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Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, California
Last Updated
10 hours ago
About Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara
The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB), located in Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County, California, manages approximately 2,931 assisted housing units. These units primarily consist of housing choice vouchers, providing rental assistance to eligible low-income individuals and families.
HACSB currently has several waitlists open for applications, offering various types of rental assistance. These include programs such as FUP, Garden Court, Johnson Court, Other, PBV (Project-Based Vouchers), Senior Subsidized, Senior Subsidized Housing, and Vera Cruz Village.
For eligibility, a family of four must meet specific income limits; for example, the Very Low Income threshold for the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA MSA area is $88,250 per year. Applicants should confirm current program availability and specific eligibility requirements directly with HACSB.
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Family Unification Program (FUP) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
HACSB is currently accepting online applications for its housing programs through a single streamlined application. Preferences include living or working in South Santa Barbara County, persons with disabilities, veterans, and 'in-place' applicants. Wait times are typically several years due to high demand and limited funding.
Other Programs Waitlist
Garden Court
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 20, 2023
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The waitlist for Garden Court opened on June 20, 2023. Applications are ranked by date, time, and preference points including local residency and veteran status.
Johnson Court
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 20, 2023
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The waitlist for Johnson Court opened on June 20, 2023. Applications are ranked by date, time, and preference points including local residency and veteran status.
Vera Cruz Village
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 20, 2023
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The waitlist for Vera Cruz Village opened on June 20, 2023. Applications are ranked by date, time, and preference points including local residency and veteran status.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The project-based voucher program is open. When a unit is available, the Housing Authority will offer it to someone on the PBV waiting list. After one year of assistance, families may switch to the tenant-based voucher program.
Senior Housing Waitlist
Senior Subsidized
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 20, 2023
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The waitlist for Senior Subsidized housing opened on June 20, 2023, accepting applicants 62 years of age or older. Applications are ranked by date, time, and preference points for local residency and veteran status.
Senior Subsidized Housing
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 20, 2023
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Eligible applicants must be at least 62 years old, with units typically one-bedroom and rent based on income.
Senior Subsidized Housing / Specific Properties
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 20, 2023
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Waitlist applications for Senior Subsidized, Johnson Court, and Vera Cruz Village properties opened on June 20, 2023. Preference is given to those who live or work in South Santa Barbara County.
Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
This program is for individuals moving within the Lompoc City Limits to assist with security deposits.
Other Programs
8 programsThese programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.
The waitlist for Workforce Housing (Other Project Based) last accepted applications from May 1, 2023, until further notice.
The tenant-based voucher program waitlist is currently closed to new applications. The Housing Authority gives preference to applicants who are "in-place" and have been living in the same unit for a minimum of three months where the owner accepts Section 8.
The waitlists for El Carrillo, Artisan Court, and Bradley Studios remain closed until further notice.
The waitlist for Artisan Court is closed until further notice.
The waitlist for El Carrillo is closed until further notice.
The waitlist for Artisan Court remains closed until further notice. During previous openings, preferences may have included those living or working in South Santa Barbara County, persons with disabilities, and veterans.
The waitlist for El Carrillo remains closed until further notice. During previous openings, preferences may have included those living or working in South Santa Barbara County, persons with disabilities, and veterans.
Waitlists for El Carrillo, Artisan Court, and Bradley Studios remain closed.
Last accepted applications from May 1, 2023, until further notice. This program assists members of the workforce and community who earn up to 120% of the area median income.
The waitlists for Senior Subsidized, Johnson Court, and Vera Cruz Village were open beginning June 20, 2023, but are currently closed. The waitlists for El Carrillo, Artisan Court, and Bradley Studios remain closed until further notice.
The waitlist for Bradley Studios is closed until further notice.
Eligible applicants must be at least 62 years old. All waitlists for programs administered by HACSB are currently closed.
Eligible applicants for this program must be at least 62 years old.
The waitlist for Senior Housing – Unsubsidized (Other Project Based) last accepted applications from May 1, 2023, until further notice; eligible applicants must be at least 62 years old.
Supportive and transitional housing pairs an affordable unit with services such as case management, helping people leaving homelessness or institutional settings stabilize.
Mainstream Vouchers provide rental assistance specifically for non-elderly persons with disabilities. The program helps individuals transition out of institutional settings or avoid institutionalization by subsidizing housing costs in the private market.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara
Check Current Status
Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara currently has 9 open waiting lists (Family Unification Program (FUP), Other Programs, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Senior Housing, Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $88,250/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara manages approximately 2,931 assisted housing units (2,931 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Santa Barbara. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara
FUP Family Unification Program (FUP) open
The Family Unification Program (FUP) program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Barbara. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other Other Programs open
The Other Programs program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Barbara. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher (PBV) open
Project-Based Vouchers at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Santa Barbara. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.
Senior Senior Housing open
The Senior Housing program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Barbara. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
TBRA Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) open
The Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Barbara. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Affordable Affordable Housing closed
The Affordable Housing program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Barbara. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Santa Barbara. This program serves approximately 2,931 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Public Housing Public Housing closed
Public Housing units at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Santa Barbara maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Supportive Supportive & Transitional Housing closed
The Supportive & Transitional Housing program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Barbara. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed
Mainstream Vouchers at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara free?
How long is the wait at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara?
What are the income limits for Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara?
Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $88,250. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $37,100 | $61,800 | $98,850 |
| 2 Persons | $42,400 | $70,600 | $113,000 |
| 3 Persons | $47,700 | $79,450 | $127,100 |
| 4 Persons | $52,950 | $88,250 | $141,200 |
| 5 Persons | $57,200 | $95,350 | $152,500 |
| 6 Persons | $61,450 | $102,400 | $163,800 |
| 7 Persons | $65,700 | $109,450 | $175,100 |
| 8 Persons | $69,900 | $116,500 | $186,400 |
What do these income limits mean?
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara — including across state lines.