What the Housing Authority of Santa Clara does

The Housing Authority of Santa Clara County (HACSC) is a public agency that runs housing programs for low-income residents across the county. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it administers vouchers that tenants use to rent from private landlords, manages public housing properties, and runs supportive housing programs for people experiencing homelessness.

HACSC is separate from your city government. It answers to a board of commissioners and receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the state, and the county. If you live in San Jose, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, or another city in Santa Clara County and need rental help, HACSC is the body that runs most of the programs you would contact.

Key Takeaways

  • HACSC administers Section 8 vouchers, public housing units, and supportive housing programs across Santa Clara County.
  • The Section 8 waiting list is typically closed and has thousands of names; you can only join when HACSC opens it, which happens infrequently.
  • HACSC's main office is in San Jose, but you can reach it by phone, mail, or in person to ask about current programs and waiting list status.
  • Income limits, rent contribution amounts, and program rules are set by HUD but HACSC enforces them locally, so details vary slightly by program.

Section 8 vouchers and the waiting list

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is HACSC's largest program. It gives tenants a voucher that covers part of their rent; the tenant pays the rest directly to the landlord. HACSC pays the landlord the difference. To get on the waiting list, you must live or work in Santa Clara County and meet income limits set by HUD based on household size.

The waiting list is almost always closed. HACSC opens it only when funding allows, and when it does, hundreds or thousands of people join in a short window. Once you are on the list, wait times typically run five to ten years or longer, depending on how many vouchers become available each year. You can call HACSC or check its website to find out whether the list is currently open.

If you are already on the waiting list, HACSC will contact you by mail when your name comes up. You must respond within the important date given — usually 10 to 14 days — or you lose your place. Once selected, you attend an orientation, find a landlord willing to accept the voucher, and HACSC inspects the unit before the voucher takes effect.

Public housing units HACSC owns and operates

HACSC owns and manages several hundred public housing units across the county. These are apartments and townhouses where HACSC is the landlord. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, with a minimum amount. To live in public housing, you must meet income limits and pass a background check.

Public housing has its own waiting list, separate from Section 8. Like the Section 8 list, it is usually closed. When it opens, you can request to be added. Wait times vary by property and by how many units turn over each year. HACSC prioritizes households experiencing homelessness and those with the lowest incomes.

Supportive housing and homeless programs

HACSC runs or partners with organizations to provide supportive housing — permanent housing plus on-site services like case management, mental health counseling, and job training. These programs target people who have been homeless or are at when ready risk. Supportive housing is not a waiting list you join; instead, outreach workers and shelter staff refer people directly.

If you are homeless or staying in a shelter, ask a case manager or shelter staff member whether you can be referred to a supportive housing program. HACSC also funds rapid rehousing, which provides short-term rental information and case management to help people move quickly from homelessness into permanent housing.

How to contact HACSC and what to bring

HACSC's main office is located in San Jose. You can reach it by phone during business hours to ask about waiting list status, program rules, or next steps. You can also visit in person or mail a written inquiry. Response times vary; phone calls are answered the same day or next business day, while mail may take one to two weeks.

Before you contact HACSC, gather documents you will likely need: proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of residency or employment in Santa Clara County, a photo ID, and information about anyone else in your household. If you are explore for a program, HACSC will give you a full list of required documents at that time.

Income limits and rent you will pay

Income limits for HACSC programs are set by HUD and based on the area median income for Santa Clara County. They vary by household size. A single person might have a limit around $50,000 to $55,000 annually, while a family of four might be around $80,000 to $90,000 — these figures change yearly and vary by program, so ask HACSC for the current limits that explore to you.

In Section 8, you pay 30 percent of your gross household income toward rent, with a minimum (usually $50 to $100 per month). HACSC pays the landlord the rest. In public housing, rent is also 30 percent of income. In supportive housing, rent varies by program but is typically affordable for very low-income households.

What happens after you are selected for a program

Once HACSC selects you for Section 8, you attend an orientation session where staff explain how the program works, your rights and responsibilities, and what happens next. You then have a set amount of time — usually 60 to 120 days — to find a rental unit. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and HACSC must inspect the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards before the voucher can be used.

If you cannot find a unit in time, you can ask for an extension. If you find a unit and it passes inspection, HACSC issues the voucher and begins paying the landlord. You pay your portion of rent directly to the landlord each month. HACSC recertifies your income annually to make sure you still meet program rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the Section 8 waiting list is open?

Call HACSC's main office or visit its website. The waiting list status is posted there and updated when it opens or closes. You can also ask to be added to a notification list so HACSC contacts you if the list opens in the future.

What if I am currently homeless — can I skip the waiting list?

Supportive housing and rapid rehousing programs prioritize people experiencing homelessness and do not use a waiting list. Ask a shelter case manager or outreach worker to refer you. For Section 8 and public housing, homelessness does not skip the waiting list, but it may move you higher on it when a list is open.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher outside Santa Clara County?

Section 8 vouchers can be used in other counties, but you must request a portability transfer from HACSC before you move. HACSC must approve the move and coordinate with the housing authority in the county where you are moving. The process takes several weeks.

What if my landlord refuses to accept the Section 8 voucher?

Landlords cannot legally refuse a Section 8 voucher based on the voucher itself, but they can refuse for other reasons — credit, criminal history, or income verification. If you believe you were refused because of the voucher, you can file a complaint with HACSC or HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.

How often does HACSC recertify my income?

HACSC recertifies income once per year. You will receive a notice in the mail with the date and instructions. You must provide updated pay stubs, tax returns, or an income letter. If your income changes significantly during the year, you can request an interim recertification.