The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) has received approval from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for an increase in the voucher payment standard (VPS) in both tenant and project-based voucher programs.

This rise to 120% of the new fair market rents aims to offer additional assistance to landlords, facilitating the housing of more homeless individuals in Los Angeles. HACLA’s President and CEO, Doug Guthrie, expressed gratitude for HUD’s support, emphasizing the potential for this adjustment to encourage property owners to participate in the challenging rental market.

In response to the homelessness crisis, Mayor Karen Bass highlighted the collaboration between the City of Los Angeles and HUD in addressing the issue. Acknowledging the significance of elevating voucher values, Mayor Bass thanked HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge for the backing and recognized the property owners who currently accept Section 8 vouchers. Encouragement was extended to more property owners to consider renting units to individuals with vouchers, stressing the collective responsibility in combatting the homelessness crisis. The collective efforts of landlords, HACLA, and the community were underlined as pivotal in resolving this pressing issue.

Starting October 1, 2023, the updated VPS applies to new contracts. The rate published stands as the highest allowable rent under the contract, given it’s substantiated by a rent comparability study. The revised payment standard is detailed below:

HACLA offers increased payments in specific neighborhoods across 70 higher opportunity zip codes, referred to as Small Area Fair Market Rents. To gather more details or initiate the leasing procedure, reach out to HACLA at 833-422-5248 or via email at hip@hacla.org.

HACLA, established in 1938 through City of Los Angeles Resolution No. 1241, stands as one of the nation’s primary public housing authorities. It plays a pivotal role in providing the largest collection of affordable housing to the City of Los Angeles. Catering to over 83,000 households through its Public Housing and Section 8 rental assistance programs, HACLA also extends various permanent supportive housing initiatives to homeless households. These programs include Project-Based, HUD – Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing, Homeless, Tenant Based Supportive Housing, Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aids (HOPWA), Continuum of Care, and Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy program.

Original article written by HACLA | September 25, 2023