Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Richmond, California
All waiting lists in Richmond are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Richmond, 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 Richmond, 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 Richmond, California
Richmond, California is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Richmond 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 Richmond include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Richmond 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 Richmond, California
Affordable housing in Richmond, California is primarily administered by the Housing Authority of the City of Richmond. This agency manages programs designed to assist individuals and families with housing costs. Currently, all three of their waiting lists are closed, encompassing Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and Public Housing programs. There are approximately 267 assisted housing units throughout the Richmond area that fall under these programs.
To be eligible for these housing assistance programs, applicants must meet specific income criteria. For instance, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Oakland-Fremont, CA HUD Metro FMR Area is $79,900 per year, based on FY2025 guidelines. Since no waiting lists are currently open, prospective applicants should regularly check with the Housing Authority of the City of Richmond for updates on future openings. Preparing necessary documentation, such as income verification and identification, in advance can help expedite the application process when lists do become available. The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) also offers information on broader state housing resources.
Housing Authorities in Richmond
How to Apply for Section 8 in Richmond
To apply for housing assistance in Richmond, California, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of the City of Richmond, 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 Richmond include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing. 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).
Richmond, California Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Richmond, 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 Richmond 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 Richmond and have active housing programs.