What the Housing Authority of Salinas does

The Housing Authority of Salinas (HAS) is a public agency that runs affordable housing programs in Salinas, California. It administers public housing — apartments it owns directly — and manages the Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly called Section 8. The agency does not build new housing or provide emergency rental funds; it connects low-income residents to existing affordable units and subsidizes rent payments to private landlords.

HAS serves Monterey County residents whose income falls below 80 percent of the area median income, though most programs prioritize households earning 30 to 50 percent of median. The agency maintains waiting lists for both public housing and vouchers, and those lists are often closed because demand far exceeds available units.

Key Takeaways

  • The Housing Authority of Salinas runs two main programs: public housing it owns directly, and Housing Choice Vouchers that let you rent from private landlords with a subsidy.
  • Both programs have waiting lists that frequently close when they reach capacity, and you can only explore when a list is open.
  • Public housing typically costs 30 percent of your household income; vouchers work the same way but give you more choice in where to live.
  • You must provide proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a valid ID to be considered for either program.
  • HAS does not provide emergency rental funds or help with eviction prevention — those come from separate county or city programs.

Public housing versus Housing Choice Vouchers

HAS owns and operates public housing apartments throughout Salinas. You pay 30 percent of your household income as rent, and HAS covers the rest. The agency decides where you live based on available units and family size. Public housing is stable and predictable, but your choices about neighborhood and building type are limited.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) work differently. HAS gives you a voucher worth a set amount each month, and you find your own apartment from a private landlord who accepts the program. You pay 30 percent of income; the voucher covers the rest up to a limit. This gives you more freedom to choose where to live, but you must find a landlord willing to participate, and the voucher amount may not cover rent in all neighborhoods.

Both programs require you to meet income limits and pass a background check. Both have waiting lists. The wait for public housing is often longer than for vouchers, but this varies by year and by how many units become available.

How to learn about waiting lists are open

The Housing Authority of Salinas closes its waiting lists when they reach capacity. You cannot explore when a list is closed. To find out the current status, contact HAS directly by phone at (831) 758-3636 or visit their office at 444 Main Street, Salinas, CA 93901.

You can also check the HAS website at www.hassalinas.org for announcements about when lists reopen. The agency typically posts notices several weeks before opening applications. If a list is closed, ask HAS when they expect to reopen it — some programs reopen annually, while others may stay closed for months or years depending on turnover.

When a list does open, there is usually a set process period, often 30 to 60 days. After that period closes, the list closes again. Mark the date on your calendar or ask HAS to notify you when the next opening is announced.

What documents you need to bring

HAS requires specific documents to process your request. Bring a valid photo ID for every household member age 18 and older. You will also need proof of income for the past 30 days — recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer, or a benefits statement if you receive Social Security or unemployment. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns from the past two years.

Bring proof of citizenship or legal residency. A birth certificate, passport, or green card works. If you are a non-citizen with legal status, bring your immigration documents. You will also need the Social Security number for every household member, and proof of any child support or alimony payments you receive or owe.

If you are currently homeless or living in temporary housing, bring documentation of that situation — a shelter letter, a hotel receipt, or a statement from someone letting you stay with them. HAS may prioritize households experiencing homelessness, though this varies by program year.

The background check and approval process

After you submit your request, HAS conducts a background check on all household members age 18 and older. The agency looks at criminal history, eviction records, and rental payment history. A criminal conviction or recent eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but serious crimes or a pattern of evictions may.

HAS also verifies your income and citizenship status. This process typically takes 30 to 60 days. The agency will contact you if they need more information or clarification. If you are approved, HAS will place you on the waiting list in the order your request was received (or in a priority category if you may have access to as homeless or have other special circumstances).

The wait from approval to being offered a unit or voucher depends on how many people are ahead of you on the list. For public housing, waits can be several years. For vouchers, waits are often shorter but still measured in months or years. HAS will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available.

What happens after you are offered housing

If you are offered public housing, HAS will show you the available unit and give you a lease to sign. You have a limited time to accept or decline. If you accept, you move in and begin paying 30 percent of your income as rent. HAS can terminate your lease if you violate lease terms, such as allowing unauthorized occupants or engaging in criminal activity.

If you are offered a voucher, you have a set time period (usually 60 to 120 days) to find an apartment. The landlord must accept the voucher program and pass HAS inspection. Once you find a place and sign a lease, HAS pays the landlord directly each month. You pay your 30 percent share. If you move, you can take the voucher to a new apartment, as long as the new landlord accepts it and the rent is within the voucher limit.

Both programs require you to report changes in household income or composition. If your income increases above the program limit, you may be asked to leave or your rent may increase. If a household member moves out, you must notify HAS.

Other resources if HAS waiting lists are closed

If HAS waiting lists are closed and you need affordable housing now, other options exist in Salinas and Monterey County. The City of Salinas runs its own affordable housing programs separate from HAS. Nonprofit organizations like Community Human Services and the Salinas Valley Community Development Corporation also manage affordable units and may have shorter waiting lists.

If you are behind on rent or facing eviction, contact the Monterey County Department of Social Services or call 211 to reach local emergency rental funds. These are separate from HAS and may be available even when housing programs are full. The Salinas Tenant Union and Legal Aid for Seniors also provide information about tenant rights and housing resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore to HAS if I have an eviction on my record?

Yes. An eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but HAS will review the circumstances. If the eviction was recent (within the past few years) or part of a pattern, it may affect your approval. Contact HAS to discuss your specific situation before you explore.

What if my income is above the limit but I still need affordable housing?

HAS programs have strict income limits, and exceeding them disqualifies you. However, some nonprofit housing organizations in Salinas serve households at higher income levels. Ask HAS staff for referrals to other affordable housing programs in the area.

How long does it usually take to get a voucher or public housing?

Wait times vary widely. Public housing waits are often two to five years or longer, depending on turnover. Voucher waits are typically shorter — six months to two years — but this changes year to year. HAS can give you a more specific estimate based on current list size.

Can I stay in public housing or keep my voucher if my income goes up?

If your income rises above the program limit, HAS will typically ask you to leave or transition you out over time. Some programs allow you to stay but increase your rent share. Ask HAS about their specific income recertification policy.

What if I need housing right now and cannot wait for HAS?

Contact the Monterey County Department of Social Services or call 211 to learn about emergency rental funds, rapid rehousing programs, or temporary shelter. These programs operate separately from HAS and may have faster timelines.