All Laws Decoded

Section 8 in California: Housing Authorities and How to Apply

Section 8 (the Housing Choice Voucher program) is run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). You apply to the agency that serves where you want to live; many keep waiting lists that open only at times. Here are the agencies serving California's largest areas, from HUD's official contact list and each agency's site.

Is it illegal for a California landlord to refuse Section 8? Yes. Statewide, owners may not discriminate in housing because of source of income, or advertise a preference based on it. Source of income means lawful, verifiable income paid to the tenant or a representative, or paid to the landlord for the tenant. It includes federal, state, and local public assistance and housing subsidies, including Section 8 vouchers. HUD-VASH vouchers are expressly included. When there is a government rent subsidy, the owner may not apply income standards to the full rent rather than the tenant's share. Since January 1, 2024 (SB 267), the owner also may not use credit history without offering the applicant the option to show ability to pay the tenant's share with alternative evidence (such as benefit records, pay records, or bank statements), and must reasonably consider that evidence. Cal. Gov. Code §§ 12955(a), (c), (o) (as amended by SB 267, Stats. 2023, ch. 776); 12927(i)

Housing authorities in California

Source: HUD public housing agency contact list. Check the agency's own site before applying; waiting lists open and close.

Statewide housing agency

California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) — CalHFA does not give rent help directly to individual renters. It finances affordable rental housing and runs the Section 811 Project Rental Assistance program, which offers apartments with support services for extremely low-income Medi-Cal members with disabilities, ages 18-61. The program's funding round is closed. Renters can ask about it at DHCS, 916-345-7790.

Help paying rent in California

How to apply

  1. Find the housing authority for the city or county where you want to live (list above).
  2. Check whether its voucher waiting list is open; many open for short windows or use a lottery.
  3. Apply only through the agency's official site or office. Applying is free — no one may charge you to get on a list.
  4. Keep your contact information current with the agency so you do not lose your place.
  5. When a voucher is issued, you find a rental whose rent fits the agency's payment standard and that passes inspection.

Rent levels (HUD Fair Market Rent) and local help by county

California tenant rights · Free legal help in California · Section 8 in other states

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.