Los Angeles faces a housing crisis with high rents and limited affordable options. Many residents, especially low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities, struggle to find stable homes. The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD), and the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) offer programs to help.
Understanding the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA)
HACLA is a state-chartered agency that provides affordable housing for low-income residents, seniors, and people with disabilities in Los Angeles. Established in 1938, it manages public housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
HACLA Programs
- Public Housing: HACLA owns and manages apartments and houses where rent is about 30% of a tenant’s adjusted gross income. There are 14 public housing sites across the city.
- Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers: This program helps tenants afford private market rentals. The voucher covers part of the rent, and the tenant pays the rest.
Applying for Public Housing through HACLA
HACLA’s public housing program offers affordable homes for eligible families. Here’s how to apply and what to expect.
Application Process
To apply for public housing:
- Submit Online: Use RentCafe with a valid email address to create an account and apply.
- Request Assistance: If you need help, email application.help@hacla.org or call (833) 422-5248.
- Head of Household: Must be 18 or older or have proof of minor status removed by court order or marriage.
- Registration Code: After applying, you’ll receive a code to track your application.
- Updates: Update your application via RentCafe or email application.help@hacla.org if your contact details or income change.
You can only submit one application. Duplicate applications are not accepted.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for public housing, you must meet these criteria:
- Age: The applicant or co-applicant must be at least 18 years old.
- Criminal Background: All adult household members must pass a criminal background check.
- Immigration Status: At least one household member must have eligible immigration status. Mixed-status families may have prorated rent.
- Income Limits: Your total annual income must not exceed HUD’s limits, effective April 15, 2025:
| Number of Persons | Extremely Low Income (30% Median) | Very Low Income (50% Median) | Low Income (80% Median) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $31,850.00 | $53,000.00 | $84,850.00 |
| 2 | $36,400.00 | $60,600.00 | $96,950.00 |
| 3 | $40,950.00 | $68,150.00 | $109,050.00 |
| 4 | $45,450.00 | $75,750.00 | $121,150.00 |
| 5 | $49,100.00 | $81,800.00 | $130,850.00 |
| 6 | $52,750.00 | $87,850.00 | $140,550.00 |
| 7 | $56,400.00 | $93,900.00 | $150,250.00 |
| 8 | $60,000.00 | $100,000.00 | $159,950.00 |
| 9 | $63,650.00 | $106,050.00 | $169,600.00 |
| 10 | $67,300.00 | $112,100.00 | $179,300.00 |
| 11 | $70,950.00 | $118,150.00 | $189,000.00 |
| 12 | $76,150.00 | $124,250.00 | $198,700.00 |
| 13 | $81,650.00 | $130,300.00 | $208,400.00 |
Local Preferences: Priority is given to applicants who:
- Work 20+ hours per week at minimum wage for at least 6 months.
- Attend accredited higher education full-time, leading to employment.
- Are income self-sufficient, active or veteran military members, or disabled/62+ years old. Veterans have priority regardless of application date.
How to Find Affordable Housing in San Jose
Waiting List Information
- City-Wide List: HACLA uses one waiting list for all 14 public housing sites. You cannot choose a specific site.
- Placement: Based on the date and time of your application and eligibility status.
- Unit Offers: You may receive up to three unit offers at different sites. You have 5 business days to respond to each offer.
- Removal from List: You may be removed if you fail to respond, provide required documents, falsify information, reject three offers, or if your income exceeds HUD limits.
Applying for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
Section 8 vouchers, managed by LACDA, help low-income residents afford private market rentals. The application process is currently limited due to a closed waiting list.
Application Process
- Waiting List Status: The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waiting list is closed for public registration as of August 2025.
- Prioritization: The program prioritizes referrals from the Coordinated Entry System (CES) or partnering agencies for homeless families.
- How to Apply: If you’re homeless and not working with a service provider:
- Call 2-1-1 (available 24/7).
- Call (800) 399-6993.
- Visit 211LA.org.
- Housing Services: Find local housing services through LAHSA’s CES access point directory at https://www.lahsa.org/documents?id=2760-ces-access-point-directory.pdf.
- Assistance: For help due to disability, bilingual translation, or alternative communication, call (626) 262-4510 (option 2), Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. PST, or use TDD at (626) 943-3898.
Eligibility Requirements
- Referrals: You must be referred by a service provider to apply for the HCV Program.
- Non-Discrimination: LACDA provides reasonable accommodations and does not discriminate based on disability. Learn more about fair housing at calcivilrights.ca.gov or hud.gov.
Waiting List Information
- Current Status: The HCV waiting list is closed for public registration.
- Homeless Preference: Families already on the waiting list who are homeless receive priority.
- Other Options: If you’re not homeless, check for other open LACDA housing program waiting lists. Contact LACDA at (626) 586-1845 for Greater LA County or (800) 731-4663 for areas outside the 626 area code.
How to Apply for Senior Housing in San Francisco
Other Affordable Housing Programs in Los Angeles
Beyond HACLA and LACDA, other organizations offer housing assistance in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD)
LAHD supports affordable housing through:
- Affordable Housing Trust Fund: Funds projects like the Crossings at 29th Street to create affordable rental units.
- Low Income Purchase Assistance: Helps first-time homebuyers with low incomes purchase a home.
How to Apply: Search and apply for affordable housing online at https://lahousing.lacity.org/aahr. This service, in partnership with Los Angeles County, lists affordable and accessible rental properties.
Contact: Call (866) 557-7368 or visit LAHD’s public counters for assistance. Find counter locations at housing.lacity.gov/about-us/public-counters.
Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA)
LAHSA helps individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with:
- Emergency shelter
- Transitional housing
- Permanent supportive housing
How to Access: Contact LAHSA at (213) 225-6581 or visit lahsa.org/get-help. If you’re at risk of homelessness, LAHSA can connect you with resources to stay housed.
Tips for Successful Housing Applications
Applying for housing assistance can be a long process, but these tips can improve your chances:
Preparing Your Application
- Gather Documents: Collect proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns), identification (driver’s license, passport), and social security cards for all household members.
- Understand Income: Income calculations affect eligibility and rent. Include all sources of income, such as wages, benefits, or child support, and understand deductions like medical expenses.
Staying Informed
- Check Status: Use RentCafe for public housing or contact LACDA for Section 8 to check your application status.
- Update Information: Notify HACLA or LACDA within 10 business days of changes in address, phone number, income, or family size to avoid removal from waiting lists.
Conclusion
Securing affordable housing in Los Angeles requires patience due to high demand and limited resources. HACLA’s public housing and Section 8 programs, along with LAHD and LAHSA services, offer valuable support. By understanding the application process, meeting eligibility requirements, and staying proactive, you can increase your chances of finding a stable home.