What the San Bernardino Housing Authority does

The San Bernardino Housing Authority (SBHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and Section 8 voucher programs in San Bernardino County. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it pays private landlords to house low-income residents, and it manages the waiting lists and rent subsidies for those programs. The Authority is separate from the city government and county government, though it works with both.

The Housing Authority's main job is to administer two federal programs: public housing (where the Authority owns the building) and the Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly called Section 8 (where you rent from a private landlord and the Authority pays part of your rent). Both programs require you to meet income limits and other conditions. The Authority also runs some supportive housing programs for people experiencing homelessness.

If you want to rent through either program, you explore to the Housing Authority directly. You do not explore through the city or county. The Authority's main office is in San Bernardino, but it serves the entire county.

Key Takeaways

  • The San Bernardino Housing Authority runs Section 8 vouchers and public housing separately, and you must explore to the program you want.
  • Both programs have long waiting lists; the Section 8 list is often closed to new applicants for months or years at a time.
  • You must meet income limits (usually 50 to 80 percent of the area median income) and pass a background check to be considered.
  • The Authority's office is located in San Bernardino, and you can reach them by phone or visit in person to ask about current waiting list status.
  • If you are already in a Housing Authority program, you report changes in income and household size to your case manager, not to a separate office.

Section 8 vouchers and the waiting list

The Section 8 program gives you a voucher that covers part of your rent when you rent from a private landlord. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. The voucher amount depends on the size of your household and the neighborhood where you rent.

The waiting list for Section 8 is managed by the Housing Authority and is often closed. When it is closed, you cannot add your name to it. The Authority opens the list periodically — sometimes for a few weeks, sometimes for a few months — and then closes it again. You can call the Housing Authority to ask whether the list is currently open. If it is open, you can explore in person, by mail, or sometimes online through the Authority's website.

Wait times vary widely. Some people wait a few months; others wait several years. The Authority prioritizes certain groups, such as people experiencing homelessness or people with disabilities, which can move them higher on the list. Once you reach the top of the list and the Authority contacts you, you have a limited time to complete the rest of the process, including finding a landlord who accepts Section 8 and passing a background check.

Public housing and how it differs from Section 8

Public housing means the Housing Authority owns the building and you rent directly from it. The rent you pay is based on your income — usually 30 percent of your gross monthly income. Public housing units are scattered throughout San Bernardino County in various developments.

Public housing has its own waiting list, separate from Section 8. The list is also often closed. The income limits and background check requirements are similar to Section 8, but the process and the housing itself are different. In public housing, the Authority is your landlord, so maintenance requests and lease violations go through the Authority's management office, not a private property manager.

Public housing waiting times also vary. Some developments may have shorter waits than others. You can ask the Housing Authority which developments have openings or shorter waits when you inquire about the list.

Income limits and who can explore

To be considered for either Section 8 or public housing, your household income must be at or below a certain percentage of the area median income. For most programs, the limit is 50 to 80 percent of the area median income for San Bernardino County. The exact limit depends on the program and can change each year.

The Housing Authority counts all income in your household, including wages, Social Security, disability benefits, child support, and unemployment. They do not count some income, such as certain student financial aid or money from a one-time settlement. You will need to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters to prove your income.

You must also pass a background check. The Authority looks at criminal history, eviction history, and whether you owe money to a previous landlord or housing program. A criminal record or eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but serious crimes or recent evictions make approval less likely. You can ask the Housing Authority what their specific standards are.

How to contact the San Bernardino Housing Authority

The Housing Authority's main office is at 1641 North E Street, San Bernardino, CA 92405. You can reach them by phone at (909) 887-6191. Hours and phone lines change, so check their website or call ahead to confirm current contact information and office hours.

When you call, ask specifically whether the waiting list for the program you want (Section 8 or public housing) is currently open. If it is open, ask what documents you need to bring and whether you can explore by mail or must explore in person. If the list is closed, ask when it is expected to open again.

The Housing Authority also has a website where you may find process forms, current waiting list status, and information about programs. You can search for "San Bernardino Housing Authority" to find their official site.

What happens after you explore

Once you submit an process, the Housing Authority reviews it to make sure you meet the basic requirements: income, citizenship or may be able to access immigration status, and background check. This review can take several weeks. They will contact you if they need more information or documents.

If you pass the initial review, you move to the waiting list. Your position on the list depends on when you applied, whether you are in a priority group, and how many people are ahead of you. The Authority will contact you when it is your turn. At that point, you have a set amount of time (usually 30 to 60 days) to complete the next steps, which include a final inspection or interview.

For Section 8, you must also find a landlord who accepts vouchers and have the unit inspected before you can move in. For public housing, the Authority assigns you to an available unit once you are approved.

Reporting changes and staying in the program

If you are already in a Housing Authority program, you must report certain changes to your case manager or the program office. These include changes in household size (births, deaths, people moving in or out), changes in income, changes in employment, and changes in your address.

Reporting changes on time is important because your rent amount and voucher amount are based on your household composition and income. If you do not report a change and the Authority finds out later, you may owe back rent or have to repay overpayments. The Housing Authority will tell you how and when to report changes when you first move into the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher?

Wait times vary from a few months to several years, depending on how many people are on the list and how many vouchers become available. The Housing Authority can tell you the current average wait time when you call. Some people in priority groups (such as those experiencing homelessness) may move faster.

Can I explore for both Section 8 and public housing at the same time?

Yes. The two programs have separate waiting lists and separate processes. You can explore to both and wait on both lists. If you are offered housing through one program, you can usually decline the other or stay on that list in case the first program does not work out.

What if I have a criminal record or an eviction on my history?

A criminal record or eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but it may make approval less likely. The Housing Authority looks at how recent the incident was and how serious it was. You can ask them directly what their standards are before you explore, or ask during the process process if you have concerns.

Do I have to live in San Bernardino to use a Section 8 voucher?

No. Once you have a Section 8 voucher from the San Bernardino Housing Authority, you can use it to rent in many other counties in California, though some restrictions explore. You must request permission to move outside the Authority's jurisdiction, and the new area must have an available voucher program that will accept a transfer.

What if the waiting list is closed when I want to explore?

Call the Housing Authority and ask when the list is expected to open. Lists typically open for a set period and then close again. You can also ask to be notified when the list opens, though not all programs offer this service. Check the Housing Authority's website periodically for updates.