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Berkeley Housing Authority
Berkeley, California
Last Updated
7 hours ago
About Berkeley Housing Authority
The Berkeley Housing Authority, located in Berkeley, Alameda County, California, manages approximately 2,135 assisted housing units, all of which are Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers.
This authority has historically administered various housing assistance programs, including Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV), Family Self-Sufficiency, Mainstream Vouchers, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, VASH, and Moderate Rehabilitation programs. Currently, all waiting lists for these and other programs managed by the Berkeley Housing Authority are closed to new applicants.
For a family of four, the very low-income limit for this service area (Oakland-Fremont, CA HUD Metro FMR Area) is $79,900 per year. Potential applicants should monitor for future announcements regarding waitlist openings.
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Affordable Housing Lottery Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This lottery is for 110 new affordable apartments in Berkeley. Preferences include BUSD employees, BART displacement, foreclosure, eviction, redlined neighborhood, and households with children.
Moderate Rehabilitation Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
In-person
Additional Notes
The 'Interest List' for this program is open continuously. Interested applicants may pick up and return applications at 1040 University Avenue, Berkeley, CA.
Moderate Rehabilitation (Interest List) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
In-person
Additional Notes
This is a continuously open interest list; applications can be picked up and returned at 1040 University Avenue, Berkeley, CA.
Other Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
May 13, 2026
Closing Date
Aug 12, 2026
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This Affordable Housing Lottery is for 110 new affordable apartments in Berkeley, with preferences for BUSD employees, BART displacement, foreclosure, eviction, redlined neighborhood, and households with children.
Other Affordable Housing Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
May 13, 2026
Closing Date
Aug 12, 2026
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This is an application for a waitlist lottery for other affordable housing options.
Other Affordable Housing (Lottery) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
May 13, 2026
Closing Date
Aug 12, 2026
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This lottery is for 110 new affordable apartments in Berkeley. Preferences are given to BUSD employees (full-time homeless, part-time homeless, full-time, part-time), BART displacement, foreclosure, eviction, redlined neighborhood, and households with children.
Other Programs
18 programsThese programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.
The Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) waiting list is currently closed to new applicants.
The Berkeley Housing Authority works with the Alameda County Coordinated Entry System (CES), which refers eligible individuals and families experiencing homelessness or domestic violence/human trafficking for Emergency Housing Vouchers.
BHA works with the Alameda County Coordinated Entry System (CES), which refers eligible individuals and families experiencing homelessness or domestic violence/human trafficking.
BHA works with the Alameda County Coordinated Entry System (CES) for referrals for eligible individuals and families.
All waiting lists, including for Emergency Housing Vouchers, are currently closed to new applicants.
All waiting lists for programs managed by the Berkeley Housing Authority, including Family Self-Sufficiency, are currently closed to new applicants.
The Family Self-Sufficiency Program is not currently accepting applications.
The waitlist last accepted pre-applications for a random draw of 2,000 applicants. Preferences included Mainstream/Project Move-up Referrals, Berkeley residency/work, veteran status, elderly/disabled, and family status. Income restrictions apply.
The HOPWA program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
All waiting lists, including for Mainstream Vouchers, are currently closed to new applicants.
All waiting lists, including for Project-Based Vouchers, are currently closed to new applicants.
All waiting lists for programs managed by the Berkeley Housing Authority, including Project Move-Up, are currently closed to new applicants.
This was for the Senior Public Housing waitlist for studio and one-bedroom units. 100 applicants were placed on the waitlist by random lottery.
All waiting lists, including for VASH, are currently closed to new applicants.
BHA only accepts referrals from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for VASH Voucher assistance.
BHA is working with the Alameda County Coordinated Entry System (CES) which will refer eligible individuals and families to us for distribution of these new vouchers. If you are experiencing homelessness or domestic violence/human trafficking, please click here for information on how to get conne...
No current waiting list information found for the Moderate Rehabilitation Program.
No active waitlist information currently available.
Status History
Deadline: Aug 12, 2026
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Berkeley Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Berkeley Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Berkeley Housing Authority currently has 6 open waiting lists (Affordable Housing Lottery, Moderate Rehabilitation, Moderate Rehabilitation (Interest List), Other, Other Affordable Housing, Other Affordable Housing (Lottery)). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Berkeley Housing Authority, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $79,900/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official Berkeley Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Berkeley Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Berkeley Housing Authority manages approximately 2,135 assisted housing units (2,135 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Berkeley. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Berkeley Housing Authority
Affordable Housing Lottery open
The Affordable Housing Lottery program at Berkeley Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Berkeley. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements. The application window closes on August 12, 2026.
Moderate Rehabilitation open
The Moderate Rehabilitation program at Berkeley Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Berkeley. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Moderate Rehabilitation (Interest List) open
The Moderate Rehabilitation (Interest List) program at Berkeley Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Berkeley. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other open
The Other program at Berkeley Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Berkeley. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements. The application window closes on August 12, 2026.
Other Affordable Housing open
The Other Affordable Housing program at Berkeley Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Berkeley. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements. The application window closes on August 12, 2026.
Other Affordable Housing (Lottery) open
The Other Affordable Housing (Lottery) program at Berkeley Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Berkeley. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements. The application window closes on August 12, 2026.
EHV closed
The EHV program at Berkeley Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Berkeley. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Emergency Housing closed
The Emergency Housing program at Berkeley Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Berkeley. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Emergency Housing Voucher closed
The Emergency Housing Voucher program at Berkeley Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Berkeley. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Emergency Housing Vouchers closed
The Emergency Housing Vouchers program at Berkeley Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Berkeley. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) closed
The Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) program at Berkeley Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Berkeley. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Family Self-Sufficiency closed
The Family Self-Sufficiency program at Berkeley Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Berkeley. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Family Self-Sufficiency Program closed
The Family Self-Sufficiency Program program at Berkeley Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Berkeley. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Berkeley Housing Authority provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Berkeley. This program serves approximately 2,135 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
HOPWA closed
The HOPWA program at Berkeley Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Berkeley. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed
Mainstream Vouchers at Berkeley Housing Authority are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.
PBV Project-Based Voucher closed
Project-Based Vouchers at Berkeley Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Berkeley. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.
Project Move-Up closed
The Project Move-Up program at Berkeley Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Berkeley. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Public Housing Public Housing closed
Public Housing units at Berkeley Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
VASH Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing closed
The HUD-VASH program at Berkeley Housing Authority combines Housing Choice Vouchers with VA supportive services for homeless veterans in Berkeley. Referrals are made through the local VA Medical Center — contact the VA to begin the application process.
other closed
The other program at Berkeley Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Berkeley. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Emergency Housing Voucher Assistance closed
The Emergency Housing Voucher Assistance program at Berkeley Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Berkeley. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Moderate Rehabilitation Program closed
The Moderate Rehabilitation Program program at Berkeley Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Berkeley. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Berkeley Housing Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Berkeley maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Berkeley Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Berkeley Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Berkeley Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Berkeley Housing Authority?
Berkeley Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Berkeley Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Oakland-Fremont, CA HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $79,900. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $33,600 | $55,950 | $87,550 |
| 2 Persons | $38,400 | $63,950 | $100,050 |
| 3 Persons | $43,200 | $71,950 | $112,550 |
| 4 Persons | $47,950 | $79,900 | $125,050 |
| 5 Persons | $51,800 | $86,300 | $135,100 |
| 6 Persons | $55,650 | $92,700 | $145,100 |
| 7 Persons | $59,500 | $99,100 | $155,100 |
| 8 Persons | $63,300 | $105,500 | $165,100 |
What do these income limits mean?
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to Berkeley Housing Authority — including across state lines.