Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program

The City of La Cañada Flintridge is dedicated to expanding rental options for both new and existing residents to foster an inclusive and welcoming community for all. One mechanism to do so is through the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (formerly known as Section 8). The HCV Program is a federal program that assists low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in affording decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. It is not limited to units located in subsidized housing projects. In La Cañada Flintridge, Housing Choice Vouchers are administered by the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA).

A voucher recipient is responsible for finding a suitable housing unit where the owner agrees to rent under the program. LACDA pays a housing subsidy directly to the landlord every month on behalf of the voucher recipient. The recipient then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program.

I AM LOOKING FOR HOUSING, AM I ELIGIBLE FOR THE HCV PROGRAM?

To be eligible, the Applicant must qualify as a family. The LACDA defines a family as a single person or a group of persons as follows (regardless of actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender, identity, or marital status):

• An elderly family – A family whose head, co-head, spouse, or sole member is a person who is at least 62 years old.
• A disabled family – A family whose head, co-head, spouse, or sole member is a person with disabilities.
• A group of persons – Two or more persons sharing residency, who are not categorized as an elderly or disabled family, whose income and resources are available to meet family needs.  There must be a relation by blood, marriage, or operation of law, or the group must provide evidence of a significant relationship determined to be stable by the LACDA.
• A single person – A person who lives alone, or intends to live alone, who is not categorized as an elderly or disabled family.

Additionally, individuals must be U.S. citizens or non-citizens with eligible immigration status. Eligible immigration status can be confirmed with a Resident Alien Card (I-551), Alien Registration Receipt Card (I-151), Arrival-Departure Record (I-94), Temporary Resident Card (I-688), Employment Authorization Card (I-688B), or a USCIS-issued receipt (for issuance of replacement of documents that show individual’s entitlement has been verified). One member of the applicant family must be a citizen or eligible immigrant to be eligible for assistance. A family that includes eligible and ineligible individuals may qualify for prorated assistance.

Finally, to be eligible for the program, a family’s gross annual income must be below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) in Los Angeles County.  Seventy-five percent of new admissions must have gross annual incomes at or below 30% of the AMI. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) determines the AMI yearly.

I AM ELIGIBLE, HOW DO I APPLY?

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for a Housing Choice Voucher by first applying to the LACDA waiting list. The LACDA meticulously reviews the household’s qualifications, emphasizing residency, income, and criminal history. Upon approval, the program participant is issued a Housing Choice Voucher, enabling them to seek housing in privately owned residences.

Applicants on the waiting list are served based on the LACDA admissions preferences and then by date and time. Selection criteria include jurisdiction and funding availability. Due to the length of the waiting list, funding, and voucher availability, the LACDA cannot provide a specific date for when applicants on the waiting list will be served.

WHAT ARE PAYMENT STANDARDS AND HOW DO THEY AFFECT HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHERS?

Payment standards are the maximum monthly assistance the LACDA will pay on behalf of the voucher recipient. For a family, the payment standard is the lower of the following: the family’s unit size indicated on the voucher or the size of the unit leased by the family.

HOW CAN HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHERS AFFECT ME AND MY PROPERTY?

If a prospective tenant with a Housing Choice Voucher expresses interest in renting your unit, there are numerous advantages to participating in this program as a landlord, such as:

• Receiving a guaranteed monthly payment on the first of every month via direct deposit.
• Retaining total control including collecting a security deposit, using your own lease, and screening tenants according to your own suitability criteria.
• Receiving free biennial inspections to ensure maximum property upkeep.
• Assisting eligible families in securing stable and affordable housing options.

Property owners participating in the HCV program also have the opportunity to receive benefits from additional LACDA programs, as follows:

• Open Doors Program: Provides an enhanced customer service experience, including both monetary and non-monetary assurances for participating property owners.
• Homeless Incentive Program (HIP):  Offers financial incentives to landlords who rent their units to homeless Housing Choice Voucher participants.

HOW DO I PARTICIPATE IN THE HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM?

To become a participating owner, you can lease your rental unit to a voucher holder. LACDA will require you to provide proof of ownership of the rental property and to certify that the rent you charge the voucher holder is the same as what you currently charge unassisted families. If you wish to advertise your rental property to program participants, please contact the Los Angeles County Housing Resource Center.

If you have any questions for the City, please contact Lisa Brancheau, Senior Management Analyst (Community Development Department):

Call: 818-790-8881
Email: Lbrancheau@lcf.ca.gov.

If you have any questions for the County, please make an appointment with their Virtual Customer Service Counter.