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Housing Authority of the City of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, California
Last Updated
8 hours ago
About Housing Authority of the City of Santa Monica
The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Monica (PHA Code: CA111) is located in Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California. This authority manages approximately 1,536 assisted housing units, primarily through 1,536 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Currently, the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Monica is accepting applications for several housing programs. These primarily include various Affordable Housing and Below Market Housing (BMH) initiatives, as well as other related assistance programs. For applicants, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA HUD Metro FMR Area is $75,750 per year. It's important for prospective applicants to be aware that the status of specific programs, such as Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), can change.
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Affordable Housing (BMH) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
To apply to the City of Santa Monica's Below Market Housing waitlists, click here. Applicants near the top of the waitlist that register their interest will be contacted by the property owner. Applicants are selected from the waitlist as funding permits and as apartments become available.
Affordable Housing Program Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The waitlist is open to everyone meeting income requirements; priority is given to households living or working in Santa Monica, with specific preferences for displaced households, Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) holders, and Historically Displaced Households Pilot applicants. Applicants must meet household income limits, and a 'strike' policy may lead to removal from the waitlist after five strikes.
BMH Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
May 1, 2020
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The waitlist is open to eligible applicants, with priority for households living or working in Santa Monica. Preferences include households displaced by specific events (Tier 1A), Emergency Housing Voucher holders (Tier 1B), Historically Displaced Households (Tier 1C), and other Santa Monica residents or employees working at least 25 hours per week (Tier 2).
BMH (Below Market Housing) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The waitlist is open to everyone meeting income requirements, with priority given to households that live or work in Santa Monica. First priority is for displaced Santa Monica households; second priority for other households living or working at least 25 hours per week in Santa Monica.
Below Market Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Priority is given to households that live or work in Santa Monica, with specific preferences for displaced households, Emergency Housing Voucher holders, and historically displaced households (First Priority). Other Santa Monica residents or those working at least 25 hours per week in Santa Monica receive Second Priority.
Below Market Housing (BMH) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The waitlist is continuously open, giving priority to households displaced from Santa Monica due to specific circumstances, Emergency Housing Voucher holders, or those living or working at least 25 hours per week in Santa Monica; income limits apply (e.g., 1-person: $139,900; 2-person: $160,000 as of May 4, 2026), and a strike policy is in effect.
Other Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This program offers Below Market Housing (BMH) units, with priority given to households that live or work in Santa Monica, and income limits apply. Applications are being accepted for specific developments.
Other (Below Market Housing - BMH) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The BMH program offers below-market rate apartments, not rental subsidies. Priority is given to households living or working in Santa Monica, including those participating in approved job training programs or receiving specific benefits. A 'Displaced Priority' is available for households facing specific displacement situations. Some buildings are seniors-only (62+) or have accessibility features. Income limits apply, effective May 4, 2026.
Other (Below Market Housing) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The Below Market Housing (BMH) waitlist is open to everyone meeting income requirements, with priority given to households living or working in Santa Monica. First priority is for households displaced due to specific reasons, Emergency Housing Voucher holders, or approved Historically Displaced Households Pilot applicants. Applicants can be removed from the waitlist after five 'strikes'.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The Below Market Rate Housing (BMR) Project-Based Waiting List is open and offers rental and ownership opportunities. Priority is given to applicants who live or work in Santa Monica, or meet other local criteria.
other Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
May 1, 2020
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The Below Market Housing (BMH) waitlist is open to all who meet income requirements, with priority for Santa Monica residents or workers. First priority is for displaced households, Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) holders, and Historically Displaced Households Pilot applicants. Income limits apply, effective May 4, 2026. There is a 'strike' policy for waitlist applicants.
other (Below Market Housing) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
May 1, 2020
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The Below Market Housing (BMH) waitlist is currently open with a rolling application process. Priority is given to households that live or work in Santa Monica, requiring applicants to upload documentation to verify their residency or employment. To be eligible, applicants' total household income...
Other Programs
5 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.
Waitlists closed effective April 21, 2025. Applications must have been submitted by April 20, 2025, 11:59 PM. Waitlist remains open for individuals and households who qualify for Tier 1 priorities.
The Below Market Housing (BMH) waitlist closed effective April 21, 2025. Preferences are given to displaced Santa Monica households or those who live or work at least 25 hours per week in Santa Monica. Income limits apply, and accommodations for disabilities were available via phone.
The Public Housing waitlist closed on April 20, 2025. No specific preferences or application methods for any current opening are detailed for this program in the provided information.
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 Monica 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 Monica
Check Current Status
Housing Authority of the City of Santa Monica currently has 12 open waiting lists (Affordable Housing (BMH), Affordable Housing Program, BMH, BMH (Below Market Housing), Below Market Housing, Below Market Housing (BMH), Other, Other (Below Market Housing - BMH), Other (Below Market Housing), PBV, other, other (Below Market Housing)). 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 Monica, 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 $75,750/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 Monica 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 Monica, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Housing Authority of the City of Santa Monica manages approximately 1,536 assisted housing units (1,536 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Santa Monica. 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 Monica
Affordable Housing (BMH) open
The Affordable Housing (BMH) program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Monica provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Monica. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Affordable Housing Program open
The Affordable Housing Program program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Monica provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Monica. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
BMH open
The BMH program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Monica provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Monica. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
BMH (Below Market Housing) open
The BMH (Below Market Housing) program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Monica provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Monica. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Below Market Housing open
The Below Market Housing program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Monica provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Monica. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Below Market Housing (BMH) open
The Below Market Housing (BMH) program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Monica provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Monica. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other open
The Other program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Monica provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Monica. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other (Below Market Housing - BMH) open
The Other (Below Market Housing - BMH) program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Monica provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Monica. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other (Below Market Housing) open
The Other (Below Market Housing) program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Monica provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Monica. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher open
Project-Based Vouchers at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Monica are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Santa Monica. 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.
other open
The other program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Monica provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Monica. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
other (Below Market Housing) open
The other (Below Market Housing) program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Monica provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Monica. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Monica 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 Monica. This program serves approximately 1,536 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Other - Below Market Housing (BMH) closed
The Other - Below Market Housing (BMH) program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Monica provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Monica. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Public Housing Public Housing closed
Public Housing units at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Monica 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.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed
Mainstream Vouchers at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Monica 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.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Monica converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Santa Monica maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Monica free?
How long is the wait at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Monica?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Housing Authority of the City of Santa Monica?
What are the income limits for Housing Authority of the City of Santa Monica?
Housing Authority of the City of Santa Monica Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Monica are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $75,750. 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 | $31,850 | $53,000 | $84,850 |
| 2 Persons | $36,400 | $60,600 | $96,950 |
| 3 Persons | $40,950 | $68,150 | $109,050 |
| 4 Persons | $45,450 | $75,750 | $121,150 |
| 5 Persons | $49,100 | $81,800 | $130,850 |
| 6 Persons | $52,750 | $87,850 | $140,550 |
| 7 Persons | $56,400 | $93,900 | $150,250 |
| 8 Persons | $60,000 | $100,000 | $159,950 |
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 Monica — including across state lines.