Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in San Diego, California
There is 1 open waiting list in the San Diego area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving San Diego, 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 San Diego, 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 San Diego, California
San Diego, California is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications in the San Diego area. There are also 1 open waitlist within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in San Diego include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), RAD, Mainstream.
Latest Opening
San Diego Housing Commission opened its NED waitlist .
About Housing in San Diego, California
Finding affordable housing in San Diego, California involves navigating resources provided by two primary housing authorities: the San Diego Housing Commission and the Housing Authority of the County of San Diego. These agencies oversee approximately 29,185 assisted housing units in the area. Currently, only 1 housing waitlist is open for applications, while 12 are closed.
Programs offered include Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Mod-Rehab, Moderate Rehabilitation, NED, and RAD. Additionally, Referral-based programs (HUD required), HOPWA, and HOPWA TBRA are available. It is important to note that the NED program is currently the one with an open waitlist.
Applicants should be aware of income limits, which vary by program and family size. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA MSA area is $82,700 per year for FY2025. For further information and state-level guidance, individuals can also refer to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Regularly checking official housing authority websites for waitlist openings and program updates is recommended.
Housing Authorities in San Diego
San Diego Housing Commission
San Diego, California · CA063
Housing Authority of the County of San Diego
San Diego, California · CA108
How to Apply for Section 8 in San Diego
To apply for housing assistance in San Diego, California, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the San Diego area (listed above). Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications — apply as soon as possible, as open enrollment periods can close with short 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 $82,700/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 San Diego include NED, HOPWA, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mod-Rehab, Moderate Rehabilitation, Public Housing, HOPWA TBRA, RAD, Referral-based programs (HUD required), Mainstream. 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).
San Diego, California Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in San Diego, California, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $82,700 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $130,800.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $34,750 | $57,900 | $92,700 |
| 2 Persons | $39,700 | $66,150 | $105,950 |
| 3 Persons | $44,650 | $74,450 | $119,200 |
| 4 Persons | $49,600 | $82,700 | $132,400 |
| 5 Persons | $53,600 | $89,350 | $143,000 |
| 6 Persons | $57,550 | $95,950 | $153,600 |
| 7 Persons | $61,550 | $102,550 | $164,200 |
| 8 Persons | $65,500 | $109,200 | $174,800 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in San Diego 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 San Diego and have active housing programs.