Santa Monica Housing Authority

Visit the website listed to apply to the City of Santa Monica's Section 8 and Below Market Housing waitlists.

Section 8, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher program, is a rental assistance program for low-income households. Eligible applicants may receive a voucher to pay for part of their rent.

Frequently Asked Questions:  How do I apply for Section 8?
Apply for Section 8 Waitlist   

Submit an application online for the Section 8 waitlist on the website listed above. After completing the application, you will receive an application receipt via email verifying that your application was received.
    Wait for staff to contact you. We cannot give estimates as to how long you will need to wait.
 What happens next?
    Staff will review your application. If it appears that you may be eligible for Section 8, you will be emailed or mailed an official application. Once you receive the official application, you must fill it out within the time specified, and submit documents verifying the information you initially entered online.
    Staff will verify your submitted application and documents to ensure that you are eligible for the Section 8 waitlist, and to determine if you will receive a priority based on the priorities detailed in the Administrative Plan (Chapter 4, Section III)
    If you are eligible and prioritized on the waitlist, our staff will contact you!
If you require a reasonable accommodation for applying due to a disability, please call 310-458-8740 and leave a message, and staff will work to connect you with City staff or a partner organization that can assist you.
It is extremely important that you give true and accurate information throughout this process. If you do not, it will slow the verification process down, and you could face a fine for giving false information on your application.  
 How do I apply for Below Market Housing (BMH)?
    Submit your application using the blue button below. Please note that if you live or work in Santa Monica, you will need to upload documentation verifying that to be able to claim the local preference. Documentation can be a utility bill or a paystub. As part of the application, you will report your household size and income.
    You will receive an application receipt via email verifying that your application was received.
    Wait to receive emails regarding apartments that match your household size and income level. When you receive an email for an apartment that you are interested in, opt in. Applicants near the top of the waitlist that register their interest will be contacted by the property owner.*
*Please note that only the applicants at the top of the waitlist will be contacted by property owners. You may have to opt in many times before you are contacted regarding an available apartment.
Please view this video on how to apply online for the BMH waitlist. Vea este video sobre cmo solicitar en lnea a la lista de espera del programa BMH.
If you require a reasonable accommodation for applying due to a disability, please call 310-458-8740 and leave a message, and staff will work to connect you with City staff or a partner organization that can assist you.

Important information
Waiting Lists
Most low income apartments have waiting lists. Some of these lists can take years until you can be called for openings. The key is to try to get on as many waiting lists as possible.Call The Apartments Directly
We provide phone numbers and websites. Call the apartments directly if they have openings or open waiting lists.Apartment Rates
We provide current apartment rates on many listing pages. Most HUD listings do not have published rates. They are based on 30% of the renters adjustable gross income. You will need to contact the apartments to determine if you qualify for income based rent.