Quick Summary of Qualifications
- Community: Huntington Hacienda II (also known as Sereno Hills).
- Location: 4668 Huntington Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90032.
- Housing Type: HUD Section 42 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC).
- Available Layouts: 2, 3, and 4-bedroom affordable apartment homes.
- Section 8: Housing Choice Vouchers (HACLA / LACDA) are fully welcomed.
- Income Verification: Mandatory annual income certification under TCAC guidelines.
1. What is the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program?
The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program is the primary federal mechanism for creating and preserving affordable rental housing for low- and moderate-income working families, seniors, and individuals across the United States.
Created under Section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code, the program provides tax credits to property developers and owners who agree to keep rents restricted and affordable for a minimum compliance period (typically 30 to 55 years in California). In California, the program is administered and monitored by the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (TCAC).
Unlike public housing, LIHTC properties such as Huntington Hacienda II (Sereno Hills) are professionally managed, privately owned communities that combine quality construction and modern amenities with rent caps set well below standard open-market rates in Los Angeles County.
2. Income Eligibility & Area Median Income (AMI) in Los Angeles
Eligibility for an apartment home at Huntington Hacienda II is based on total annual household income compared to the Area Median Income (AMI) for the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale metropolitan statistical area. Limits are updated annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Most LIHTC residences are reserved for households earning between 30%, 50%, and 60% of the Area Median Income. Below is an overview of how household income tiers function:
Income Tiers Explained:
• 30% AMI (Extremely Low Income): Reserved for households with the most restricted incomes, offering the lowest monthly rent caps.
• 50% AMI (Very Low Income): Designed for lower-income working families and seniors.
• 60% AMI (Low Income): The standard LIHTC threshold covering a broad spectrum of working individuals and larger families in Southern California.
Note: Because income figures are updated periodically by HUD, prospective residents should always contact the leasing office directly at (855) 643-6943 to verify current maximum and minimum earnings for their specific household size.
3. Section 8 & Housing Choice Vouchers Accepted
If you currently possess a valid Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) through the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) or the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA), your voucher is warmly welcomed at Huntington Hacienda II.
Under California fair housing laws (SB 329), source of income discrimination is strictly prohibited. When applying with a voucher:
- The household income requirement applies solely to the portion of the rent paid directly by the tenant, not the full contract rent.
- The housing authority calculates the tenant's share based on approximately 30% to 40% of their adjusted gross monthly income.
- The unit must pass standard Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection conducted by the voucher authority prior to move-in.
4. Required Documentation for the Application Process
Because LIHTC compliance is strictly audited by state agencies, applicants must provide thorough documentation to verify all income sources and assets. Preparing these documents in advance significantly expedites your approval:
Identification & Household
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID).
- Social Security cards or ITIN documentation for all occupants.
- Birth certificates for minor children.
Income Verification
- Last 3 to 6 consecutive pay stubs.
- Federal tax returns (W-2s, 1099s, Form 1040) for the most recent 1–2 years.
- Official award letters for Social Security (SSI/SSDI), pensions, or CalWORKs.
Assets & Rental History
- Most recent 3 months of bank statements (checking & savings).
- Rental history and contact info for previous landlords.
- Proof of child support or alimony (if applicable).
5. Living in El Sereno (Los Angeles, CA 90032)
Situated in the eastern hills of Los Angeles, El Sereno is one of LA's most historic and community-centered neighborhoods. Located at 4668 Huntington Drive South, Huntington Hacienda II offers a serene residential setting with immediate connectivity to Southern California's major commercial hubs:
- Proximity to Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA): Just 6 miles away, easily accessible via Huntington Drive, Valley Boulevard, and the I-10 and I-710 corridors.
- Close to Pasadena & Alhambra: Quick access to Old Town Pasadena, Caltech, and the bustling shopping districts along Main Street in neighboring Alhambra.
- Public Transit: Serviced by LA Metro Bus lines (including Line 78 and Line 79 running directly along Huntington Drive), connecting residents to Metro Rail lines and Union Station.
- Parks & Recreation: Minutes from Ascot Hills Park (offering sweeping panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline and hiking trails), Hecho Park, and Ernest E. Debs Regional Park.
- Education: Near local LAUSD institutions including El Sereno Middle School, Wilson Senior High School, and higher education centers such as Cal State LA (California State University, Los Angeles).
6. Apartment Floor Plans at Huntington Hacienda II
Huntington Hacienda II was built to provide spacious, practical accommodations for families. Floor plans feature modern interior appointments:
- 2 Bedroom Apartments: Ideal for smaller households, featuring functional living rooms, full kitchens, and energy-efficient appliances.
- 3 Bedroom Apartments: Multiple bathrooms, generous dining spaces, and private patios or balconies in select floor plans.
- 4 Bedroom Apartments: Expansive configurations designed for larger families needing extra bedrooms, storage, and privacy.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there a waiting list for apartments at Huntington Hacienda II?
Due to high demand for affordable housing in Los Angeles, waitlists are standard for LIHTC communities. Waitlist status and opening dates vary throughout the year. We encourage prospective applicants to contact our leasing management team at (855) 643-6943 to ask about current waitlist openings.
What happens if my income increases after I move in?
Under Section 42 LIHTC rules, residents undergo an annual income recertification. In general, existing residents are allowed to remain in their homes even if household income increases, up to specific federal thresholds (often up to 140% of the maximum qualifying AMI limit). The management team will review your situation during the annual renewal.
Are utilities included in the monthly rent?
Utility arrangements depend on specific apartment lease agreements. In LIHTC properties, an official Utility Allowance calculated by the local housing authority is factored directly into the rent cap formula to keep overall housing costs affordable.
Are full-time students eligible for LIHTC housing?
Federal regulations have specific student restrictions for LIHTC housing. Generally, a household comprised entirely of full-time students may not qualify unless they meet designated IRS exceptions (such as single parents with dependent children, married couples filing jointly, or recipients of TANF/CalWORKs). Our leasing office can clarify your eligibility.
Take the Next Step Towards Your New Home
Contact our on-site management office today to request an application, verify income qualifications, or schedule a tour of Huntington Hacienda II (Sereno Hills).