Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in San Francisco, California
All waiting lists in San Francisco are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving San Francisco, 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 Francisco, 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 Francisco, California
San Francisco, California is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in San Francisco 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 San Francisco include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, RAD.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in San Francisco 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 San Francisco, California
Finding affordable housing in San Francisco, California can be challenging due to high demand. The primary entity serving the city and county is the Housing Authority of the City & County of SF. This authority administers various essential programs designed to assist low-income residents.
Currently, all four of the housing authority's main waiting lists are closed to new applicants. These include lists for Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, and the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) programs. While these lists are presently closed, it is important for prospective applicants to monitor for future announcements. Approximately 16,731 assisted housing units exist in the area, underscoring the vital role these programs play.
For reference, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the San Francisco, CA HUD Metro FMR Area for Fiscal Year 2025 is $96,700 annually. To stay informed about potential openings, regularly check official announcements from the Housing Authority of the City & County of SF and resources from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Timely application is crucial when waitlists reopen.
Housing Authorities in San Francisco
How to Apply for Section 8 in San Francisco
To apply for housing assistance in San Francisco, California, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of the City & County of SF, 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 $96,700/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 Francisco include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), RAD. 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 Francisco, California Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in San Francisco, California, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the San Francisco, CA HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $96,700 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $185,700.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $40,600 | $67,700 | $108,300 |
| 2 Persons | $46,400 | $77,400 | $123,800 |
| 3 Persons | $52,200 | $87,050 | $139,250 |
| 4 Persons | $58,000 | $96,700 | $154,700 |
| 5 Persons | $62,650 | $104,450 | $167,100 |
| 6 Persons | $67,300 | $112,200 | $179,500 |
| 7 Persons | $71,950 | $119,950 | $191,850 |
| 8 Persons | $76,600 | $127,650 | $204,250 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in San Francisco 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 Francisco and have active housing programs.