About our waiting list

Following is information about the waiting list for Housing Commission rental housing assistance programs (Section 8, Public Housing, and State Rental).

How long does it take to get the assistance?
The Housing Commission does not receive enough annual funding from the federal government to assist all households requesting housing assistance. Due to the high demand for housing assistance in San Diego, along with the scarcity of program funding, there is a long waiting period for assistance (estimated at five to seven years).

Can I be assisted if I am single and not a veteran, elderly or disabled?
Yes, but the Housing Commission must help the low-income elderly, disabled, veterans, active military service personnel and families first. If you fall into this category, chances are not good that your application would be pulled to receive housing.

Can I be put at the top of the list if I have an emergency situation?
Unfortunately, no. The Housing Commission does not provide emergency rental assistance. If you need emergency housing or a shelter, please call the Info Line at 619.230.0997 or 211.

Who can I call to talk about my position on the waiting list?
If you want to be reminded what lists you are currently on, you have two options. You can either call the Waiting List Hotline at 619.578.7640 or you may write to: Waiting List, San Diego Housing Commission, 1122 Broadway, Suite 300, San Diego CA 92101. (When writing always be sure to give your name, address, and social security number. ) For a recorded message on the waiting list in general, please call: 619.578.7305.

What if I need to report an address change or a change to my household?
If you need to report a change to your address or a change to your household (addition to family, etc.), you have three options:

Update your family's information by completing an online application. The application you submit will update your existing application with your original date and time.
You may call the Waiting List hotline at 619.578.7640 from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Eligibility Unit call center staff will update your application during your call.
You may write the Housing Commission by sending a detailed letter (always include your social security number) to: Waiting List, San Diego Housing Commission, 1122 Broadway, Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92101.

What's the difference between publicly-owned housing (including public housing and state rentals) and Section 8?
Public housing and state rentals are housing complexes owned by the Housing Commission. If you are selected to participate in one of these programs, the Housing Commission will be your landlord. The Section 8 Rental Assistance Program is a voucher subsidy program. With the Rental Assistance program, you locate a private landlord willing to rent to you and who will accept your Section 8 voucher.

Can I transfer my housing assistance application to another housing agency's waiting list?
Yes, but only to those Housing Authorities within the County of San Diego. This request must be made in writing to us and then to the other housing authority.

What if I am dropped from the waiting list and I don't think it's fair?
Any time you disagree with a decision made by the Eligibility Department concerning your application, you have the right to request a review. To request a review, write to the Eligibility Department, c/o Administrative Review Controller, San Diego Housing Commission, 1122 Broadway, Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92101, within two weeks of the notice you received. The decision will be carefully reviewed along with any documentation that you provide; we will inform you of the final decision by mail.

Important: keep your application current!
In order to keep your application current and increase your likelihood of being assisted, you must respond to any correspondence requesting information. Also, always be sure to notify us if you move or have any changes in your household size. Write to us at: Waiting List, San Diego Housing Commission, 1122 Broadway, Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92101. If we are unable to contact you or you fail to respond to a letter, your name will be dropped from the waiting list.