About Housing Authority of County of Marin

Housing Authority of County of Marin (HUD agency code CA052) is the public housing agency serving San Rafael, Marin County, California. It administers 500 public housing units and 2,445 Housing Choice Vouchers.

Section 8 Waitlist tracks 10 waiting lists at this agency, covering Homeownership, Other, Public Housing, HCV, PBV, Affordable, HOPWA, Mainstream. As of Mar 15, 2026, 5 are open and 2 are closed. Status is unconfirmed for 3 further lists.

Income eligibility is set by HUD for the San Francisco, CA HUD Metro FMR Area. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $96,700 per year, and as Low Income at or below $154,700 (HUD FY2025 limits). Most waiting lists at this agency apply the Very Low Income threshold.

Section 8 Waitlist has recorded 212 status changes at this agency, most recently on Oct 6, 2026. Always confirm current status with the agency directly before applying.

Homeownership & Homebuyer Assistance Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

This program offers opportunities for low and moderate-income, first-time homebuyers to purchase specified condominium units via a computer-generated lottery, and a HUD-approved First Time Homebuyer Education workshop is required.

BMR

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

This program administers the sale of affordably-priced homes and condos to qualified lower to moderate income first-time home buyers. Applications are valid for one year from submission and involve a lottery process. A HUD-certified Homebuyer Education course certificate is required.

Other Programs Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

This program provides opportunities for low and moderate-income, first-time homebuyers to purchase specified condominium units via a computer-generated lottery when units become available. Applicants must complete a HUD-approved First Time Homebuyer Education workshop, and applications are valid for one year from submission.

BMR

Status

open

How to Apply

Online

Additional Notes

This program offers opportunities for low and moderate-income, first-time homebuyers to purchase specified condominium units via a computer-generated lottery when units become available.

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

Jun 27, 2024

Application deadline has passed
Deadline: Thursday, July 11, 2024
Open Now

Additional Notes

The Senior/Disabled Housing AMP2 Properties STUDIOS Waiting List is open to fill studio units.

Other Programs

5 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

A maximum of 50 HCV applicant placements per year are available for applicants experiencing chronic homelessness, victims of domestic violence, victims of natural disasters, those in state or federal witness protection, and those displaced by eminent domain. Specific referral agencies and contact numbers are provided for these categories.

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

The Housing Authority of the County of Contra Costa Project Based Voucher Waiting List was open until October 1, 2026. Some properties are for Seniors ONLY (Head of household or spouse must be 62 years of age or older).

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

This program administers the sale of affordably-priced homes and condos to qualified lower to moderate income first-time home buyers, with applications submitted for a lottery process. Current waiting list status is not specified.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA)
Pending

No current waitlist information found. This program provides long-term rental assistance to extremely low-income persons with disabling HIV or AIDS.

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

No specific open or closed waitlist status found for the Mainstream Voucher program.

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

Status History

Public Housing Opened 2 hours ago

Deadline: Jul 11, 2024

Public Housing Closed 2 hours ago
Public Housing Opened Yesterday

Deadline: Jul 11, 2024

Public Housing Closed Yesterday
Public Housing Opened 2 days ago

Deadline: Jul 11, 2024

Public Housing Closed 2 days ago
Public Housing Opened 3 days ago

Deadline: Jul 11, 2024

Public Housing Closed 3 days ago
Public Housing Opened 4 days ago

Deadline: Jul 11, 2024

Public Housing Closed 4 days ago
Public Housing Opened 5 days ago

Deadline: Jul 11, 2024

Public Housing Closed 5 days ago
Public Housing Opened 6 days ago

Deadline: Jul 11, 2024

Public Housing Closed 6 days ago
Public Housing Opened Sep 29, 2026

Deadline: Jul 11, 2024

Public Housing Closed Sep 29, 2026
Public Housing Opened Sep 28, 2026

Deadline: Jul 11, 2024

Public Housing Closed Sep 28, 2026
Public Housing Opened Sep 27, 2026

Deadline: Jul 11, 2024

Public Housing Closed Sep 27, 2026

Official Application

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

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 4020 Civic Center Dr
City San Rafael, CA 94903
Phone
(415) ███-████
Email
████████@marinhousing.org
PHA Code CA052
Section 8 Units 2,445
Public Housing Units 500

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 County of Marin

1

Check Current Status

Housing Authority of County of Marin currently has 5 open waiting lists (Homeownership & Homebuyer Assistance, Other Programs, Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Housing Authority of County of Marin, 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 $96,700/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 County of Marin portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Housing Authority of County of Marin, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Housing Authority of County of Marin manages approximately 2,945 assisted housing units (2,445 Section 8, 500 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in San Rafael. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Housing Authority of County of Marin

Homeownership Homeownership & Homebuyer Assistance open

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

Other Other Programs open

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

Public Housing Public Housing open

Public Housing units at Housing Authority of County of Marin are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Housing Authority of County of Marin manages approximately 500 Public Housing units in San Rafael. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties. The application window closes on July 11, 2024.

HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Housing Authority of County of Marin 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 Rafael. This program serves approximately 2,445 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

PBV Project-Based Voucher (PBV) closed

Project-Based Vouchers at Housing Authority of County of Marin are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in San Rafael. 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.

Affordable Affordable Housing closed

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

HOPWA Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) closed

The Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) program at Housing Authority of County of Marin provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Rafael. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed

Mainstream Vouchers at Housing Authority of County of Marin 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 County of Marin free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Housing Authority of County of Marin administers 8 programs (Homeownership & Homebuyer Assistance, Other Programs, Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Affordable Housing, Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA), Mainstream Voucher) — 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 4020 Civic Center Dr, San Rafael, CA.
How long is the wait at Housing Authority of County of Marin?
Wait times at Housing Authority of County of Marin depend on demand in San Rafael, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 2,945 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on October 6, 2026 when the Public Housing list changed from "closed" to "open." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Housing Authority of County of Marin 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 County of Marin, including Housing Authority of the City of Richmond (12 mi), Housing Authority of the City of Vallejo (17 mi), Berkeley Housing Authority (17 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 County of Marin?
Housing Authority of County of Marin's direct phone number and email address are listed in the contact panel on this page. Their office is located at 4020 Civic Center Dr, San Rafael, CA 94903. Unlock the contact details to see them. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Housing Authority of County of Marin?
Income limits for Housing Authority of County of Marin are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for San Francisco, CA HUD Metro FMR Area (currently $185,700). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $96,700. 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 County of Marin Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Housing Authority of County of Marin are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for San Francisco, CA HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $96,700. 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 $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
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $185,700 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.