Emergency Housing Vouchers

What is happening with EHV program?

Federal EHV funding was scheduled to end at the end of this year. Our agency is transitioning all 2,700 Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) households into the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program to prevent them from becoming homeless and to ensure continuity of rental assistance. We anticipate the transition will be complete by September. 

How are you able to absorb all the EHV participants? Did you get more funding?

Due to updated HUD guidance, budget management, and administrative flexibilities, our agency now has sufficient HCV funding to transition all eligible households without interruption.

How many households are affected?

Approximately 2,700 HACLA EHV households served by our agency will be transitioned into the HCV program and approximately 1,700 property owners who rely on the rent stability of the EHV program.   

• 23% Households with children 
• 21% Seniors 
• 40% People with disabilities 
• Average annual salary: $13,706 
• Average tenant payment: $350 
• Average monthly subsidy: $1704 

Will anyone lose their housing or rental assistance?

Our priority is ensuring no one loses housing during this process and all participants in good standing will transition to the HCV.  

All participants will receive a letter by mail. They must read the notification letter carefully and complete any required steps described. For those who still need to complete recertification, do so as soon as possible to avoid interruption in assistance.  

Targeted outreach is underway for approximately 110 households who need to complete required steps (such as annual recertification) to avoid any interruption.

Will tenants see any changes to rent, lease terms, or voucher amount due to switch to HCV?

No. Households in good standing will not see immediate changes to rent portions, lease terms, or voucher benefits as a result of the transition. Any administrative differences under HCV program will be explained in follow‑up materials.  

What should landlords/property owners expect?

Landlords will receive an owner‑specific letter explaining next steps, program details, and payment procedures for the transition into the HCV program. Payments will continue for compliant households.

Will the Section 8 waitlist reopen because of this transition?

No. This transition does not reopen the general Section 8 program with new applicants. We are moving to process the approximate 3,000 applicants on the waitlist that were paused last year due to funding constraints, and that timeline will be announced soon.  

Does this transition create new vouchers for the public or landlords? 

No. Over time, as households move or cycle out of the program, vouchers may become available again. Updates will be provided as applicable.  

How do you know that landlords will take the vouchers? That has been a problem that property owners do not accept Section 8 vouchers. 

We continue engaging property owners to inform them of the financial stability of being in the program. Additionally, thanks to Executive Order 1, affordable housing properties across Los Angeles are being constructed that will help us house our program participants and help us end homelessness. 

Conversion Information For Participants

Important Reminders

• Open and read all mail and emails from HACLA.
• Keep your contact information up to date.
• Report all household and income changes promptly.
• Continue paying your portion of the rent on time.
• Keep copies of all documents submitted to HACLA.
• Contact HACLA if you have questions or need assistance with the conversion process.

About the EHV to HCV Conversion

What is the EHV to HCV conversion?

Eligible families receiving assistance through the Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) Program will transition to the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program so they can continue receiving rental assistance.

 

Why is my EHV being converted to an HCV?

The EHV program was created with limited federal funding which ends on December 31, 2026. Converting eligible families to the HCV program helps ensure continued rental assistance.

 

Will my rental assistance stop during the conversion?

No. Your rental assistance will continue without interruption as long as you remain in compliance with your Family Obligations (Program Requirements).

 

Is participation in the conversion mandatory?

You may choose to opt out of the HCV conversion. However, if you opt out, your EHV assistance will end on December 31, 2026. If you are eligible for conversion, HACLA will provide instructions regarding the process and any required actions.

If you choose to opt out, please contact HACLA’s Customer Contact Center:

📞 (833) HACLA-4-U (833-422-5248)
📧 info@hacla.org

 

Do I need to submit a new application?

No. However, you must remain in compliance with your Family Obligations (Program Requirements) to be eligible for conversion.

 

How will I know if I am eligible for conversion?

HACLA will notify you in writing by mail if you are eligible for conversion.

 

Will my immigration status be reviewed again?

HACLA may verify citizenship or eligible immigration status as required by federal regulations.

Your Unit & Landlord

Will I have to move?

No. Most families can remain in their current unit as long as the unit meets HCV Program requirements and the landlord agrees to participate.

 

Can my landlord refuse to participate in the HCV Program?

Yes. Landlord participation is voluntary. If your landlord chooses not to participate, HACLA will issue you an HCV so you can search for another eligible unit.

 

What if my unit does not pass inspection?

You must allow HACLA access to complete the inspection and correct any tenant-caused deficiencies identified. If the unit does not pass inspection because of owner noncompliance and is placed in abatement, HACLA will provide information about your options, which may include receiving a voucher to move.

 

Will my security deposit transfer to the new program?

No. The conversion does not create a new tenancy. Any existing security deposit will remain between you and your landlord.

Rent, Income, & Recertification

Will my rent increase after conversion?

Your portion of the rent may change after conversion based on factors such as your household income, household size, utility allowance, and HCV Program calculations.

 

Can my landlord increase my rent after the conversion?

Landlords may request a rent increase in accordance with HCV program rules and lease requirements. Any increase must be approved by HACLA.

 

Am I still required to report changes in my income or household?

Yes. You must continue to notify your Section 8 Advisor of any changes to your income or household within 30 days of the change.

 

Am I still required to complete my Annual Recertification?

Yes. You must complete your Annual Recertification by the required due date to remain eligible for conversion and continued rental assistance.

Please register in Rent Café at:

🔗 publichousing-hacla.securecafe.com

For help registering for Rent Café or completing your recertification, contact HACLA’s Customer Contact Center:

📞 (833) HACLA-4-U (833-422-5248)
📧 info@hacla.org

Moving & Portability

Can I move to another city or county after converting to HCV?

Yes. The HCV Program allows portability to other jurisdictions, subject to program requirements.

 

Can I move immediately after conversion?

You must comply with your lease terms and HACLA's move policies before requesting to move.

Assistance & Accommodations

What if I did not receive my conversion letter?

Please contact HACLA’s Customer Contact Center:

📞 (833) HACLA-4-U (833-422-5248)
📧 info@hacla.org

 

What if I need an accommodation because of a disability?

You may request a reasonable accommodation at any time by contacting your Section 8 Advisor. For a full description of reasonable accommodation policy, please see the HACLA webpage here.

Conversion Information For Property Owners

Important Reminders

• Continue complying with all HCV Program requirements.
• Promptly return any requested documents to avoid processing delays.
• Notify HACLA immediately of any ownership, management, or banking changes.
• Complete all required repairs within the specified timeframes.
• Do not collect rent or fees that have not been approved by HACLA.
• Inform HACLA immediately if the tenant vacates the unit or if there are significant lease violations.
• Keep copies of all signed leases, HAP contracts, amendments, and correspondence for your records.

About the EHV to HCV Conversion

Does my tenant need to move because of the conversion?

No. Your tenant can remain in their current unit as long as the family continues to meet program requirements and completes the HCV conversion.

 

Can I decline to participate in the HCV conversion?

You may choose to opt out of the HCV conversion. However, your HAP will end on December 31, 2026, or earlier if the tenant vacates the unit. Property owners must continue to follow all applicable lease provisions and landlord-tenant laws.

If you choose to opt out, please contact HACLA’s Customer Contact Center:

📞 (833) HACLA-4-U (833-422-5248)
📧 info@hacla.org

HAP, Rent, & Lease Information

Will my Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) continue without interruption?

Yes. HAP will continue without interruption, subject to ongoing program requirements.

 

Will my Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) amount change?

The HAP amount is calculated under HCV Program regulations and may change based on factors such as the family’s income, payment standards, and utility allowance.

 

Does this conversion affect my lease with the tenant?

No. Existing lease terms remain in effect.

 

Will my contract rent increase request be impacted by the conversion?

Rent increase requests must comply with HCV Program regulations, lease terms, and HACLA policies. All rent increases must be approved by HACLA.

Inspections & Repairs

What are the inspection requirements for HCV conversion?

A new initial inspection is not required solely because of the HCV conversion. However, units remain subject to required inspections and must be in passing inspection status before conversion.

If your unit fails inspection, all required repairs must be completed before the unit can be converted to HCV. Once repairs are completed, contact HACLA to request a reinspection:

📞 (833) HACLA-4-U (833-422-5248)
📧 S8.Inspections@hacla.org

For additional information about inspection requirements, failed inspections, repairs, and reinspections, please see the Inspections & Repairs section of our FAQ page here.

Changes During the Conversion

What if my tenant moves out during the conversion?

Notify HACLA immediately if your tenant moves out so the HAP Contract can be terminated and HAP payments can be stopped.

 

What happens if I sell the property during the conversion?

Notify HACLA immediately if you sell the property:

📧 owner.services@hacla.org

Ownership changes require updated documentation before HAP payments can continue.

Conversion Information For Portability & Transfers

For EHV Participants Who Ported Into HACLA

EHV participants who ported into HACLA’s jurisdiction will have their EHV converted to an HCV and absorbed by HACLA.

For EHV Participants Who Ported Out of HACLA

EHV participants who ported out to another housing authority will have their EHV converted to an HCV and ported to the housing authority where they currently reside. The receiving housing authority may either bill HACLA or absorb the HCV and may contact the participant if additional documentation is required.

Participant Responsibilities During Conversion

No immediate action is required during the conversion unless HACLA or the receiving housing authority contacts the participant. Participants must continue to report any changes to their household composition, income, or contact information and comply with all program requirements during the conversion.

Impact on Landlords/Property Owners During Conversion

• Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) will continue without interruption, subject to ongoing program requirements and funding availability.
• Existing lease agreements will remain in effect as long as they comply with HCV Program requirements.
• HACLA or the receiving housing authority will notify the landlord/property owner if additional documentation or contract amendments are required as part of the conversion.

Housing & Support Resources

Affordable Housing & Section 8 Waiting Lists

Households may inquire about Section 8 or housing programs offered by housing authorities nationwide. You may apply to multiple waiting lists, but can only receive assistance from one housing authority.

🔗 Affordable Housing Online – Open Section 8 Waiting Lists

Tenant Rights & Rent Stabilization (RSO) Programs

Information on tenant rights, Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) programs, applications, workshops, and landlord-tenant issues.

📞 866-557-RENT (7368)

Housing & Supportive Services for Persons with Disabilities

Assistance and supportive services for individuals with disabilities.

📞 213-202-2764

Housing Assistance for Individuals and Families Living with HIV/AIDS

Housing assistance and supportive services for low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families.

📞 213-808-8805

Emergency Housing & Services for People Experiencing Homelessness

Emergency housing and support services for individuals and families in Los Angeles.

🔗 Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority – Get Help

📞 213-683-3333

Fair Housing Rights & Counseling

Fair housing counseling, complaint investigation, and property management training provided by the Housing Rights Center.

📞 800-477-5977
📞 TTY: 213-201-0867