Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in San Luis Obispo, California
There are 26 open waiting lists in the San Luis Obispo area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving San Luis Obispo, 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 Luis Obispo, 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 Luis Obispo, California
San Luis Obispo, California is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 26 waiting lists are accepting applications in the San Luis Obispo area. There are also 18 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in San Luis Obispo include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Public Housing, RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: PBV (1 open).
Latest Opening
Housing Authority of the City of San Luis Obispo opened its Rents Restricted - Meadow Creek Apartments waitlist on Aug 6, 2026.
About Housing in San Luis Obispo, California
Federal rental assistance in San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County is administered by Housing Authority of the City of San Luis Obispo (HUD agency code CA064). It administers roughly 2,766 assisted housing units.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 30 waiting lists across this agency. As of Apr 1, 2026, 26 are accepting applications. Another 18 open lists are within 50 miles; most agencies accept applications from non-residents.
HUD sets income eligibility for this area as San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA MSA. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $69,500 per year, and as Low Income at or below $111,300 (HUD FY2025 limits).
How to Apply for Section 8 in San Luis Obispo
To apply for housing assistance in San Luis Obispo, California, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of the City of San Luis Obispo, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 26 waiting lists are 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 $69,500/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 Luis Obispo include Affordable Housing (Meadow Creek Apartments), Other, Affordable Apartments, Affordable Housing (Rents Restricted), Rents Restricted Apartments (Meadow Creek), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Rents Restricted Affordable Housing, Affordable Housing (HASLO Managed), Other (Unsubsidized Apartments), Affordable Housing (Managed by HASLO), Affordable Housing (Senior), Rents Restricted Apartments, Other (Meadow Creek Apartments), Non-Subsidized Rental, Rents Restricted Affordable Apartments, Affordable Housing - Income Restricted, Affordable Housing (Non-Subsidized), Affordable Housing (Non-subsidized), Affordable Housing (Unsubsidized), Rents Restricted (Meadow Creek Apartments), Rents Restricted - Meadow Creek Apartments, Rents Restricted - Other Properties, Unsubsidized Apartments (Meadow Creek Apartments), Rents Restricted, Other - Meadow Creek Apartments (Not Subsidized), Affordable Apartments (Meadow Creek), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, RAD, 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 Luis Obispo, California Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in San Luis Obispo, California, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $69,500 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $120,900.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $29,200 | $48,650 | $77,950 |
| 2 Persons | $33,400 | $55,600 | $89,050 |
| 3 Persons | $37,550 | $62,550 | $100,200 |
| 4 Persons | $41,700 | $69,500 | $111,300 |
| 5 Persons | $45,050 | $75,050 | $120,250 |
| 6 Persons | $48,400 | $80,650 | $129,150 |
| 7 Persons | $51,750 | $86,200 | $138,050 |
| 8 Persons | $55,050 | $91,750 | $146,950 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in San Luis Obispo 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 Luis Obispo and have active housing programs.