Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, California
Last Updated
Feb 6, 2026
Johnson Court Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 20, 2023
Additional Notes
Waitlist applications for Johnson Court were being accepted beginning June 20, 2023.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
Additional Notes
The project-based voucher program is open for applications. When a unit is available, the Housing Authority will offer it to someone on the PBV waiting list.
Senior Subsidized Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 20, 2023
Additional Notes
As of June 20, 2023, waitlist applications for Senior Subsidized were being accepted.
Senior Subsidized Housing Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 20, 2023
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The waitlist for Senior Subsidized housing opened on June 20, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. This includes properties like Johnson Court and Vera Cruz Village. Eligible applicants must be at least 62 years old. Applications are accepted online or via paper application (requestable by phone).
Vera Cruz Village Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 20, 2023
Additional Notes
Waitlist applications for Vera Cruz Village were being accepted beginning June 20, 2023.
other Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 20, 2023
Additional Notes
Vera Cruz Village waitlist applications were being accepted as of June 20, 2023
Other Programs
7 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 tenant-based voucher program wait list is currently closed to new applications. HACSB gives a preference to applicants who are 'in-place' and have been living in the same unit for a minimum of three months within HACSB's jurisdiction.
The waitlists for El Carrillo, Artisan Court, and Bradley Studios are closed until further notice.
Families, seniors, and the disabled are given priority; units are located within the City of Santa Barbara and rent is based on 30% of adjusted income.
Applications were accepted online and in person.
Preferences for this program have not been confirmed.
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.
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance, allowing housing authorities to leverage private funding for property rehabilitation while preserving long-term affordability for residents.
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.
Go to Official SiteWARNING: 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
Before applying, verify that the waiting list is currently open. Housing authorities only accept applications during designated open periods, which can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.
Gather Required Documents
Most PHAs require: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all household members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. 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 anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list, keep your contact information updated with the PHA. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Wait times vary from 6 months to over 5 years depending on demand. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs Offered at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara
Johnson Court
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher
Project-Based Vouchers are attached to specific apartment complexes or units. 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 Subsidized
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Senior Subsidized Housing
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Vera Cruz Village
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
other
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
The Housing Choice Voucher program 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 your area. Vouchers are portable, meaning you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Other
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Public Housing Public Housing
Public Housing units are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Units range from apartments to townhomes and are maintained by the PHA. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Supportive Housing
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Workforce Housing
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Mainstream
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
RAD
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
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?
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.