Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in San Rafael, California
There are 5 open waiting lists in the San Rafael area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving San Rafael, 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 Rafael, 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 Rafael, California
San Rafael, California is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 5 waiting lists are accepting applications in the San Rafael area. There are also 29 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in San Rafael include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: HCV (1 open).
Latest Opening
Housing Authority of County of Marin opened its HCV waitlist .
About Housing in San Rafael, California
San Rafael, California, offers various affordable housing options for eligible residents, primarily through the Housing Authority of County of Marin (HACM). The area has approximately 2,945 assisted housing units designed to support individuals and families. Currently, there are five waiting lists open for new applications, while two are closed.
For those seeking housing assistance, several programs are currently accepting applications. These include various BMR (Below Market Rate) Homeownership programs and the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, along with an "Other" category. Programs that are presently closed to new applications include Below Market Rate (BMR) rental units, HOPWA, Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and Public Housing. Eligibility for these programs is typically income-based. For example, a family of four seeking Very Low Income assistance in the San Francisco, CA HUD Metro FMR Area may have an income limit of $96,700 per year, based on FY2025 guidelines.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to stay informed about specific application periods and requirements directly from the Housing Authority of County of Marin. The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) oversees state-level housing initiatives, providing further context to the regional efforts.
How to Apply for Section 8 in San Rafael
To apply for housing assistance in San Rafael, California, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of County of Marin, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 5 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 $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 Rafael include Other, BMR Homeownership, Below Market Rate (BMR) Homeownership Program, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Below Market Rate Homeownership, Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Mainstream, Below Market Rate (BMR), HOPWA. 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 Rafael, California Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in San Rafael, 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 Rafael 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 Rafael and have active housing programs.