What the San Diego Housing Authority does

The San Diego Housing Authority (SDHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and rental information programs across San Diego County. It does not build or own most of the housing it manages — instead, it pays landlords to rent units to low-income households, and it maintains public housing complexes that it owns directly. The agency is independent from the city and county governments, though it receives federal funding and answers to a board of commissioners.

SDHA's main programs are Section 8 vouchers (which subsidize rent in privately owned buildings), public housing (units SDHA owns), and project-based vouchers (subsidies tied to specific buildings rather than to you as a person). The waiting lists for all three are long, and the agency does not currently accept new applications for most programs. If you are already on a list, SDHA will contact you when a unit becomes available.

Key Takeaways

  • SDHA runs Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and project-based vouchers, but is not currently accepting new applications for most programs.
  • If you are already on a waiting list, SDHA will reach out to you by phone or mail when your name comes up — you do not need to call and check.
  • You can contact SDHA to confirm whether you are on a list, update your contact information, or ask about reopening dates for closed programs.
  • SDHA's main office is in downtown San Diego, but you can handle most business by phone or mail without visiting in person.
  • If you need housing help right now and cannot wait for a voucher, local nonprofits and the 211 hotline can point you toward emergency rental information or rapid rehousing programs.

How to reach SDHA and confirm your status

The San Diego Housing Authority's main office is located at 1122 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101. You can call them at (619) 578-7500 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). The phone lines are often busy, especially early in the week, so calling mid-week or mid-morning may get you through faster.

When you call, have your name, date of birth, and any process or reference number ready. Staff can tell you whether you are on a waiting list, how long the list is for your program, and whether the program is currently accepting new applications. They can also update your phone number or mailing address if you have moved since you applied.

SDHA does not have a reliable online portal where you can check your status yourself, so a phone call is the most direct way to get current information. Email inquiries are slower and may take weeks to answer.

Section 8 vouchers and how they work

A Section 8 voucher is a monthly subsidy that SDHA pays directly to your landlord. The amount depends on the size of the unit and the neighborhood, but typically covers 70 to 90 percent of the rent. You pay the difference out of pocket, usually 30 percent of your household income or the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent, whichever is less.

Once you receive a voucher, you have a limited time (usually 120 days) to find a landlord who will accept it. Not all landlords participate — some refuse Section 8 tenants, and others require higher credit scores or income thresholds. You search on your own; SDHA does not find units for you. After you and the landlord agree on a lease, SDHA inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards, and then the subsidy begins.

The waiting list for Section 8 in San Diego County is currently closed to new applications. SDHA opens the list periodically, usually for a few weeks, and then closes it again when the list reaches a certain size. You can call to ask when the list might reopen, but there is no set schedule.

Public housing and project-based vouchers

SDHA owns and operates public housing complexes throughout San Diego County. These are apartment buildings where SDHA is both the owner and the landlord. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, with no additional out-of-pocket cost beyond that percentage. The units are inspected regularly, and maintenance is SDHA's responsibility.

Project-based vouchers are similar to Section 8, except the subsidy is attached to a specific building rather than to you. If you move out, you lose the voucher — you cannot take it to a different landlord. Both public housing and project-based vouchers have long waiting lists that are currently closed.

What to do if you need housing now

If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness and cannot wait for SDHA's waiting list to move, other programs may help faster. The San Diego Regional Task Force on the Homeless maintains a list of emergency shelters, transitional housing, and rapid rehousing programs. You can also call 211 (dial 2-1-1 from any phone) to reach the San Diego County Information and Referral Service, which can direct you to emergency rental information, shelter beds, or nonprofits that help with deposits and first month's rent.

Some nonprofits, like the Jewish Family Service of San Diego and the San Diego Housing Commission (a separate agency from SDHA), run their own rental information and rapid rehousing programs. These programs often have shorter waiting lists and can move faster than SDHA's voucher programs. The tradeoff is that they may have stricter income limits or other requirements.

How waiting lists work and what happens when your name comes up

SDHA maintains separate waiting lists for each program (Section 8, public housing, project-based vouchers). When you are added to a list, your position depends on the date you applied and, in some cases, on preferences such as homelessness, disability, or living in a particular neighborhood. The list does not move in strict order — SDHA may prioritize certain groups or fill units in a particular area before moving to the next person on the general list.

When a unit becomes available and your name reaches the top of the relevant list, SDHA will contact you by phone or mail. You will have a important date (usually 10 to 14 days) to respond and confirm your interest. If you do not respond by the important date, SDHA will move to the next person on the list. After you respond, SDHA will schedule an appointment to verify your income, household size, and other details before the voucher or lease is issued.

Waiting times vary widely. For Section 8 in some parts of San Diego County, the wait can be several years. For public housing, it may be shorter in some neighborhoods and much longer in others. SDHA can give you a rough estimate when you call, but cannot predict exactly when your turn will come.

Income limits and who can use SDHA programs

To use SDHA programs, your household income must be at or below 80 percent of the area median income (AMI) for San Diego County. For a single person, that is roughly $60,000 to $65,000 per year, depending on the current year and the specific program. For a family of four, it is roughly $85,000 to $95,000. These numbers change annually, so call SDHA to confirm the current limits for your household size.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. SDHA will ask for proof of identity, Social Security number, and immigration documents. If you have a criminal history, SDHA may deny you based on the nature and timing of the offense, though not all convictions automatically disqualify you. If you have been evicted in the past, SDHA may still consider you, but the circumstances matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I am on an SDHA waiting list?

Call SDHA at (619) 578-7500 with your name and date of birth. Staff will tell you which lists you are on, your approximate position, and how long the list is. If you applied years ago and have not heard anything, it is worth calling to confirm you are still on the list and that your contact information is current.

What if I move and do not update my address with SDHA?

SDHA will try to reach you at the address on file. If mail is returned as undeliverable, SDHA may remove you from the waiting list. Always update your phone number and mailing address as soon as you move. You can do this by calling (619) 578-7500 or visiting the main office.

Can I be on multiple SDHA waiting lists at the same time?

Yes. You can be on the Section 8 list, the public housing list, and the project-based voucher list simultaneously. When a unit becomes available in any program, SDHA will contact you. You can accept one and remain on the others, or decline and stay on all the lists.

What is the difference between Section 8 and public housing?

With Section 8, you find your own landlord and SDHA pays them a subsidy. With public housing, SDHA is the landlord and owns the building. Public housing rent is always 30 percent of your income. Section 8 rent is usually 30 percent of income or the difference between the voucher and the actual rent, whichever is less.

If I am denied for SDHA, can I appeal?

Yes. SDHA will give you a written reason for the denial. You have the right to request a hearing to dispute the decision. Contact SDHA's main office for information about the appeal process and important date, which are usually 30 days from the date of denial.