WAITING LIST Q&A
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE WAITING LIST:
- Check the home page to see if the waiting list is open right now or sign up for Waitlist Alerts.
- For those on the list, we cannot estimate how long the wait will be.
- We do not offer emergency assistance. See our Other Resources page for more information about emergency assistance in the community.
WHAT KIND OF ASSISTANCE DOES THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OFFER?
The Housing Authority assists thousands of families through the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) rental assistance program. We also own several apartment complexes for low-income families owned by both the Housing Authority (Public Housing) and private property management companies (Project Based Voucher). There are several special programs for specific populations through the Housing Choice Voucher program. Visit our Housing Program page for more information.
HOW DO I APPLY?
First, check the website or sign up for waitlist alerts to find out if our waiting list is open. When the lists are open, to apply, simply fill out the pre-application form for the program or programs you are interested in and return it to us. If you intend to apply when pre-applications become available, consider pre-registering on our Applicant Portal–this will help you to troubleshoot registrations issues prior to waitlist openings. Click here for help with Applicant Portal Registration.
MY LANDLORD SAYS HE OR SHE WILL ACCEPT SECTION 8. CAN I GET A VOUCHER NOW?
No. Even if you have a landlord who wants to participate in the voucher program, you still must put your name on the waiting list like all other pre-applicants.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
In general, the Housing Authority serves people with low incomes on a first-come, first-serve basis. Specific eligibility rules can change at any time, and we do not review your eligibility until we are ready to assist you.
HOW LONG IS THE WAIT?
This depends on how many people went on the waiting list, and how many people left the program, each month. The wait could take years.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I SUBMIT A PRE-APPLICATION?
You will receive a confirmation email with information.
HOW DO I ADD OR REMOVE FAMILY MEMBERS?
Application information can be updated on the Rent Cafe applicant portal.
WHY HAVEN’T I HEARD FROM THE HOUSING AUTHORITY?
We will contact you by mail when we are ready to take your application. If you are not sure if you are on the list, please contact the Housing Choice Voucher Initial Eligibility team by calling (925) 957-7001 and following the prompts to Initial Eligibility
