Is Section 8 open in California? Checked October 20, 2026
Short answer: no large California voucher list is taking applications. 11 of the 14 agencies below post a closed voucher list on their own sites; two post no status; Santa Clara County runs an always-open interest list that feeds its waiting list by random draw. There is no statewide list. If you hold a voucher already, it can usually be used anywhere in the agency’s area, and moved elsewhere through portability.
| Agency | Voucher list | What the agency says |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA)“The Section 8 Waiting List is currently closed.” | Closed | “The Section 8 Waiting List is currently closed.” |
| Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA)No open or closed notice on its applicant page; it cannot say when listed applicants will be served. | Not posted | No open or closed notice on its applicant page; it cannot say when listed applicants will be served. |
| Housing Authority of the City of Long BeachClosed, with no openings scheduled. | Closed | Closed, with no openings scheduled. |
| San Diego Housing CommissionVoucher, public housing and project-based lists closed February 1, 2026; existing applications stay active. | Closed | Voucher, public housing and project-based lists closed February 1, 2026; existing applications stay active. |
| County of San Diego Housing and Community Development“Waitlist is currently closed to new applicants.” | Closed | “Waitlist is currently closed to new applicants.” |
| Orange County Housing Authority“OCHA’s waiting list is closed.” | Closed | “OCHA’s waiting list is closed.” |
| San Francisco Housing AuthorityVoucher list closed; the last window ran May 7–21, 2025. | Closed | Voucher list closed; the last window ran May 7–21, 2025. |
| Oakland Housing AuthorityHousing Choice Voucher list shown as closed. | Closed | Housing Choice Voucher list shown as closed. |
| Housing Authority of the County of Alameda“Not accepting applications at this time.” | Closed | “Not accepting applications at this time.” |
| Santa Clara County Housing AuthorityAn interest list is open around the clock; people are drawn from it onto the waiting list when assistance is available. It is not the waiting list itself. | Interest list open | An interest list is open around the clock; people are drawn from it onto the waiting list when assistance is available. It is not the waiting list itself. |
| Housing Authority of the County of San BernardinoTenant-based voucher waitlist closed. | Closed | Tenant-based voucher waitlist closed. |
| Housing Authority of the County of Kern“The Section 8 Waiting List is closed.” | Closed | “The Section 8 Waiting List is closed.” |
| Housing Authority of the County of Santa CruzVoucher list closed; some project-based building lists open. | Closed | Voucher list closed; some project-based building lists open. |
| Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA)Posts openings only on sacwaitlist.com, which we could not read. | Not posted | Posts openings only on sacwaitlist.com, which we could not read. |
Read from each agency’s own page on October 20, 2026; most notices are undated. We never mark a list open without the agency’s posted notice. Riverside County, Fresno and Santa Ana could not be read. Renters looking for an open list can follow VoucherMatch’s California Section 8 pages.
What California agencies actually pay for a 2-bedroom
The ranked table below uses HUD’s fair market rent for each ZIP. Housing authorities set their own payment standards, usually 90% to 110% of that figure, and in the coastal metros several sit well below it. Using the agency’s adopted standard instead shrinks most of the headline premiums.
90020 · Koreatown, Los Angeles
HACLA (Tier 7), Sept 1, 2026
- Agency standard
- $2,950
- HUD figure (FY27)
- $3,290
- Zillow rent
- $1,926
- Premium on standard
- +53.2%
90015 · Downtown Los Angeles
HACLA (Tier 11), Sept 1, 2026
- Agency standard
- $4,000
- HUD figure (FY27)
- $4,450
- Zillow rent
- $2,775
- Premium on standard
- +44.1%
95816 · East Sacramento
SHRA, Jan 1, 2026
- Agency standard
- $2,921
- HUD figure (FY27)
- $2,630
- Zillow rent
- $1,840
- Premium on standard
- +58.7%
92101 · Downtown San Diego
San Diego Housing Commission, Revised May 27, 2026
- Agency standard
- $3,848
- HUD figure (FY27)
- $4,090
- Zillow rent
- $2,917
- Premium on standard
- +31.9%
95060 · Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz County HA, Jan 1, 2026
- Agency standard
- $3,786
- HUD figure (FY27)
- $4,254
- Zillow rent
- $3,312
- Premium on standard
- +14.3%
93555 · Ridgecrest
Kern County HA (countywide), July 1, 2026
- Agency standard
- $1,483
- HUD figure (FY27)
- $1,656
- Zillow rent
- $1,269
- Premium on standard
- +16.9%
All SF ZIPs · San Francisco
SFHA (citywide), Jan 1, 2026
- Agency standard
- $3,964
- HUD figure (FY27)
- $3,697
- Zillow rent
- —
- Premium on standard
- —
| ZIP | Agency | Agency standard | HUD figure (FY27) | Zillow rent | Premium on agency standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90020Koreatown, Los Angeles | HACLA (Tier 7)Sept 1, 2026 | $2,950 | $3,290 | $1,926 | +53.2% |
| 90015Downtown Los Angeles | HACLA (Tier 11)Sept 1, 2026 | $4,000 | $4,450 | $2,775 | +44.1% |
| 95816East Sacramento | SHRAJan 1, 2026 | $2,921 | $2,630 | $1,840 | +58.7% |
| 92101Downtown San Diego | San Diego Housing CommissionRevised May 27, 2026 | $3,848 | $4,090 | $2,917 | +31.9% |
| 95060Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz County HAJan 1, 2026 | $3,786 | $4,254 | $3,312 | +14.3% |
| 93555Ridgecrest | Kern County HA (countywide)July 1, 2026 | $1,483 | $1,656 | $1,269 | +16.9% |
| All SF ZIPsSan Francisco | SFHA (citywide)Jan 1, 2026 | $3,964 | $3,697 | — | — |
HUD figure: the ZIP’s FY2027 Small Area FMR in Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Diego, where HUD requires it; the metro FMR in Santa Cruz, Kern and San Francisco. Zillow rent is the September 2026 typical asking rent across all unit sizes, so a 2-bedroom standard set against it overstates the gap; Census puts the median 2-bedroom gross rent in 90020 at $2,360 and in 95060 at $2,799 (ACS 2020–2024).
Worked example: what a Koreatown landlord would actually receive
Hypothetical inputs: a 2-bedroom in 90020 under HACLA’s $2,950 standard, asking $2,600 with the tenant paying electricity (a $150 utility allowance assumed), and a household with $2,500 a month in adjusted income.
- Tenant’s share: 30% of $2,500 = $750 toward rent plus utilities.
- Gross rent: $2,600 + $150 = $2,750, within the $2,950 standard.
- Housing assistance payment: $2,750 − $750 = $2,000 paid by HACLA to the landlord.
- Tenant pays the landlord $2,600 − $2,000 = $600, and the utility company directly.
The landlord receives $2,600, the rent it asked, not the $2,950 standard. Asking $2,950 would only work if HACLA found that rent reasonable against similar unassisted 2-bedrooms nearby (24 CFR 982.507). The voucher’s value to an owner here is a reliable payment and a deep tenant pool, not a rent above the local market. Test both cases in the Section 8 investment analyzer.
California rules for voucher tenants
- Vouchers are a protected source of income under the Fair Employment and Housing Act since January 1, 2020 (SB 329). Government Code section 12927(i) names federal Section 8 and VASH vouchers. Refusing an applicant because of a voucher is unlawful (Gov. Code §12955).
- Income screens use the tenant’s share. With a rent subsidy, an income standard must be based on the portion of rent the tenant pays (§12955(o)).
- Credit alternatives: since January 1, 2024 (SB 267), a landlord that uses credit history must let a subsidized applicant provide other evidence of ability to pay, give reasonable time to do so, and consider it.
- Complaints go to the California Civil Rights Department. The City and County of Los Angeles also have their own source-of-income ordinances.
Correction to the California table, October 20, 2026
The table used to compare every ZIP against HUD’s ZIP-level Small Area FMR. HUD requires Small Area FMRs only in designated metros, which in California are Los Angeles–Long Beach–Glendale, San Diego, Sacramento (including El Dorado and Placer), San Jose, Ventura and Stockton–Lodi. Everywhere else the county or metro FMR applies, and HUD kept its 2026 figures in effect in Ventura, San Luis Obispo, San Jose, Orange and Santa Barbara counties pending reevaluation. 168 of the 953 California ZIPs were re-based; 462 now show a premium, down from 511. Santa Cruz 95060 fell from +59% to +28%, and Lake Elsinore 92530 no longer shows one.
Apartments at 4th Street and Catalina Avenue in Koreatown, Los Angeles (ZIP 90020), May 2020. The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles pays up to $2,950 for a two-bedroom voucher unit in this ZIP from September 1, 2026.
Photograph: Downtowngal, 2020. Original on Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized and converted to WebP.
California premium ZIP codes, ranked
| # | ZIP | Location | Voucher rent (2BR) | Voucher rent (3BR) | Typical market rent | Premium | Basis | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 90020 | Los AngelesLos Angeles County | $3,290 | $4,170 | $1,926 | +71% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 2 | 90015 | Los AngelesLos Angeles County | $4,450 | $5,650 | $2,775 | +60% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 3 | 90803 | Long BeachLos Angeles County | $3,920 | $4,970 | $2,538 | +55% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 4 | 90036 | Los AngelesLos Angeles County | $4,450 | $5,650 | $2,894 | +54% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 5 | 95073 | SoquelSanta Cruz County | $4,254 | $5,531 | $2,850 | +49% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 6 | 91367 | Los AngelesLos Angeles County | $4,440 | $5,630 | $2,978 | +49% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 7 | 90270 | MaywoodLos Angeles County | $2,420 | $3,070 | $1,635 | +48% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 8 | 90045 | Los AngelesLos Angeles County | $4,360 | $5,530 | $2,950 | +48% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 9 | 93436 | LompocSanta Barbara County | $3,124 | $4,075 | $2,126 | +47% | County FMRFY2026 still in effect | Analyze deal |
| 10 | 91403 | Los AngelesLos Angeles County | $4,050 | $5,140 | $2,759 | +47% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 11 | 91387 | Santa ClaritaLos Angeles County | $3,800 | $4,820 | $2,598 | +46% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 12 | 91206 | GlendaleLos Angeles County | $3,610 | $4,580 | $2,469 | +46% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 13 | 90057 | Los AngelesLos Angeles County | $2,740 | $3,480 | $1,891 | +45% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 14 | 91355 | Santa ClaritaLos Angeles County | $4,090 | $5,190 | $2,843 | +44% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 15 | 92311 | BarstowSan Bernardino County | $2,103 | $2,771 | $1,467 | +43% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 16 | 91792 | West CovinaLos Angeles County | $3,410 | $4,330 | $2,379 | +43% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 17 | 93458 | Santa MariaSanta Barbara County | $3,124 | $4,075 | $2,186 | +43% | County FMRFY2026 still in effect | Analyze deal |
| 18 | 95816 | SacramentoSacramento County | $2,630 | $3,450 | $1,840 | +43% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 19 | 91505 | BurbankLos Angeles County | $4,030 | $5,110 | $2,826 | +43% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 20 | 90017 | Los AngelesLos Angeles County | $3,780 | $4,800 | $2,658 | +42% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 21 | 91304 | Los AngelesLos Angeles County | $3,070 | $3,890 | $2,162 | +42% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 22 | 91354 | Santa ClaritaLos Angeles County | $4,450 | $5,650 | $3,160 | +41% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 23 | 92277 | Twentynine PalmsSan Bernardino County | $2,103 | $2,771 | $1,494 | +41% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 24 | 91602 | Los AngelesLos Angeles County | $3,760 | $4,770 | $2,677 | +41% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 25 | 92101 | San DiegoSan Diego County | $4,090 | $5,420 | $2,917 | +40% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 26 | 93701 | FresnoFresno County | $1,685 | $2,333 | $1,203 | +40% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 27 | 91205 | GlendaleLos Angeles County | $3,210 | $4,070 | $2,296 | +40% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 28 | 90027 | Los AngelesLos Angeles County | $3,600 | $4,570 | $2,584 | +39% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 29 | 91105 | PasadenaLos Angeles County | $4,450 | $5,650 | $3,196 | +39% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 30 | 91381 | Stevenson RanchLos Angeles County | $4,150 | $5,270 | $2,994 | +39% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 31 | 92804 | AnaheimOrange County | $3,236 | $4,393 | $2,337 | +39% | County FMRFY2026 still in effect | Analyze deal |
| 32 | 93305 | La Cresta - AltavistaKern County | $1,656 | $2,293 | $1,210 | +37% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 33 | 90004 | Los AngelesLos Angeles County | $3,190 | $4,050 | $2,332 | +37% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 34 | 90813 | Long BeachLos Angeles County | $2,630 | $3,340 | $1,923 | +37% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 35 | 91601 | Los AngelesLos Angeles County | $3,560 | $4,520 | $2,605 | +37% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 36 | 90056 | Ladera HeightsLos Angeles County | $3,550 | $4,500 | $2,599 | +37% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 37 | 90602 | WhittierLos Angeles County | $2,890 | $3,670 | $2,116 | +37% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 38 | 90025 | Los AngelesLos Angeles County | $4,380 | $5,560 | $3,216 | +36% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 39 | 90034 | Los AngelesLos Angeles County | $3,710 | $4,710 | $2,728 | +36% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 40 | 95825 | SacramentoSacramento County | $2,240 | $2,940 | $1,661 | +35% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 41 | 91030 | South PasadenaLos Angeles County | $3,580 | $4,540 | $2,655 | +35% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 42 | 90504 | TorranceLos Angeles County | $3,450 | $4,380 | $2,562 | +35% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 43 | 91411 | Los AngelesLos Angeles County | $3,250 | $4,120 | $2,419 | +34% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 44 | 92124 | San DiegoSan Diego County | $4,010 | $5,320 | $2,986 | +34% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 45 | 90806 | Long BeachLos Angeles County | $2,560 | $3,250 | $1,909 | +34% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 46 | 90804 | Long BeachLos Angeles County | $2,970 | $3,770 | $2,225 | +34% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 47 | 91790 | West CovinaLos Angeles County | $3,550 | $4,500 | $2,664 | +33% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 48 | 90046 | Los AngelesLos Angeles County | $3,830 | $4,860 | $2,881 | +33% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 49 | 91740 | GlendoraLos Angeles County | $3,370 | $4,280 | $2,536 | +33% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 50 | 90255 | Huntington ParkLos Angeles County | $2,400 | $3,040 | $1,807 | +33% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 51 | 91101 | PasadenaLos Angeles County | $3,860 | $4,900 | $2,909 | +33% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 52 | 90014 | Los AngelesLos Angeles County | $3,820 | $4,850 | $2,883 | +33% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 53 | 95006 | Boulder CreekSanta Cruz County | $4,254 | $5,531 | $3,213 | +32% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 54 | 91325 | Los AngelesLos Angeles County | $3,210 | $4,070 | $2,426 | +32% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 55 | 92225 | BlytheRiverside County | $2,103 | $2,771 | $1,595 | +32% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 56 | 90242 | DowneyLos Angeles County | $2,870 | $3,640 | $2,181 | +32% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 57 | 90703 | CerritosLos Angeles County | $4,450 | $5,650 | $3,385 | +32% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 58 | 91501 | BurbankLos Angeles County | $3,480 | $4,420 | $2,647 | +32% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 59 | 92802 | AnaheimOrange County | $3,236 | $4,393 | $2,461 | +32% | County FMRFY2026 still in effect | Analyze deal |
| 60 | 91605 | Los AngelesLos Angeles County | $2,720 | $3,450 | $2,072 | +31% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 61 | 90814 | Long BeachLos Angeles County | $3,260 | $4,140 | $2,489 | +31% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 62 | 94901 | San RafaelMarin County | $3,697 | $4,832 | $2,822 | +31% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 63 | 90029 | Los AngelesLos Angeles County | $2,970 | $3,770 | $2,270 | +31% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 64 | 90245 | El SegundoLos Angeles County | $4,250 | $5,390 | $3,253 | +31% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 65 | 93555 | RidgecrestKern County | $1,656 | $2,293 | $1,269 | +31% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 66 | 92108 | San DiegoSan Diego County | $4,120 | $5,460 | $3,168 | +30% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 67 | 93454 | Santa MariaSanta Barbara County | $3,124 | $4,075 | $2,401 | +30% | County FMRFY2026 still in effect | Analyze deal |
| 68 | 95818 | SacramentoSacramento County | $2,480 | $3,250 | $1,908 | +30% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 69 | 90250 | HawthorneLos Angeles County | $2,790 | $3,540 | $2,153 | +30% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 70 | 90005 | Los AngelesLos Angeles County | $3,230 | $4,100 | $2,499 | +29% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 71 | 92841 | Garden GroveOrange County | $3,236 | $4,393 | $2,503 | +29% | County FMRFY2026 still in effect | Analyze deal |
| 72 | 93268 | TaftKern County | $1,656 | $2,293 | $1,281 | +29% | County FMR | Analyze deal |
| 73 | 90293 | Los AngelesLos Angeles County | $4,160 | $5,280 | $3,219 | +29% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 74 | 90241 | DowneyLos Angeles County | $3,030 | $3,840 | $2,355 | +29% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
| 75 | 91607 | Los AngelesLos Angeles County | $3,360 | $4,260 | $2,611 | +29% | ZIP SAFMR | Analyze deal |
Premium compares the 2-bedroom voucher rent to the ZIP's typical asking rent across all home sizes. Rent data provided by Zillow Research.
How these numbers are calculated
- Voucher rent is the HUD FY2027 2-bedroom Small Area Fair Market Rent (SAFMR) where it applies, otherwise the county or metro Fair Market Rent. This is the basis housing authorities use to set payment standards, typically 90 to 110 percent of it, and it is a gross rent that includes a utility allowance.
- Typical market rent is the Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI) for the ZIP code as of September 2026, a smoothed measure of asking rents across all home types and sizes. Rent data provided by Zillow Research.
- Premium compares the 2-bedroom voucher rent against that blended market figure, which is the conservative comparison. Premiums for 3 and 4 bedroom homes are often larger.
- The premium is a screening signal, not a guarantee. Housing authorities run a rent reasonableness review against unassisted comparables before approving any contract rent, and the payment standard is a ceiling, not an entitlement. Always verify with the local housing authority.
Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents and Zillow Research (ZORI). FMRs effective October 1 each year; ZORI updates monthly.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Section 8 waiting list open in California right now?
- Not at the large agencies we checked on October 20, 2026. The City of Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego Housing Commission, San Diego County, Orange County, San Francisco, Oakland, Alameda County, San Bernardino County, Kern and Santa Cruz County all show their voucher lists closed. Santa Clara County keeps an interest list open, from which it draws applicants onto the waiting list when assistance is available.
- Is there a statewide Section 8 list in California?
- No. Each housing authority keeps its own list, so you apply to each agency separately. HUD lists every California housing authority with contact details on its PHA contacts page, and many agencies announce openings only on their own sites.
- How much does Section 8 pay for a 2-bedroom in Los Angeles?
- It depends on the ZIP code. The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles sets 11 ZIP tiers; from September 1, 2026 its 2-bedroom payment standard runs from $2,277 in Tier 1 to $4,000 in Tier 11, and Koreatown’s 90020 is Tier 7 at $2,950. The payment standard is a ceiling on the subsidy calculation, not the rent a landlord will be approved for.
- Can a California landlord refuse a Section 8 tenant?
- No, not because of the voucher. Since January 1, 2020 (SB 329), California’s fair housing law treats Section 8 and other housing assistance as a protected source of income. Since January 1, 2024 (SB 267), a landlord that checks credit must let a subsidized applicant offer other proof that they can pay their share, such as benefit or bank statements.
- Can a landlord apply a 3x income rule to a voucher holder?
- Not to the full rent. With a government rent subsidy, California Government Code section 12955(o) requires any income standard to be based on the tenant’s portion of the rent, not the total rent.
- Why does this page show a lower premium than before?
- On October 20, 2026 we corrected the California table to use the rent figure HUD actually applies in each area: the ZIP-level Small Area FMR only in the metros where HUD requires it, the county or metro FMR elsewhere, and the 2026 figures in the five areas where HUD kept them in effect. That cut the number of premium ZIP codes from 511 to the count shown above.
- Which ZIP code in California has the biggest Section 8 premium?
- 90020 (Los Angeles) currently shows the largest gap: the 2-bedroom voucher rent basis is $3,290 against a typical market rent of $1,926, a +71% premium.
- How many ZIP codes in California pay above market rent?
- Of the 953 California ZIP codes with both HUD and market rent data, 462 currently show a voucher rent basis above the typical asking rent.
- Can I actually charge the full amount shown here?
- Not automatically. The housing authority sets a payment standard between 90 and 110 percent of the FMR or SAFMR, and every lease passes a rent reasonableness review against comparable unassisted units. Treat the premium as a screening signal for where to look, then verify with the local housing authority.