What Section 8 is and how it works in San Diego

Section 8 is a federal housing program that helps low-income renters pay their rent. The government gives money directly to your landlord to cover part or all of your rent; you pay the rest, usually 30 percent of your income. In San Diego, the program is run by the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC), a public agency that manages the vouchers, sets payment standards, and handles the waiting list.

When you have a Section 8 voucher, you can rent almost any apartment or house in San Diego County that meets the program's standards — you are not limited to specific buildings. The landlord must agree to participate and pass an inspection. SDHC pays the landlord the difference between your share and the full rent, up to a limit set for your area and bedroom size.

The program is portable, meaning if you move to another county or state, you can take your voucher with you (though you must request a transfer and meet the new area's rules). In San Diego, the payment standard — the maximum rent SDHC will cover — varies by neighborhood and ranges from roughly $1,200 to $2,100 for a one-bedroom, depending on the area.

Key Takeaways

  • The San Diego Housing Commission runs Section 8 in San Diego County and maintains a waiting list that is often closed due to high demand.
  • You pay 30 percent of your income toward rent, and SDHC pays the landlord the rest, up to the payment standard for your area.
  • You can rent any apartment or house in San Diego County if the landlord agrees and the unit passes inspection.
  • The waiting list can take years to reach, and SDHC occasionally opens it for short periods when funding allows.

The San Diego Housing Commission waiting list and how to get on it

To get a Section 8 voucher in San Diego, you must be on the SDHC waiting list. The list is not always open — SDHC closes it when the number of people waiting is too high relative to available vouchers. When the list is open, you can request an process online through the SDHC website or by phone. The process itself is free and takes about 20 minutes to complete.

SDHC pulls names from the waiting list in order, though they may prioritize certain groups — such as people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, or families with children — depending on the current funding situation. Once your name is called, you will be invited to an orientation and interview. At that point, SDHC will verify your income, household size, and immigration status. The entire process from interview to receiving a voucher can take several months.

You can check the status of the waiting list and whether it is currently open by visiting the SDHC website or calling their main line. Many people wait years before their name is called, so being on the list does not mean you will receive a voucher soon.

Income limits and who can participate

Section 8 in San Diego is open to households earning no more than 50 percent of the area median income (AMI). For 2024, that means a single person earning roughly $40,000 per year or a family of four earning roughly $57,000 per year — though these figures change annually. SDHC publishes the exact limits each year on their website.

You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. SDHC will ask for proof of identity, Social Security number, and immigration documents. If you have a criminal record, you may still be able to participate, but SDHC has rules about certain convictions — they will review your case individually.

You must also have a valid lease with a landlord who agrees to participate in the program. SDHC will not issue a voucher without a signed lease in place, so finding a willing landlord is a necessary step before you can use the voucher.

Finding a landlord and using your voucher

Once you receive a voucher, you have a limited time (usually 60 to 120 days, depending on SDHC's current policy) to find an apartment and sign a lease. Not all landlords participate in Section 8 — some refuse because of the inspection requirements, the paperwork, or other reasons. You will need to contact landlords directly and ask if they accept Section 8 tenants.

When you find a landlord willing to participate, SDHC will inspect the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards. The inspection checks for things like working plumbing, safe electrical systems, adequate heat, and no major structural damage. If the unit fails, the landlord must make repairs before SDHC will approve the lease.

Once the lease is signed and the unit passes inspection, SDHC sends the payment directly to the landlord each month. You pay your share (30 percent of your income) to the landlord as well. If your income changes, your share of the rent may change too — you must report income changes to SDHC.

Rent increases and what happens if your income changes

If your rent increases, SDHC will only pay the increase if it stays within the payment standard for your area and bedroom size. If the landlord raises the rent above that standard, you would have to pay the extra amount yourself, or you could move to a different unit. SDHC adjusts payment standards each year, usually in July, so the maximum they will cover may go up or down.

If your income increases, your share of the rent will increase (you pay 30 percent of your new income). If your income decreases, your share decreases. You must report any income change to SDHC within 30 days. If you do not report a change and SDHC finds out later, you may owe back rent or lose your voucher.

SDHC will recertify your income and household information every year. You will receive a notice to come in for an appointment, bring recent pay stubs or tax returns, and confirm that your household size and income are still accurate. Missing a recertification appointment can result in losing your voucher.

What happens if you lose your voucher or need to move

If you move out of your apartment, you keep your voucher — you can use it to rent another unit in San Diego County. You have a set amount of time to find a new place and sign a new lease. If you do not find a new unit within that time, SDHC may terminate your voucher.

You can also lose your voucher if you violate the lease (such as not paying your share of rent, damaging the unit, or breaking house rules), if you fail to recertify your income, or if you move out of San Diego County without requesting a transfer. If your voucher is terminated, you would have to go back on the waiting list to get another one.

If you want to move to another county or state, you can request a voucher transfer. SDHC will work with the housing authority in the new area to move your voucher. The process takes time, and the new area may have different payment standards and rules, so confirm the details before you move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the San Diego Housing Commission waiting list open right now?

The waiting list opens and closes based on funding and demand. You can check the current status on the SDHC website or by calling them at their main number. When the list is open, you can request an process online or by phone.

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher after I am on the waiting list?

Wait times vary widely — some people wait a few years, others wait much longer. SDHC pulls names in order, though they may prioritize certain groups. There is no way to predict when your name will be called.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher in any apartment in San Diego?

You can rent any apartment or house in San Diego County as long as the landlord agrees to participate and the unit passes SDHC's inspection. The rent must be at or below the payment standard for your area and bedroom size.

What if my landlord wants to raise the rent above what Section 8 will pay?

SDHC will only pay up to the payment standard for your area. If the landlord raises the rent above that amount, you would have to pay the difference yourself or find a different unit. You can stay in the unit and pay extra, or you can move and use your voucher elsewhere.

What do I do if I think I am no longer may be able to access for Section 8?

Contact SDHC directly to discuss your situation. Changes in income, household size, or immigration status can affect your may be able to access. It is better to report a change yourself than to have SDHC discover it during recertification.