Getting Repairs in Subsidized Housing
(Section 8/ HUD-Subsidized and Public Housing)
- If you have repair needs in your housing you should always start by putting a request for repairs in writing to your manager or landlord (if you do not have an on-site manager). Many buildings have a repair request form available. You may mail or hand deliver this but, make sure to date and sign the letter and save a copy for your records. Ask for a response within a certain time period (between 3-10 days, depending on the seriousness of the problem).
- If you do not get a timely response, you should contact the proper authorities:
Since you are in subsidized housing, your landlord is accountable to the HUD "Housing Quality Standards," which is the housing code for Federal housing. The Housing Authority has the duty to enforced this code.
- If you are in Public Housing: Call the Housing Authority at (415)554-1200 to find out which Inspector is assigned to your property and report the problem to them.
- If you are in HUD Subsidized housing or if you have a Section 8 Voucher: The name of the Inspector for your property should be on your Housing Authority notices regarding rent increases, re-certification and inspection papers. They will be listed by first initial and last name after your caseworker's name under their signature. You also can find out who your Inspector is by calling your caseworker or calling general information at (415)715-3280. You can also call the City's Department of Building Inspections at (415)558-6220.
- You can also email your inspector or caseworker at lastnamefirstinitial@sfha.org.
- If you can not find who your inspector is, contact Paulette Boyd at the SFHA at (415)715-3200 or boydp@sfha.org to ask who is assigned to the property.
- If your problem involves vermin, mold, or insect infestation you can also contact the Health Department to help document the problem at (415)252-3800 or download a complaint form to fax. Request that they send an inspector to view the problem.
3. If you do not get a response, put your request to the Housing Authority in writing. Address the letter to Housing Quality Inspections and CC a copy to your caseworker. For Public Housing, write to 440 Turk St, 94102. For Section 8 or HUD Subsidized housing, the address is 1815 Egbert St, 94124. It is best to send the letter "return receipt requested" but at the very least, make sure to save a copy for your records If you hand deliver, get the item date stamped and ask for a copy.
- Send a copy of any letters you send to outside agencies to your manager and/or owner as well.
- In HUD Subsidized housing, you can also send a copy of your letter to the local HUD office. You can call to ask who the Project Manager or Project Chief for your property is at 436-6550. Address your letter to the Asset Management Department at:
US Department
of Housing and Urban Development
450 Golden Gate Avenue, 8th Floor
San Francisco, California 94102
HUD also has a toll free number to report "bad landlords" at 1-800-685-8470.
4. If you still do not get a response from HUD, you may want to contact your Congressperson since they have jurisdiction over HUD. Most San Franciscans are represented by Congressmember Nancy Pelosi's office. You can send a letter to her office at:
450 Golden Gate, #145378, SF, CA 94102
or call (415)556-4862 or email via her web site at www.
If you need further help, call to speak to a counselor at 703-8644 or consult our list of legal services.
Do not withhold rent under any circumstances. This will only provide an easy way for your landlord to evict you. If you are considering deducting for the cost of repairs or withholding rent to force your landlord to make repairs, consult an attorney first.