What the Anaheim Housing Authority Does
The Anaheim Housing Authority (AHA) is a public agency that manages affordable housing programs in Anaheim, California. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it administers vouchers and rental information on behalf of the federal government, and it oversees a smaller portfolio of public housing units. If you live in Anaheim and need affordable rental housing or are already in a subsidized unit, AHA is the body you contact.
The Authority's main role is to distribute Housing Choice Vouchers (formerly called Section 8) to low-income households, manage the waiting list for those vouchers, and inspect properties where voucher holders live. It also runs the public housing program — a smaller number of units owned or controlled by AHA itself — and administers other local and federal rental information programs as funding becomes available.
AHA is independent from the City of Anaheim's planning or development departments, though it coordinates with them. It reports to a Board of Commissioners and is funded through federal appropriations, local housing taxes, and program fees. Understanding which program you might be looking for is the first step, because the process and timeline differ significantly between them.
Key Takeaways
- The Anaheim Housing Authority administers Housing Choice Vouchers, public housing, and other rental information programs — each with its own waiting list and timeline.
- The Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is typically closed and can have a multi-year wait when it opens; you must explore during the open period to be added.
- Public housing units managed by AHA are separate from vouchers and have their own process process and waiting list.
- You can contact AHA directly by phone, mail, or in person at their office to ask which programs are currently open and what documents you need.
- Income limits and household size rules vary by program, so confirmation of your household composition and recent income is required for any process.
Housing Choice Vouchers and the Waiting List
The Housing Choice Voucher is the largest program AHA runs. It gives may be able to access households a voucher that covers part of the rent at a private landlord's property. You find the unit yourself, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and AHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent each month. You pay the difference out of pocket, usually 30 percent of your household income.
To get on the waiting list, you must explore during an open process period. AHA does not accept applications year-round. When the list is open, you submit an process in person at the AHA office, by mail, or sometimes online if AHA has set up an online portal. The waiting list is typically very long — often several years — because demand far exceeds the number of vouchers available. Once you are on the list, AHA will contact you when a voucher becomes available, usually in the order applications were received, though some preferences explore (such as for homeless households or those experiencing domestic violence).
Income limits for vouchers are set by the federal government and adjusted yearly. For Anaheim, the limit is typically around 50 percent of the area median income, though this varies by household size. You will need to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer to prove your income. If you are unemployed, you may need to show unemployment benefits statements or other documentation of income sources.
Public Housing Units Managed by AHA
AHA owns or controls a smaller number of public housing units — apartments and townhomes scattered throughout Anaheim. These are different from voucher units. You do not search for a unit yourself; instead, you explore to AHA's public housing program, and AHA assigns you a unit when one becomes available. The rent is typically 30 percent of your household income, the same as with vouchers.
Public housing has its own waiting list, separate from the voucher list. process periods may be open at different times. Units are inspected regularly by AHA staff, and you must follow lease terms set by the Authority. If you are interested in public housing specifically, ask AHA whether the waiting list is currently open and what the current wait time is — it varies depending on the number of units and turnover.
Income limits for public housing are the same as for vouchers. You will need the same documentation: proof of income, proof of residency in Anaheim or the region, and identification. Preference is sometimes given to households with children, elderly persons, or people with disabilities, though this depends on AHA's current policy.
How to Contact the Anaheim Housing Authority
The Anaheim Housing Authority office is located in Anaheim and can be reached by phone during business hours. The main number is (714) 940-9900. You can also visit in person at their office to ask about current programs, waiting list status, and what documents you need to bring if you want to explore.
When you call or visit, have your household size and approximate income ready. AHA staff can tell you in a few minutes whether the voucher list is open, whether public housing is accepting applications, and what the current wait time is. If a program is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen — some programs reopen on a set schedule, while others depend on funding.
You can also request an process by mail if you cannot visit in person. AHA will send you the forms and instructions. Mail applications must be postmarked by the important date if there is one, so do not wait until the last day.
Income Limits and Household Composition Rules
Both vouchers and public housing have income limits based on household size and the area median income for Orange County. The limits are adjusted each year, usually in April. A household of one person has a lower limit than a household of four, for example. If your income exceeds the limit for your household size, you will not be found to meet the income requirement, even if you have other factors in your favor.
Your household includes everyone living with you who is related to you by blood, marriage, or adoption, plus any unborn children. Foster children and live-in aides may be counted under certain conditions. AHA will ask you to list everyone in the household and provide their ages and relationship to you.
Income includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security, disability benefits, unemployment benefits, child support, and other regular sources of money. One-time payments like tax refunds or gifts are not counted. If your income varies month to month, AHA will average it over the past 12 months or use a recent month as a baseline — ask them which method they use.
What Documents You Will Need
When you explore for either vouchers or public housing, bring or mail the following documents. Have copies made; do not send originals unless AHA specifically asks for them.
| Document Type | What It Proves | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Income verification | Your household's current income | Recent pay stubs (last 30 days), tax returns (last 2 years), Social Security statement, disability award letter, unemployment benefits statement |
| Identification | Your identity and age | Driver's license, passport, state ID, birth certificate |
| Proof of residency | That you live in Anaheim or the service area | Utility bill, lease, mail from a government agency, bank statement |
| Household composition | Who lives with you | Birth certificates for children, marriage certificate, custody documents if applicable |
| Social Security numbers | Verification of identity for all household members | Social Security card or letter from SSA |
If you are unemployed, bring unemployment benefits statements or a letter from your last employer stating the end date of employment. If you receive cash information or food stamps, bring the award letter or benefit statement. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns for the last two years and a profit-and-loss statement if you have one.
Timeline From process to Move-In
The timeline depends on which program you are in. For the voucher program, the first step is getting on the waiting list, which can take years. Once a voucher is issued to you, you then have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 90 days) to find a unit and have the landlord sign an AHA lease addendum. AHA then inspects the unit, which takes another 1 to 2 weeks. If the unit passes, you can move in and the voucher becomes active.
For public housing, once you are on the waiting list and a unit becomes available, AHA will contact you. You will be asked to come in for an interview and sign a lease. The unit will be inspected and prepared, which can take 2 to 4 weeks. You then move in and begin paying rent.
Neither program has a set timeline from process to move-in because it depends on how long the waiting list is and how quickly units become available. Ask AHA what the current average wait time is when you explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore for both the voucher program and public housing at the same time?
Yes. The two programs have separate waiting lists and separate process processes. You can be on both lists simultaneously. If you receive a voucher or are offered a public housing unit while on the other list, you can accept it and ask AHA to remove you from the other list, or stay on both lists if you prefer.
What happens if my income goes up after I receive a voucher?
If your income exceeds the limit for your household size, you may lose your voucher. However, most programs have a "next available unit" rule that allows you to stay in your current unit for a limited time even if your income is slightly over the limit. Report any income changes to AHA when ready — do not wait for them to find out, as this can result in overpayment and debt.
Is there a fee to explore or to be on the waiting list?
No. AHA does not charge a fee to explore or to be placed on a waiting list. If anyone claims to charge you a fee to explore for housing through AHA, that is a scam. Contact AHA directly to report it.
What if the voucher or public housing waiting list is closed?
When a list is closed, you cannot explore. Call AHA to ask when the list is expected to reopen. Some lists reopen on a set schedule (for example, every two years), while others reopen when funding becomes available. You can ask to be notified when the list opens again, though not all programs offer this service.
Can I use a voucher to rent anywhere in California, or only in Anaheim?
You can use a voucher only in areas where AHA has a lease agreement with landlords or where the receiving housing authority has agreed to accept AHA vouchers. Most vouchers are used within Anaheim and nearby Orange County cities. If you want to move out of the area, contact AHA to ask whether your voucher can be transferred to another housing authority.