Finding affordable housing in California can be a challenge for many families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. With some of the highest housing costs in the nation, the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program provides a lifeline for those who qualify, helping them secure safe, stable homes at an affordable cost.

Administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and local housing authorities, Section 8 enables participants to rent privately-owned housing with rental subsidies covering a significant portion of the cost. This guide will help you understand how the program works in California, who qualifies, and how to apply.

Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing in California?

To qualify for Section 8, applicants must meet specific criteria:

Income Eligibility

Your household income must not exceed 50% of the area median income (AMI). For example, in Los Angeles County, a family of four must earn $47,250 or less to qualify as very low-income in 2025. Priority may be given to those earning less than 30% of the AMI.

Residency and Citizenship Status

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents with eligible immigration status.

Background and Rental History

All household members aged 18 and older must pass a criminal background check, and applicants should demonstrate a history of timely rent payments and responsible tenancy.

Eligibility factors may also include household size, disability status, and local housing availability. Contact your local housing authority for detailed information and to check the specific requirements for your area.

How Much Does Section 8 Pay in California?

The amount Section 8 covers depends on household income, family size, and local rental costs. Participants typically pay 30% of their adjusted income toward rent, while the program subsidizes the remaining amount, up to local Fair Market Rent (FMR) limits.

Income Limits for Section 8 Housing in California

HUD sets income limits annually, based on AMI and household size. Here are examples of income limits for 2025:

Households earning below 30% of the AMI (extremely low-income) often receive priority. To determine your eligibility, calculate your total household income and compare it to your county's limits. Use HUD's Income Limit Tool for detailed information.

Fair Market Rents for Section 8 in California

Fair Market Rents (FMRs) are the rents, including utilities (except telephone), that rental units in a particular housing market would command if leased to tenants. HUD sets FMRs for each metropolitan area and non-metropolitan county in the country. The FMRs are based on the rental market in the area and are meant to provide a standardized, fair rent for Section 8 housing.

In California, FMRs are determined by HUD and are based on the local rental market. The FMRs for different areas of California vary based on the size of the unit and the number of bedrooms. The FMRs are updated annually by HUD.

To find out the current FMRs for different areas of California, you can visit the HUD website or contact your local housing authority. It's important to note that the FMRs are not the maximum rent limits for Section 8 housing in California. The maximum rent limits for Section 8 in California are based on the family's income and are typically lower than the FMRs.

How to Apply for Section 8 Housing in California

The application process typically involves the following steps:

Contact Your Local Housing Authority: Locate your nearest housing authority through the HUD PHA Directory.
Submit Required Documentation: Provide proof of income, identification, and Social Security numbers for all household members.
Complete the Application: Include details about your household size, rental history, and any special needs.
Pass a Background Check: All adult members will be screened.
Wait for a Decision: Once approved, you may be placed on a waiting list.

Some housing authorities in California now allow online applications and status tracking. Check your local authority's website for details.

Housing Authorities in California

Housing authorities play a critical role in the administration of Section 8 housing in California. Housing authorities are responsible for reviewing applications, determining eligibility, and distributing vouchers to eligible families.

In California, there are many different housing authorities that administer Section 8 housing. Some housing authorities cover a single city or county, while others cover multiple areas. To find the housing authority for your area, you can search online for "housing authority" followed by your city or county name.

Each housing authority may have slightly different eligibility requirements and application processes, so it's important to contact the specific housing authority for your area to learn more about their procedures.

To contact a housing authority in California for Section 8 housing, you can visit their website or call their main office. The housing authority will be able to provide you with information about their application process, income requirements, and waiting list times. They can also help you determine if you are eligible for other affordable housing programs in your area. The following table contains information for Section 8 Housing Authorities across the state of California.

Housing Authority (Southern California)	Contact Information	Visit Website
Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles	700 W Main St, Alhambra, CA 91801 Email	Visit Website
San Diego Housing Commission	1122 Broadway Ste 300, San Diego, CA 92101 Email	Visit Website
Riverside County Housing Authority	5555 Arlington Ave, Riverside, CA 92504 Email	Visit Website
Orange County Housing Authority	1770 N Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92706 Email	Visit Website
San Bernardino County Housing Authority	715 E Brier Dr, San Bernardino, CA 92408 Email	Visit Website
Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles	2600 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90057 Email	Visit Website

Housing Authority (Central California)	Contact Information	Visit Website
Fresno Housing Authority	1331 Fulton St, Fresno, CA 93721 Email	Visit Website
Monterey County Housing Authority	123 Rico St, Salinas, CA 93907 Email	Visit Website
Kern County Housing Authority	601-24th St, Bakersfield, CA 93301 Email	Visit Website
San Luis Obispo County Housing Authority	487 Leff St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Email	Visit Website
Tulare County Housing Authority	5140 W Cypress Ave, Visalia, CA 93277 Email	Visit Website
Merced County Housing Authority	405 U St, Merced, CA 95341 Email	Visit Website

Housing Authority (Northern California)	Contact Information	Visit Website
San Francisco Housing Authority	1815 Egbert Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124 Email	Visit Website
Oakland Housing Authority	1180 25th Ave, Oakland, CA 94601 Email	Visit Website
Alameda County Housing Authority	22941 Atherton St, Hayward, CA 94541 Email	Visit Website
Sonoma County Housing Authority	1440 Guerneville Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 Email	Visit Website
Contra Costa County Housing Authority	3133 Estudillo St, Martinez, CA 94553 Email	Visit Website
Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency	630 I St, Sacramento, CA 95814 Email	Visit Website

How long does it take to get approved for Section 8 in California?

After submitting an application for Section 8 in California, you will be placed on a waiting list until a voucher becomes available. The waiting list time varies by location and demand for the program. In some areas, the waiting list may be several years long due to high demand for affordable housing.

It's important to note that being on the waiting list does not guarantee that you will receive Section 8 assistance. When a voucher becomes available, the housing authority will review your application and determine if you are still eligible for the program.

How Long is the Waiting List for Section 8 in California?

The length of waiting lists for Section 8 housing in California varies depending on location and demand. In urban areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco, the waiting time can often exceed five years due to high demand and limited funding. In smaller counties or rural areas, waiting lists may be shorter, ranging from a few months to a couple of years. Applicants are encouraged to apply to multiple housing authorities, if possible, to increase their chances of receiving assistance sooner. Keeping all contact details current with the housing authority is crucial to ensure you don't miss important updates.

If you have questions about the waiting list or the application process, you can contact your local housing authority for more information. They can provide you with an estimate of the wait time in your area and help you understand the application process. The following table shows Housing Authorities with currently open waiting lists in California.

  
        California Housing Authority Waiting Lists
        Status
      
        City of Anahiem Housing Authority
        Open
      
        Butte County Housing Authority
        Open
      
        City of Santa Paula Housing Authority
        Open
      
        City of Encinitas Housing Authority
        Open
      
        Housing Authority of the City of National City
        Open
      
        Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura
        Open
      
        Housing Authority of the County of Riverside
        Open
      
        Humboldt County Housing Authority
        Open
      
        Kings County Housing Authority
        Open
      
        Plumas County Housing Authority
        Open
      
        Housing Authority of the City of Redding
        Open
      
        San Diego County Housing Authority
        Open
      
        San Diego Housing Commission
        Open
      
        San Mateo County Housing Authority
        Open
      
        Santa Ana Housing Authority
        Open
      
        Tulare County Housing Authority
        Open

Low-income housing with no waiting list California

In addition to Section 8 housing, there are other low-income housing options available in California for those who need affordable housing but do not want to wait on a waiting list. Some of these options include:

Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program: This program offers affordable housing for low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. The LIHTC program is funded through tax credits that are allocated to developers who build or renovate affordable housing units.

Public Housing: Public housing is another option for low-income families who need affordable housing. Public housing is owned and managed by the local housing authority and is rented to eligible families at below-market rates.

Non-Profit Housing: Non-profit housing organizations often provide affordable housing options for low-income families in California. These organizations may have units available for rent or may be able to help families find other affordable housing options.

To apply for low-income housing with no waiting list in California, you can contact your local housing authority or a non-profit housing organization. Each program may have different eligibility requirements and application processes, so it's important to contact the specific program for more information.

It's important to note that while there are other low-income housing options available in California, Section 8 housing may still be the best option for some families. Section 8 provides rental assistance that can be used to rent privately-owned housing, while other programs may have limited availability or may not offer the same level of flexibility. It's important to consider all of your options and choose the program that best meets your needs.

HUD Housing Application in California

HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) offers a variety of affordable housing programs in California, including public housing and the Section 8 program. HUD housing is administered by local housing authorities and non-profit organizations.

To apply for HUD housing in California, you can contact your local housing authority or a non-profit organization that provides affordable housing. The application process may vary depending on the program, but generally involves providing personal information, income information, and documentation to verify your eligibility.

It's important to note that HUD housing is not the same as Section 8 housing, although the two programs are often confused. Section 8 is a rental assistance program that provides vouchers that can be used to rent privately-owned housing, while HUD housing refers to public housing and other affordable housing programs administered by HUD.

HUD housing may be a good option for families who need affordable housing and prefer to live in public housing or other affordable housing options. However, HUD housing may have limited availability and may not offer the same level of flexibility as the Section 8 program.

When deciding between Section 8 and HUD housing, it's important to consider your individual housing needs and preferences, as well as the availability of housing in your area. It may be beneficial to contact your local housing authority or a non-profit organization for assistance in determining the best housing option for you.

Achieving Affordable Housing Solutions in California

Section 8 housing offers a valuable opportunity for low-income Californians to secure stable, affordable housing. While the application process may take time, the benefits can provide long-term stability and independence.

For more information, contact your local housing authority or explore additional resources at the HUD Housing Choice Voucher page. By staying informed and proactive, you can navigate the program effectively and find the housing solution that meets your needs.