What the Contra Costa County Housing Authority does
The Contra Costa County Housing Authority is a public agency that runs housing programs for low-income residents across the county. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it pays landlords to rent units to people who meet income limits, and it manages waiting lists for those programs. The Housing Authority also administers emergency rental information when funding is available, though that program opens and closes depending on state and federal money.
The main program is Housing Choice Vouchers, formerly called Section 8. If you receive a voucher, the Housing Authority pays your landlord a portion of your rent, and you pay the rest. You find your own apartment from a landlord willing to accept the voucher. The Housing Authority also runs a smaller public housing program — actual units it owns — though most of its work is the voucher system.
The Housing Authority's office is in Concord. You can reach them by phone, mail, or in person, but wait times are long because the agency handles thousands of households. Many questions can be answered faster through their website or by calling their automated information line.
Key Takeaways
- The Contra Costa County Housing Authority runs the Housing Choice Voucher program, which pays landlords directly so you pay only a portion of rent.
- You must be on a waiting list to receive a voucher, and the list is often closed because demand far exceeds available vouchers.
- Income limits vary by family size and change yearly; the Housing Authority website shows current limits for your household.
- Once you have a voucher, you search for your own apartment and the landlord must pass a Housing Authority inspection before you can move in.
- The Housing Authority also runs emergency rental information programs when funding is available, though these programs are temporary and often run out of money.
Housing Choice Vouchers and the waiting list
The Housing Choice Voucher is the largest program the Housing Authority runs. With a voucher, you find an apartment on the private market, and the Housing Authority pays the landlord a portion of the rent based on your income. You pay the difference. The voucher amount is set by the Housing Authority and does not change if you find a more expensive apartment — you would pay the extra yourself.
To get on the waiting list, you must live or work in Contra Costa County and meet the income limit for your household size. The Housing Authority opens the waiting list periodically, but it closes quickly because thousands of people explore. When the list is closed, you cannot explore. You can check the Housing Authority website to see whether applications are being taken.
Wait times are long — often several years. The Housing Authority prioritizes households with the greatest need, such as people experiencing homelessness or those with disabilities. If you are on the list, the Housing Authority will contact you when a voucher becomes available. You then have a limited time to find an apartment and have it inspected.
Income limits and what you pay
The Housing Authority sets income limits based on the area median income for Contra Costa County. These limits change every year. A family of four might have a limit of around $60,000 to $70,000 annually, but the exact figure depends on the year and family size. You can find current limits on the Housing Authority website or by calling their office.
Your rent payment is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly income, or the actual rent — whichever is less. If your income drops, your rent payment drops. If your income rises above the limit, you may lose the voucher, though the Housing Authority usually gives you time to adjust. You must report income changes to the Housing Authority.
The Housing Authority also charges a small administrative fee, typically $25 to $50 per month, which comes out of your voucher payment.
Finding an apartment and the inspection process
Once you have a voucher, you search for an apartment yourself. Not all landlords accept Housing Choice Vouchers — some refuse because of paperwork, inspections, or other reasons. You can ask landlords directly, or search online for apartments that list "Section 8 accepted" or "voucher friendly."
Before you can move in, the Housing Authority must inspect the apartment. The inspection checks that the unit meets basic standards: working plumbing and electricity, no major safety hazards, adequate heat and hot water, and no lead paint hazards (for units built before 1978). If the apartment fails, the landlord must fix the problems before you move in. Some landlords refuse to make repairs and back out of the deal.
Once the inspection passes, the Housing Authority signs a lease addendum with you and the landlord. The lease must include the Housing Authority's terms, and the landlord cannot charge you more than the voucher amount plus your share. If the landlord tries to charge extra or refuses to sign the addendum, report it to the Housing Authority.
Emergency rental information and other programs
The Contra Costa County Housing Authority also distributes emergency rental information when state or federal funding is available. These programs pay landlords directly for rent you owe, and sometimes for utilities or other housing costs. However, the programs are temporary — funding runs out and programs close. The Housing Authority website shows whether emergency information is currently open.
To use emergency information, you typically need proof of a recent hardship (job loss, illness, eviction notice), a signed lease, and proof of income. The process usually takes two to six weeks. Some programs prioritize households at risk of homelessness or with active eviction cases.
The Housing Authority also manages a small public housing program — units it owns directly. These are separate from vouchers and have their own waiting list. Public housing rents are also based on 30 percent of income.
How to contact the Housing Authority and what to expect
The Contra Costa County Housing Authority main office is located in Concord. You can reach them by phone during business hours, though wait times are often 30 minutes or longer. You can also visit in person, mail a letter, or check their website for forms and information.
The Housing Authority website has a portal where voucher holders can report maintenance issues, request rent increases, or submit income changes. If you are on the waiting list, you can check your status online or by phone, though the status may not update frequently.
If you have a dispute with the Housing Authority — for example, if they deny you a voucher or terminate your information — you have the right to request a hearing. The Housing Authority will explain the hearing process in writing.
What to do if the waiting list is closed
If the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is closed, you have other options. Some nonprofits in Contra Costa County offer rental information or help finding affordable housing. You can call 211 (a free referral service) to find local programs. Some cities in the county also run their own affordable housing programs or have partnerships with nonprofits.
You can also contact your city's planning or community development department to ask about affordable housing programs specific to your city. Some cities have inclusionary housing requirements that create affordable units, or they run their own information programs.
Keep checking the Housing Authority website periodically — the waiting list does reopen, though it closes again quickly. You can also ask the Housing Authority to notify you when the list reopens.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a Housing Choice Voucher?
Wait times vary widely depending on your priority level and how many vouchers become available. Some households wait three to five years or longer. Households with greater need — such as those experiencing homelessness — may move up the list faster. The Housing Authority can tell you your approximate position when you are added to the list.
Can I use my voucher in a different county?
Housing Choice Vouchers are portable, meaning you can move to another county and use the same voucher. However, you must request a transfer from the Contra Costa County Housing Authority, and the receiving county's Housing Authority must have available funding. The process takes time and is not may provide.
What happens if my landlord refuses to accept the Housing Authority's lease addendum?
The landlord must sign the Housing Authority's addendum for you to use your voucher in that unit. If the landlord refuses, you cannot move in and must find a different apartment. Report the refusal to the Housing Authority — they keep records of landlords who discriminate against voucher holders.
Can I lose my voucher if my income increases?
Yes, if your income exceeds the limit for your household size, you may lose your voucher. However, the Housing Authority usually allows a grace period and will work with you before terminating information. Report all income changes when ready so the Housing Authority can recalculate your rent.
Is there emergency help if I am behind on rent right now?
The Housing Authority runs emergency rental information programs when funding is available, but these programs are not always open. Check their website or call to see if information is currently available. If not, contact 211 or your city's community development office for other local programs that may help.