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Finding Affordable Housing
in San Francisco


Getting a Section 8 Voucher:

The waiting list is currently closed for Section 8 vouchers. The only way to get a voucher is if you are already on the waiting list or if you move with a voucher from another area. There are over 25,000 people on the waiting list. Certain people on the waiting list have preference and will get housing faster, including homeless persons or people living in substandard housing or paying over 50% of their income for rent (see our preferences fact sheet for more info on this).

Finding Housing with a Section 8 Voucher:

First, get a "Request for Tenancy Approval" (RTA) form from your caseworker.

Next, you must find a landlord who will accept your voucher and charge less than the Housing Authority's payment standard.

You can get an updated list from the Housing Authority of vacant Section 8 units.

Online you can go to www.craiglist.org and click on their housing list. Type in key word "section 8" and enter the size unit you are looking for.

Once you find a unit, have the landlord sign the RTA and return it to your caseworker. Next, the unit will be inspected to ensure that it meets housing standards. This can take as long as a month. Once it passes inspection, you may sign the lease and move in.

Getting into Public Housing:

The waiting list is open for conventional public housing. There are over 25,000 families currently on the list however, so the wait will probably be very long. You must be low-income to be eligible. You can apply at 440 Turk Street. Call (415)554-1200, or visit the Housing Authority's web site for more information. You can also download an application here.

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Getting Housing in a HUD-Subsidized Building:

For this type of building, you apply directly with the management at each building. You will then pay 30% of your income for rent. There are often separate waiting lists for each building.  There is a list of privately, owned, HUD-subsidized housing projects available online at HUD. Type in the state and the city and the size of the rental unit you are seeking in your area. You will have to call each place to find out about vacancies and applications. 

Finding Other Types of Affordable Housing:

Unfortunately, at this time there is no one place to look for affordable housing in San Francisco.  The best way to find housing is to go to an agency that will assist you in your search. Housing Rights Committee does not provide this service but below are some agencies that do.

Agencies That Help Find Housing:

Searching For Housing

Below are some reources to help you search for housing. You will have to do your own calling to individual housing providers and apartment managers to find out about rents and availability. 

The Mayor's Office of Housing has some listings of affordable (below market) units.

The HUD-subsidized list is available online here. 

You can a list of affordable units in your county from the State of California here.  

Some affordable units (below market) are listed on the SF Redevelopment Agency's website  here.

If you are disabled or senior, you may also want to check the Accesible Housing Clearinghouse.