What the Alameda County Housing Authority does

The Alameda County Housing Authority (ACHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and voucher programs across unincorporated Alameda County — the parts of the county not within city limits. It does not serve Oakland, Berkeley, Hayward, Fremont, or other incorporated cities, which have their own housing authorities. ACHA owns and manages public housing developments, administers Section 8 vouchers, and runs other affordable housing programs funded by federal and state money.

ACHA is not a landlord you call to rent an apartment. It is the agency that holds the lease between you and the property owner if you live in ACHA public housing, or that issues you a voucher to use with a private landlord. Understanding which part of the county you live in matters: if you are in an incorporated city, you will work with that city's housing authority instead.

Key Takeaways

  • ACHA serves unincorporated Alameda County only; incorporated cities like Oakland and Fremont have separate housing authorities.
  • ACHA runs public housing developments and Section 8 voucher programs, but does not own or manage individual rental properties you can contact directly.
  • To reach ACHA, contact their main office in Hayward; phone and mailing address are on their official website.
  • ACHA maintains waiting lists for both public housing and vouchers, and lists are often closed due to high demand.
  • If you already live in ACHA housing or hold an ACHA voucher, your lease or voucher paperwork shows how to contact your case manager.

ACHA's public housing and voucher programs

ACHA owns and operates public housing developments in unincorporated areas of the county. These are apartment complexes where ACHA holds the master lease with the property owner and you sign a lease with ACHA. Rent is set at a percentage of your income, usually 30 percent. ACHA also administers Section 8 vouchers, which let you rent from a private landlord and ACHA pays part of the rent directly to the owner.

Both programs have waiting lists. The public housing list and the voucher list are separate, and both are often closed because demand far exceeds available units. When a list is closed, ACHA stops taking new applications. Lists reopen periodically, and ACHA announces openings on its website and through local nonprofits. Waiting times vary widely — from months to several years depending on the program and your household size.

How to contact ACHA and find current information

ACHA's main office is located in Hayward. The agency's official website lists current phone numbers, mailing addresses, and office hours. This is the only reliable source for contact information, because phone numbers and office procedures change. Do not rely on phone numbers from other websites or social media.

If you are already an ACHA tenant or voucher holder, your lease or voucher paperwork includes the contact information for your case manager or the office handling your file. Start there for questions about your specific housing or voucher. If you are trying to reach ACHA for the first time about public housing or vouchers, call the main office and ask which department handles new applications or waiting list inquiries.

Understanding ACHA's service area and jurisdiction

Alameda County includes many incorporated cities — Oakland, Berkeley, Hayward, Fremont, Livermore, Pleasanton, San Leandro, and others — each with its own housing authority. ACHA serves only the unincorporated county areas, which are smaller and less densely populated. If you live in or want to move to an incorporated city, you must work with that city's housing authority, not ACHA.

To find out whether you live in unincorporated Alameda County or in an incorporated city, check your mailing address or contact your local city government office. City websites usually state whether they have a housing authority. If you are unsure, ACHA's office can tell you which authority serves your address.

What happens after you are on an ACHA waiting list

Once you are on a waiting list, ACHA contacts you when a unit or voucher becomes available. The timeline depends on your position on the list, your household size, and how many units are available. ACHA prioritizes certain households — for example, those experiencing homelessness or those with urgent medical needs — so your position on the list does not always mean you will be called in order.

When ACHA calls you, they will ask you to confirm your current information and may ask about changes in your household or income. If you do not respond within the timeframe ACHA gives you, you may be removed from the list. Keep your contact information current with ACHA so they can reach you. If your phone number or address changes, contact ACHA when ready to update your file.

Income limits and rent calculations for ACHA housing

ACHA public housing and vouchers are for households with low to moderate income. Income limits vary by household size and change yearly. ACHA's website publishes the current limits. If your income exceeds the limit, you will not be able to enter the program, though some programs have higher limits for people with disabilities or elderly households.

Rent in ACHA public housing is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly income, or the minimum rent set by ACHA, whichever is higher. The minimum rent is typically $25 to $50 per month. If your income drops, your rent drops too. If your income rises, your rent rises. ACHA reviews your income annually and adjusts your rent accordingly. With a Section 8 voucher, you pay 30 percent of your income toward rent, and ACHA pays the landlord the difference up to the voucher amount.

What to do if you have a problem with ACHA housing or a voucher

If you are an ACHA tenant and have a maintenance problem, contact your property manager or ACHA's maintenance line. Emergency repairs — no heat, no water, broken locks — should be reported when ready. ACHA is required by law to maintain habitable conditions. If ACHA does not respond, you can file a complaint with Alameda County or contact a local legal aid organization.

If you hold an ACHA voucher and your landlord is not maintaining the unit or is threatening to evict you, contact your ACHA case manager right away. ACHA can inspect the unit and work with the landlord. If you are facing eviction, tell ACHA when ready — they may be able to intervene or help you find another unit. Legal aid organizations in Alameda County also provide free help to tenants in voucher housing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ACHA serve my city?

ACHA serves only unincorporated Alameda County. If you live in Oakland, Berkeley, Hayward, Fremont, Livermore, Pleasanton, San Leandro, or another incorporated city, contact that city's housing authority instead. Check your city's website or call city hall to find the right agency.

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

Waiting times vary widely and depend on your household size, income, and whether you have a priority status. Waiting lists are often closed. When a list is open and you are added, you may wait months to several years. ACHA's website shows whether lists are currently open and may provide estimated wait times.

Can I explore to ACHA if my income is too high?

ACHA has income limits that vary by household size. If your income exceeds the limit, you cannot enter the program. Some programs have higher limits for elderly households or people with disabilities. Contact ACHA to learn the current limits for your household size and whether any exceptions explore to you.

What if I move out of unincorporated Alameda County?

If you hold an ACHA voucher, you may be able to move to another county and use your voucher there, but you must get ACHA's permission first and the receiving housing authority must accept your voucher. If you live in ACHA public housing and move, your lease ends and you lose the housing. Contact ACHA before you move to understand your options.

How do I update my contact information with ACHA?

Contact your ACHA case manager or the office that handles your file. If you are on a waiting list and have not yet been housed, call ACHA's main office and ask how to update your information. Keeping your phone number and address current is important so ACHA can reach you when a unit or voucher becomes available.