What the San Mateo County Housing Authority actually does

The San Mateo County Housing Authority is a public agency that runs two main programs: Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing units it owns directly. The Authority does not build or manage most rental housing in the county — it administers federal money that helps low-income households pay rent to private landlords or live in Authority-owned buildings. If you are looking for rental help, the Housing Authority is one place to contact, but it is not the only one, and its programs have long waiting lists.

The Authority's office is in Redwood City. You can reach them by phone, mail, or in person, but the fastest way to learn whether a program has an open waiting list is to call their main line and ask directly. Waiting lists close and reopen based on demand and funding, so the status changes throughout the year.

Key Takeaways

  • The San Mateo County Housing Authority runs Section 8 vouchers and owns public housing units, both funded by federal money and both with waiting lists that open and close.
  • Section 8 vouchers let you rent from a private landlord and pay a portion of rent while the voucher covers the rest, but you must meet income limits and pass a background check.
  • Public housing units are owned and managed by the Authority itself, and rent is based on your income, typically 30 percent of what you earn.
  • The Authority's waiting lists are often closed, so call to ask the current status before spending time on paperwork.
  • If the Housing Authority's programs are not available, contact your city's housing department or call 211 to learn about emergency rental information or other local programs.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers through San Mateo County Housing Authority

A Section 8 voucher is a federal subsidy that goes to your landlord. You find a rental unit on the private market, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and then the Housing Authority pays the landlord a portion of the rent while you pay the rest — usually 30 percent of your income. The voucher covers the difference, up to a limit set by the Authority for your area and unit size.

To be considered for a voucher, your household income must fall below 50 percent of the area median income for San Mateo County. The exact income limit depends on household size. You must also pass a background check and credit review, and you cannot have been evicted for non-payment in the past three years or have an active eviction case. Once you receive a voucher, you have a set amount of time — usually 60 to 120 days — to find a landlord who will accept it.

The waiting list for Section 8 vouchers in San Mateo County is often closed. When it opens, the Authority may accept applications for a limited time only. Call the Housing Authority directly to ask whether the list is currently open and, if so, what documents you need to submit.

Public housing units managed by San Mateo County Housing Authority

The Housing Authority owns and operates public housing buildings in several San Mateo County cities. These are rental units where rent is calculated as 30 percent of your household income, regardless of the market rent. Income limits explore — you must earn below 80 percent of the area median income — but the income ceiling is higher than for Section 8 vouchers.

Public housing waiting lists also open and close. When a list is open, you submit an process and the Authority places you on the list in the order applications were received. The wait time varies widely depending on the building and the number of people ahead of you. Some buildings have waits of several years; others may have shorter waits or occasional openings.

To explore for public housing, contact the Housing Authority and ask which buildings currently have open waiting lists. You will need to provide proof of income, identification, and rental history. The Authority will conduct a background check and may contact previous landlords.

How to contact San Mateo County Housing Authority

The Housing Authority's main office is located in Redwood City. You can reach them by phone to ask about current waiting list status, request an process, or ask questions about either program. You can also visit in person during business hours or mail a request to their office address.

Before you contact them, have ready: your household size, your approximate monthly income, and the city or cities where you want to live. This information helps them tell you quickly whether you might be within income limits and whether a waiting list is currently open.

If you are experiencing a housing crisis right now — such as an eviction notice or homelessness — the Housing Authority's programs will not help when ready because of waiting lists. In that case, contact your city's housing department or call 211 to learn about emergency rental information, rapid rehousing, or shelter services available in your area.

Income limits and what counts as income

Section 8 vouchers require household income below 50 percent of area median income. Public housing allows income up to 80 percent of area median income. For San Mateo County, these limits change yearly and vary by household size. The Housing Authority publishes current limits on its website or will tell you over the phone.

Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, disability benefits, unemployment benefits, child support, and alimony. It does not include one-time payments, tax refunds, or certain benefits like SNAP or Medicaid. The Authority will ask you to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters to verify income.

Background check and housing history requirements

Both Section 8 and public housing require a background check. The Authority looks for criminal convictions, evictions, and prior lease violations. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but certain convictions — particularly drug-related felonies or crimes of violence — may. An eviction for non-payment within the past three years typically disqualifies you from Section 8; public housing rules may differ.

The Authority will also contact previous landlords to verify that 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 other sources. If you were homeless or living with family, explain that in writing when you submit your process.

What happens after you are placed on a waiting list

Once your process is accepted and you are on the waiting list, the Housing Authority will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. For Section 8, this means you receive a voucher and have 60 to 120 days to find a landlord. For public housing, it means a specific unit is available and you are offered it.

You must respond to the Authority's offer within the timeframe they give you, usually a few days. If you do not respond, you may lose your place on the list. If you turn down an offer, you may be removed from the list or moved to the back, depending on the Authority's policy.

Once you move into a Section 8 unit or public housing, you must report any changes in household income or composition to the Housing Authority. Failure to report changes can result in overpayment of rent or loss of the voucher or unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for Section 8 or public housing in San Mateo County?

Wait times vary by program and building. Some Section 8 waiting lists have waits of several years; some public housing buildings may have shorter waits or may not have a waiting list at all if they have high turnover. Call the Housing Authority to ask about the specific program or building you are interested in.

Can I explore if I have a criminal record or past eviction?

A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but certain convictions may. An eviction for non-payment within the past three years typically bars you from Section 8; public housing rules may be different. Contact the Housing Authority and ask them to review your specific situation before you spend time on an process.

What if I cannot find a landlord who accepts Section 8?

The Housing Authority can sometimes help by contacting landlords or providing information about the program. Some landlords are unfamiliar with Section 8 and may refuse out of misunderstanding. The Authority may also extend your search period if you have made a good-faith effort to find a unit. Ask the Housing Authority what support they offer.

Do I have to live in San Mateo County to explore?

You must explore to the housing authority in the county where you want to live. If you want to move to San Mateo County, you explore to the San Mateo County Housing Authority. If you already have a Section 8 voucher from another county, you may be able to transfer it, but you must contact the San Mateo County Housing Authority to ask about portability rules.

What if the waiting list is closed?

Call the Housing Authority periodically to ask when the list will reopen, or ask to be notified when it does. In the meantime, contact your city's housing department or call 211 to learn about other rental information programs that may be available now.