What Sacramento Housing Authority Does

Sacramento Housing Authority (SHA) is the public agency that runs housing information programs in Sacramento County. It administers Section 8 vouchers, public housing units, and other federal programs funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). SHA does not build or own most of the housing — it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits, and it manages waiting lists for public housing.

SHA's main job is to process applications, verify income and household composition, issue vouchers or assign public housing units, and handle the paperwork between you and your landlord. It is a local government office, not a nonprofit, and it operates under federal rules that explore to every housing authority in the country.

Key Takeaways

  • Sacramento Housing Authority runs Section 8 vouchers and public housing; you explore directly to SHA, not to individual landlords.
  • Section 8 waiting lists in Sacramento are typically closed or have years-long waits, so check SHA's website to see if applications are being taken.
  • You must provide proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, Social Security numbers for all household members, and a signed lease or landlord contact information.
  • SHA verifies your information with employers, the IRS, and other agencies before issuing a voucher or lease, a process that usually takes 30 to 90 days.
  • Once you have a voucher, you find your own rental unit and the landlord must agree to accept Section 8 before SHA will sign the lease addendum.

Section 8 Vouchers: How the Waiting List Works

Section 8 is a federal rent subsidy program. SHA gives you a voucher that covers part of your rent (usually 30 percent of your income, with SHA paying the rest up to a limit). You then find a rental unit on the private market, and the landlord agrees to accept the voucher. SHA pays the landlord directly each month.

Sacramento's Section 8 waiting list has been closed for years. SHA opens it only when federal funding allows and demand drops enough that the list becomes manageable. You can check SHA's website or call their main office to learn whether applications are being taken. If the list is closed, you can ask to be notified when it reopens, though there is no may provide of when that will happen.

When the list is open, SHA typically processes applications in the order they arrive. Preferences are given to people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, and families with children in some cases, depending on federal guidance that year. Once you are on the waiting list, your position does not change unless you withdraw or become ineligible.

Public Housing Units Managed by SHA

SHA owns and operates public housing apartments throughout Sacramento County. These are units where SHA is the landlord. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, and SHA covers the rest of the operating costs through federal funding. Public housing waiting lists are also typically long, and you explore through SHA's office.

Public housing has the same income limits as Section 8, but the process process is separate. You fill out a public housing process, SHA verifies your information, and you are placed on a waiting list. When a unit becomes available in a location that matches your household size, SHA contacts you. You then have a set number of days to accept or decline the unit.

Public housing units are scattered throughout Sacramento County, so you do not get to choose the location. If you decline a unit, you stay on the list but may move down in priority depending on SHA's policy.

Income Limits and Who Can explore

To be considered for Section 8 or public housing through SHA, your household income must be at or below 50 percent of the area median income (AMI). For Sacramento County, this limit changes each year. In 2024, the limit for a family of four was approximately $52,000 per year, but this figure varies by household size and is updated annually by HUD.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have a valid immigration status recognized by HUD. SHA will ask for proof of citizenship or legal residency for every household member. If any household member lacks legal status, the entire household is ineligible, though there are limited exceptions for mixed-status families in some programs.

You cannot have been evicted for drug-related activity in the past three years, and you cannot have a criminal history that SHA determines makes you ineligible. SHA reviews each case individually, so a past conviction does not automatically disqualify you, but SHA will investigate.

Documents You Need to Bring

SHA requires specific documents at the time you explore. Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies are usually not accepted. You will need a photo ID for the applicant, Social Security cards or numbers for all household members, proof of income for the past 30 days (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and proof of residency (a utility bill or lease in your name).

If you are unemployed, bring documentation of job searches, unemployment benefits statements, or a letter from a social services agency. If you receive benefits (SSDI, SSI, CalFresh, CalWORKs), bring the award letter or benefit statement. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns for the past two years and a profit-and-loss statement.

You will also need to provide information about any landlord you have rented from in the past three years. SHA contacts them to verify you paid rent on time and did not damage the unit. If you have no rental history, you may be asked to provide references from employers or community members instead.

The Verification Process and Timeline

After you submit your process, SHA sends verification requests to your employer, the IRS, and any previous landlords. This process typically takes 30 to 90 days, depending on how quickly those agencies respond. During this time, SHA may contact you to ask follow-up questions or request additional documents.

If you are selected for a Section 8 voucher, SHA will schedule an orientation appointment where staff explain how the program works, what your rent will be, and how to search for housing. You receive a voucher that is valid for a set period (usually 60 to 120 days). During that time, you find a rental unit, the landlord agrees to accept Section 8, and SHA inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards.

Once the unit passes inspection and the lease is signed, SHA issues a lease addendum and begins paying the landlord. If you do not find a unit before your voucher expires, you can request an extension, but SHA may deny it if you have not made a good-faith effort to search.

How to Contact Sacramento Housing Authority

SHA's main office is located in Sacramento and handles all applications and inquiries. You can visit in person, call their main line, or check their website for current information about waiting list status, income limits, and required documents. Hours and phone numbers change, so visiting SHA's official website is the most reliable way to get current contact information.

If you are on a waiting list and need to update your address or household information, contact SHA in writing or by phone. Do not assume they have your current information; changes must be reported by you. If SHA cannot reach you when a unit or voucher becomes available, they may remove you from the list.

SHA also has a fair housing office that handles complaints about discrimination. If you believe you were treated unfairly because of your race, color, national origin, disability, family status, or sex, you can file a complaint with SHA's fair housing coordinator.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for Section 8 in Sacramento?

The waiting list is typically closed. When it is open, wait times can range from several years to indefinitely, depending on funding and demand. Check SHA's website or call to see if the list is currently accepting applications. Some people wait five to ten years or longer before receiving a voucher.

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

You can port your voucher to another housing authority if you move, but you must request a transfer through SHA first. The receiving housing authority must have funding available to accept your voucher. Not all housing authorities accept transfers, so contact the authority in the county where you plan to move before you relocate.

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

The landlord has the right to decline Section 8, though some cities have local laws that limit this. If a landlord refuses, you can file a fair housing complaint with SHA if you believe the refusal was based on discrimination. Otherwise, you must continue searching for a landlord who will accept the voucher.

Do I have to pay rent if SHA is paying part of it?

Yes. You pay your portion of the rent (usually 30 percent of your income) directly to the landlord each month. SHA pays their portion directly to the landlord as well. If you do not pay your share, the landlord can evict you even though SHA is paying part of the rent.

What if my income increases after I receive a voucher?

SHA recertifies your income every year. If your income increases, your rent share will increase, but you will not lose your voucher. If your income exceeds the program limit by a certain amount (usually 120 percent of AMI), SHA may terminate your voucher, though you will receive notice and a chance to request a hearing.