available.

Income limits and household size requirements

LAHA has income limits based on household size and area median income. These limits change each year. For 2024, a single person's income must be below a certain threshold, and larger households have higher limits. The exact numbers depend on your household size and the specific area of Los Angeles County where you want to live.

You can find the current income limits on LAHA's website or by calling 213-252-4600. If your income is above the limit, you cannot be added to the list. If your income drops below the limit after you apply, you remain on the list.

There is no minimum income requirement — if you have no income, you can still apply. LAHA also does not have a maximum household size, though very large families may have longer waits because fewer units are available in their size category.

What disqualifies you from Section 8

LAHA will reject your application if you do not meet basic requirements: you must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and a resident of Los Angeles County. If you have an outstanding eviction judgment against you in California, LAHA may deny you, though this varies by case.

A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but LAHA does conduct background checks. Certain convictions — particularly those involving drugs, violence, or sex offenses — can result in denial. If you have concerns about your record, contact LAHA before you apply to ask how they evaluate your specific situation.

If LAHA denies your application, they will send you a letter explaining the reason and telling you how to request a hearing to challenge the decision. You have the right to appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for Section 8 if I am currently homeless?

Yes. You do not need a current address to apply — you can use a shelter address, a friend's address, or a mailing address where LAHA can reach you. Bring whatever proof of residency you have. If you are staying in a shelter, ask staff to provide a letter confirming you are a resident there.

What if I miss the enrollment period?

You will have to wait until LAHA opens applications again, which may be months or years away. There is no way to apply outside the enrollment window. Check LAHA's website regularly or call them to ask when the next enrollment is expected to open.

Do I need a job to get Section 8?

No. Section 8 is based on income, not employment status. If you receive unemployment benefits, disability payments, child support, or other income, that counts. If you have no income at all, you can still apply.

Can someone help me fill out the application?

Yes. A family member, friend, or housing counselor can help you complete the form. Some nonprofits in Los Angeles offer free application assistance during enrollment periods — ask at your local library or community center for referrals.

What if my household size changes after I apply?

Contact LAHA immediately to update your file. If you have a baby, marry, or add a household member, LAHA needs to know so they can adjust your voucher size when it becomes available. If someone moves out, tell LAHA as well.