Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Berkeley, California
All waiting lists in Berkeley are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Berkeley, California and updates statuses nightly. Below you will find every PHA in the area with current waitlist status, program types, and direct application links.
If no lists are currently open in Berkeley, we recommend applying to nearby cities as well. There is no limit to the number of waiting lists you can join, and many housing authorities accept applications from non-residents.
Affordable Housing in Berkeley, California
Berkeley, California is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Berkeley are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 35 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Berkeley include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, RAD, VASH.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Berkeley right now, there are 35 open lists within 50 miles. Most housing authorities accept applications from non-residents, so applying in neighboring cities is a practical strategy. Scroll down to "Nearby Cities" below for options.
About Housing in Berkeley, California
Affordable housing assistance in Berkeley, California, is primarily administered by the Berkeley Housing Authority. Currently, all housing assistance waitlists in the area are closed, with 0 lists open and 12 lists closed. The region has approximately 2,135 assisted housing units available to residents. The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) also oversees housing initiatives statewide.
Various programs are offered through the Berkeley Housing Authority, even though their waitlists are presently not accepting new applications. These programs include Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV), Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Public Housing, Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and Family Self-Sufficiency. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit in the Oakland-Fremont, CA HUD Metro FMR Area is $79,900 per year for FY2025.
Prospective applicants for affordable housing in Berkeley should regularly monitor the Berkeley Housing Authority's official announcements for any waitlist openings. Due to the high demand and limited availability, it is crucial to apply promptly when a waitlist becomes active and to ensure all application requirements are met.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Berkeley
To apply for housing assistance in Berkeley, California, submit an application directly to Berkeley Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. All waitlists are currently closed, but openings happen with as little as 48 hours notice. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Before applying, gather the following documents for all household members: government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements), and proof of current address. For a family of four in this area, income must be below $79,900/year (Very Low Income threshold) to qualify for most programs. Having these ready before a waitlist opens can be the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Housing programs available in Berkeley include Other, Emergency Housing Vouchers, Family Self-Sufficiency, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Mainstream, VASH, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV), Emergency Housing Voucher, other, Family Self-Sufficiency Program, EHV, Moderate Rehabilitation, Moderate Rehabilitation Program, Project Move-Up, Emergency Housing Voucher Assistance, RAD, HOPWA. Applying to multiple program types simultaneously improves your chances of receiving assistance. After submitting, you will be placed on the waiting list based on the date of your application and any applicable preferences (veterans, elderly, disabled, working families, or local residents).
Berkeley, California Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Berkeley, California, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Oakland-Fremont, CA HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $79,900 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $159,800.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $33,600 | $55,950 | $87,550 |
| 2 Persons | $38,400 | $63,950 | $100,050 |
| 3 Persons | $43,200 | $71,950 | $112,550 |
| 4 Persons | $47,950 | $79,900 | $125,050 |
| 5 Persons | $51,800 | $86,300 | $135,100 |
| 6 Persons | $55,650 | $92,700 | $145,100 |
| 7 Persons | $59,500 | $99,100 | $155,100 |
| 8 Persons | $63,300 | $105,500 | $165,100 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Berkeley use these income limits to determine who qualifies for rental assistance. Your total household income before taxes is compared against the limit for your household size.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — Most Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing programs require your income to be at or below this level. This is the primary eligibility threshold.
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households at this level often receive priority on waiting lists. By law, housing authorities must allocate a portion of vouchers to extremely low-income families.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and locally funded initiatives, accept applicants up to this threshold. Contact individual housing authorities below for their specific requirements.
Nearby Cities with Housing Authorities
Applying to nearby cities increases your chances of receiving assistance sooner. These cities are within 75 miles of Berkeley and have active housing programs.