The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) runs the Housing Choice Voucher program. Landlords sign a HUD lease addendum, pass an HQS inspection, and accept a rent-reasonableness determination before HACLA pays its share monthly.
Under 24 CFR Part 982 and the HACLA Administrative Plan, a landlord renting to a voucher holder must complete a Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) packet, sign the HUD-52641 lease addendum, and pass a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection covering safety, sanitation, and habitability. HACLA performs a rent reasonableness review comparing the contract rent to similar unsubsidized units; if the rent exceeds market, HACLA negotiates or denies. Once approved, HACLA pays the housing assistance payment directly to the landlord while the tenant pays the remaining share. Annual recertifications and re-inspections continue throughout the tenancy. Landlords may not charge side payments or extra fees outside the approved rent.
Side payments, refusing inspections, or evicting solely to escape voucher rules violate HUD contract terms and California source-of-income law, exposing the landlord to HACLA termination and damages.
Los Angeles, CA
California Government Code §12955 and Los Angeles housing law prohibit landlords from refusing tenants because their rent comes from a Section 8 voucher, SSI...
Los Angeles, CA
The LA Rent Stabilization Ordinance (LAMC Chapter XV) covers buildings with 2+ units built before October 1, 1978, approximately 650,000 units or 70% of rent...
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles enforces habitability standards through SCEP inspections, the California Civil Code implied warranty of habitability, and LAMC building codes. Un...
See how Los Angeles's section 8 voucher acceptance rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.