What the Housing Authority of San Bernardino does

The Housing Authority of San Bernardino (HASB) is a public agency that runs housing programs for low-income residents across San Bernardino County. It administers Section 8 vouchers (which help you pay rent in the private market), manages public housing properties it owns directly, and runs other affordable housing programs. The agency does not set rent prices or control the private market — it subsidizes your portion of rent if you meet income limits and get on a waitlist.

HASB serves the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County and some incorporated cities that contract with it. If you live in a city like San Bernardino, Fontana, or Victorville, HASB may be your local housing authority, but some cities run their own programs instead. The easiest way to know which agency serves your address is to call HASB directly or check your city's website.

The agency's main office is in San Bernardino, but you can reach it by phone, mail, or in person. Most transactions — from explore to reporting a maintenance issue — can be done without visiting an office, though some require documentation you mail in or upload.

Key Takeaways

  • HASB runs Section 8 vouchers and public housing; Section 8 is usually the faster route because you choose your own rental unit rather than waiting for a public housing opening.
  • Both programs have long waitlists, and HASB opens and closes them based on funding; you can call to ask whether the list is open before spending time on paperwork.
  • Income limits exist for both programs, and your household size determines your limit; a family of four has a different ceiling than a single person.
  • Once you receive a voucher or lease a public housing unit, you must report changes in income, household members, or address within 30 days or risk losing your subsidy.
  • HASB has a maintenance request system for public housing tenants; Section 8 tenants report repairs to their private landlord, not to HASB.

Section 8 vouchers versus public housing

HASB offers two main paths to affordable housing. Section 8 vouchers let you rent from any private landlord who accepts the program; HASB pays a portion of your rent directly to the landlord, and you pay the rest. Public housing means you rent a unit that HASB owns; HASB is your landlord and sets your rent based on your income.

Section 8 is usually faster because you are not waiting for a specific unit to become available — you search for rentals yourself and present your voucher to the landlord. Public housing has fewer units available, so waitlists are longer. However, public housing rents are often lower because they are set by income rather than market rate.

Both programs require you to meet income limits. For Section 8, the limit is usually 50 percent of the area median income, though some vouchers go to households at 30 percent of median income. Public housing has similar limits. HASB will tell you the exact income ceiling for your household size when you call or visit.

How to learn about HASB serves your address

HASB serves unincorporated San Bernardino County and has contracts with several cities. If you live in an incorporated city, that city may run its own housing authority instead. The fastest way to know is to call HASB at their main office number and give them your address; they will tell you in one minute whether they serve you or refer you to the correct agency.

You can also check your city's website under "Housing" or "Community Development" — most cities list which agency handles their affordable housing programs. If you are unsure whether you live in an incorporated city or unincorporated county, your county assessor's website or a quick online search of your address will clarify.

Waitlists and when they are open

Both Section 8 and public housing have waitlists, and HASB opens and closes them depending on funding and demand. When a list is closed, you cannot add your name until it reopens — this can last months or years. Calling HASB to ask whether the list you want is currently open takes five minutes and saves you the effort of gathering documents for a closed program.

HASB prioritizes some applicants over others. Preferences vary by program but often include people experiencing homelessness, those with disabilities, and families with children. If you fall into a priority category, mention it when you call or explore — it can move you higher on the list.

Once you are on a waitlist, HASB will contact you when your name comes up. This can take years in some cases. You must keep your contact information current; if HASB cannot reach you, they may remove you from the list.

Income limits and household size

HASB sets income limits based on your household size and the area median income for San Bernardino County. A single person has a lower limit than a family of four. The limits change yearly, usually in April, so the number that applied last year may not explore this year.

Income includes wages, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and other regular money coming in. Some income is excluded — for example, a portion of earnings for people with disabilities. HASB will explain what counts as income when you explore.

If your income is above the limit, you do not meet the basic requirement for either program. HASB will tell you the limit for your household size before you explore, so you can decide whether to proceed.

What happens after you receive a voucher or move into public housing

Once you have a Section 8 voucher, you have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a rental unit. The landlord must accept Section 8, and the unit must pass a HASB inspection. You sign a lease with the landlord, HASB signs a contract with the landlord, and your subsidy begins.

For public housing, HASB assigns you a unit based on availability and your preferences. You sign a lease with HASB as your landlord. Your rent is calculated based on your income — usually 30 percent of your adjusted gross income.

In both cases, you must report changes within 30 days: a new job, a household member moving in or out, a change in income, or a move to a new address. Failing to report can result in overpayment, which you may have to repay, or termination of your subsidy.

Maintenance requests and tenant responsibilities

If you live in HASB public housing and have a maintenance issue — a broken heater, a leak, a non-working stove — you submit a request through HASB's maintenance system. You can call, visit an office, or use an online portal if available. HASB has timelines for repairs depending on severity; emergency repairs (no heat in winter, no water) are prioritized.

If you have a Section 8 voucher, you report repairs to your private landlord, not to HASB. Your lease with the landlord spells out their repair obligations. If the landlord does not make repairs, you can contact your local housing code enforcement or a tenant rights organization.

Both public housing and Section 8 tenants are responsible for keeping the unit clean and not damaging it beyond normal wear and tear. HASB or your landlord can inspect the unit, and you can be charged for damage you caused.

How to contact the Housing Authority of San Bernardino

HASB's main office is located in San Bernardino. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about waitlist status, income limits, or which programs serve your address. Mail and online portals are available for submitting documents and making requests.

Before calling, have your address ready and know whether you are asking about Section 8 or public housing. If you are calling about an existing case, have your case number or name and date of birth. This speeds up the process and gets you to the right department.

HASB also has a website where you can find program information, read forms, and sometimes check waitlist status. Some cities in the county have local HASB offices; calling the main number will tell you if there is an office near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It depends on the waitlist. If the list is open and you meet income limits, you are added to the queue. Your name may come up in months or years depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many vouchers HASB receives. Call HASB to ask how long the current wait is.

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

Some vouchers are portable, meaning you can move to another county and use them there if that county's housing authority accepts portable vouchers. Not all counties do. Ask HASB whether your voucher is portable before you move.

What if my income goes up after I get a voucher?

You must report the income change within 30 days. Your rent contribution may increase, but you will not lose the voucher when ready. HASB has rules about how long you can stay on a voucher if your income exceeds the limit; ask them about your specific situation.

Do I have to accept the first unit HASB offers in public housing?

You can decline a unit, but HASB may remove you from the waitlist if you refuse without good reason. Ask HASB about their refusal policy before you are offered a unit so you understand the rules.

What if I think HASB made a mistake on my rent calculation?

You have the right to request a hearing to dispute HASB's decision. Ask HASB for their grievance procedure and the important date for filing. You will need to show documentation of your income or other information you believe was calculated incorrectly.