Despite long waiting lists for some programs, affordable housing is still available to rent without going on a list.

The Area Housing Authority (AHA) owns and/or manages more than 500 units of affordable housing throughout Ventura County.

"This is not public housing and no subsidies are provided as with Section 8, but rents are typically much lower than market rate," said Douglas Tapking, executive director for AHA.

Although vacancies at these properties are usually rare, turnover has created availability.

"Affordable doesn't mean rundown," Tapking sad. "Our properties are wellmaintained and indistinguishable from adjacent market-rate properties. They're nice places to live."

According to the AHA, vacancies are available in family and senior units in Thousand Oaks.

Units are also available in the senior-only Mira Vista Village apartments in Camarillo.

Income restrictions apply to most of the units, and they're rented on a first come, first served basis.

For more information on vacancies in family units in Thousand Oaks, call (805) 492-8350, and for vacancies in senior apartments, call (805) 494-3120.

For information and applications for Mira Vista Village senior apartments, call (805) 987-6468.