Advertisement
Berkeley Housing Authority
Berkeley, California
Last Updated
10 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.
Advertisement
Affordable Housing Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
May 13, 2026
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This is a waitlist lottery for the BUSD Workforce Housing development. Lottery preferences include BUSD full-time employees experiencing homelessness, BUSD part-time employees experiencing homelessness, BUSD full-time employees, and BUSD part-time employees.
Affordable Housing Lottery
Status
open
Open Date
May 13, 2026
Closing Date
Aug 12, 2026
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Lottery for 110 new affordable units (BUSD Workforce Housing) with preferences for BUSD employees (especially those experiencing homelessness), those displaced by BART construction, foreclosure, or eviction, redlined neighborhood residents/descendants, and households with children; income requirements apply.
Lottery
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.
Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
In-person
Additional Notes
The 'Interest List' for the Moderate Rehabilitation program is open continuously.
Interest
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 Programs
11 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.
Locally administered affordable housing that is not tied to a single federal voucher program. Eligibility and rents are set by the housing authority or developer, often with income limits based on area median income.
All waiting lists for programs managed by the Berkeley Housing Authority, including Emergency Housing Vouchers, are currently closed to new applicants.
The waitlist last accepted applications from July 19, 2022, to July 26, 2022, with placement by random lottery and preferences for referrals, Berkeley residency/work, veteran, elderly/disabled, and family status.
Preferences included Mainstream Voucher Qualified or Project Move-up Referrals (105 pts), Berkeley residency (100 pts), Veteran Preference (50 pts), Elderly (62+) and/or disabled (10 pts), and Family status (10 pts); 2,000 applicants were placed on the waiting list by random lottery.
All waiting lists for the City of Berkeley Housing Authority's HOPWA program are currently closed.
All waiting lists for programs managed by the Berkeley Housing Authority, including Mainstream Vouchers, are currently closed to new applicants.
This was a waitlist lottery for 110 new affordable units (BUSD Workforce Housing) with preferences for BUSD employees (especially those experiencing homelessness), those displaced by BART construction, foreclosure, or eviction, redlined neighborhood residents/descendants, and households with children.
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.
All waiting lists for programs managed by the Berkeley Housing Authority, including Project Move-Up, are currently closed to new applicants.
The Project-Based Voucher waiting list changed from open to closed on June 9, 2026.
This waitlist was for studio and one-bedroom senior public housing units; 100 applicants were placed on the waiting list by random lottery. It was last open for 8 days in July 2018.
All waiting lists for programs managed by the Berkeley Housing Authority, including VASH, are currently closed to new applicants.
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance, allowing housing authorities to leverage private funding for property rehabilitation while preserving long-term affordability for residents.
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
-
Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
-
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 5 open waiting lists (Affordable Housing, Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab)). 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 Affordable Housing open
The 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.
Mod Rehab Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab) open
The Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab) 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.
EHV Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) closed
The Emergency Housing Voucher (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.
FSS Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) closed
The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) 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 Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) 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 Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) closed
The Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (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.
Other Other Programs closed
The Other Programs 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.
PBV Project-Based Voucher (PBV) 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.
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 (VASH) 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.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) 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.