What the San Diego Housing Authority does
The San Diego Housing Authority (SDHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs for low-income residents across San Diego County. It administers Section 8 vouchers, manages public housing properties, and oversees other affordable housing initiatives. The agency does not build or own most of the housing itself — it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits, and it contracts with private property owners to provide units.
SDHA operates under federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which means the programs, income limits, and rent rules are largely the same across the country, but SDHA handles the local administration. If you live in San Diego County and need affordable housing, SDHA is the office that processes your paperwork, maintains your file, and pays your landlord each month.
Key Takeaways
- The San Diego Housing Authority runs Section 8 vouchers and public housing for low-income households in San Diego County, but does not build most of the housing itself.
- To use SDHA programs, your household income must fall below a limit set by HUD each year — for a family of four in San Diego County, this is typically around 50% of the area median income.
- SDHA maintains a waitlist for Section 8 vouchers that is often closed to new applications because demand far exceeds available vouchers.
- You can contact SDHA directly by phone, mail, or in person at their office to ask about current program status, income limits, and whether the waitlist is open.
How to contact the San Diego Housing Authority
SDHA's main office is located at 1122 Broadway, Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92101. You can reach them by phone at (619) 578-7500 during business hours. The agency also maintains a website at sdhc.org where you can find program information, income limits, and links to process materials.
If you are calling, be prepared to state which program you are asking about — Section 8 vouchers, public housing, or another SDHA program. Wait times can be long during peak hours, so calling early in the morning or later in the afternoon may be faster. You can also visit the office in person, though appointments are recommended during busy periods.
Section 8 vouchers and the waitlist
The Section 8 program is SDHA's largest offering. It provides vouchers that pay a portion of your rent directly to a landlord, with you paying the difference. The voucher amount is based on the fair market rent for your area and bedroom size, and you pay roughly 30% of your household income toward rent — whichever is lower.
SDHA's Section 8 waitlist is typically closed because the number of people waiting far exceeds the number of vouchers available. When the waitlist does open, it fills within hours or days. You can contact SDHA to ask whether the waitlist is currently open and when it might open again. If you are on the waitlist, SDHA will contact you when a voucher becomes available, which can take months or years depending on your position.
Once you receive a voucher, you have a set time period to find a landlord who accepts Section 8. Not all landlords participate, so you will need to search for properties and confirm the landlord is willing to work with SDHA. SDHA staff can provide a list of participating landlords and answer questions about the search process.
Public housing managed by SDHA
SDHA also manages public housing properties — buildings owned by the agency where tenants pay rent based on their income. These properties are scattered throughout San Diego County. Public housing has its own waitlist, which is also typically long. Income limits and rent rules are set by HUD, and SDHA enforces lease terms and maintenance standards.
Public housing units are generally more affordable than Section 8 because rent is capped at 30% of household income with no additional tenant payment. However, waitlists are long and units are limited. You can ask SDHA whether public housing is available in your area and whether the waitlist is open.
Income limits and household size
To use SDHA programs, your household income must be at or below the limit set by HUD for your area and household size. These limits change each year. For San Diego County, the income limit for a family of four is typically around 50% of the area median income, but the exact figure varies by program and changes annually.
SDHA counts all household members' income, including wages, Social Security, disability payments, and child support. Some income sources are excluded or partially excluded — for example, student financial aid and certain disability benefits may not count. When you explore, you will need to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements to prove your income. SDHA staff can explain which documents you need and how they calculate your household income.
How rent and tenant payments work
In Section 8, your rent payment is split between SDHA and you. SDHA pays the landlord the voucher amount, and you pay the difference out of pocket. Your share is typically 30% of your household income, though it can be less if the fair market rent for your area is high. If you find a unit that rents for less than the voucher amount, you pay less and SDHA still pays the same amount to the landlord.
In public housing, you pay 30% of your household income as rent, and SDHA covers the rest. Your rent payment can change if your income changes, so you must report income changes to SDHA within a set timeframe. If you do not report changes, SDHA may recalculate your rent and ask for back payment or adjust your voucher.
What happens if your income changes
You are required to report changes in household income to SDHA within 30 days. This includes job loss, a new job, a raise, or a household member moving out. If your income increases, your rent payment will increase. If your income decreases, your rent payment will decrease. SDHA will recalculate your rent and send you a new lease or voucher amount.
If you do not report income changes, SDHA may discover the change during a recertification and ask you to pay back rent or adjust your voucher retroactively. It is in your interest to report changes promptly so there are no surprises later. You can report changes by phone, mail, or in person at the SDHA office.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher from SDHA?
There is no set timeline because it depends on your position on the waitlist and how many vouchers become available. Some people wait months; others wait years. SDHA will contact you when a voucher is available. You can call SDHA to ask your approximate position on the waitlist, though they may not provide an exact number.
Can I use an SDHA voucher at any rental property?
No. The landlord must be willing to accept Section 8, and the property must pass SDHA's inspection standards. SDHA can provide a list of landlords who participate in the program. You can also search for properties on your own and ask the landlord whether they accept vouchers.
What if I lose my job while using Section 8?
You must report the job loss to SDHA within 30 days. Your rent payment will be recalculated based on your new income. If you have no income, your rent will be lower, but you still owe something — SDHA typically sets a minimum rent of around $50 to $100 per month. Contact SDHA to discuss your situation and ask about next steps.
Does SDHA help with utilities or other housing costs?
SDHA's Section 8 and public housing programs cover rent only. Utilities, internet, and other housing costs are your responsibility. Some utility companies offer low-income information programs, but those are separate from SDHA. You can ask SDHA staff for referrals to other agencies that may help with utilities.
What if I want to move to a different unit while using Section 8?
You can request a transfer, but you must find a new landlord who accepts Section 8 and whose property passes inspection. SDHA must approve the new unit before you move. The process typically takes a few weeks. Contact SDHA to ask about the transfer process and any fees or restrictions that explore.