California Section 8

In California, Section 8 vouchers are run by many local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each agency keeps its own waiting list. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets the income limits and Fair Market Rents that they use.

Who is eligible for Section 8 in California?

To be eligible for a Housing Choice Voucher, your household must meet three requirements:¹

• Your income must generally be at or below the very low-income limit for your county and household size.
• You must be a “family,” which includes a single person, and at least one member must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status.
• You must meet the housing agency’s screening requirements.

What is the income limit for Section 8 in California?

For a Housing Choice Voucher, a family generally has to be at or below the very low-income limit, which is 50% of the area’s median family income.¹ In California, that limit for a family of four is between $48,550 and $108,750 a year, depending on the county. For a family of three it is between $43,700 and $97,900.²

At least 75% of new vouchers go to families under the extremely low-income limit, which is 30% of the area median. The calculator above shows all three limits for your county and household size. Your housing agency makes the final decision, and meeting the limit does not guarantee a voucher.

What is the Fair Market Rent in California?

Fair Market Rent (FMR) is HUD’s estimate of what a modest rental costs in an area, including utilities. In California, the FY2027 FMR for a two-bedroom unit ranges from $1,084 a month in Modoc County to $4,254 in Santa Cruz County.³ Your housing agency sets a payment standard, usually between 90% and 110% of the FMR, that limits how much of your rent a voucher can cover.⁴

Is Section 8 open in California?

It depends on the housing agency. Each agency opens its waiting list only for certain periods, and many lists are closed. Ask each local agency about the status of its own list.

How do I apply for Section 8 in California?

Apply through the public housing agency that serves your county or city. HUD’s list for California includes the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles County Development Authority, the San Diego Housing Commission, the Oakland Housing Authority and the Housing Authority of the City of San Jose, among many others.

1. Find your local PHA. Each county or metropolitan area has its own public housing agency (PHA) with a separate waiting list. You may apply to more than one agency.
2. Join the waiting list. Submit a pre-application when the list is open. Agencies commonly ask for proof of identity, income and household composition.
3. Wait for your turn. The wait varies by agency. An agency may remove an applicant who does not respond to its notices, so keep your contact information current.
4. Receive and use your voucher. The agency inspects the unit before the lease begins. You pay a share of your income toward rent, and the voucher covers the rest up to the agency’s payment standard.⁴

If you need help locating a PHA, call HUD’s PIH Customer Service Center at (800) 955-2232 or look up through the official HUD’s directory of public housing agencies (PHAs).