Waythrough is an independent resource, not HACLA. We summarize public information to help you get oriented. For applications and the most current waiting-list status, always use the official links below.
The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) is the public housing authority (PHA) that administers Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing for the City of Los Angeles. A separate authority, the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA), serves unincorporated LA County and many contracting cities. This page summarizes HACLA's current waiting-list status, contact information, and how to apply, and links to the official HACLA site for anything time-sensitive.
Quick Facts
Serves: the City of Los Angeles, California
Phone: (213) 252-2500
Official site: www.hacla.org/
Apply: HACLA application page
Status last checked: May 2026
Waiting-List Status
Waiting lists open and close frequently, so treat the status below as a starting point and confirm on the official site before you rely on it.
- Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8): Closed — The most recent opening used a lottery. As of January 1, 2026, HACLA moved to the Rent Café online portal — existing waiting-list members must use the new portal.
- Public Housing: Separate waitlist managed by HACLA — Check the official site for current openings.
- Specialty referrals (HUD-VASH, FUP, EHV, Mainstream, FYI): Still accepted by referral — These are accessed through partner agencies and the Coordinated Entry System (CES), not open public registration.
Programs HACLA Runs
- Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
- Public Housing
- HUD-VASH (for veterans)
- Family Unification Program (FUP)
- Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV)
- Mainstream and Foster Youth to Independence vouchers
How to Apply
Apply directly through the authority's official application page: www.hacla.org/. If you have already applied, call (213) 252-2500 to verify your position and keep your contact information current — if the authority cannot reach you when your name comes up, you can be dropped from the list.
New to the process? Our step-by-step guide to applying for Section 8 walks through the whole thing, and how to find your PHA helps you locate the right authority.
Other Authorities Serving This Area
- Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) serves unincorporated LA County and many contracting cities. Its voucher list is closed to public registration but continually accepts referrals from the Coordinated Entry System for households experiencing homelessness — call 211 to be screened.
- Other LA-area authorities with separate waiting lists: Long Beach, Pasadena, Burbank, Glendale, Compton, Inglewood, and Pomona.
More Local Resources
For the full picture of affordable housing in this area — emergency shelter, rental assistance, tenant rights, and legal aid — see our Los Angeles housing resources page and our CA state resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Los Angeles (HACLA) Section 8 waiting list open?
As of May 2026, HACLA's Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is closed; the most recent opening used a lottery. Starting January 1, 2026, HACLA moved to the Rent Café online portal, and existing waiting-list members must use the new portal. Confirm the current status on HACLA's official site before relying on it.
What is the difference between HACLA and LACDA?
HACLA serves the City of Los Angeles. The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) serves unincorporated LA County and many contracting cities. LACDA's list is closed to public registration but accepts referrals from the Coordinated Entry System (CES) for people experiencing homelessness — call 211 to be screened.
Can I still get a voucher if the list is closed?
Specialty vouchers are still accessible by referral even when the general list is closed: HUD-VASH for veterans, the Family Unification Program, Emergency Housing Vouchers, Mainstream vouchers, and Foster Youth to Independence vouchers. These come through partner agencies and CES rather than open registration.