Santa Monica Housing Authority

About This Building

Apply for Affordable Housing in Santa Monica Visit our website to apply for the City of Santa Monica's Section 8 and Below Market Housing waitlists. Section 8: A Rental Assistance Program Section 8, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher program, offers rental assistance to low-income households. If you're eligible, you may receive a voucher to help cover your rent expenses. How to Apply for Section 8 To apply for the Section 8 waitlist, submit your application online through the provided website. Once you complete the application, you will receive an email confirming that your application has been received. Please note that the waiting period is uncertain, and we cannot provide estimates. What Happens Next? After reviewing your application, our staff will determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for Section 8. If you are deemed eligible, you will receive an official application via email or mail. Fill out the application within the specified timeframe and submit supporting documents to verify the information you provided during the online application. Verification and Prioritization Our staff will verify both your application and documents to ensure your eligibility for the Section 8 waitlist. Your prioritization will be based on the priorities outlined in our Administrative Plan (Chapter 4, Section III). If you meet the criteria and are prioritized, our staff will be in touch with you. Reasonable Accommodations and Accurate Information If you require a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please call 310-458-8740 and leave a message. Our staff will assist you in connecting with the appropriate City staff or partner organization. It is crucial to provide truthful and accurate information throughout the application process. Providing false information may delay the verification process and result in penalties. Applying for Below Market Housing (BMH) To apply for BMH, submit your application using the provided blue button. If you live or work in Santa Monica, make sure to upload necessary documentation for local preference verification, such as a utility bill or paystub. Report your household size and income. Waiting for Apartment Matches After submitting your BMH application, you will receive an email confirmation. Stay tuned for emails notifying you about apartments that match your household size and income level. When you receive an email for an apartment you're interested in, opt-in to express your interest. Only applicants at the top of the waitlist will be contacted by property owners. You may need to opt-in multiple times before being contacted about an available apartment. Additional Assistance If you need a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, call 310-458-8740 and leave a message. Our staff will help connect you with City staff or a partner organization that can provide assistance. Important Information Waiting Lists: Low-income apartments often have waiting lists that can take years. It's advisable to apply to multiple waiting lists. Contacting Apartments: Use the provided phone numbers and websites to contact apartments directly regarding openings or waiting lists. Apartment Rates: On many listing pages, you can find current apartment rates. HUD listings are based on 30% of the renter's adjusted gross income. Contact the apartments to determine if you qualify for income-based rent.