What the San Francisco Housing Authority does

The San Francisco Housing Authority (SFHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs for low-income residents in San Francisco. It manages public housing, administers vouchers that help people rent from private landlords, and oversees supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness. The agency does not build or own most of the housing itself — it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits.

SFHA operates under federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which means the programs, income thresholds, and waiting lists follow national guidelines adapted for San Francisco's cost of living. The agency is run by a board of commissioners and a executive director, and it reports to both HUD and the City of San Francisco.

Key Takeaways

  • SFHA runs three main programs: public housing (apartments it owns), vouchers (payments to private landlords), and supportive housing for people transitioning from homelessness.
  • Waiting lists for SFHA programs are typically years long because demand far exceeds available units in San Francisco.
  • Income limits vary by program and family size, but generally cap out around 50 to 80 percent of the area median income.
  • You can contact SFHA directly by phone, mail, or through its website to learn which programs you may be able to join and how long the current wait is.

The three main SFHA programs

Public Housing means apartments that SFHA owns and rents directly to tenants. These are scattered throughout San Francisco and range from single-room occupancy buildings to family complexes. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, so it scales with what you earn. Public housing has the longest waiting lists — often 10 years or more — because the stock is limited and demand is high.

Housing Choice Vouchers (formerly called Section 8) are payments SFHA makes to private landlords on your behalf. You find an apartment on the private market, the landlord agrees to accept a voucher, and SFHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the difference out of pocket, usually 30 percent of your income. Voucher waiting lists are also years long, and SFHA periodically closes the list when it reaches capacity.

Supportive Housing combines affordable rent with services like case management, mental health counseling, or job training. These units are designed for people exiting homelessness or living with disabilities. Supportive housing is managed through partnerships with nonprofits, and SFHA funds the housing portion while partner agencies provide the services.

Income limits and who can join

SFHA programs are reserved for households earning below a certain threshold. The limit depends on the program and your family size. For example, public housing and vouchers typically serve households at or below 50 to 80 percent of the area median income (AMI). In San Francisco, where the median income is high, this still means relatively modest earnings — a single person might need to earn under $50,000 to $70,000 annually, though this varies by program.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, have no outstanding criminal convictions for drug manufacturing or distribution, and not owe money to SFHA or another housing authority. SFHA checks your rental history and may deny you if you have recent evictions or lease violations, though it considers the circumstances of each case.

Income limits are recalculated yearly and published on the SFHA website. If you are unsure whether your household income qualifies, contact SFHA directly — staff can tell you based on your family size and current earnings.

How waiting lists work

When you join a waiting list, SFHA assigns you a date based on when your process was received. As units become available, SFHA works through the list in order, though some applicants are prioritized — for example, people with disabilities, veterans, or those experiencing homelessness may move up. The wait time varies dramatically by program and changes as units turn over.

Public housing waiting lists in San Francisco typically run 10 to 15 years. Voucher lists are sometimes closed entirely because SFHA has reached the number of vouchers it can fund. When a list is closed, you cannot join until SFHA reopens it, which happens irregularly depending on funding and turnover.

While you wait, your process remains active as long as you respond to SFHA's periodic requests for updated information. If you move, change your phone number, or your income changes significantly, you must notify SFHA. Failure to respond to mail or phone calls can result in removal from the list.

How to contact SFHA and get on a waiting list

The San Francisco Housing Authority's main office is located at 1815 Egbert Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94124. You can reach them by phone at (415) 715-3000 during business hours. The agency also has a website where you can find current waiting list status, income limits, and process forms.

To join a waiting list, you typically fill out an process form and provide proof of income, residency, and citizenship or immigration status. Some programs accept applications online; others require you to explore in person or by mail. SFHA will tell you the current wait time and whether the list is open when you contact them.

If you need help understanding which program fits your situation, SFHA staff can walk you through the options. You can also contact the San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) or local nonprofits like the Housing Rights Committee for guidance on SFHA programs and alternatives.

What happens after you are selected from the waiting list

When SFHA reaches your name on the waiting list, staff will contact you to schedule an appointment. At that appointment, you will complete a formal process, provide detailed financial and personal information, and sign a lease or housing information agreement. SFHA will verify your income, check your rental history, and conduct a background check.

If you are approved, SFHA will assign you a unit (for public housing) or issue you a voucher (for the voucher program). For public housing, you move into an SFHA-owned apartment and pay 30 percent of your income as rent. For vouchers, you have a set time — usually 60 to 120 days — to find a private apartment that accepts the voucher, and SFHA will inspect it before you move in.

Once you are housed, you must recertify your income annually. If your income rises above the program limit, you may be asked to leave or transition to market-rate rent. If your income drops, your rent payment adjusts downward.

Alternatives if SFHA waiting lists are closed or too long

Because SFHA waiting lists are often years long or closed, other options exist. The San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing runs its own programs and can refer you to supportive housing or rapid rehousing if you are experiencing homelessness. Nonprofits like the Mission Housing Development Corporation and Community Housing Partnership manage affordable apartments and may have shorter waiting lists than SFHA.

The City of San Francisco also funds inclusionary housing, which requires new apartment buildings to include units for low-income residents. Some of these units are rented through lottery systems rather than waiting lists. Additionally, some employers and unions offer housing information or partnerships with affordable housing providers.

If you are a senior or person with a disability, you may may have access to for programs outside SFHA, such as those run by the Department of Aging and Adult Services or disability-specific nonprofits. Contacting 211 (dial 2-1-1 from any phone) connects you to a counselor who can describe all available programs in San Francisco based on your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for SFHA public housing?

Public housing waiting lists in San Francisco typically run 10 to 15 years, though the exact wait depends on how many units become available and your priority status. SFHA can tell you the current average wait time when you call or visit their office.

Can I be on multiple SFHA waiting lists at the same time?

Yes, you can join the waiting list for public housing and the voucher program simultaneously. Each list is separate, and you will be selected from whichever list reaches your process first. Some people join both to increase their chances.

What if my income increases after I move into SFHA housing?

SFHA recertifies your income every year. If your income rises above the program limit, you will be notified and given time to transition out or move to market-rate rent. The exact timeline depends on your lease and SFHA policy, but you will not be evicted when ready.

Do I need a Social Security number to explore for SFHA housing?

SFHA requires proof of citizenship or may be able to access immigration status, which usually means a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have either, contact SFHA to discuss your options — some programs have flexibility for people with certain immigration statuses.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

SFHA considers evictions case-by-case and does not automatically deny you. If the eviction was years ago or resulted from circumstances beyond your control, you may still be approved. Bring documentation explaining what happened when you explore, and be honest about your rental history.