What the Housing Authority of San Joaquin does

The Housing Authority of San Joaquin (HASJ) is a public agency that runs affordable housing programs across San Joaquin County, California. It administers Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, manages public housing properties, and oversees other affordable housing initiatives in the county. HASJ does not build or own most of the housing itself — it pays private landlords to rent units to low-income residents, or it owns and operates a smaller number of public housing units directly.

The agency serves residents of unincorporated San Joaquin County and the cities within it that have not created their own housing authority. If you live in Stockton, Lodi, or Tracy, those cities may run their own housing authorities, so you would contact them instead. HASJ's main office is in Stockton, and you can reach it by phone, mail, or in person during business hours.

Key Takeaways

  • HASJ runs Section 8 vouchers and public housing; most of its units are privately owned but subsidized through the agency.
  • The Section 8 waiting list is typically closed because demand far exceeds available vouchers, and reopening dates are announced on the HASJ website.
  • If you receive a voucher, you search for your own rental unit and the landlord must meet HASJ's housing quality standards before you can move in.
  • HASJ charges rent based on your income, usually 30 percent of your gross monthly income, and the agency pays the landlord the difference.
  • You must recertify your income and household composition annually to keep your voucher or public housing unit.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers through HASJ

A Section 8 voucher is a federal subsidy that allows you to rent from a private landlord while paying only a portion of the rent yourself. HASJ receives a fixed number of vouchers from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) each year and distributes them to households that meet income limits. Your income must fall below 50 percent of the area median income for San Joaquin County, though HASJ prioritizes households at 30 percent of median income or below.

The waiting list for Section 8 vouchers through HASJ is usually closed. When it opens — which happens irregularly and is announced on the HASJ website — applications are accepted for a limited time only. Once the list closes, it can remain closed for years. You can call HASJ or check its website to learn whether the list is currently open and when the next opening might occur.

If you receive a voucher, you have a set amount of time (usually 120 days) to find a rental unit. The landlord must agree to accept Section 8, and the unit must pass HASJ's housing quality inspection. HASJ will not pay the landlord until the inspection is complete and the lease is signed.

Public housing units managed by HASJ

HASJ owns and operates a number of public housing apartments and townhouses throughout San Joaquin County. These units are older than many private rentals but are maintained to federal standards. Rent is calculated the same way as Section 8: you pay 30 percent of your gross monthly income, and HASJ covers the rest from federal funding.

Public housing has its own waiting list, separate from Section 8. Like the Section 8 list, it is often closed. When open, you can contact HASJ to request an process. Tenants in public housing must follow lease terms and HASJ's house rules, which cover noise, guests, maintenance of the unit, and other conduct. Violations can result in warnings, fines, or eviction.

Income limits and rent calculation

HASJ uses federal income limits that change each year. For 2024, the income limit for a single person in San Joaquin County is approximately $38,000 per year, though this varies by household size. HASJ will ask you to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or other proof of income when you explore and again each year during recertification.

Once you are admitted to a program, your rent is set at 30 percent of your gross monthly income. If your income drops, your rent drops. If your income rises above the program limit, you may be asked to leave or your rent may increase to market rate. You must report changes in income, household size, or employment to HASJ within 30 days.

The process and inspection process

When HASJ's waiting list opens, you can request an process by phone, mail, or in person. You will need to provide proof of identity, proof of income, and information about your household. HASJ will verify your information and conduct a background check. Certain criminal convictions or a history of lease violations can disqualify you, though HASJ considers each case individually.

If you are offered a voucher or a public housing unit, HASJ will schedule a housing quality inspection before you move in. The inspector checks that the unit meets federal standards: working plumbing and heating, safe electrical systems, no lead paint hazards, adequate light and ventilation, and freedom from pests and structural damage. If the unit fails, the landlord must make repairs before you can move in.

Recertification and ongoing requirements

Every year, HASJ will ask you to recertify your income and household composition. You must provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer showing your current income. If your household size has changed — someone moved in or out, or a child was born — you must report that as well. Recertification usually takes place by mail or phone, though HASJ may ask you to come in person.

If you do not recertify on time, HASJ can terminate your voucher or lease. If your income rises above the program limit, you will be given a grace period (usually 90 days) to find other housing, or your rent will increase to market rate. If you move to a new unit, you must notify HASJ and the new unit must pass inspection before you move in.

How to contact the Housing Authority of San Joaquin

HASJ's main office is located in Stockton. You can reach the agency by phone during business hours to ask about waiting list status, submit an process when the list is open, or report a maintenance issue. The website lists phone numbers for different departments: voucher programs, public housing, maintenance, and administrative offices.

If you have a maintenance emergency in a public housing unit — no heat in winter, no water, or a safety hazard — call the emergency maintenance line. For non-emergency repairs, submit a work order through the tenant portal or by calling during business hours. HASJ is required to respond to emergency repairs within 24 hours and non-emergency repairs within a reasonable timeframe, usually 14 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Wait times depend on how many vouchers HASJ has and how many people are on the list. In San Joaquin County, the wait has historically been several years, though this varies. Once you are offered a voucher, you have 120 days to find a unit. The inspection and lease signing usually take another 2 to 4 weeks.

Can I use my HASJ voucher to rent anywhere in California?

No. Your HASJ voucher is valid only in San Joaquin County and the cities within it. If you move out of the county, you must return the voucher. You can request a transfer to another housing authority in a different county, but that authority must have available vouchers and accept your transfer.

What happens if my landlord wants to evict me while I have a Section 8 voucher?

Your landlord must follow California eviction law and provide legal notice. HASJ does not prevent evictions, but you can contact the agency to report the situation. If you are evicted, you lose your voucher unless HASJ determines the eviction was not your fault. Some local legal aid organizations can help you defend against an eviction.

Do I have to stay in the same unit forever?

No. With a Section 8 voucher, you can move to a different unit as long as the new landlord accepts Section 8 and the unit passes inspection. With public housing, you can request a transfer to a different HASJ property, though availability is limited. You must notify HASJ before you move.

What if I think HASJ made a mistake in calculating my rent or recertifying my income?

You have the right to request a hearing before an independent hearing officer. Contact HASJ's administrative office to file a grievance or request a hearing. You can bring documents, witnesses, or a representative to the hearing. HASJ must provide you with written notice of the hearing date and your rights.