Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Santa Rosa, California
All waiting lists in Santa Rosa are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Santa Rosa, 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 Santa Rosa, 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 Santa Rosa, California
Santa Rosa, California is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Santa Rosa are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 14 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Santa Rosa include Public Housing, RAD, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), VASH.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Santa Rosa right now, there are 14 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 Santa Rosa, California
In Santa Rosa, California, affordable housing assistance is primarily administered by two key agencies: the County of Sonoma Housing Authority and the City of Santa Rosa Housing Authority. Together, these authorities oversee approximately 5,202 assisted housing units across the area. For those seeking assistance, it's important to note the current status of housing waiting lists: only 1 list is presently open, while 10 others are closed.
A variety of programs aim to provide housing support, including Public Housing, RAD (Rental Assistance Demonstration), Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream Vouchers, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Shelter Plus Care, VASH, FUP, Foster Youth to Independence Initiative, HOME, HOME - Tenant Based Rental Assistance, and Homeownership Programs. At this time, the only currently open waiting list is for Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). Eligibility for these programs typically depends on income; for instance, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA MSA area is $75,500 per year for FY2025. This income guideline is a crucial factor in determining eligibility for most assistance programs.
The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) also plays a role in state-level housing initiatives. Given the limited availability of open waiting lists, prospective applicants are advised to regularly monitor updates from both the County of Sonoma and City of Santa Rosa Housing Authorities. Applying promptly when a waiting list opens is essential, as demand for affordable housing in the region is often high.
Housing Authorities in Santa Rosa
City of Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa, California · CA088
County of Sonoma
Santa Rosa, California · CA085
How to Apply for Section 8 in Santa Rosa
To apply for housing assistance in Santa Rosa, California, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Santa Rosa area (listed above). 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 $75,500/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 Santa Rosa include HOME - Tenant Based Rental Assistance, VASH, other, HOME, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), RAD, Mainstream, Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Foster Youth to Independence Initiative, Homeownership Program, FUP, Shelter Plus Care Program. 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).
Santa Rosa, California Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Santa Rosa, California, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $75,500 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $132,000.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $31,750 | $52,850 | $84,650 |
| 2 Persons | $36,250 | $60,400 | $96,750 |
| 3 Persons | $40,800 | $67,950 | $108,850 |
| 4 Persons | $45,300 | $75,500 | $120,900 |
| 5 Persons | $48,950 | $81,550 | $130,600 |
| 6 Persons | $52,550 | $87,600 | $140,250 |
| 7 Persons | $56,200 | $93,650 | $149,950 |
| 8 Persons | $59,800 | $99,700 | $159,600 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Santa Rosa 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 Santa Rosa and have active housing programs.