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About Housing Authority of the City of San Jose

The Housing Authority of the City of San Jose, situated in San Jose, Santa Clara County, California, administers housing assistance for its community. This authority manages approximately 6,799 assisted housing units, primarily delivered through Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, aiding low-income individuals and families.

For those applying, current income limits apply; for instance, a Very Low Income family of four in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA HUD Metro FMR Area must have an annual income not exceeding $100,450.

Prospective applicants should note that the Housing Authority is currently accepting applications for its Affordable Housing Listings and "Other" programs. Waitlists for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, and RAD programs are presently closed. Applicants interested in available opportunities should thoroughly review the criteria for the open programs.

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Affordable Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online

Application deadline has passed
Deadline: Monday, May 25, 2026
Open Now

Additional Notes

Open waitlist for Studio and 2 BR units in San Jose with specified minimum and maximum income ranges.

Affordable Housing (Art Ark Apartments) Waitlist

Status

open

Closing Date

May 25, 2026

How to Apply

Online

Additional Notes

Open waitlist for Studio and 2 BR units in San Jose with specified minimum and maximum income ranges; eligibility for low-income families, elderly, and persons with disabilities.

Affordable Housing (The Kelsey Ayer Station) Waitlist

Status

open

Closing Date

Dec 31, 2026

How to Apply

Online

Additional Notes

Open waitlist for Studio and 2 BR units with specific income requirements.

Affordable Housing Listings Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online

Additional Notes

The City of San José Housing Portal provides a platform to find and apply for various affordable housing opportunities in San Jose, with individual listings having their own application processes and deadlines. Eligibility is for people with limited income and/or other special circumstances.

Affordable Housing Portal Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online

Additional Notes

Provides a platform to find and apply for various affordable housing opportunities in San Jose. Listings are for specific properties with their own application processes and deadlines; eligibility for people with limited income and/or other special circumstances.

Other Waitlist

Status

open

Closing Date

Dec 31, 2026

How to Apply

Online

Additional Notes

This open waitlist is for Studio and 2 BR units at The Kelsey Ayer Station with specific income ranges.

Other (Kelsey Ayer Station) Waitlist

Status

open

Closing Date

Dec 31, 2026

How to Apply

Online

Additional Notes

Open waitlist for Studio and 2 BR units with specific income ranges; provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Jose.

Other (The Kelsey Ayer Station) Waitlist

Status

open

Closing Date

Dec 31, 2026

How to Apply

Online

Additional Notes

This waitlist is open for Studio and 2 BR units with specific income and eligibility requirements.

other Waitlist

Status

open

Closing Date

Dec 31, 2026

How to Apply

Online

Additional Notes

The Kelsey Ayer Station has an open waitlist for Studio and 2 BR units with specific income and eligibility requirements, closing on December 31, 2026.

Other Programs

5 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.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

The main HCV waiting list has not opened since 2006. An interest list is continuously open, giving preference to those who have lived or worked in Santa Clara County within the last five years. Applicants must be 18 years or older, with at least one household member legally documented in the U.S., and meet income limits.

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

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.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
Closed

The main PBV waiting list is closed. Applicants can register on the same interest list as HCV to be considered for project-based vouchers, which are tied to specific rental homes. Preference is given to those who live or work in Santa Clara County within the last five years.

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.
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)
Closed

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.

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

Status History

Mainstream Closed Mar 6, 2026
RAD Closed Mar 6, 2026
PBV Closed Feb 25, 2026
PBV Opened Feb 23, 2026

Deadline: Feb 25, 2026

PBV Closed Feb 22, 2026
Public Housing Closed Feb 22, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 22, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 21, 2026
PBV Closed Feb 20, 2026
PBV Opened Feb 19, 2026
PBV Opened Feb 18, 2026

Deadline: Feb 25, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Housing Authority of the City of San Jose portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 505 W Julian St
City San Jose, CA 95110
PHA Code CA056
Section 8 Units 6,799

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 Housing Authority of the City of San Jose

1

Check Current Status

Housing Authority of the City of San Jose currently has 9 open waiting lists (Affordable Housing, Affordable Housing (Art Ark Apartments), Affordable Housing (The Kelsey Ayer Station), Affordable Housing Listings, Affordable Housing Portal, Other, Other (Kelsey Ayer Station), Other (The Kelsey Ayer Station), other). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Housing Authority of the City of San Jose, 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 $100,450/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 Housing Authority of the City of San Jose portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Housing Authority of the City of San Jose, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Housing Authority of the City of San Jose manages approximately 6,799 assisted housing units (6,799 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in San Jose. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Housing Authority of the City of San Jose

Affordable Housing open

The Affordable Housing program at Housing Authority of the City of San Jose provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Jose. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements. The application window closes on May 25, 2026.

Affordable Housing (Art Ark Apartments) open

The Affordable Housing (Art Ark Apartments) program at Housing Authority of the City of San Jose provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Jose. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements. The application window closes on May 25, 2026.

Affordable Housing (The Kelsey Ayer Station) open

The Affordable Housing (The Kelsey Ayer Station) program at Housing Authority of the City of San Jose provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Jose. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements. The application window closes on December 31, 2026.

Affordable Housing Listings open

The Affordable Housing Listings program at Housing Authority of the City of San Jose provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Jose. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Affordable Housing Portal open

The Affordable Housing Portal program at Housing Authority of the City of San Jose provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Jose. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Other open

The Other program at Housing Authority of the City of San Jose provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Jose. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements. The application window closes on December 31, 2026.

Other (Kelsey Ayer Station) open

The Other (Kelsey Ayer Station) program at Housing Authority of the City of San Jose provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Jose. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements. The application window closes on December 31, 2026.

Other (The Kelsey Ayer Station) open

The Other (The Kelsey Ayer Station) program at Housing Authority of the City of San Jose provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Jose. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements. The application window closes on December 31, 2026.

other open

The other program at Housing Authority of the City of San Jose provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in San Jose. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements. The application window closes on December 31, 2026.

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Housing Authority of the City of San Jose 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 Jose. This program serves approximately 6,799 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed

Mainstream Vouchers at Housing Authority of the City of San Jose 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 Housing Authority of the City of San Jose are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in San Jose. 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 Housing Authority of the City of San Jose 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.

RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed

The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Housing Authority of the City of San Jose converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in San Jose maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Housing Authority of the City of San Jose free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Housing Authority of the City of San Jose administers 14 programs (Affordable Housing, Affordable Housing (Art Ark Apartments), Affordable Housing (The Kelsey Ayer Station), Affordable Housing Listings, Affordable Housing Portal, Other, Other (Kelsey Ayer Station), Other (The Kelsey Ayer Station), other, HCV, Mainstream, PBV, Public Housing, 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 505 W Julian St, San Jose, CA.
How long is the wait at Housing Authority of the City of San Jose?
Wait times at Housing Authority of the City of San Jose depend on demand in San Jose, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 6,799 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on March 6, 2026 when the Mainstream list changed from "unknown" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Housing Authority of the City of San Jose 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 Housing Authority of the City of San Jose, including Santa Clara County Housing Authority, Housing Authority of the City of Pleasanton (22 mi), Housing Authority of the County of San Mateo (24 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 Housing Authority of the City of San Jose?
You can reach Housing Authority of the City of San Jose by phone at (408) 275-8770. Their office is located at 505 W Julian St, San Jose, CA 95110. You can also email them at federalprograms@scchousingauthority.org. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Housing Authority of the City of San Jose?
Income limits for Housing Authority of the City of San Jose are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA HUD Metro FMR Area (currently $195,200). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $100,450. 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.

Housing Authority of the City of San Jose Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Housing Authority of the City of San Jose are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $100,450. 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 $42,200 $70,350 $111,700
2 Persons $48,200 $80,400 $127,650
3 Persons $54,250 $90,450 $143,600
4 Persons $60,250 $100,450 $159,550
5 Persons $65,100 $108,500 $172,350
6 Persons $69,900 $116,550 $185,100
7 Persons $74,750 $124,600 $197,850
8 Persons $79,550 $132,600 $210,650
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $195,200 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.