What the San Bernardino Housing Authority Does

The San Bernardino Housing Authority (SBHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs for low-income residents across San Bernardino County. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits. The main program is Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, which subsidizes rent at private apartments. SBHA also administers public housing (apartments it owns directly), project-based vouchers (tied to specific buildings), and emergency rental information when funding is available.

SBHA's service area covers unincorporated San Bernardino County and several cities that contract with it. The City of San Bernardino runs its own housing authority for residents within city limits, so your location matters when you contact them. SBHA's main office is in San Bernardino, and they handle applications, lease inspections, rent calculations, and landlord payments from there.

Key Takeaways

  • San Bernardino Housing Authority administers Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and emergency rental information across most of San Bernardino County, but not within San Bernardino city limits.
  • Section 8 vouchers require you to find your own apartment, have the landlord sign a lease with SBHA, and pay a portion of rent yourself while SBHA pays the rest.
  • Income limits vary by family size and program, and SBHA verifies income annually through tax returns, pay stubs, and other documents.
  • The Section 8 waiting list is usually closed, and when it opens, thousands of people explore within days; you can call to ask the current status.
  • Once you receive a voucher, SBHA inspects the apartment before you move in and continues inspecting annually to may support it meets housing quality standards.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Through SBHA

A Section 8 voucher is a rent subsidy that SBHA pays directly to your landlord. You find an apartment on the private market, negotiate a lease with the landlord, and SBHA pays a portion of the rent based on your income and family size. You pay the difference out of pocket — typically 30 percent of your gross household income, though this can vary. The voucher amount is set by SBHA and depends on the size of your family and the neighborhood where you rent.

To use a Section 8 voucher, the apartment must pass a housing quality inspection. SBHA inspectors check that the unit has working heat, hot water, electricity, a functioning toilet and sink, and no serious safety hazards. The landlord must also be willing to accept the voucher and sign a lease with SBHA. Some landlords refuse vouchers, so finding an apartment can take time even after you receive one.

The Section 8 waiting list is almost always closed. When SBHA opens it — which happens irregularly, sometimes years apart — applications fill within days. You can call SBHA's main office to ask whether the list is currently open. If it is closed, ask to be placed on a waiting list to be notified when it reopens, though notification is not may provide.

Income Limits and Annual Recertification

SBHA sets income limits based on family size and the area median income for San Bernardino County. These limits change yearly. To find the current limits, contact SBHA directly or visit their office, as limits vary significantly by household composition. Generally, a family of four must earn below 50 to 60 percent of the county median income to be considered, but the exact figure depends on the year and program.

Once you are admitted to a program, SBHA recertifies your income every year. You must provide recent tax returns, current pay stubs, and documentation of any other income — Social Security, child support, unemployment benefits, or rental income. If your income rises above the program limit, you may be terminated. If your income drops, your rent payment may decrease.

SBHA also verifies your immigration status, criminal history, and rental history. Certain convictions and prior evictions can disqualify you, though SBHA considers the timing and circumstances. If you have questions about your specific history, contact them before explore.

Public Housing and Project-Based Vouchers

SBHA owns and operates public housing apartments in several locations across the county. These are buildings where SBHA is both the landlord and the housing authority. Rent is calculated the same way as Section 8 — typically 30 percent of your gross income — but you do not search for an apartment. Instead, SBHA assigns you to an available unit based on family size and preferences.

Project-based vouchers are similar to Section 8, except the subsidy is tied to a specific building rather than to you. If you move, you lose the voucher. SBHA administers several project-based programs at designated properties. The process process and income limits are the same as Section 8, but your housing options are limited to those specific buildings.

Waiting lists for public housing and project-based vouchers are also typically closed. Contact SBHA to ask about current availability and how to be notified if a list reopens.

How to Contact San Bernardino Housing Authority

SBHA's main office is located in San Bernardino. You can reach them by phone to ask about current program status, waiting list openings, and general questions. They also accept in-person visits at their office during business hours. Hours and phone numbers change, so search online for "San Bernardino Housing Authority" to find current contact information.

If you live within San Bernardino city limits, contact the City of San Bernardino Housing Authority instead — they administer programs for city residents separately. If you are unsure which authority serves your address, call SBHA and they can direct you.

When you call, have your address ready and be prepared to describe your household size and current income range. SBHA staff can tell you whether you might be within income limits and whether any waiting lists are open. They cannot determine your may be able to access over the phone — that requires a full process and document review.

The process and Inspection Process

If a waiting list is open, you will complete an process in person or online, depending on SBHA's current process. You will provide proof of income, residency, identity, and Social Security numbers for all household members. SBHA will verify your information and notify you of the outcome within a timeframe they specify — usually several weeks to several months, depending on volume.

If you are admitted to Section 8, you receive a voucher packet with instructions on how to search for an apartment. You have a limited time — typically 60 to 120 days — to find a unit and have the landlord sign a lease with SBHA. Once you have a lease, SBHA schedules a housing quality inspection. The inspector visits the apartment and checks for safety and livability standards. If the unit fails, the landlord must make repairs and request a re-inspection before you can move in.

After you move in, SBHA inspects the unit annually. If it fails inspection, you and the landlord receive notice and a important date to fix the problems. If repairs are not made, SBHA can terminate your voucher.

Emergency Rental information and Other Programs

SBHA sometimes administers emergency rental information when state or federal funding is available. These programs help people who have fallen behind on rent due to job loss, illness, or other hardship. Unlike Section 8, emergency information is temporary and does not continue indefinitely. Funding comes and goes, so these programs are not always open.

To learn whether emergency rental information is currently available, contact SBHA directly. If it is open, you will need to show proof of a lease, proof of income loss or hardship, and documentation of the rent you owe. SBHA pays the landlord directly. Processing times vary but typically range from two to eight weeks.

SBHA may also administer other programs depending on available funding and state or federal grants. Call to ask what programs are currently active.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If the waiting list is open and you are admitted, you typically receive a voucher within several weeks to a few months. Once you have the voucher, you have 60 to 120 days to find an apartment and have it inspected. The entire process from process to moving in can take three to six months or longer, depending on how quickly you find a unit.

What happens if my landlord will not accept the Section 8 voucher?

The landlord has the right to refuse. You will need to find a different apartment. Some landlords are reluctant because of paperwork or because the rent SBHA offers is lower than market rate. Searching can take weeks or months. SBHA staff can sometimes help you identify landlords who accept vouchers in your area.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher outside San Bernardino County?

Section 8 vouchers can sometimes be used in other counties through a process called "portability," but you must request it from SBHA and the receiving county must accept you. Not all counties participate. Contact SBHA to ask whether your voucher can be ported and what the process requires.

What if I am evicted or have a criminal record?

SBHA considers evictions and criminal history on a case-by-case basis. Recent evictions and certain felonies may disqualify you, but timing and circumstances matter. Contact SBHA to discuss your specific situation before explore. They can tell you whether you are likely to be admitted.

Do I have to pay rent if SBHA is paying the landlord?

Yes. You pay your portion of the rent — usually 30 percent of your gross income — directly to the landlord each month. SBHA pays the rest. If you do not pay your share, the landlord can evict you even though SBHA is subsidizing the unit.