Section 8 Housing in Louisiana: Complete Guide to Housing Choice Vouchers

Louisiana faces some of the most acute affordable housing challenges in the South. A combination of persistent poverty, hurricane vulnerability, high insurance costs, and a shortage of affordable rental units has placed stable housing out of reach for hundreds of thousands of Louisiana residents. From New Orleans and Baton Rouge to Shreveport, Lafayette, and the rural parishes across the state, Section 8 housing vouchers in Louisiana provide critical monthly rent relief that helps eligible households maintain safe, stable housing.

This complete guide covers everything you need to know about Section 8 housing in Louisiana — including who qualifies, Louisiana-specific income limits by parish, Fair Market Rents, a full directory of Louisiana Public Housing Authorities, a step-by-step application guide, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.


What Is Section 8 Housing in Louisiana?

Section 8 — officially called the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program — is a federally funded rental assistance program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In Louisiana, the program is managed by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in parishes and cities across the state, as well as through the Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC), which provides statewide oversight, affordable housing financing, and administers rental assistance programs for portions of Louisiana not fully served by a local PHA.

The program pays a portion of your monthly rent directly to your landlord. You contribute approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and your Louisiana PHA covers the remainder — up to the local payment standard — each month. You are free to choose any privately owned rental unit in Louisiana where the landlord agrees to participate and the unit meets HUD’s Housing Quality Standards.

Louisiana Context: Louisiana’s Section 8 system operates under unique pressures. Hurricane damage, post-storm displacement, high homeowner insurance costs that landlords pass to renters, and chronic poverty in many parishes create an especially difficult housing environment. The Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) and the Housing Authority of Baton Rouge (HABR) administer the two largest HCV programs in the state. LHC provides critical statewide support, particularly for rural parishes where no local PHA operates.


Louisiana Source-of-Income Law: What Voucher Holders Need to Know

Louisiana does not have a statewide source-of-income (SOI) protection law. Louisiana landlords are legally permitted to refuse Section 8 vouchers statewide — and this is a significant barrier in competitive markets like New Orleans, where post-storm housing demand and tourism-driven short-term rentals have sharply reduced affordable long-term rental supply.

There are currently no major Louisiana cities with enacted local SOI ordinances. New Orleans has discussed fair housing improvements, but no citywide SOI voucher protection is currently in effect.

Practical Advice: In Louisiana’s non-SOI market, your most reliable tools for finding a participating landlord are your PHA’s or LHC’s internal landlord list, GoSection8.com, and LHC’s housing locator. HANO and HABR both maintain active landlord recruitment programs. Many Louisiana landlords — particularly in Baton Rouge suburbs, Shreveport, Lafayette, and rural parishes — do participate in Section 8. Your PHA housing specialist is your most valuable resource for landlord connections in Louisiana.


Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing Vouchers in Louisiana?

To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Louisiana, you must meet all of the following requirements:

1. Income Limits

Your household’s total gross annual income must fall below HUD’s income limits for your area in Louisiana. These are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) and vary by parish — the New Orleans metro and Baton Rouge have the state’s highest AMIs, while rural northern and central Louisiana parishes run considerably lower.

Below are the approximate [Current_year] income limits for a family of four in major Louisiana areas:

Louisiana AreaExtremely Low (30% AMI)Very Low (50% AMI)Low Income (80% AMI)
New Orleans Metro (Orleans / Jefferson / St. Tammany)~$25,750~$42,900~$68,650
Baton Rouge (East Baton Rouge Parish)~$27,100~$45,200~$72,300
Lafayette Parish~$24,250~$40,450~$64,700
Shreveport (Caddo Parish)~$21,500~$35,850~$57,350
Lake Charles (Calcasieu Parish)~$23,100~$38,500~$61,600
Monroe (Ouachita Parish)~$19,750~$32,950~$52,700
Alexandria (Rapides Parish)~$19,400~$32,300~$51,700
Houma-Thibodaux (Terrebonne / Lafourche)~$22,750~$37,950~$60,700
St. Tammany Parish (Northshore)~$30,300~$50,500~$80,800
Livingston Parish~$27,100~$45,200~$72,300
Rural / Non-Metro Louisiana~$17,650~$29,450~$47,100

Note: St. Tammany Parish (Northshore) has significantly higher income limits than Orleans Parish — reflecting its position as an affluent New Orleans suburb. Rural northern Louisiana parishes have some of the lowest income limits in the state. These figures are approximate and updated annually. Always verify current limits at huduser.gov or with your local Louisiana PHA or LHC.

2. Citizenship or Eligible Immigration Status

At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen — such as a lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee. Mixed-status households qualify for prorated assistance.

3. Family Composition

Section 8 is open to single individuals, couples, families with children, elderly persons (age 62+), and persons with disabilities. Household size determines the voucher bedroom size issued.

4. Criminal Background

Federal mandatory bars apply: lifetime sex offender registration and methamphetamine manufacturing in federally assisted housing. Individual Louisiana PHAs set their own additional screening criteria. Contact your specific PHA for their criminal history policy before applying if this applies to your household.

5. No Outstanding PHA Debt

Any unpaid debt owed to any PHA — in Louisiana or another state — must be resolved before approval.

Pro Tip: Post-hurricane displacement has significantly affected Louisiana’s Section 8 system. If your household was displaced by a hurricane or other federally declared disaster, ask your PHA explicitly about disaster-displaced priority status — many Louisiana PHAs give priority placement to households displaced by storms, and LHC has administered specific disaster housing assistance programs. Document your displacement carefully.


How Much Rent Assistance Will You Receive in Louisiana?

Your Section 8 subsidy in Louisiana is based on your adjusted monthly income, HUD’s Fair Market Rents for your parish, and your PHA’s payment standard. You pay 30% of adjusted income; the PHA covers the rest up to the payment standard.

Here are the approximate [Current_year] Fair Market Rents for major Louisiana markets:

Louisiana Area1 Bedroom2 Bedroom3 Bedroom4 Bedroom
New Orleans / Orleans Parish~$1,200~$1,450~$1,900~$2,300
Jefferson Parish (Metairie / Kenner)~$1,100~$1,350~$1,750~$2,150
St. Tammany Parish (Northshore)~$1,200~$1,500~$1,950~$2,400
Baton Rouge / East Baton Rouge Parish~$1,000~$1,250~$1,600~$2,000
Lafayette Parish~$900~$1,100~$1,450~$1,750
Lake Charles / Calcasieu Parish~$850~$1,050~$1,350~$1,650
Shreveport / Caddo Parish~$800~$1,000~$1,300~$1,600
Houma / Terrebonne Parish~$800~$1,000~$1,300~$1,600
Monroe / Ouachita Parish~$700~$850~$1,100~$1,350
Alexandria / Rapides Parish~$700~$850~$1,100~$1,350
Rural / Non-Metro Louisiana~$600~$750~$1,000~$1,200

Note: New Orleans and St. Tammany Parish FMRs have increased significantly since Hurricane Katrina and again after Hurricane Ida as rental supply has tightened and post-storm rebuilding costs have driven up rents. Payment standards set by each Louisiana PHA typically range between 90%–110% of these FMR figures. Confirm current payment standards directly with your local PHA or LHC.


Louisiana Public Housing Authorities (PHAs): Complete Directory

Section 8 in Louisiana is administered by local PHAs across the state’s parishes, with LHC providing statewide support. Below is a comprehensive directory organized by region.

Statewide Resource

OrganizationPhoneWebsiteCoverage
Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC)(225) 763-8700lhc.la.govStatewide housing oversight, affordable housing finance, disaster housing programs, and HCV administration for unserved parishes

New Orleans Metro PHAs

PHA NameCityPhoneService Area
Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO)New Orleans(504) 670-3300Orleans Parish
Jefferson Parish Housing AuthorityMetairie(504) 838-1060Jefferson Parish (Metairie, Kenner, Gretna)
St. Tammany Parish Housing AuthorityCovington(985) 892-0341St. Tammany Parish (Northshore)
St. Bernard Parish Housing AuthorityChalmette(504) 271-2626St. Bernard Parish
Bogalusa Housing AuthorityBogalusa(985) 732-6233Washington Parish

Baton Rouge & Capital Region PHAs

PHA NameCityPhoneService Area
Housing Authority of Baton Rouge (HABR)Baton Rouge(225) 763-8700East Baton Rouge Parish
Livingston Parish Housing AuthorityLivingston(225) 686-7052Livingston Parish
West Baton Rouge Parish Housing AuthorityPort Allen(225) 383-6120West Baton Rouge Parish
Ascension Parish Housing AuthorityDonaldsonville(225) 473-8745Ascension Parish
Plaquemine Housing AuthorityPlaquemine(225) 687-6350Iberville Parish

Acadiana & Southwest Louisiana PHAs

PHA NameCityPhoneService Area
Lafayette Housing AuthorityLafayette(337) 269-4000Lafayette Parish
Lake Charles Housing AuthorityLake Charles(337) 439-4551Calcasieu Parish
Opelousas Housing AuthorityOpelousas(337) 942-5424St. Landry Parish
New Iberia Housing AuthorityNew Iberia(337) 367-1830Iberia Parish
Houma Housing AuthorityHouma(985) 876-6000Terrebonne Parish
Thibodaux Housing AuthorityThibodaux(985) 447-4711Lafourche Parish
Morgan City Housing AuthorityMorgan City(985) 384-8554St. Mary Parish

North Louisiana PHAs

PHA NameCityPhoneService Area
Shreveport Housing Authority (SHA)Shreveport(318) 673-5200Caddo Parish
Bossier City Housing AuthorityBossier City(318) 741-8785Bossier Parish
Monroe Housing AuthorityMonroe(318) 325-7101Ouachita Parish
Alexandria Housing AuthorityAlexandria(318) 443-5437Rapides Parish
Ruston Housing AuthorityRuston(318) 255-3621Lincoln Parish
Bastrop Housing AuthorityBastrop(318) 281-4265Morehouse Parish
Natchitoches Housing AuthorityNatchitoches(318) 352-6126Natchitoches Parish

Tip: If your parish is not listed above, contact the Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) at (225) 763-8700 or visit lhc.la.gov — LHC administers housing programs for parishes not covered by a local PHA. You can also use HUD’s PHA locator at hud.gov filtered by Louisiana to find every agency serving your area.


How to Apply for Section 8 Housing Vouchers in Louisiana

Here is a complete step-by-step guide to applying for Section 8 housing in Louisiana:

Step 1: Identify the Right Program for Your Parish

In the New Orleans metro, multiple PHAs serve different parishes — HANO covers Orleans Parish while Jefferson Parish, St. Tammany, and St. Bernard each have their own authorities. In Baton Rouge, HABR covers East Baton Rouge Parish while neighboring Livingston, Ascension, and West Baton Rouge parishes each have their own PHAs. For parishes without a local PHA, contact LHC at (225) 763-8700. Apply to every open program simultaneously.

Step 2: Check for Open Waitlists

Louisiana PHAs manage waitlists that open and close based on funding and turnover. To stay current:

  • Check each PHA’s official website regularly for waitlist announcements
  • Call each Louisiana PHA directly using the numbers in the directory above
  • Monitor affordablehousingonline.com for Louisiana waitlist openings
  • Visit lhc.la.gov for statewide LHC program updates and disaster housing announcements
  • Contact Southeast Louisiana Legal Services at (504) 529-1000 or Acadiana Legal Service Corporation at (337) 237-4320 for housing program information in their regions

Step 3: Apply Immediately When a Waitlist Opens

HANO and HABR waitlists draw significant interest when they open. Post-storm periods often trigger special waitlist openings with disaster priority. Be ready to apply quickly:

  • HANO, HABR, and most major Louisiana PHAs offer online pre-applications
  • Have all household member information ready: full names, dates of birth, SSNs, income details
  • Apply to every open Louisiana program simultaneously
  • If you are disaster-displaced, explicitly note your displacement status on every application

Step 4: Maintain Your Waitlist Position

Louisiana waitlist times vary considerably. In New Orleans (HANO), waits typically run 3 to 7 years and the list is frequently closed. In Baton Rouge (HABR), waits run approximately 2 to 5 years. In Shreveport, Lafayette, and Lake Charles, waits are typically 1 to 4 years. In smaller Louisiana cities, waits can sometimes be shorter. While waiting:

  • Update your contact information with every PHA and LHC every time you move or change your phone number
  • Respond promptly to all annual confirmation notices
  • Ask about priority preferences that may advance your position:
  • Currently homeless or residing in emergency shelter
  • Victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking (VAWA protections apply)
  • Veteran or active-duty service member
  • Person with a disability requiring accessible or supportive housing
  • Displaced by hurricane, flooding, or federally declared disaster

Step 5: Complete the Full Application

When your name is reached, gather these documents without delay:

  • Photo ID — driver’s license, state ID, or passport for all adult household members
  • Birth certificates — for all household members
  • Social Security cards — for all household members
  • Proof of income — recent pay stubs, Social Security or disability award letters, Louisiana TANF (Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program — FITAP) award letters, or most recent federal tax return
  • Bank statements — last 2–3 months for all accounts
  • Rental history — landlord names, addresses, and contact info for the past 2–3 years
  • Benefit letters — SNAP, Louisiana Medicaid (Healthy Louisiana), FITAP, or other Louisiana benefit award letters
  • Disaster documentation — FEMA registration number, insurance claim records, or other proof of hurricane/flood displacement if applicable

Step 6: Attend the Eligibility Interview

A Louisiana PHA or LHC specialist will review your application, verify documents, and conduct an eligibility interview. Be thorough and honest. If you believe your application was improperly handled, contact Southeast Louisiana Legal Services at (504) 529-1000 (New Orleans area), Acadiana Legal Service Corporation at (337) 237-4320 (Lafayette area), or the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights at (225) 342-6969.

Step 7: Receive Your Voucher and Search for Housing

If approved, you receive your Louisiana Section 8 voucher and typically have 60 to 120 days to find eligible housing. Louisiana has no statewide SOI law, so securing a willing landlord requires active searching. Request extensions proactively if needed — particularly in post-storm periods when rental supply is constrained.


Finding Section 8 Housing in Louisiana

Here are the best resources for finding participating landlords in Louisiana:

  • LHC Housing Locator: lhc.la.gov — LHC maintains affordable housing search tools and statewide program information
  • HUD Housing Locator: hudhousinglocator.com — search by Louisiana parish or ZIP code
  • GoSection8.com: national database with Louisiana listings, especially New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport
  • AffordableHousing.com: filter by Louisiana for voucher-friendly listings
  • Your local PHA landlord list: request the internal participating landlord list at your briefing — the most reliable resource in a non-SOI state
  • Craigslist Louisiana / Facebook Marketplace: search keywords “Section 8 welcome,” “HCV accepted,” or “housing vouchers OK”
  • HANO Landlord Outreach: HANO maintains an active landlord recruitment program specifically for Orleans Parish — contact HANO at (504) 670-3300 for their current landlord list
  • Louisiana Commission on Human Rights: For discrimination based on protected classes (race, disability, familial status, national origin), file a complaint at (225) 342-6969

Louisiana Section 8 Housing: Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Section 8 waitlist in Louisiana?

Wait times vary significantly by location. HANO (New Orleans) waitlists typically run 3 to 7 years and are frequently closed — post-storm housing demand has severely constrained availability in Orleans Parish. HABR (Baton Rouge) waitlists run approximately 2 to 5 years. In Shreveport and Lafayette, waits are typically 1 to 4 years when lists are open. In Lake Charles, post-Hurricane Laura and Delta displacement added significant pressure. In smaller Louisiana parishes, waits can be shorter. Applying to multiple Louisiana PHAs and LHC simultaneously is essential.

Can a Louisiana landlord refuse Section 8?

Yes — Louisiana does not have a statewide source-of-income protection law, so landlords may legally refuse Section 8 vouchers statewide. There are currently no major Louisiana cities with local SOI ordinances in effect. This is a significant challenge in New Orleans, where the post-Katrina and post-Ida rental market is extremely tight and many landlords prefer unsubsidized tenants or short-term vacation rentals. Work closely with your PHA’s landlord outreach team and use GoSection8.com to identify willing landlords.

What is the income limit for Section 8 in Louisiana?

Income limits vary by parish. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) ranges from approximately $29,450 in rural Louisiana to $50,500 in St. Tammany Parish. New Orleans (Orleans Parish) is approximately $42,900, Baton Rouge approximately $45,200, and Lafayette approximately $40,450. Shreveport (Caddo Parish) is approximately $35,850. Verify current parish-specific limits at huduser.gov as they are updated annually.

How much does Section 8 pay for rent in Louisiana?

In New Orleans (Orleans Parish), payment standards for a two-bedroom unit are approximately $1,300–$1,550. In Baton Rouge, approximately $1,150–$1,350. In St. Tammany Parish (Northshore), they run higher — approximately $1,400–$1,650. In Lafayette, approximately $1,000–$1,200. In Shreveport, approximately $950–$1,100. In rural Louisiana parishes, payment standards are typically $700–$900 for a two-bedroom. Contact your specific PHA or LHC for current exact payment standards.

How has Hurricane Ida affected Section 8 housing in Louisiana?

Hurricane Ida (2021) caused widespread damage across southeast Louisiana, particularly in Lafourche, Terrebonne, St. Mary, and Jefferson parishes. Thousands of renters were displaced. LHC and local PHAs responded with emergency housing assistance, FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA), and in some cases emergency Section 8 vouchers for displaced households. If your household was displaced by Ida or any other federally declared Louisiana disaster, ask your PHA about disaster-displaced priority status, which may significantly advance your waitlist position. Contact LHC at (225) 763-8700 or your local FEMA Disaster Recovery Center for current disaster housing resources.

Are there Section 8 vouchers for veterans in Louisiana?

Yes. The HUD-VASH program provides Section 8 vouchers for homeless veterans combined with VA case management. Louisiana VA facilities administering HUD-VASH include the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System (New Orleans) at (504) 412-3700, Overton Brooks VA Medical Center (Shreveport) at (318) 990-4900, Alexandria VA Medical Center at (318) 473-0010, and the New Orleans VA Outpatient Clinic. Contact your nearest Louisiana VA to inquire about HUD-VASH availability.

Can I use my Louisiana Section 8 voucher in another state?

Yes. After living in your initial Louisiana Section 8-assisted unit for at least 12 months, you can port your voucher to another state. Many Louisiana residents displaced by Katrina, Ida, and other storms have exercised portability to relocate permanently to Texas, Georgia, and other states. Contact your Louisiana PHA or LHC to initiate the portability process. Your subsidy will be recalculated based on the receiving area’s payment standards.

Does Louisiana have housing assistance for coastal communities facing climate displacement?

Yes. Louisiana’s coastal parishes face a unique and growing challenge — Isle de Jean Charles in Terrebonne Parish became one of the nation’s first communities to receive federal funding for planned climate relocation. LHC works with the Louisiana Office of Community Development (OCD) on disaster recovery and resilience programs funded through federal CDBG-DR (Community Development Block Grant — Disaster Recovery) grants. These programs have helped rebuild and relocate Louisiana residents affected by repeated flooding. Contact LHC at (225) 763-8700 or the Louisiana OCD at (225) 342-7412 for information on current climate resilience and disaster recovery housing programs.

What other programs help with housing in Louisiana besides Section 8?

Louisiana has several additional housing assistance programs including LHC’s Louisiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program (LERAP), emergency rental help through local Community Action Agencies across the state, LHC’s LIHTC affordable housing portfolio, the Road Home Program (for homeowners affected by past storms), and CDBG-DR funded rental recovery programs. Louisiana’s FITAP (Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program) can also provide emergency housing assistance. Dial 211 or visit 211la.org for immediate local referrals anywhere in Louisiana.


Additional Housing Resources in Louisiana

  • Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC): lhc.la.gov — statewide housing oversight, disaster housing programs, affordable housing finance, and rental assistance; (225) 763-8700
  • 2-1-1 Louisiana: Dial 211 or visit 211la.org — emergency housing, shelter, utility assistance, and social services statewide, 24/7
  • Louisiana Commission on Human Rights: lchr.la.gov — file housing discrimination complaints based on protected classes; (225) 342-6969
  • Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS): slls.org — free housing legal assistance for low-income residents in the New Orleans area and southeast Louisiana; (504) 529-1000
  • Acadiana Legal Service Corporation: alscla.org — free housing legal assistance for low-income residents in Lafayette and Acadiana region; (337) 237-4320
  • Capital Area Legal Services (Baton Rouge): calscla.org — free housing legal assistance for low-income Baton Rouge-area residents; (225) 346-0551
  • Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center (LaFHAC): lafairhousing.org — housing discrimination testing, advocacy, and fair housing enforcement statewide; (504) 596-2100
  • UNITY of Greater New Orleans: unitygno.org — homeless services, rapid rehousing, and housing navigation for Greater New Orleans; (504) 821-4496
  • HUD-Approved Housing Counselors: Free counseling statewide — find one at hud.gov/housingcounseling
  • HUD-VASH for Veterans: Contact Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System at (504) 412-3700 (New Orleans) for homeless veteran housing vouchers
  • Louisiana Office of Community Development (OCD): doa.la.gov/Pages/ocd/index.aspx — CDBG-DR disaster recovery housing programs; (225) 342-7412
  • New Orleans Office of Community Development: nola.gov/community-development — City of New Orleans affordable housing programs and resources
  • Bridge House / Grace House (New Orleans): bridgehousegracehouse.org — recovery housing and support services for individuals experiencing homelessness in New Orleans; (504) 821-0502

Final Thoughts: Getting Section 8 Housing in Louisiana

Securing a Section 8 housing voucher in Louisiana is one of the most challenging housing processes in the South — persistent poverty, hurricane-driven displacement, tight rental markets in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, and a lack of statewide SOI protections all create real barriers. But Louisiana also has a strong network of legal aid organizations, a dedicated Louisiana Housing Corporation, and several disaster-specific programs that provide additional pathways to housing stability.

Here are the most important actions to take right now:

  1. Apply to every open Louisiana PHA waitlist immediately — HANO, HABR, Jefferson Parish, Lafayette, Shreveport, and every PHA serving your area or a nearby parish
  2. Contact LHC at (225) 763-8700 or lhc.la.gov for statewide rental assistance programs and parish-level referrals, especially if your parish has no local PHA
  3. If you are disaster-displaced, document your displacement carefully and ask every PHA explicitly about disaster priority status — it can significantly advance your position
  4. Keep all contact information current with every PHA and LHC you have applied to
  5. Ask your PHA for their internal landlord list — in Louisiana’s non-SOI market, this is your most reliable tool for finding a participating landlord
  6. Dial 211 for immediate help with housing, emergency rental assistance, and other urgent needs while you wait

For the most current waitlist information, contact your local Louisiana PHA directly or visit the Louisiana Housing Corporation at lhc.la.gov.


Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Income limits, Fair Market Rents, payment standards, and program rules are updated annually by HUD. Louisiana state housing laws and programs are also subject to change. Always verify current information with your local Louisiana Public Housing Authority, the Louisiana Housing Corporation, or a HUD-approved housing counselor before applying.