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About Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services

Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services (PHA Code: CA077), located in Carlsbad, San Diego County, California, manages local housing assistance programs. The agency administers approximately 756 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers to assist eligible households.

Currently, all waiting lists for programs offered by Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services are closed. This includes the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and previous Affordable Housing Resale programs. Information regarding potential Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) or Public Housing programs is not available.

For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit for the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA MSA area is $82,700 per year, which serves as an example of income eligibility criteria should any waiting lists reopen. Applicants are advised to regularly check for updates on future list openings.

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Other Programs

10 programs

These 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.

Affordable Housing Resale
Closed

The Affordable Housing Resale Program is closed until the current list of applicants has been exhausted.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Affordable Housing Resale Program
Closed

The program is closed until the current list of applicants has been exhausted. Past eligibility required residency in San Diego County and no prior participation in city-administered first-time homebuyer or affordable for-sale housing programs within seven years.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Rental Assistance Program waiting list is currently closed with no anticipated reopening date. It is approximately a 15-year wait from the time of application to be considered for rental assistance.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Other
Closed

The Affordable Housing Resale Program is closed until the current list of applicants has been exhausted.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Public Housing
Closed

Public Housing provides affordable rental units owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Units range from single-family homes to high-rise apartments, with rent typically set at 30% of household income.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
other
Closed

The City of Carlsbad's Affordable Housing Resale Program is closed until the current list of applicants has been exhausted.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Affordable Rental
Pending

The City of Carlsbad has many affordable and senior (age 55+) rental housing units, each privately managed with its own application process, income restrictions, and waitlist. Applicants must contact each property directly for information.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Mainstream Voucher
Pending

Mainstream Vouchers provide rental assistance specifically for non-elderly persons with disabilities. The program helps individuals transition out of institutional settings or avoid institutionalization by subsidizing housing costs in the private market.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
Pending

Project-Based Vouchers are tied to specific housing units rather than following the tenant. Landlords or developers partner with the housing authority to reserve units for eligible low-income families. Unlike tenant-based HCV vouchers, PBV assistance stays with the unit if the tenant moves.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)
Pending

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.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.

Status History

Public Housing Closed Apr 27, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 1200 Carlsbad Village Dr
City Carlsbad, CA 92008
PHA Code CA077
Section 8 Units 756

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 Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services

1

Check Current Status

All 6 waiting lists at Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services are currently closed. Lists typically open with short notice — sometimes as little as 48 hours. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services, 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 $82,700/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.

3

Submit Your Application

Apply directly through the official Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services manages approximately 756 assisted housing units (756 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Carlsbad. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services

Affordable Housing Resale closed

The Affordable Housing Resale program at Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Carlsbad. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Affordable Housing Resale Program closed

The Affordable Housing Resale Program program at Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Carlsbad. 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 Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services 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 Carlsbad. This program serves approximately 756 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Other closed

The Other program at Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Carlsbad. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Public Housing Public Housing closed

Public Housing units at Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services 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.

other closed

The other program at Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Carlsbad. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Affordable Rental closed

The Affordable Rental program at Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Carlsbad. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed

Mainstream Vouchers at Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services 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 Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Carlsbad. 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.

RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed

The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Carlsbad maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services administers 10 programs (Affordable Housing Resale, Affordable Housing Resale Program, HCV, Other, Public Housing, other, Affordable Rental, Mainstream, PBV, RAD) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority's official portal or in person at their office at 1200 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad, CA.
How long is the wait at Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services?
Wait times at Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services depend on demand in Carlsbad, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 756 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on April 27, 2026 when the Public Housing list changed from "unknown" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services, including City of Oceanside Community Development Commission (3 mi), Housing Authority of the City of Encinitas (9 mi), Housing Authority of the County of San Diego (27 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in California and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in California.
How do I contact Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services?
You can reach Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services by phone at (442) 339-2810. Their office is located at 1200 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008. You can also email them at housing@carlsbadca.gov. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services?
Income limits for Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA MSA (currently $130,800). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $82,700. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $82,700. 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 $34,750 $57,900 $92,700
2 Persons $39,700 $66,150 $105,950
3 Persons $44,650 $74,450 $119,200
4 Persons $49,600 $82,700 $132,400
5 Persons $53,600 $89,350 $143,000
6 Persons $57,550 $95,950 $153,600
7 Persons $61,550 $102,550 $164,200
8 Persons $65,500 $109,200 $174,800
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $130,800 Effective April 1, 2025
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.