The California Housing Finance Authority is a state agency that lends money for home purchases and rental housing, not a local authority that handles tenant disputes

The California Housing Finance Authority (CalHFA) is a department within the state government that makes loans to homebuyers and finances the construction or preservation of rental apartments. It does not manage public housing, process evictions, or handle landlord-tenant complaints. If you are looking for help with rent, an eviction, or a local housing program, you need your city or county housing authority instead — CalHFA operates at the state level and works through lenders and developers.

CalHFA's main role is to make homeownership and rental housing more affordable by offering loans with lower interest rates or down payment help than conventional banks typically provide. It funds these loans by issuing bonds backed by the state of California. The money flows through mortgage lenders and apartment developers, not directly to individual renters or homeowners.

Key Takeaways

  • CalHFA is a state agency that finances home purchases and rental housing development, not a local housing authority that handles tenant issues.
  • Homebuyers can explore CalHFA loan programs through participating lenders, which may offer lower rates or down payment information than conventional mortgages.
  • Renters and tenants with disputes or emergency needs should contact their city or county housing authority, not CalHFA.
  • CalHFA also funds the construction and preservation of affordable rental apartments through partnerships with developers and nonprofits.

CalHFA homebuyer loan programs and how they work

CalHFA offers several loan products for first-time and repeat homebuyers through approved lenders. The most common is the CalHFA Conventional Loan, which allows borrowers to put down as little as 3 percent and may offer a lower interest rate than a standard conventional mortgage. CalHFA also runs the CalHFA FHA Loan program, which wraps around federal FHA mortgages and can reduce the upfront mortgage insurance cost.

To use a CalHFA loan, you work with a mortgage lender that participates in the program — CalHFA does not lend directly to borrowers. The lender originates the loan, CalHFA purchases it or guarantees it, and you make your monthly payment to the lender or its servicer. You will need to meet standard mortgage requirements: a credit score (typically 620 or higher), proof of income, and a down payment. Income limits vary by county and household size, so a lender can tell you whether you fall within the range for your area.

CalHFA also offers down payment information programs in some counties, which may provide a grant or second mortgage to help cover the down payment and closing costs. These are not loans you repay in the traditional sense — some are forgivable after you stay in the home for a set period. Availability and terms depend on your county and income level.

CalHFA rental housing programs and affordable apartment development

CalHFA finances the construction and renovation of rental apartments intended to be affordable to low- and moderate-income households. It does this by issuing bonds and making loans to developers and nonprofits who build or preserve multifamily housing. These programs do not directly serve individual renters; instead, they create the supply of affordable units in the market.

If you are a renter looking for an affordable apartment, you would search for properties that participate in affordable housing programs — often through your city or county housing authority, a nonprofit housing search service, or by contacting developers directly. CalHFA's role is behind the scenes, financing the project so the developer can offer lower rents than market rate.

How to learn about you can use a CalHFA homebuyer loan

Start by visiting the CalHFA website and using their lender search tool to find participating mortgage companies in your area. You can also call CalHFA's main line or email them with questions about program rules and income limits for your county. A mortgage lender can run a preliminary check to see whether you meet the basic requirements — credit score, income, down payment amount — before you spend time on a full process.

Income limits are the most common reason a borrower does not may have access to for CalHFA programs. These limits change annually and vary significantly by county. For example, a household income that qualifies in a rural county may exceed the limit in a high-cost urban area. Ask the lender to confirm the current limit for your household size and county before you proceed.

CalHFA also has programs specifically for teachers, nurses, and other essential workers in some regions, with higher income limits or additional information. If you work in one of these fields, mention it when you contact a lender.

CalHFA versus your local housing authority

CalHFA and local housing authorities serve different purposes. CalHFA is a state lending agency focused on financing home purchases and rental development. Your local housing authority — run by your city or county — manages public housing, processes Section 8 vouchers, handles tenant complaints, and administers emergency rental information when it is available.

If you need help with rent, an eviction notice, or a dispute with a landlord, contact your city or county housing authority or call 211. If you are a homebuyer interested in a lower-rate mortgage or down payment help, contact a CalHFA-participating lender. The two systems rarely overlap in what they do.

CalHFA contact information and resources

You can reach CalHFA through their official website, which lists current loan programs, income limits by county, and the phone number for their main office. The website also has a searchable directory of approved lenders. If you have questions about a specific program or your situation, calling their main line is faster than email, though response times vary.

CalHFA also publishes annual reports and program guides that explain the terms, rates, and requirements for each loan type. These documents are free and available online. If you are working with a mortgage lender, they can usually answer CalHFA-specific questions without you having to contact the agency directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore directly to CalHFA for a loan?

No. CalHFA does not take applications directly from borrowers. You must work through a mortgage lender that participates in CalHFA programs. The lender handles the process and underwriting, and CalHFA purchases or guarantees the loan after it is approved.

What if my income is too high for CalHFA programs?

If you exceed the income limit for your county, you can still get a conventional mortgage from any lender — you just will not have access to CalHFA's lower rates or down payment information. A mortgage broker can help you compare conventional options with other state or federal programs you might may have access to for.

Does CalHFA help with rent or eviction?

No. CalHFA does not handle tenant issues, emergency rent help, or evictions. Contact your city or county housing authority, call 211, or reach out to a local legal aid organization if you need help with rent or an eviction notice.

Are CalHFA loans the same as FHA loans?

CalHFA offers programs that work with FHA loans, but they are not the same thing. FHA is a federal mortgage insurance program; CalHFA is a state agency that can finance FHA mortgages or conventional mortgages. CalHFA programs may offer additional benefits like lower rates or down payment information on top of the FHA structure.

How do I know if there is an affordable apartment near me financed by CalHFA?

CalHFA does not maintain a public list of all properties it has financed. Search your city or county housing authority's affordable housing database, contact local nonprofits that work on housing, or ask a property manager directly whether a building participates in affordable housing programs.