The Housing Authority can help by paying a portion of your rent directly to your landlord through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, This program is funded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Another way the Housing Authority assists people is by making Housing Authority-owned units available at an affordable rent.  Housing Authority-owned units are administered under 3 general programs:

Rent subsidies under Conventional Public Housing and similar housing are funded by HUD.  Under the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program, however, rents are set at a level that is affordable for lower income families and so no actual "subsidy" is provided.

All households in need of housing assistance must first place their name on the Housing Authority Section 8 Waiting List. When your name reaches the top of the list, you will be asked to complete an application so that your income-eligibility can be determined.

The Section 8 Waiting is opened periodically on an as needed basis.  When the Waiting List is re-opened, a public announcement is placed in area newspapers and information posted on this website (click on Voucher Waiting List in the main menu above).

It is not possible to predict how long a household's name will be on the waiting list. The wait depends on the rate of turnover in the rental assistance programs and the level of funding made available by HUD. In many cases, you may have to wait 4 to 6 years before your name will reach to top of the list.

You may call the Section 8 Waiting List automated information number at (408) 924-0867 to verify your date and time of registration.

You will receive a letter informing you that your name has reached the top of the list and that the Housing Authority is ready to begin the application process. You will be asked to complete a Personal Declaration form and return it to our office. Then an application appointment will be scheduled.

It is important for you to inform the Housing Authority of all address changes while your name is on the Waiting List. If you fail to respond because you did not receive the letter or if the letter is returned as undeliverable, the Housing Authority will proceed down the list and remove your name from the list.  Click on Voucher Waiting List on the main menu above to print out a Change of Address form.

Your housing assistance will be issued based on the following process:

Briefings are held at the Housing Authority office where staff review the requirements of the program and provide valuable information to assist you in your housing search. Unfortunately, not all who receive a Voucher are successful in leasing an approved unit. The Briefing Appointment will help you be successful in finding the unit that is right for you and that meets the program requirements.

To begin receiving housing assistance, you must do the following:

Your portion of rent paid to the owner is be based on a formula established by HUD and will normally be between 30% - 40% of your adjusted monthly income.

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) are national minimum standards established by HUD to ensure that subsidized units are safe, decent and sanitary, and adequately meet the space needs of your family. The unit must pass the HQS inspection before your rent subsidy can begin. Housing Quality Standards include items such as all utilities (gas, electric, water) must be working, windows and doors have locks that work, all plumbing fixtures work and there are no leaks, and the unit is in good condition overall.

The Housing Authority pays your rental assistance to the landlord on the first of each month. You must also pay your share of the rent each month. Failure to do so will lead to termination from the Section 8 Voucher Program.

Whenever your income changes or you have a change in family composition (persons moving in or out of your household) you are required to report the change to the Housing Authority. The Housing Authority will determine if and when a change in rent is required.

Every household that receives housing assistance must undergo an 'annual re-certification'. Approximately 180 days prior to your anniversary date, we will schedule and conduct a re-inspection of your unit. We will also send you forms to complete and return in order to re-verify your income and eligibility for the program. When you receive this request for information, you must respond by the due dates stated in the letter. Failure to do so will lead to termination of your housing assistance.

You should notify you landlord immediately if your unit is in need of a repair.  If Housing Quality Standards (HQS) violations are found at the time of an initial or annual inspection conduced by the Housing Authority, a letter will be sent to your landlord with a copy to you. The HQS violations must be corrected within 30 days and our office will conduct a re-check inspection to verify that the items have been corrected.

Current Program rules allow you to continue to receive housing assistance as long as you are income-eligible and as long as you fulfill your tenant obligations established by HUD for the Section 8 Program. You will lose your assistance when your income rises to the point that your portion of the rent matches or exceeds the full amount of the rent, or if you are terminated from the program for violating the rules.

Before you can move to another unit and continue to receive your housing assistance, you must complete your tenant obligations under your current lease. This includes giving your landlord a proper 30-day notice to vacate, and sending a copy of the notice to your Housing Specialist. Your Specialist will send you a letter with information on what you need to do to receive a transfer voucher.

If you are a Section 8 participant, your owner may request that you move at the end of your lease term. If you receive a written notice to move, call your housing specialist who will advise you on the steps needed for you to receive a transfer voucher. It is very important for you to fulfill your lease obligations and pay your rent on time each month. If you violate any of your lease provisions, your landlord may serve a notice for lease violations. In this case you may no longer be eligible for the program. Contact your housing specialist as soon as you receive any written notice from your landlord.