Public Housing Authorities in California
A Public Housing Authority (PHA) is the local agency that runs the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program and public housing in its jurisdiction. The 96 PHAS listed below serve California — use the table to find each agency's city, the number of units it manages, whether it administers vouchers, and whether its waitlist is currently open. Select a PHA for full contact details.
Section 8 in California
Each PHA in California operates independently and sets its own payment standards, preferences, and waitlist policies within HUD guidelines. Payment standards — the maximum rent subsidy amount — are typically set between 90% and 110% of the local Fair Market Rent. PHAs in high-cost areas may apply to HUD for exception payment standards above 110% FMR.
How to apply for a voucher in California
Applications are submitted to an individual PHA, not to the state or to HUD directly. Because demand far exceeds the number of available vouchers, most California PHAs maintain a waitlist and only accept new applications during open enrollment periods. The "Waitlist" column above shows which agencies are currently accepting applications. To improve your odds, you can apply to more than one PHA whose jurisdiction you live in or are willing to move to. Eligibility depends mainly on household income relative to the area's income limits — generally at or below 50% of Area Median Income.