Santa Monica Housing Office - Apply
Apply to the Section 8 and Below Market Housing (BMH) Waitlists
Not sure if you are eligible for housing assistance, or which housing program is right for you? Find out what program is the best fit for you with our Eligibility Checker:
How do I apply for Section 8?
- Submit an application online for the Section 8 waitlist using the blue button below. After completing the application, you will receive an application receipt via email verifying that your application was received.
- Wait for staff to contact you. We cannot give estimates as to how long you will need to wait.
Please view this video on how to apply online for the Section 8 program. Vea este video sobre cómo solicitar en línea al programa de la Sección 8.
What happens next?
- Staff will review your application. If it appears that you may be eligible for Section 8, you will be emailed or mailed an official application. Once you receive the official application, you must fill it out within the time specified, and submit documents verifying the information you initially entered online.
- Staff will verify your submitted application and documents to ensure that you are eligible for the Section 8 waitlist, and to determine if you will receive a priority based on the priorities detailed in the Administrative Plan (Chapter 4, Section III)
- If you are eligible and prioritized on the waitlist, our staff will contact you!
If you require a reasonable accommodation for applying due to a disability, please call 310-458-8740 and leave a message, and staff will work to connect you with City staff or a partner organization that can assist you.
It is extremely important that you give true and accurate information throughout this process. If you do not, it will slow the verification process down, and you could face a fine for giving false information on your application.
APPLY FOR THE SECTION 8 WAITLIST
How do I apply for Below Market Housing (BMH)?
- Submit your application using the blue button below. Please note that if you live or work in Santa Monica, you will need to upload documentation verifying that to be able to claim the local preference. Documentation can be a utility bill or a paystub. As part of the application, you will report your household size and income.
- You will receive an application receipt via email verifying that your application was received.
- Wait to receive emails regarding apartments that match your household size and income level. When you receive an email for an apartment that you are interested in, opt in. Applicants near the top of the waitlist that register their interest will be contacted by the property owner.*
*Please note that only the applicants at the top of the waitlist will be contacted by property owners. You may have to opt in many times before you are contacted regarding an available apartment.
Please view this video on how to apply online for the BMH waitlist. Vea este video sobre cómo solicitar en línea a la lista de espera del programa BMH.
If you require a reasonable accommodation for applying due to a disability, please call 310-458-8740 and leave a message, and staff will work to connect you with City staff or a partner organization that can assist you.
It is extremely important that you give true and accurate information throughout this process. If you do not, it will slow the verification process down, and you could face a fine for giving false information on your application.
APPLY FOR THE BMH WAITLIST
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to apply?
You will need to provide supporting documents to verify all of the answers entered on your application.
HUD requires that we verify the following information on all applications before issuing vouchers:
- Household: Names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers for everyone in your household
- Income: Including all wages, military pay, pensions, social security, SSI, welfare, child support, unemployment income, business or professional income and any other source of income
- Assets: Including all checking and savings accounts, stock, bonds, CDs, pension funds, real estate, cash, trust funds, and investments
For what reasons might I not be eligible?
Registered sex offenders and persons with a history of violent criminal behavior are not eligible.
Former participants of housing programs that left in bad standing or have outstanding debts owed to Housing Authorities are not eligible.
Please note that background and sex offender checks will be run prior to admission to the program.
How can I obtain assistance if a disability prevents me from completing the application(s)?
Accommodations due to a disability are available through the Housing Division - please leave a message at 310-458-8743 and staff will contact you for assistance.
How can I obtain language assistance for completing the application(s)?
For language assistance, please leave a message at 310-458-8743.
How can I be sure that my application(s) was accepted?
An Application Receipt with the date and time your application was received will be emailed to you immediately after you submit your application. Please screenshot or print and retain this receipt for your records.
After I apply, how do I check my waitlist status?
To check your status on the waitlist, go to waitlistcheck.com. Please do not call the Housing Division to inquire about your status, as we are unable to provide status updates or reset your login information. Please ensure that your contact information remains current.
How long will it take before I receive a housing voucher or am referred for a BMH apartment?
Unfortunately, we are unable to determine the length of time before applicants are selected from the waitlist. Applicants are selected from the waitlist as funding permits and as apartments become available.
Where can I learn more about the Section 8 and BMH programs?
Visit our Section 8 page or our BMH page.
For more information about the BMH program:
Presentation about the program here.