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San Diego Housing Commission
San Diego, California
Last Updated
8 hours ago
About San Diego Housing Commission
The San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) provides housing assistance in San Diego, San Diego County, California. This authority manages approximately 16,557 assisted housing units, which include 16,368 Housing Choice Vouchers and 189 Public Housing units.
SDHC offers various housing programs, such as the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, and Referral-based programs. At this time, only the New Developments (NED) program is accepting applications. The waitlists for HCV, PBV, Public Housing, and Referral-based programs are currently closed, with recent activity confirming the continued closure of the PBV and Public Housing lists.
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.
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NED Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This waitlist is for individuals under 62 years old with a disability. Preferences include living or working in the City of San Diego, homeless with disability, veteran, active military, elderly, disabled, and family status.
Other Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
CBO Referral
Additional Notes
Referral-based programs required by HUD maintain an open waiting list, but it is specific to those referral programs only and not accessible to the general public.
Referral-Based Programs Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The San Diego Housing Commission maintains an open waiting list specific to referral-based programs required by HUD. These programs are not open to the general public and are only accessible by Community-Based Organization (CBO) referral.
Referral-Based Programs (HUD Required) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
CBO Referral
Additional Notes
These waiting lists are not open to the general public and are only accessible by Community-Based Organization (CBO) referral, as required by HUD.
Referral-based programs (HUD required) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Referral
Additional Notes
These programs are not open to the general public and are only accessible by Community-Based Organization (CBO) referral.
SDHC-Owned/Managed Affordable Rentals Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
SDHC owns and manages over 4,100 affordable rental units for low- and moderate-income residents, seniors (62+), and individuals with disabilities, with incomes no greater than 80% of San Diego's Area Median Income. The waiting list for these communities is typically two to three years long, with longer waits for larger bedroom sizes.
Special Rental Assistance Programs Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
These referral-based programs, which HUD requires to be placed on HCV waiting lists, are not open to the general public and are accessible only by Community-Based Organization (CBO) referral. For the Housing Instability Prevention Program (HIPP), referrals are from 2-1-1 San Diego and the SDHC homelessness initiative's hotline. HIPP prioritizes seniors 55+, people with disabilities, families with at least one child 17 and younger, and transition-age youth 18-24.
other Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Referral
Additional Notes
Referral-Based Programs (HUD Required) waitlists are open only through Community-Based Organization (CBO) referrals, not to the general public.
Other Programs
12 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 San Diego Housing Commission closed its Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting list on February 1, 2026, and is not accepting new applications. Due to insufficient federal funding, new families are not anticipated to be selected for several years. Preferences include living or working in the City of San Diego, families with dependents, individuals with disabilities, seniors (62+), veterans, active military, or homeless persons with a disability.
This waitlist for Non-Elderly Disabled individuals is currently closed, as it falls under the Project-Based Voucher closure on February 1, 2026. When open, preferences include living or working in the City of San Diego, homelessness with a disability, veteran, active military, elderly, disabled, and family status.
The San Diego Housing Commission closed its general Project-Based Vouchers waiting list on February 1, 2026.
The San Diego Housing Commission closed its Public Housing waiting list on February 1, 2026, and is not accepting new applications. Preferences include living or working in the City of San Diego, homeless with disability, veteran, active military, elderly, disabled, or family status.
SDHC owns and/or manages over 4,100 affordable rental housing units. Applications are for specific properties and can be found via the 'Affordable Rentals – SDHC' online portal. Qualified households with annual income no greater than 80% of San Diego's AMI are eligible.
These properties have individual waiting lists that may be shorter than federal programs. Eligibility generally includes seniors (62+), disabled, homeless, displaced, and very low-income families, with income at or below 50% or 80% of AMI.
SDHC owns and/or manages over 4,100 affordable rental units with varying eligibility and waitlists; check the SDHC website for vacant units and contact property managers for details. Eligibility generally requires low income and may include preferences for seniors (62+), disabled, or homeless.
SDHC owns and/or manages over 4,100 rental housing units, and interested applicants should contact property managers for details on specific units and their waiting lists.
No specific information found regarding the current waiting list status for the Mainstream program from the San Diego Housing Commission.
SDHC owns or manages over 4,100 affordable rental units, and interested individuals should contact the property managers of specific developments as most have their own waiting lists.
The San Diego Housing Commission owns and/or manages over 4,100 affordable rental units for low- and moderate-income residents, seniors, and individuals with disabilities; contact property managers for specific waiting list information.
No specific information found regarding the current waiting list status for the RAD program from the San Diego Housing Commission.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official San Diego Housing Commission 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 San Diego Housing Commission
Check Current Status
San Diego Housing Commission currently has 8 open waiting lists (NED, Other, Referral-Based Programs, Referral-Based Programs (HUD Required), Referral-based programs (HUD required), SDHC-Owned/Managed Affordable Rentals, Special Rental Assistance Programs, other). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at San Diego Housing Commission, 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.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official San Diego Housing Commission portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at San Diego Housing Commission, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. San Diego Housing Commission manages approximately 16,557 assisted housing units (16,368 Section 8, 189 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in San Diego. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at San Diego Housing Commission
NED open
The NED program at San Diego Housing Commission provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Diego. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other open
The Other program at San Diego Housing Commission provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Diego. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Referral-Based Programs open
The Referral-Based Programs program at San Diego Housing Commission provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Diego. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Referral-Based Programs (HUD Required) open
The Referral-Based Programs (HUD Required) program at San Diego Housing Commission provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Diego. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Referral-based programs (HUD required) open
The Referral-based programs (HUD required) program at San Diego Housing Commission provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Diego. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
SDHC-Owned/Managed Affordable Rentals open
The SDHC-Owned/Managed Affordable Rentals program at San Diego Housing Commission provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Diego. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Special Rental Assistance Programs open
The Special Rental Assistance Programs program at San Diego Housing Commission provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Diego. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
other open
The other program at San Diego Housing Commission provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Diego. 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 San Diego Housing Commission 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 San Diego. This program serves approximately 16,368 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Other (Non-Elderly Disabled) closed
The Other (Non-Elderly Disabled) program at San Diego Housing Commission provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Diego. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher closed
Project-Based Vouchers at San Diego Housing Commission are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in San Diego. 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 San Diego Housing Commission are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. San Diego Housing Commission manages approximately 189 Public Housing units in San Diego. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Affordable Rental Properties (SDHC Owned/Managed) closed
The Affordable Rental Properties (SDHC Owned/Managed) program at San Diego Housing Commission provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Diego. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Affordable Rental Properties Owned/Managed by SDHC closed
The Affordable Rental Properties Owned/Managed by SDHC program at San Diego Housing Commission provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Diego. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Affordable Rentals (SDHC Owned/Managed Properties) closed
The Affordable Rentals (SDHC Owned/Managed Properties) program at San Diego Housing Commission provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Diego. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Affordable Rentals (SDHC-owned/managed) closed
The Affordable Rentals (SDHC-owned/managed) program at San Diego Housing Commission provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Diego. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed
Mainstream Vouchers at San Diego Housing Commission 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 (Affordable Rentals) closed
The Other (Affordable Rentals) program at San Diego Housing Commission provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Diego. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other (SDHC Owned/Managed Affordable Rentals) closed
The Other (SDHC Owned/Managed Affordable Rentals) program at San Diego Housing Commission provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Diego. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at San Diego Housing Commission converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in San Diego maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at San Diego Housing Commission free?
How long is the wait at San Diego Housing Commission?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact San Diego Housing Commission?
What are the income limits for San Diego Housing Commission?
San Diego Housing Commission Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the San Diego Housing Commission 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 |
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 San Diego Housing Commission — including across state lines.