About Housing Authority of the County of San Diego

The Housing Authority of the County of San Diego (PHA Code: CA108) provides housing assistance to residents in San Diego, San Diego County, California. It oversees approximately 12,628 assisted housing units, which include 12,507 Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) and 121 Public Housing units.

This authority administers various programs, including Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), HOPWA, HOPWA TBRA, Mainstream, Mod-Rehab, Moderate Rehabilitation, and RAD. All waiting lists for these programs are currently closed. The PBV waitlist recently transitioned from closed to opening soon, and then back to closed, indicating dynamic status changes.

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. As all waiting lists are presently closed, prospective applicants should monitor the authority's official channels for any future opening announcements.

Opening Soon

2 upcoming

HOPWA Waitlist

Opens in 84 days
Opening: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
84
Days
17
Hrs
13
Min
Current Status

Currently Closed — Opens Jul 1, 2026

Application Window

Jul 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026

Details

A waitlist for an affordable housing community in Chula Vista is expected to open in mid to late 2026.

You'll be notified when this waitlist opens. Get your documents ready now.

Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist

Opens in 84 days
Opening: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
84
Days
17
Hrs
13
Min
Current Status

Currently Closed — Opens Jul 1, 2026

Details

A waitlist for an affordable housing community in Chula Vista will open in mid to late 2026. Another affordable housing location, exclusively for veterans, will be assigned based on referrals from the Veterans Affairs office.

You'll be notified when this waitlist opens. Get your documents ready now.

Other Programs

7 programs

These 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.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

The Housing Authority of the County of San Diego (HACSD) temporarily paused the ability to submit new wait list applications from September 17 through October 5, 2025, due to a transition to a new case management system called Yardi. This transition is now complete, and the new system is fully operational. All applicants currently on a wait list have been successfully migrated into the new system.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Official Portal
HOPWA TBRA
Closed

The Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) TBRA program waitlist closed on February 20, 2026.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Mod-Rehab
Closed

The waitlists for the Mod-Rehab Program closed to new applicants on February 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.. The number of applicants on the waitlists is sufficient to fill anticipated vacancies over the next several years.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Official Portal
Moderate Rehabilitation
Closed

The Moderate Rehabilitation waitlist closed on February 20, 2026.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Public Housing
Closed

The Public Housing waitlist closed on February 20, 2026. This program serves low-income families, senior citizens (62+), and disabled persons, and future openings are dependent on vacancies.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)
Closed

The waitlist for Mod Rehab (Rental Assistance Demonstration) is closed as the number of applicants is sufficient to fill anticipated vacancies for several years.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Mainstream Voucher
Pending

Mainstream Vouchers provide rental assistance specifically for non-elderly persons with disabilities. The program helps individuals transition out of institutional settings or avoid institutionalization by subsidizing housing costs in the private market.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.

Status History

PBV Opening Soon Mar 24, 2026
PBV Closed Mar 21, 2026
HOPWA Opening Soon Mar 20, 2026
PBV Opened Mar 16, 2026

Deadline: Mar 20, 2026

PBV Closed Mar 15, 2026
PBV Opened Mar 14, 2026

Deadline: Mar 20, 2026

PBV Closed Mar 13, 2026
PBV Opened Mar 10, 2026

Deadline: Mar 20, 2026

PBV Closed Mar 7, 2026
PBV Opening Soon Mar 6, 2026
PBV Opened Mar 3, 2026

Deadline: Mar 20, 2026

HOPWA Closed Feb 27, 2026
Public Housing Closed Feb 21, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 21, 2026
Public Housing Opened Feb 19, 2026

Deadline: Feb 20, 2026

HCV Opened Feb 19, 2026

Deadline: Feb 20, 2026

RAD Closed Feb 18, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 18, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Housing Authority of the County of San Diego portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Go to Official Site

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 3989 Ruffin Rd
City San Diego, CA 92123
PHA Code CA108
Section 8 Units 12,507
Public Housing Units 121

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.

How to Apply at Housing Authority of the County of San Diego

1

Check Current Status

All waiting lists at Housing Authority of the County of San Diego are currently closed, but 2 lists are expected to open soon. Prepare your documents now so you can apply immediately when the window opens.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Housing Authority of the County of San Diego, 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 $82,700/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.

3

Submit Your Application

Apply directly through the official Housing Authority of the County of San Diego portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Housing Authority of the County of San Diego, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Housing Authority of the County of San Diego manages approximately 12,628 assisted housing units (12,507 Section 8, 121 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in San Diego. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Housing Authority of the County of San Diego

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Housing Authority of the County of San Diego 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 San Diego. This program serves approximately 12,507 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

HOPWA closed

The HOPWA program at Housing Authority of the County of San Diego provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Diego. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

HOPWA TBRA closed

The HOPWA TBRA program at Housing Authority of the County of San Diego provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Diego. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Mod-Rehab closed

The Mod-Rehab program at Housing Authority of the County of San Diego provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Diego. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Moderate Rehabilitation closed

The Moderate Rehabilitation program at Housing Authority of the County of San Diego provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Diego. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

PBV Project-Based Voucher closed

Project-Based Vouchers at Housing Authority of the County of San Diego are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in San Diego. 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 Housing Authority of the County of San Diego are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Housing Authority of the County of San Diego manages approximately 121 Public Housing units in San Diego. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed

The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Housing Authority of the County of San Diego converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in San Diego maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.

Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed

Mainstream Vouchers at Housing Authority of the County of San Diego 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Housing Authority of the County of San Diego free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Housing Authority of the County of San Diego administers 9 programs (HCV, HOPWA, HOPWA TBRA, Mod-Rehab, Moderate Rehabilitation, PBV, Public Housing, RAD, Mainstream) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority's official portal or in person at their office at 3989 Ruffin Rd, San Diego, CA.
How long is the wait at Housing Authority of the County of San Diego?
Wait times at Housing Authority of the County of San Diego depend on demand in San Diego, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 12,628 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on March 24, 2026 when the PBV list changed from "closed" to "opening_soon." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Housing Authority of the County of San Diego directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of Housing Authority of the County of San Diego, including San Diego Housing Commission (7 mi), Community Development Corporation of National City (10 mi), Housing Authority of the City of Encinitas (19 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in California and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in California.
How do I contact Housing Authority of the County of San Diego?
You can reach Housing Authority of the County of San Diego by phone at (858) 694-4801. Their office is located at 3989 Ruffin Rd, San Diego, CA 92123. You can also email them at hcds.hhsa@sdcounty.ca.gov. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Housing Authority of the County of San Diego?
Income limits for Housing Authority of the County of San Diego are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA MSA (currently $130,800). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $82,700. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

Housing Authority of the County of San Diego Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Housing Authority of the County of San Diego are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $82,700. 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 $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
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $130,800 Effective April 1, 2025
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.