Finding a place to live in the LBC is tough. Rent is sky-high. If you’re looking into city of long beach section 8 housing, you probably already know that the Housing Authority of the City of Long Beach (HACLB) is the big player here. But honestly, the system is kinda confusing and feels like a maze sometimes.
Most people think you just sign up and get a voucher. I wish it were that easy. The reality? The waiting list is currently closed for most applicants, and it has been for a while. It’s frustrating. You’ve got families waiting years for a spot, while the cost of living just keeps climbing. But "closed" doesn't mean "impossible." There are nuances to how the city handles these vouchers—officially called Housing Choice Vouchers—that most people miss.
What's actually happening with city of long beach section 8 housing?
The HACLB manages about 7,000 vouchers. That sounds like a lot until you realize how many people actually need them. The program is funded by HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development), but Long Beach runs its own show separate from the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA).
If you live or work in Long Beach, you get a "residency preference." This is huge. Basically, if you’re already part of the community, you’re moved ahead of people applying from outside the city. It doesn't mean you skip the line, but it gives you a fighting chance once that list finally opens up.
The Income Reality Check
You can’t just be "low income" to qualify. You usually have to be "very low income." In the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale metro area, the 2025/2026 limits are pretty specific. For a single person, 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) is roughly $53,000. If you're a family of four, that number jumps to about $75,750.
But here’s the kicker: 75% of new vouchers must go to families at the "extremely low income" level, which is 30% of the AMI. For one person, that’s only about $31,850 a year.
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It’s a tight squeeze.
The "Backdoor" to Getting Assistance
Since the main waiting list is often closed, how are people actually getting help? Most of the activity right now comes through "Project-Based" vouchers or specific referrals.
- Coordinated Entry System (CES): If you are experiencing homelessness, the traditional waitlist rules change. You need to get into the CES. This is the system that connects the most vulnerable people to available housing. You can’t just walk into the Housing Authority office on Pacific Ave and ask for this; you usually need a referral from a service provider like the Multi-Service Center (MSC) on West Lombardy Lane.
- Veteran Vouchers (VASH): For veterans, there’s the HUD-VASH program. It combines Section 8 rental assistance with case management from the VA. These often move faster than the general pool.
- Project-Based Vouchers: These aren't tied to you; they’re tied to the building. Long Beach has several affordable housing developments where the Section 8 stays with the unit. If you move out, you don't take the voucher with you. It’s worth looking for these specific buildings (like those managed by LINC Housing or Mercy Housing) and applying to their individual waitlists.
The Tenant Protection Act and Your Rights
Let’s say you actually get a voucher. Congrats! Now you have to find a landlord.
In California, it is illegal for a landlord to say "No Section 8" in their ads. This is called "Source of Income" discrimination. Under SB 329, they have to treat your voucher like any other income. They can still check your credit and your references, but they can’t reject you just because the government is paying a chunk of your rent.
Also, Long Beach has its own "Just Cause" eviction ordinance. This is important. If you’re a voucher holder, you have extra protections against being kicked out for no reason. Landlords can’t just decide they don't want to deal with the Housing Authority anymore and tell you to leave. They need a legal reason—like not paying your portion of the rent or breaking the lease.
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Payment Standards: How much will they actually pay?
The HACLB uses something called "Payment Standards" to decide how much they’ll cover. This isn't the same as the rent. If the rent is $2,800 for a two-bedroom but the payment standard is $2,600, you might have to pay the difference, or the unit might not be approved.
As of late 2025 and heading into 2026, these standards are adjusted to keep up with the market, but they always lag behind a little. You usually pay 30% of your monthly adjusted gross income toward rent and utilities. The Housing Authority covers the rest. If you pick a place that's too expensive, you can pay up to 40% of your income, but the Housing Authority generally won't let you go higher than that because they don't want you to be "rent burdened."
Staying on the List (The Part Everyone Screws Up)
If you are lucky enough to be on the city of long beach section 8 housing waiting list, you have one job: keep your info updated.
I’ve seen people wait five years, finally get called, and miss out because they moved and didn't tell the HACLB. They send letters by mail. If that letter bounces back, you are deleted from the system. Period.
You can check your status or update your address through the "Waitlistcheck" portal online. Do it every few months. It sounds like a chore, but it's the difference between a home and another five years of waiting.
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Moving Forward: Your Action Plan
Don't just wait for a letter that might never come. If you need housing in Long Beach right now, you have to be proactive.
1. Call 2-1-1. If you’re at risk of homelessness or already there, this is the starting point for the Coordinated Entry System.
2. Visit the Multi-Service Center. Located at 1301 W. 12th St, it’s the hub for housing resources in the city.
3. Track "Project-Based" Openings. Check the Long Beach Housing Authority website regularly for "Project-Based" waitlist announcements. These open more frequently than the general voucher list.
4. Broaden your search. Look into the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) and the Orange County Housing Authority if you’re willing to move a few miles.
5. Documentation Prep. Keep your Social Security cards, birth certificates, and last three months of pay stubs in a dedicated folder. When your name is called, you usually only have a few days to provide everything.
The system isn't perfect, and it's definitely not fast. But knowing the "residency preference" and the "Project-Based" loopholes gives you a much better shot than just sitting around. Stay on top of your portal login and keep your documents ready to go.
Next Steps for You:
Check the current HACLB News Archive to see if any specific project-based waitlists (like those for seniors or veterans) have opened this month. If you are currently on the waitlist, log into Waitlistcheck today to ensure your mailing address and phone number are 100% accurate.