What the Sacramento Housing Authority does

The Sacramento Housing Authority (SHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs for low-income residents in Sacramento County. It administers public housing (apartments SHA owns and rents directly), Section 8 vouchers (subsidies you use at private landlords), and other information programs. SHA does not build or manage all affordable housing in the region — it runs specific programs with their own waiting lists, income limits, and process processes.

The agency is independent from the city and county governments, though it receives federal funding and must follow federal rules. If you are looking for affordable housing in Sacramento, SHA is one place to start, but it is not the only source. Other nonprofits, the city's planning department, and private developers also offer affordable units.

Key Takeaways

  • Sacramento Housing Authority runs public housing, Section 8 vouchers, and other programs — each with separate waiting lists and different income and may be able to access rules.
  • Most SHA programs have long waiting lists that may be closed to new applicants; you can call to ask whether a specific program is currently accepting names.
  • You must meet income limits based on household size, and SHA will verify your income, citizenship or immigration status, and rental history before approval.
  • SHA's office is located in downtown Sacramento, and you can reach them by phone or visit in person to ask about current openings and start the process.
  • If SHA programs are full or you do not meet the requirements, other local nonprofits and the city's affordable housing office may have different options.

Public housing through Sacramento Housing Authority

SHA owns and operates apartment complexes throughout Sacramento County. These are called public housing units, and SHA sets the rent based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income. You explore directly to SHA, and if approved, you sign a lease with the agency as your landlord.

Public housing has strict income limits. For a single person, the limit is usually around 50 percent of the area median income; for a family of four, it is higher. SHA will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, and proof of any other income. If you are unemployed, you may still be considered, but SHA will verify your situation.

Waiting lists for public housing are often closed. When they are open, SHA typically stops accepting applications after a set number of names are on the list. Call SHA directly to ask whether public housing applications are currently being taken.

Section 8 vouchers and how they work

A Section 8 voucher is a monthly subsidy that goes to your landlord. You find a rental property on the private market, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and SHA pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord. You pay the difference out of pocket, usually 30 percent of your income.

Section 8 gives you more choice than public housing — you can rent from any landlord willing to participate, anywhere in the SHA jurisdiction. The trade-off is that landlords are not required to accept vouchers, and some refuse. You will need to search for a unit yourself, negotiate with the landlord, and have SHA inspect the property before the voucher can be used.

The Section 8 waiting list in Sacramento is typically closed and very long. When it does open, thousands of people explore. If you are on the waiting list, SHA will contact you when a voucher becomes available, which can take months or years depending on the size of the list and how many vouchers SHA receives.

Income limits and who can explore

SHA programs are reserved for households earning below a certain income threshold. The exact limit depends on household size and the specific program. For example, public housing might have a limit of 50 percent of area median income, while some other programs may go up to 60 percent. These numbers change yearly and vary by program.

You will need to provide proof of income for all household members — recent pay stubs, tax returns, Social Security statements, or unemployment benefits letters. If you are self-employed, SHA will ask for tax returns and may request additional documentation. SHA also verifies citizenship or immigration status and checks your rental history and credit.

If your income is above the limit, you will not be able to use SHA programs. If your income is below the limit but you have evictions, criminal convictions, or other issues on your record, SHA may still deny you. Each program has its own rules about what disqualifies an applicant.

How to contact Sacramento Housing Authority

SHA's main office is located at 3545 Power Inn Drive, Sacramento, CA 95826. You can reach them by phone at (916) 263-1901. The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. You can call to ask about waiting list status, program requirements, and whether applications are currently being taken.

When you call or visit, have your household size, income range, and any special circumstances ready to discuss. SHA staff can tell you which programs might work for your situation and what documents you will need to bring if you decide to explore. If you do not speak English fluently, ask whether interpreters are available.

You can also visit the SHA website to find more information about programs and read process forms. However, the website may not have real-time information about waiting list status, so calling is the fastest way to find out whether a program is currently open.

What happens after you explore

Once you submit an process, SHA will review it to confirm you meet income and other basic requirements. This initial review can take several weeks. If you pass the initial screening, SHA will contact you to schedule an in-person interview and request additional documents like proof of income and references.

During the interview, SHA staff will ask about your housing history, income, household composition, and any criminal or eviction history. They will also explain the lease terms and your responsibilities as a tenant. If everything checks out, you will be approved and placed on an active list for a unit or voucher.

For public housing, SHA will notify you when a unit becomes available that matches your household size. For Section 8, you will be told you have a certain amount of time to find a rental property and have it approved before your voucher is issued. The timeline varies depending on the program and how many applicants are ahead of you.

Other housing resources in Sacramento

If SHA programs are full or you do not meet the requirements, other organizations offer affordable housing or rental information. The City of Sacramento's Office of Community Development manages some affordable housing programs. Sacramento Loaves & Fishes, Catholic Charities, and other nonprofits provide emergency shelter and transitional housing. The Sacramento County Department of Human information also runs programs for people experiencing homelessness.

You can also search for affordable units through the California Housing Finance Agency's website or contact a local housing counselor. Many nonprofits offer free counseling to help you understand your options and prepare your process for any program. A counselor can also help you understand your rights as a tenant and what to expect during the process process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Section 8 waiting list in Sacramento?

The waiting list is typically closed, and when it is open, it fills quickly. When it does open, thousands of people explore. SHA does not publish the exact length of the list, but you can call (916) 263-1901 to ask the current status and whether they are accepting new names.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher outside of Sacramento?

Section 8 vouchers are portable, meaning you can move to another housing authority's jurisdiction if you want to. However, you must request a transfer and the receiving housing authority must have vouchers available. Contact SHA to ask about the transfer process if you are planning to move.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

SHA considers eviction history but does not automatically deny you. The age of the eviction, the reason, and your circumstances since then all matter. Call SHA to discuss your specific situation before explore, so you know whether you have a reasonable chance of approval.

Do I have to be a Sacramento resident to explore?

You must live or work in Sacramento County to be served by SHA. Some programs may have additional residency requirements. Call SHA to confirm whether your situation meets their residency rules before you explore.

What if I cannot afford the rent even with a voucher?

If your portion of the rent is still too high, you may be able to request a lower-income unit or look for a cheaper rental. You can also contact local nonprofits about emergency rental information or other support programs that might help bridge the gap.