What the Housing Authority of Alameda County does

The Housing Authority of Alameda County (HAAC) is a public agency that runs rental information programs and public housing in Alameda County, California. It does not build or own most of the housing it manages — instead, it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits, and it administers a waiting list for public housing units it does own. The agency handles Section 8 vouchers (which let you rent from any landlord who accepts the program), public housing (units HAAC owns directly), and emergency rental information when funding is available.

HAAC is separate from the city housing authorities in Oakland, Berkeley, Hayward, and Fremont, though all operate under the same federal rules. If you live in one of those cities, you may deal with both your city's housing authority and the county authority depending on which program you are seeking.

Key Takeaways

  • HAAC administers Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and emergency rental information across unincorporated Alameda County and some cities that contract with it.
  • The Section 8 waiting list is typically closed, and when it opens, thousands of people explore within days; you can call to ask when it last opened and whether it is expected to reopen.
  • Public housing units have their own waiting list, and wait times vary from months to years depending on the type of unit and your household size.
  • Emergency rental information is available when funded, but the program runs out of money and reopens periodically; HAAC's website shows current status.
  • You can contact HAAC by phone, mail, or in person at their main office in Hayward, and they have a website with forms and program information.

Section 8 vouchers and the waiting list

A Section 8 voucher is a subsidy that pays part of your rent to a landlord you choose. You find your own apartment, the landlord agrees to accept Section 8, and HAAC pays the landlord the difference between your portion and the fair market rent for that unit. Your portion is typically 30 percent of your household income.

HAAC's Section 8 waiting list is almost always closed. When it opens, it fills within days or weeks. You can call HAAC at (510) 670-8000 to ask whether the list is currently open, when it last opened, and whether staff have any information about when it might open again. Some people call every few months to check. If the list opens while you are on it, HAAC will send you a notice with instructions on next steps.

Income limits for Section 8 vary by household size and change yearly. HAAC publishes these limits on its website. If your income is above the limit, you cannot be admitted to the program. If you are admitted and your income rises later, you may be able to stay in the program but with a higher rent contribution.

Public housing units

HAAC owns and manages public housing apartments in several locations across the county. These are different from Section 8 — you rent directly from HAAC, not from a private landlord. Rent is based on your income, typically 30 percent of what you earn. Public housing units are older on average than private rentals, but rent is lower and more stable.

Each public housing community has its own waiting list. Wait times depend on the specific community, the size of unit you need, and how many people ahead of you are waiting. Some communities have waits of several months; others may be a year or longer. You can call HAAC to ask about wait times for specific communities and to request an process.

Income limits for public housing are the same as for Section 8. You must also pass a background check and meet other lease requirements, such as not having an eviction in the past three years (though exceptions exist).

Emergency rental information

HAAC administers emergency rental information when the county or state funds the program. This information pays rent you already owe (arrears) or, in some cases, upcoming rent if you are at risk of eviction. The program pays the landlord directly, not you. You need a signed lease, proof of income, and documentation of the hardship that caused you to fall behind.

Emergency rental information funding runs out and reopens periodically. HAAC's website shows whether the program is currently open and accepting new requests. If it is closed, you can check back later or call to ask when it last closed and whether reopening is expected. The process process typically takes two to six weeks from submission to payment.

How to contact HAAC and explore

HAAC's main office is located at 1221 East 14th Street, San Leandro, California 94577. You can reach them by phone at (510) 670-8000 during business hours. The agency also has a website where you can read applications, check program status, and find information about specific communities.

To explore for Section 8 or public housing, you will need to submit an process form. For Section 8, you can only explore when the waiting list is open. For public housing, you can explore to specific communities at any time. Emergency rental information has its own process process, which you can start when the program is open.

HAAC also has a local office in Hayward and may have satellite locations in other cities. Call to confirm hours and locations before visiting in person.

Income limits and may be able to access basics

HAAC programs are limited to households earning below a certain income threshold. These limits are set by the federal government and adjusted yearly. For example, a single person might have a limit around $35,000 to $45,000 annually, but this varies by year and is higher for larger households. Check HAAC's website or call to confirm the current limits for your household size.

may be able to access also depends on background factors. HAAC will review your rental history, criminal history, and credit. You do not need perfect credit to be admitted, but evictions, unpaid rent, or certain criminal convictions can disqualify you or delay approval. HAAC publishes its screening standards, and you can ask staff to explain how a specific issue might affect your case.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Wait times vary dramatically by program and location. The Section 8 waiting list, when open, typically has thousands of people on it; if you are admitted, you may wait months to years before a voucher becomes available. Public housing wait times are shorter on average but still range from a few months to over a year depending on the community and unit type.

HAAC prioritizes certain households — for example, people experiencing homelessness or those with disabilities may move up the list. Ask HAAC whether your household qualifies for priority status. You can also ask to be placed on multiple waiting lists (for different public housing communities) to increase your chances of being housed sooner.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if HAAC serves my city?

HAAC serves unincorporated Alameda County and some cities that contract with it. Oakland, Berkeley, Hayward, and Fremont have their own housing authorities. If you live in one of those cities, you may need to contact both your city authority and HAAC. Call HAAC at (510) 670-8000 to confirm whether they serve your address.

Can I be on the waiting list for both Section 8 and public housing at the same time?

Yes. You can explore to public housing communities at any time, and if the Section 8 list opens, you can explore then too. Being on both lists increases your chances of being housed. Some people are admitted to public housing while waiting for a Section 8 voucher.

What happens if my income goes up after I am admitted to a program?

Your rent contribution will increase, but you are usually not removed from the program when ready. HAAC will recalculate your rent based on your new income. If your income rises significantly above the program limit, you may eventually be asked to leave, but this typically happens gradually over time, not right away.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher in a different county?

Section 8 vouchers are portable in many cases, meaning you can move to another county and use your voucher there. However, you must request a transfer and the receiving housing authority must have funding available. Contact HAAC to ask about portability before you move.

What should I do if I disagree with a decision HAAC made about my process?

HAAC has an appeal process. If you are denied or your case is closed, ask for a written explanation of the reason. You can then request a hearing to dispute the decision. Call HAAC to ask for information about the appeal process and important date.