What the Marin Housing Authority does

The Marin Housing Authority (MHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs across Marin County, including San Rafael. It administers Section 8 vouchers, manages public housing properties, and oversees affordable housing development. The Authority answers to a board of commissioners and operates independently from the city government, though it works with San Rafael and other municipalities on local housing needs.

The MHA's main job is connecting low-income households to affordable rental units. It does this through voucher programs that subsidize rent at private landlords, and through direct management of public housing complexes. The Authority also partners with nonprofits and developers to create new affordable units in the county.

Key Takeaways

  • The Marin Housing Authority runs Section 8 vouchers and public housing in San Rafael and across Marin County, separate from city government.
  • Section 8 vouchers cover part of your rent at a private landlord's property, and the waiting list is typically closed or has a multi-year wait.
  • Public housing units managed by MHA rent at lower rates but have their own waiting lists and income limits.
  • You can contact MHA directly by phone or mail to ask about current program status and what documents you will need.

Section 8 vouchers and the waiting list

The Section 8 program is the largest housing subsidy in the United States. When you hold a voucher, the Authority pays a portion of your rent directly to your landlord, and you pay the rest. The amount the Authority covers depends on your household income and the local rent standard — it is not a fixed dollar amount.

The Marin Housing Authority's Section 8 waiting list is typically closed. When it opens, it fills quickly and then closes again. You can call the Authority to ask whether the list is currently open and, if so, what documents you need to submit. If the list is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen — the Authority does not always have a firm date, but staff can tell you whether reopening is planned for the coming year.

If you are on the waiting list, the wait time varies. In Marin County, waits have historically been several years long. The Authority prioritizes households based on criteria set in its admissions policy — for example, some programs give priority to people experiencing homelessness or those with disabilities.

Public housing managed by the Authority

The Marin Housing Authority owns and operates public housing complexes in San Rafael and other parts of the county. These are apartment buildings where rent is set based on your income, typically at 30 percent of what your household earns. Public housing is separate from Section 8 — you explore to each program independently.

Public housing also has waiting lists, and these can be closed or open depending on the specific property. Income limits explore: your household must earn below a certain threshold to be considered. The Authority can tell you which properties have openings and what the current wait time is for each one.

How to contact the Marin Housing Authority

The main office is located in San Rafael. You can reach the Authority by phone during business hours to ask about program status, waiting list openings, and what documents you need. You can also visit in person or send mail to their office address.

When you call, have your household size and current income information ready. Staff can tell you whether you may be within income limits for a program and what the next step is. If the waiting list is closed, ask to be notified when it reopens — some programs allow you to request notification by mail or email.

The Authority's website lists contact information and may have updates about program status. You can also contact the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services, which coordinates with the Housing Authority on affordable housing matters.

Income limits and household size

Both Section 8 and public housing have income limits based on the area median income for Marin County. These limits change annually. A household of one person has a different limit than a household of four, and the limits are higher for larger families.

When you contact the Authority, ask what the current income limit is for your household size. If your income is above the limit, you will not be able to enter the program. If you are below it, you may be considered, though being under the limit does not may provide placement — waiting lists and availability also matter.

What documents you will need

To explore for either Section 8 or public housing, you will need to prove your identity, household composition, and income. Typical documents include a government-issued ID, proof of residency, recent pay stubs or tax returns, and a Social Security number for each household member. If you receive benefits, you may need documentation from the benefit program.

The Authority will give you a complete list of required documents when you contact them or when you pick up an process. Having these documents ready before you explore speeds up the process. If you are missing something, ask whether the Authority will accept an alternative — for example, a letter from an employer if you do not have recent pay stubs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher once I am on the waiting list?

Wait times in Marin County have historically been several years. The exact time depends on how many people are ahead of you on the list and how many vouchers become available each year. The Authority can give you a rough estimate based on current list size, though the actual wait may be longer or shorter.

Can I explore for both Section 8 and public housing at the same time?

Yes. The two programs are separate, and explore to one does not affect your chances in the other. You can be on both waiting lists simultaneously. Some people receive a public housing placement while waiting for a Section 8 voucher, or vice versa.

What if my income goes up after I receive a voucher?

Your rent contribution will increase, but you will not lose the voucher when ready. Section 8 programs have rules about how income changes affect your subsidy. Contact the Authority to report the change — they will recalculate your portion of the rent based on your new income.

Does the Marin Housing Authority help with emergency rent or eviction prevention?

The Authority's main programs are Section 8 and public housing. For emergency rental information or eviction prevention, contact Marin County's Department of Health and Human Services or call 211 Marin. These services are separate from the Housing Authority but may be available in your area.

What if I have a disability or am experiencing homelessness?

Some MHA programs prioritize people with disabilities or those experiencing homelessness. When you contact the Authority, mention your situation — they can tell you whether you may have access to for priority consideration and what documentation you need to provide.