Housing Choice Voucher Program

Did you know that you can visit the:

Schedule an appointment using the links found under the Contact Information for the HCV Program section of the HCV Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page or contact our communication center at 916-440-1390 to speak with a representative. You must have an appointment to receive assistance at the office. Documents can be mailed, faxed to 916-449-1285, or submitted via the Drop Box in the parking lot at 630 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program (formerly known as Section 8) provides assistance to very low-income individuals and families to enable them to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private rental housing market. In Sacramento, the HCV program for the City and County of Sacramento (including all incorporated cities in the County) is operated by the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA) acting as the Housing Authority of the County of Sacramento. The HCV program includes both Tenant Based Vouchers and the Project Based Vouchers.

For information on how to apply click Housing Choice Voucher Program

Tenant Based Vouchers – this program provides housing assistance on behalf of the family or individual and participants are free to choose any housing unit in the County where the owner agrees to rent under the program and that meets program requirements, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments. The housing subsidy is paid to the private landlord directly by SHRA on behalf of the participating family. The family then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program.

Project Based Vouchers – This program provides housing assistance at specific privately owned affordable housing communities.

For regular updates about wait list openings/closings or changes, follow us on Facebook (opens in a new tab) and/or Twitter (opens in a new tab).

For information regarding the local policies that govern the HCV program, please go Financial Performance And Strategic Planning Documents for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Administrative Plan and Five-Year Plan and other related financial documents.

Finding Housing Using Your Voucher Workshop

This workshop equips you with the tools and knowledge to successfully secure housing. You’ll learn how to become rent-ready, determine unit affordability, understand rent reasonableness, and navigate the application, RFTA, and inspection process with confidence.

The training is open to all voucher holders and may be required for those requesting a voucher extension. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Zoom Registration Link – CLICK HERE TO REGISTER (opens in a new tab)

Using Your Voucher to Find a Unit Videos

Payment Standards and Affordability (Video) (opens in a new tab)

Payment Standards and Affordability (PDF) (opens in a new tab)

HCV Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Listed below are FAQs related to the HCV Program for those interested in applying for assistance through the HCV program. If you are already on the waiting list or already have a voucher, please refer to the FAQ located in the “Resident Resources” section of the website. If you have already applied but do not yet have a voucher, contact us at 916-440-1390 for additional assistance.

Are the wait lists currently open?

The Housing Authority manages 12 different wait lists, which open and close based on availability and other factors.

For current information on status of open and closed wait lists, please refer to www.sacwaitlist.com.

How can I apply for assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher/Section 8 Program?

Apply online at www.sacwaitlist.com using any device with internet access and an email address. There is no charge to apply. Information can be translated in multiple languages directly on the website. Or, you may submit a request for assistance or for a paper application by clicking How can I apply for assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher/Section 8 Program? For reasonable accommodation, please call 916-440-1390 | TTY 711 or 1 (800) 855-7100.

How can I be notified when the wait list is open?
Waiting list opening notices will be posted on SHRA’s website, Facebook and Twitter as well as in the local media including the local newspaper. We encourage you to monitor our website (opens in a new tab) or to follow us on Facebook (opens in a new tab) and/or Twitter (opens in a new tab).

After I apply, how long should I expect to be on the waiting list?
Once you have been added, the length of time spent on the waiting lists depends on multiple factors such as when the application was submitted and on the number of preference points the family or individual has. Preference points are based on factors such as:

if you are a resident or work in Sacramento County,
if someone in your household is disabled,
if you are rent burdened (the amount of rent you currently pay compared to income),
if you or a family member is a veteran,
if you are homeless. For more information on the preference system, refer to the current HCV Administrative Plan at this Financial Performance And Strategic Planning Documents. The frequency and volume of applicants selected from each of the waiting lists varies as well depending on the number of families exiting the program, making way for new program participants. The best way to ensure that you are selected as quickly as possible is to sign up for all waiting lists for which you qualify and are interested. Due to the fact that the waiting lists are constantly changing as discussed above, we are unable to provide you with your exact position on the waiting list.

Can anyone apply to be on the wait list?

Everyone has an equal opportunity to apply for housing, and U.S. citizenship is not a requirement to submit an application.

If an applicant is placed on the wait list (one of the 7,000 that will be randomly selected), once they are contacted for a housing opportunity, they will be asked to provide up to date information that will assist in verifying their eligibility to receiving housing assistance. At least one family member listed on the application must be a U.S. citizen or legal immigrant to be eligible to receive a voucher.

How do I update my information once I am on the waiting list?
In order to maintain your status on the waiting lists and so that staff can reach you if you are selected, you must notify SHRA in writing within 30 days of any changes to your household, such as:

a change of address,
addition or removal of household members,
an increase or decrease in income.
change of email address or phone number.

To update your information, visit sacwaitlist.com.

During a recent open wait list period, I was contacted by an entity who said they could help me with my application by paying for a credit check. Is that a normal part of your process?
No, it is not. There is never a fee to apply. Please do not provide any money or provide any personal information to any organization that may contact you.

After I apply, what happens?

If I was removed or denied from the waiting list, what can I do to appeal the denial or the removal?
If the application is denied for cause (ie. did not meet eligibility or preference requirements), families may appeal the decision by requesting an Informal Review or hearing. The process for requesting an Informal Review is written on the letter denying the application. If the family was removed from the waitlist for failing to respond, there is no right to an informal review, however, the family may request to be reinstated due to extenuating circumstances. Please contact staff regarding the documentation and proof required to receive this type of reinstatement.

What if I have a criminal conviction on my record? Am I able to receive housing assistance?
As part of the application, staff will run a background check on members of the household listed on the application over the age of 18. If there are convictions related to drugs, fraudulent or violent criminal activity that took place within the past three years, it may lead to further review of your application. An individualized review of mitigating circumstances will be conducted before a decision is made. If the application is still denied after individualized review, this decision can be appealed by requesting an Informal Review.

Voucher briefings are for families new to the HCV program, mover families that are currently on the HCV program, and for Port-In families.

There are 4 different types of briefings:

If you are new to the HCV program and you will be using your voucher for the very first time, click Hcv Voucher Briefing Documents New To Program

If you are porting INTO Sacramento from another Housing Authority in another region, click Intake Port Briefing presentation 20200317 (opens in a new tab) (PDF)

If you are moving from one unit, where your voucher paid a subsidy, to another unit with your voucher, click Hcv Voucher Briefing Documents

If you will be moving into a unit using a project-based voucher, click Project%20Based%20Training%20Presentation%2020200325.Mp4 (opens in a new tab)

Does my prior rental history and credit status impact my eligibility?
As the HCV program works with landlords in the private rental market, each landlord has different screening guidelines and standards. Rental and credit history are evaluated by the landlords and may impact your ability to obtain assistance.

Do I need to be a citizen to receive housing assistance?

Everyone has an equal opportunity to apply for housing, and U.S. citizenship is not a requirement to submit an application.

What are the income limits to qualify for HCV housing?
A: The maximum allowable income to qualify for HCV is listed below.

Family Size	Income Limit
1	$41,300
2	$47,150
3	$53,050
4	$58,950
5	$63,650
6	$68,400
7	$73,100
8	$77,850
9	$82,550
10	$87,250
11	$92,000
12	$96,700

The full table is available 2024Summary.Odn (opens in a new tab)

What is a “reasonable accommodation”?
A “reasonable accommodation” is a change, exception, or adjustment to a rule, policy, practice, or service that may be necessary for a person with a disability to have an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from SHRA’s housing programs. The reasonable accommodation process applies to both applicants and program participants and determinations are made on a case-by-case basis. A reasonable accommodation must first be requested, preferably in writing, before it can be considered and both the disability and the need for an accommodation must be verified.

Can a request for a reasonable accommodation be denied?
Yes. A request for a reasonable accommodation may be denied if:

there is no disability-related need for the accommodation;
the accommodation is not reasonable;
it would impose an undue financial, operational or administrative burden on the Housing Authority;
there is an alternative available other than the requested accommodation;
the disability is not verified.

SHRA’s reasonable accommodation policy can be found at this Financial Performance And Strategic Planning Documentsunder the Public Housing Agency Plans and Reports tab in the Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan document.

The Housing Authority has launched a new tool to help bridge the gap between landlords looking to rent their properties and tenants in search of properties to rent.

The new web-based tool, Affordable Housing (opens in a new tab), allows landlords to list an unlimited number of properties, which subsequently gives tenants immediate access to housing opportunities that fit their needs and that is within their search preferences for housing. Try the new tool at Affordable Housing (opens in a new tab).

Users can choose to set up an optional profile, at no cost, to aid in their search process. A profile provides the user with the opportunity to save searches and favorite properties for future use. Property owners can access a database of prospective tenants that are actively looking to rent, match their property with a tenant’s needs, and then contact the tenant directly. Affordable Housing also offers free call center support to both owners and tenants.

Users will be directed to an external website over which SHRA has no control. Advertising or other messaging on the Affordable Housing website do not reflect the views of, or pertain to programs or services provided by SHRA.

Please click on the following links for additional resources as you search for housing in Sacramento County.

Higher Opportunity Areas: click PovertyAreasByTract 2015 (opens in a new tab) (PDF).

Crime statistics: https://www.sacsheriff.com/Pages/Services/OnlineCrimeMapping.aspx

Transportation: www.sacrt.com and http://www.paratransit.org/

School district information: https://schools.scoe.net/

Affidavit (opens in a new tab) (PDF)

Affordability Worksheet (opens in a new tab)

HCV Customer Service Survey (opens in a new tab) (PDF, 27 KB)

How to Report change of Household Composition (PDF)

How to Report of change of income (PDF)

HUD form 214 citizenship or eligible immigration (opens in a new tab) (PDF)

HUD form 1141 Fraud in HUD housing (opens in a new tab) (PDF)

HUD Form 9886 – Authorization for Release of Information (opens in a new tab) (PDF)

HUD form 5382 Violence Against Women Act (opens in a new tab) (PDF)

HUD Form 52675 – Debts owed to Public Housing and Terminations (PDF)

HUD Form 92006 – Emergency Contact (PDF, 13 KB)

Move Request Form (opens in a new tab) (PDF, 38 KB)

Pre – Application Update Form (opens in a new tab) (PDF, 43 KB)

Port Out Request Form (PDF)

Social Security “How to create an online account” (opens in a new tab) (PDF)

Social Security “What you can do online” (opens in a new tab) (PDF)

Things you should know Form (opens in a new tab) (PDF, 42 KB)

2022 UA (Utility Allowance) Schedule (opens in a new tab) (PDF)

For more information about the Housing Choice Voucher program, you can:

Go to our website at shra.org
Ask a question using one of the portals (the Resident Portal (opens in a new tab), or the Applicant Portal (opens in a new tab) or the Landlord Portal (opens in a new tab)), or
send a fax to us at (916) 449-1285, or
contact the Customer Service line at (916) 440-1390, or
use our drop box located outside our office building at 630 I Street, Sacramento, near the entrance to our parking lot on 7th Street.

We are open by appointment only. If you have an in-person appointment, please come to our office at 630 I Street.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Choose one of the links below based on the reason for requesting an appointment.
You will then see a calendar so you can make an appointment.
Click on a date and the available times will show to the right of the calendar.
Available dates show in black font, not gray.

Appointments are booked for 3 weeks at a time. The calendar resets every night and a new day is added. Appointments open up periodically so check back often.