About Housing Authority of County of Marin

The Housing Authority of County of Marin (HACM), identified by PHA Code CA052, is located in San Rafael, Marin County, California. HACM manages approximately 2,945 assisted housing units within its jurisdiction. This total includes 2,445 Housing Choice Vouchers and 500 Public Housing units.

Currently, the Housing Authority of County of Marin has waitlists open for its various Below Market Rate (BMR) Homeownership programs, as well as the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. Other assistance programs may also be accepting applications. Waitlists for Public Housing and Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) are presently closed. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit in the San Francisco, CA HUD Metro FMR Area is $96,700 annually.

BMR Homeownership Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online

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

Additional Notes

The Below Market Rate Homeownership Program is currently accepting applications, which are valid for one year from submission and require completion of a HUD-approved First Time Homebuyer Education workshop; a lottery process is used.

Below Market Rate (BMR) Homeownership Program Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

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.

Below Market Rate Homeownership Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

The Below Market Rate (BMR) Homeownership Program is currently accepting applications, with current applications valid for one year from submission. Applicants must complete a HUD-approved First Time Homebuyer Education workshop. Applications can be submitted online via the BMR Lottery Applicatio...

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

Participants can apply for the waiting list and check their status via the Rent Café portal. Eligibility is for families, seniors, or disabled individuals who are considered very low-income.

View original notice — marinhousing.org

Other Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online or Mail

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

The Below Market Rate (BMR) program for homeownership accepts ongoing applications, which are valid for one year from submission; income limits apply, and participation is via a lottery process.

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.

Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
Closed

This Project-Based Voucher waitlist gave preference to seniors, and all units are currently occupied.

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

The Golden Gate Village Public Housing Waiting List to fill 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom units was open from May 22, 2023 to June 9, 2023.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Below Market Rate (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.
Official Portal
HOPWA
Pending

No specific open or closed waitlist status found for the HOPWA program, which provides long-term rental assistance.

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 Closed Less than an hour ago
Public Housing Opened Less than an hour ago

Deadline: Jul 11, 2024

Public Housing Closed Yesterday
Public Housing Opened Yesterday

Deadline: Jul 11, 2024

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

Deadline: Jul 11, 2024

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

Deadline: Jul 11, 2024

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

Deadline: Jul 11, 2024

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

Deadline: Jul 11, 2024

Public Housing Closed 6 days ago
Public Housing Opened Apr 1, 2026

Deadline: Jul 11, 2024

Public Housing Closed Mar 31, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 31, 2026

Deadline: Jul 11, 2024

Public Housing Closed Mar 30, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 30, 2026

Deadline: Jul 11, 2024

Public Housing Closed Mar 29, 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.

Go to Official Site

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 4020 Civic Center Dr
City San Rafael, CA 94903
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 (BMR Homeownership, Below Market Rate (BMR) Homeownership Program, Below Market Rate Homeownership, HCV, Other). 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 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 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

BMR Homeownership open

The BMR Homeownership 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.

Below Market Rate (BMR) Homeownership Program open

The Below Market Rate (BMR) Homeownership Program 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.

Below Market Rate Homeownership open

The Below Market Rate Homeownership 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.

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open

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.

Other open

The Other 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.

PBV Project-Based Voucher 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.

Public Housing Public Housing closed

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.

Below Market Rate (BMR) closed

The Below Market Rate (BMR) 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 closed

The 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 10 programs (BMR Homeownership, Below Market Rate (BMR) Homeownership Program, Below Market Rate Homeownership, HCV, Other, PBV, Public Housing, Below Market Rate (BMR), HOPWA, Mainstream) — 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 April 8, 2026 when the Public Housing list changed from "open" to "closed." 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?
You can reach Housing Authority of County of Marin by phone at (415) 491-2525. Their office is located at 4020 Civic Center Dr, San Rafael, CA 94903. You can also email them at KCarroll@marinhousing.org. 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.