How can I apply for assistance through the Public Housing 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 here.   For reasonable accommodation, please call 916-440-1390 | TTY 711 or 1 (800) 855-7100.

The Housing Authority operates separate waiting lists for various properties which are open and closed at various times depending on unit availability and other eligibility factors. Refer to the waiting list criteria outlined on the sacwaitlist.com website to determine the list or lists for which you are eligible.

After I apply, how long should I expect to be on the waiting list? How can I determine my position on the waiting list?
Due to the extremely high demand for housing assistance, applicants are added to the waiting list on a first come, first served basis. Once someone is 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 Public Housing Administrative and Continued Occupancy Plan at the link attached.
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 is constantly changing as discussed above, we are unable to provide you with your exact position on the waiting list.

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.

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, families may appeal the decision by requesting an Informal Review. 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 are the income limits to qualify for public housing?
A: The maximum allowable income to qualify for public housing is listed below.

# of Members in Household

Do I need to be a citizen to receive housing assistance?
The program is limited to US citizens and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status

Does my prior rental history and credit status impact my eligibility?
Rental and credit history are evaluated and may impact your ability to obtain assistance. Staff makes every effort to work with the applicant within program guidelines and regulations.

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. This decision can be appealed by requesting an Informal Review.

What is a Reasonable Accommodation?

Based on Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, a reasonable accommodation is a change, exception or adjustment to a rule, policy practice or service that may be necessary for the person with a disability to have an equal opportunity to any program or service receiving federal funds (including the Housing Authority programs).

In addition, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act prohibit discrimination in housing related activities based on disability.

What is the definition of a Person with a Disability?

A person with a disability is any person who:

• Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of an individual; or
• Has a record of having such impairment; or
• Is regarded as having such impairment​

What is the Housing Authority Staff Role and Responsibility?

Housing Authority employees are responsible for ensuring that the Agency does not discriminate against a person with a disability by refusing to make a reasonable accommodation that may be necessary to allow that person equal access under any of the programs administered by the Housing Authority.

Requesting Reasonable Accommodation

A reasonable accommodation request(s) may be made by or on behalf of a person with a disability to any Housing Authority staff. If a participant or applicant indicates that an exception, change, or adjustment to a rule, policy, practice or service is needed because of a disability, the Housing Authority staff must treat that information as a request for a reasonable accommodation even if no formal written request is made.

Verbal requests are the most common types of requests.  In cases such as these, the participant is provided a Reasonable Accommodation form.

Be advised that if the participant or applicant does not complete the “Official RA form,” it does not negate or cancel out the fact that a reasonable accommodation request was made.

For more information about the reasonable accommodation process please click here.

For more information, please contact:

​MaryLiz Paulson, 504 Coordinator

630 I Street

Sacramento, CA 95814

916.449.6346​

SHRA’s reasonable accommodation policy can be found here.

To access HUD’s Section 504, Fair Housing, and ADA notices, regulations and supportive documents​ click here​.

This link contains information and resources related to Fair Housing that may be of assistance to you.

For more information about the Public Housing Program, contact the Housing Authority at (916) 440-1390 or visit the application office at 630 I Street, Sacramento Ca. 95814. Office hours are Monday-Thursday from 8-5.