What the Sacramento Housing Authority does

The Sacramento Housing Authority (SHA) is a public agency that runs affordable housing programs in Sacramento County. It administers Section 8 vouchers, manages public housing properties, and runs other affordable rental programs. SHA does not build or own most of the housing — landlords do — but SHA pays part of the rent on behalf of tenants who meet income limits, and it inspects properties to make sure they meet housing standards.

SHA serves people whose income falls below a certain threshold, which changes each year based on the area median income. The agency is separate from the City of Sacramento and the County, though it works with both. If you live in an unincorporated area of Sacramento County, SHA is your local housing authority. If you live in the City of Sacramento proper, you may also work with SHA, but some City programs run separately.

Key Takeaways

  • The Sacramento Housing Authority runs Section 8 vouchers and public housing, and it sets income limits based on area median income that change yearly.
  • SHA's main office is located in Sacramento, and you can reach them by phone, mail, or in person to ask about current programs and waitlist status.
  • Section 8 vouchers usually have long waitlists — sometimes years — and SHA opens the list only when funding allows, which is not on a fixed schedule.
  • SHA inspects rental units before a voucher holder can move in, and landlords must agree to SHA's lease terms and rent limits to participate.
  • If you have a dispute with SHA over a voucher denial or termination, you have the right to request a hearing before an independent officer.

How to contact the Sacramento Housing Authority

SHA's main office is at 3545 Power Inn Drive, Sacramento, CA 95826. You can call them at (916) 263-1901 during business hours. The agency also has a website where you can find forms, program information, and updates on waitlist openings.

If you need to speak with someone about a specific program — Section 8, public housing, or other affordable rental options — ask for the program coordinator when you call. Response times vary depending on how busy the office is. If you are trying to find out whether the Section 8 waitlist is open, calling is usually faster than waiting for a website update, because staff can tell you when ready whether applications are being taken.

Section 8 vouchers and how the waitlist works

A Section 8 voucher is a federal subsidy that pays a portion of your rent directly to your landlord. SHA holds the voucher on your behalf, and you use it to rent from any landlord who agrees to participate. The amount SHA pays depends on your income and the local rent standard — you pay the difference between SHA's payment and the actual rent.

The Section 8 waitlist in Sacramento County is usually closed. SHA opens it only when federal funding allows and the agency has capacity to process new applications. When the list is open, applications are taken for a limited time — sometimes a few weeks — and then it closes again. Waitlist openings are not on a predictable schedule. You can call SHA or check their website to find out whether applications are currently being taken.

If you are on the waitlist, SHA will contact you when your number comes up. This can take months or years depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many vouchers become available. SHA will ask you to confirm you still want the voucher and that your income still meets the limit. If you do not respond when SHA contacts you, you may be removed from the list.

Public housing managed by SHA

SHA owns and operates public housing properties throughout Sacramento County. These are apartment buildings or complexes where SHA is the landlord. Rent is based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income — rather than market rate. Public housing has its own waitlist, separate from Section 8.

Public housing waitlists are also usually closed, and they open only when units become available and SHA has funding to process new applications. The process process is similar to Section 8: you provide income documentation, and SHA verifies that you meet income limits. Once you are approved and move into a public housing unit, SHA remains your landlord and handles maintenance, repairs, and lease enforcement.

Income limits and how SHA determines who can participate

SHA sets income limits based on the area median income (AMI) for Sacramento County. Most programs serve households at or below 50 to 60 percent of AMI, though some programs have different thresholds. These limits change every year, usually in April, when HUD releases new income figures. A family of four might have a limit of around $50,000 to $65,000 annually, but the exact number depends on the year and the specific program.

When you explore, SHA will ask for proof of income: recent pay stubs, tax returns, a letter from your employer, or proof of benefits if you receive unemployment or Social Security. If your income is above the limit, you will not be able to participate. If your income changes after you are approved, you must report it to SHA. If you earn more than the limit, your voucher or public housing lease may be terminated.

Property inspections and landlord requirements

Before SHA will issue a voucher for a rental unit, an inspector visits the property and checks that it meets housing quality standards. The unit must have working plumbing, heat, electricity, and a safe structure. The landlord must agree to SHA's lease terms, which include rent limits and rules about what SHA will and will not pay for. Not all landlords participate in Section 8 or public housing programs, so finding a participating landlord can take time.

If you already have a rental unit in mind, you can ask the landlord whether they participate in SHA programs. If they do not, SHA can sometimes negotiate with them, but the landlord has the final say. SHA also conducts annual inspections of units where voucher holders live, and if the unit fails inspection, the landlord must make repairs before SHA continues paying rent.

What to do if SHA denies your process or terminates your voucher

If SHA denies your process or terminates your voucher or public housing lease, the agency must give you a written reason. Common reasons include income above the limit, failure to provide required documents, or lease violations. SHA will also tell you that you have the right to request a hearing.

A hearing is conducted by an independent officer — not someone from SHA — who reviews the agency's decision. You can present documents, testimony, and witnesses. You do not need a lawyer, though you can bring one. The hearing officer will issue a written decision. If you disagree with that decision, you may have the right to appeal to a higher authority, depending on the reason for the denial or termination. Ask SHA for the hearing request form and the important date — you usually have a limited time to request one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher from SHA?

There is no set timeline because it depends on how many people are on the waitlist ahead of you and how many vouchers become available. Some people wait months; others wait years. SHA will contact you when your number comes up. If the waitlist is currently closed, you cannot know when it will open again.

Can I use my SHA voucher at any rental property?

No. The landlord must agree to participate in SHA's Section 8 program, and the unit must pass SHA's housing inspection. Not all landlords participate. You can ask a landlord directly, or SHA can help you search for participating properties.

What happens if my income increases while I have a voucher?

You must report the income change to SHA. If your income exceeds the program limit, SHA may terminate your voucher. Some programs allow a brief period of higher income before termination, but you should report it when ready rather than waiting.

Can I request a hearing if SHA says I do not meet the income limit?

Yes. You have the right to request a hearing before an independent officer. Bring documentation of your actual income — pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements — and explain any circumstances SHA may have missed. The hearing officer will review the evidence and issue a decision.

Does SHA help with emergency rent if I am behind on payments?

SHA does not run an emergency rental information program. However, Sacramento County and the City of Sacramento may have separate emergency funds. Call SHA and ask whether they know of current emergency rental programs in your area, or contact your local 211 service for referrals.