What the Housing Authority of Contra Costa County does

The Housing Authority of Contra Costa County (HACCC) is a public agency that runs housing programs across Contra Costa County, California. It administers Section 8 vouchers, manages public housing properties, and runs other affordable housing programs. The agency does not build or own most of the housing itself — it pays private landlords to rent to low-income tenants, or it owns a smaller number of public housing units directly.

HACCC serves people whose income falls below a certain threshold, which varies by family size and changes yearly. The agency is based in Concord and has regional offices, but most of your contact will happen by phone, mail, or through their online portal. If you are looking for affordable housing in Contra Costa County, HACCC is usually the first place to check because it controls the largest pool of subsidized units in the region.

Key Takeaways

  • HACCC runs Section 8 vouchers and public housing; you explore to the agency, not to individual landlords, and the agency places you or you find your own unit within their rules.
  • The Section 8 waiting list is typically closed and can have thousands of names; you can call or check their website to see if applications are being taken.
  • If you receive a voucher, you pay a portion of rent (usually 30 percent of your income) and HACCC pays the landlord the rest, but the landlord must agree to participate in the program.
  • HACCC requires a lease, proof of income, and a background check; criminal history or eviction records may disqualify you, depending on the offense and how long ago it occurred.
  • Public housing units owned by HACCC have their own waiting lists separate from Section 8, and rent is also based on your income.

Section 8 vouchers and how they work

A Section 8 voucher is a subsidy that HACCC pays to a landlord on your behalf. You find a rental unit (house, apartment, or condo) that meets program standards, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and then HACCC pays the difference between what you can afford and the actual rent. You are responsible for paying your portion — usually 30 percent of your gross monthly income — directly to the landlord each month.

The landlord must agree to participate; not all landlords do. HACCC inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards before the voucher can be used. The inspection covers things like working plumbing, heat, electrical systems, and the absence of lead paint hazards. If the unit fails, the landlord must fix the problems before you can move in.

You keep the voucher as long as you stay within income limits and follow program rules. If your income rises above the limit, you may lose the voucher or be asked to pay a higher share of rent. If you move, you can take the voucher with you to a different unit, as long as the new landlord participates and the unit passes inspection.

The Section 8 waiting list and how to get on it

HACCC maintains a waiting list for Section 8 vouchers. The list is usually closed, meaning new names are not being added. You can call HACCC at their main number or check their website to find out whether the list is open. When it does open, it is typically open for a limited time — sometimes a few weeks — and then closes again once a certain number of names have been added.

If the list is open, you can explore in person at their office in Concord or by mail. You will need to provide proof of income, identification, and information about your household. HACCC will tell you what documents to bring or send. Once you are on the list, you wait for your name to be called. Wait times vary widely depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many vouchers become available each year. Some people wait several years.

HACCC gives priority to certain groups, such as people who are homeless, people fleeing domestic violence, or people with disabilities. If you fall into a priority category, mention it when you explore. You can also ask to be on the waiting list for public housing at the same time, which is a separate list with potentially shorter wait times.

Public housing owned by HACCC

HACCC owns and manages a number of public housing units — apartment buildings and complexes where the agency is the landlord. These units are separate from Section 8 vouchers. Rent is based on your income (usually 30 percent of gross income), and you sign a lease directly with HACCC. The agency handles maintenance and repairs.

Public housing has its own waiting list, which is also usually closed. Call HACCC to ask whether the public housing list is open and what the current wait time is. Some people find that the public housing waiting list moves faster than the Section 8 list, though this varies by year and by how many units are available.

Public housing units must meet the same housing quality standards as Section 8 units. HACCC inspects them regularly. If something breaks, you report it to HACCC maintenance, and they are responsible for fixing it — you do not pay for repairs.

Income limits and what disqualifies you

HACCC has income limits based on the area median income for Contra Costa County. The limits change each year and depend on your household size. A single person has a lower limit than a family of four. You can call HACCC or check their website to find the current year's limits for your household size.

HACCC will also run a background check. Criminal convictions, especially for drug-related offenses or crimes of violence, may disqualify you. An eviction within the past few years will also likely disqualify you, though the exact timeframe varies. If you have a criminal record or eviction history, ask HACCC directly whether you are disqualified or whether you can appeal.

You must also have a valid lease or be ready to sign one. If you are currently homeless or living in a shelter, HACCC has programs and partnerships that may help you move into housing; call to ask about rapid rehousing or other options for people without a current address.

How to contact HACCC and what to expect

The Housing Authority of Contra Costa County is located in Concord. You can reach them by phone during business hours, or you can visit in person to explore or ask questions. Their website lists phone numbers, office hours, and the current status of waiting lists. You can also mail in an process if you cannot visit in person.

When you call, have your identification and income information ready. HACCC staff can tell you whether you meet the basic income requirements, whether the waiting list is open, and what documents you need to bring or send. Response times vary; some questions are answered the same day, while others may take a few days.

If you are approved for a voucher or public housing, HACCC will contact you with next steps. For Section 8, you will receive a voucher and instructions on how to search for units and submit them to HACCC for approval. For public housing, HACCC will show you available units and help you complete a lease.

Other programs HACCC runs

Beyond Section 8 and public housing, HACCC administers other programs depending on funding. These may include project-based vouchers (where the subsidy is tied to a specific building rather than to you), family self-sufficiency programs that help you increase income and eventually leave the program, and supportive housing for people with disabilities or who are homeless. Call HACCC to ask what programs are currently available and whether you might be a fit for any of them.

Some of these programs have separate waiting lists or different income limits. HACCC staff can walk you through the options and help you understand which program might work best for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Wait times depend on how many people are ahead of you on the list and how many vouchers HACCC receives each year. Some people wait one to two years; others wait much longer. Call HACCC to ask what the current average wait time is. Priority applicants (homeless, fleeing domestic violence, or with disabilities) may move up the list faster.

Can I use my voucher at any apartment?

No. The landlord must agree to participate in the Section 8 program, and the unit must pass HACCC's housing quality inspection. Not all landlords accept vouchers. HACCC can provide a list of landlords who participate, or you can search for units and ask the landlord whether they accept Section 8 before you explore.

What happens if my income goes up while I have a voucher?

If your income rises above the program limit, you may lose your voucher or be required to pay a higher share of rent. HACCC will recalculate your income annually. Report any income changes to HACCC right away; failing to report can result in overpayment and you may owe money back.

Do I need a criminal record to be disqualified?

Not necessarily. HACCC looks at the type of crime, how long ago it happened, and your circumstances. Drug convictions and crimes of violence are more likely to disqualify you than other offenses. If you have a record, ask HACCC whether you are disqualified or whether you can request a review of your case.

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

Yes. The waiting lists are separate, and you can be on both. Some people receive a public housing offer before their Section 8 voucher comes through. Let HACCC know you want to be on both lists when you explore.