Oakland Housing Authority
Oakland, California
Last Updated
4 hours ago
About Oakland Housing Authority
Oakland Housing Authority (HUD agency code CA003) is the public housing agency serving Oakland, Alameda County, California. It administers 1,644 public housing units and 14,263 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 4 waiting lists at this agency, covering HCV, Mainstream, PBV, Public Housing. As of Oct 6, 2026, all 4 tracked lists are closed to new applications.
Income eligibility is set by HUD for the Oakland-Fremont, CA HUD Metro FMR Area. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $79,900 per year, and as Low Income at or below $125,050 (HUD FY2025 limits). Most waiting lists at this agency apply the Very Low Income threshold.
Section 8 Waitlist has recorded 14 status changes at this agency, most recently on Jul 21, 2026. Always confirm current status with the agency directly before applying.
Other Programs
4 programsThese programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.
Oakland Housing Authority administers vouchers that cover part of monthly rent for privately-owned apartments or homes. The voucher moves with the resident and is not tied to any particular unit.
Mainstream vouchers for non-elderly people who have disabilities.
The Project-Based Voucher Program is where the voucher subsidy is tied to the unit, not the tenant. Applications are being accepted for affordable project-based voucher (PBV) and non-PBV one- and two-bedroom apartments along the Oakland waterfront.
OHA owns and operates a number of apartment buildings throughout the city of Oakland. Residents pay a rent portion based on income.
Status History
Deadline: Jul 19, 2026
Deadline: Jul 19, 2026
Deadline: Jul 19, 2026
Deadline: Jul 19, 2026
Deadline: Apr 27, 2026
Deadline: Mar 29, 2026
Official Application
Contact Oakland Housing Authority directly to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Contact the housing authority directly for application information.
WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Oakland Housing Authority
Check Current Status
All 4 waiting lists at Oakland Housing Authority are currently closed. Lists typically open with short notice — sometimes as little as 48 hours. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Oakland Housing Authority, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $79,900/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Submit Your Application
Contact Oakland Housing Authority directly at to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Oakland Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Oakland Housing Authority manages approximately 15,907 assisted housing units (14,263 Section 8, 1,644 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Oakland. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Oakland Housing Authority
HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Oakland Housing Authority provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Oakland. This program serves approximately 14,263 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed
Mainstream Vouchers at Oakland Housing Authority are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.
PBV Project-Based Voucher (PBV) closed
Project-Based Vouchers at Oakland Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Oakland. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.
Public Housing Public Housing closed
Public Housing units at Oakland Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Oakland Housing Authority manages approximately 1,644 Public Housing units in Oakland. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Oakland Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Oakland Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Oakland Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Oakland Housing Authority?
Oakland Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Oakland Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Oakland-Fremont, CA HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $79,900. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.
| 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 |
What do these income limits mean?
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to Oakland Housing Authority — including across state lines.