Section 8 vs. Income-Restricted Housing: What's the Difference?

"Section 8" and "affordable housing" get used almost interchangeably in conversation, but they are two different programs with different rules, different rent, and different waitlists. Understanding the difference helps you apply for the right ones — which in practice means both.

What is Section 8?

Section 8 — officially the Housing Choice Voucher program — is a federal subsidy that follows the tenant, not the building. If you receive a voucher, you find your own rental (within program limits), the housing authority pays a portion of your rent directly to the landlord, and you pay the difference. Because the voucher is attached to you, you can move and take it with you. In Los Angeles, Section 8 is administered by HACLA (and by LA County's housing authority for areas outside the city).

What is income-restricted housing?

Income-restricted (sometimes called "affordable" or "low-income") apartments are specific units in specific buildings. The landlord or a government program caps the rent, and the unit is reserved for households under a set income limit — for example, a building where some units are set aside for households earning up to 60% of AMI. The subsidy belongs to the unit, so if you move out, you lose the affordable rent. You apply to each building individually.

The key differences at a glance

• Portability: a Section 8 voucher moves with you; income-restricted rent belongs to the unit.

• Where you apply: Section 8 through the housing authority; income-restricted units through each building or its property manager.

• Rent: with a voucher you pay roughly 30% of your income toward rent; income-restricted units charge a below-market set rent.

• Waitlists: Section 8 waitlists are typically years long and often closed; building-specific waitlists are usually shorter.

• Availability: vouchers are limited and fiercely competitive; income-restricted units open up building by building.

Which should you apply for?

Both. They are not mutually exclusive, and most households that find affordable housing do it by being on as many lists as possible — a voucher waitlist plus several building waitlists. Many income-restricted buildings also accept Section 8 vouchers, which can be a powerful combination.

Confused about which listings fit your situation? LA Housing Connect helps you sort the options for free — contact us and we will point you in the right direction.