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About San Diego Housing Commission

The San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) provides housing assistance in San Diego, San Diego County, California. This authority manages approximately 16,557 assisted housing units, which include 16,368 Housing Choice Vouchers and 189 Public Housing units.

SDHC offers various housing programs, such as the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, and Referral-based programs. At this time, only the New Developments (NED) program is accepting applications. The waitlists for HCV, PBV, Public Housing, and Referral-based programs are currently closed, with recent activity confirming the continued closure of the PBV and Public Housing lists.

For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit for the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA MSA area is $82,700 per year.

NED Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now
Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

The San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) is currently accepting Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) (under 62 years old with a disability) waiting list applications. To apply, complete the online application. This waiting list has the following preferences: Live or work in the City of San Diego, homeless w...

Other Programs

4 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 Choice Voucher (HCV) waitlist is currently closed. The San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) is not accepting new applications for the HCV program at this time.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
Closed

The Project-Based Voucher (PBV) waitlist is currently closed. The San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) is not accepting new applications for the PBV program at this time.

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

The Public Housing waitlist is currently closed. The San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) is not accepting new applications for Public Housing at this time.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Referral-based programs (HUD required)
Closed

SDHC maintains an open waiting list for specific referral-based programs as required by HUD, which are not open to the general public and are only accessible by Community-Based Organization (CBO) referral.

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

Status History

PBV Closed Feb 22, 2026
Public Housing Closed Feb 22, 2026
PBV Closed Feb 18, 2026
Public Housing Closed Feb 18, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 18, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official San Diego Housing Commission 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 1122 Broadway Ste 300
City San Diego, CA 92101
PHA Code CA063
Section 8 Units 16,368
Public Housing Units 189

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 San Diego Housing Commission

1

Check Current Status

San Diego Housing Commission currently has 1 open waiting list (NED). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at San Diego Housing Commission, 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 San Diego Housing Commission 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 San Diego Housing Commission, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. San Diego Housing Commission manages approximately 16,557 assisted housing units (16,368 Section 8, 189 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 San Diego Housing Commission

NED open

The NED program at San Diego Housing Commission 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.

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at San Diego Housing Commission 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 16,368 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

PBV Project-Based Voucher closed

Project-Based Vouchers at San Diego Housing Commission 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 San Diego Housing Commission are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. San Diego Housing Commission manages approximately 189 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.

Referral-based programs (HUD required) closed

The Referral-based programs (HUD required) program at San Diego Housing Commission 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at San Diego Housing Commission free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. San Diego Housing Commission administers 5 programs (NED, HCV, PBV, Public Housing, Referral-based programs (HUD required)) — 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 1122 Broadway Ste 300, San Diego, CA.
How long is the wait at San Diego Housing Commission?
Wait times at San Diego Housing Commission depend on demand in San Diego, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 16,557 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on February 22, 2026 when the PBV list changed from "closed" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact San Diego Housing Commission 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 San Diego Housing Commission, including Community Development Corporation of National City (5 mi), Housing Authority of the County of San Diego (7 mi), Housing Authority of the City of Encinitas (24 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 San Diego Housing Commission?
You can reach San Diego Housing Commission by phone at (619) 231-9400. Their office is located at 1122 Broadway Ste 300, San Diego, CA 92101. You can also email them at sdhcinfo@sdhc.org. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for San Diego Housing Commission?
Income limits for San Diego Housing Commission 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.

San Diego Housing Commission Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the San Diego Housing Commission 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.