The LA County Section 8 waiting list is currently closed, and the Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles (HACoLA) has not announced a reopening date.

HACoLA stopped accepting new applications in 2014 and has kept the list closed since then. The authority manages over 50,000 vouchers across Los Angeles County, but demand far exceeds supply — the waiting list had more than 200,000 people on it before it closed. Until HACoLA officially announces that applications are being taken again, there is no way to join the list.

You can check HACoLA's website directly or call their main office to confirm the current status. Phone numbers and office locations change, so searching "Housing Authority County of Los Angeles" plus "Section 8" will get you the most current contact information. Some people also call 211 Los Angeles, which is a free referral line that can tell you whether the list is open and what other rental help might be available to you right now.

Key Takeaways

  • HACoLA's Section 8 waiting list has been closed since 2014 with no announced reopening date.
  • You can call HACoLA's main office or visit their website to check for any status changes, since reopenings are announced there first.
  • Calling 211 Los Angeles can tell you what other rental assistance programs are currently open in your area.
  • If you need help with rent now, emergency rental assistance and other county programs may be available even if Section 8 is not.

How to Check if the List Has Reopened

HACoLA posts updates about Section 8 on their official website. The easiest way to check is to go directly to their site and look for a notice about new applications. If you do not have internet access, you can call their main office during business hours — staff can tell you immediately whether applications are being taken.

Do not rely on third-party websites or social media posts to confirm whether the list is open. Scams sometimes claim to offer Section 8 applications or to move you up a waiting list in exchange for money. HACoLA never charges a fee to put you on the waiting list, and there is no way to pay to jump ahead. If someone is asking for money, they are not representing HACoLA.

What Happened to the Waiting List

The waiting list closed because HACoLA received far more interest than it could handle. With over 200,000 people waiting and only about 50,000 vouchers in use across the county, the authority decided to stop taking new applications rather than add names to a list that would take decades to reach.

Closing a waiting list is a common strategy among housing authorities when demand is extremely high. It does not mean the program is ending — it means new people cannot join until the authority has processed enough of the existing list to make room. Some housing authorities reopen their lists every few years; others stay closed for much longer. HACoLA has not set a timeline for reopening.

Other Rental Help Available Now in LA County

While you wait to see if Section 8 reopens, you may be able to get help with rent through other programs. Los Angeles County and individual cities within it run emergency rental assistance programs that can pay landlords directly for back rent or help with current rent if you have recently lost income. These programs have different rules and funding levels than Section 8, and they change as money runs out and gets replenished.

Calling 211 Los Angeles is the fastest way to find out what is open right now. The line is free and available 24 hours a day. Staff can tell you which programs you might be able to use based on your income and situation, and they can often refer you directly to the right office. You can also search your city's name plus "rental assistance" to find programs run by your local government.

The Difference Between Section 8 and Emergency Rental Assistance

Section 8 is a long-term voucher program — once you receive a voucher, you can use it to rent from most landlords in the county, and the program helps pay your rent for as long as you stay in the program. Emergency rental assistance is temporary help, usually covering a few months of back rent or helping you catch up after a job loss. It does not give you an ongoing voucher.

Emergency programs are also usually faster. You can sometimes get approved and receive payment within two to four weeks, whereas Section 8 can take months or years from the time you join the waiting list. If you need help with rent in the next few months, emergency assistance is often your only option while Section 8 remains closed.

What to Do If You Cannot Find Help Right Now

If you are behind on rent and emergency programs are also closed or full, contact your landlord and explain your situation. Many landlords will work with tenants on a payment plan rather than file for eviction, especially if you show you are trying to find help. Ask if they will accept partial payments or give you extra time while you look for assistance.

You can also reach out to nonprofit organizations in your area that help with housing. Groups like the Los Angeles Tenants Union, Community Legal Services, and local nonprofits sometimes have small emergency funds or can connect you with resources you have not found yet. Searching your neighborhood name plus "tenant rights" or "housing help" will turn up local organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get on a waiting list for when Section 8 reopens?

No. HACoLA does not maintain a separate list of people waiting for the waiting list to reopen. When the list does reopen, anyone can apply at that time. The best way to know when it happens is to check HACoLA's website regularly or call 211 to ask if they have heard any announcements.

Is there any way to speed up my Section 8 application if I am already on the list?

If you are already on the closed waiting list from before 2014, you cannot do anything to move up. HACoLA processes the list in the order applications were received. Your position was set when you originally applied. Calling or visiting the office will not change your place.

What if I move out of LA County — can I transfer my Section 8 voucher?

If you already have a Section 8 voucher from HACoLA, you can request a transfer to another housing authority in California or the United States. The process is called "portability." Contact HACoLA's Section 8 office to ask about transferring your voucher before you move.

Are there other counties near LA with open Section 8 waiting lists?

Some housing authorities in neighboring counties may have open or shorter waiting lists, but this changes frequently. Call the housing authority in the county where you want to live and ask about their current status. Keep in mind that moving to a different county just to get on a Section 8 list may not be practical if you need help with rent right now.

What should I do if someone offers to help me get Section 8 for a fee?

Do not pay. Section 8 is free to apply for, and no one can may provide you a voucher or move you up a waiting list. If someone is asking for money, they are running a scam. Report it to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office or the Federal Trade Commission.