Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Waiting List Closes February 1, 2026
Effective February 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) will close its Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing waiting lists. This includes the waiting list for Project-Based Vouchers. SDHC will not accept new waiting list applications after this deadline.
If you have already submitted an application, this change does not affect you. Your application remains active, even after the wait lists are closed, and you do not need to take any action.
SDHC is not selecting new families from the HCV waiting list to begin receiving rental assistance at this time. We do not expect to be able to pull families from the HCV waiting list for several more years. The demand for rental assistance is much greater than the funding we receive from the federal government. The amount of federal funding SDHC receives has not kept up with the amount SDHC’s rental assistance expenses have increased in recent years.
For referral-based programs that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires SDHC to place on the HCV program waiting lists, SDHC will maintain an open waiting list specific to those referral programs only. Please note, the waiting lists for these referral programs are not open to the general public and are only accessible by Community-Based Organization (CBO) referral.
If you are seeking housing assistance, SDHC encourages you to explore other community-based resources and affordable housing opportunities.
- Resource Directory (English / Spanish)
- The Affordable Housing Resource Guide for the City of San Diego is available at: Affordable Housing Resource Guide
- If you are interested in applying to reside at an affordable housing property owned or managed by SDHC, visit Affordable Rentals – SDHC
If you have general questions regarding the waiting list or your application, please contact the SDHC Wait List Call Center at 619-578-7639.
The San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) utilizes the Rental Assistance Wait List Portal as a method to maintain its waitlist.
Click on the “SDHC Wait List Portal” button for the following actions:
- Apply for an SDHC Rental Assistance Wait List
- Update your information on an existing application on the Wait List
You will be asked to register for the new SDHC Wait List Portal by creating an account, which has replaced the previous application system. A valid email address and password will be required to register for the new Wait List Portal to ensure a secured system. If you previously registered for the SDHC Wait List Portal before December 5, 2022, you will need to create an account in the new SDHC Wait List Portal. This will not affect your position on the Wait List.
Request an Accommodation due to Disability
If you have a disability and need a reasonable accommodation, please call the Wait List Update Call Center at 619-578-7639.
Waiting Period
SDHC understands the critical need for affordable housing opportunities in our community and the tens of thousands of families who are waiting for assistance. The demand for rental assistance outweighs the funding available to assist families in need. Due to insufficient federal funding, we are not selecting new families from our Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting list, and we do not anticipate selecting new families for several more years.
With the current amount of funding we receive, we are only able to support the families who are already participating in the program. Until additional funding becomes available, we regret that we cannot assist new families from the waiting list nor provide an estimated waiting period.
We know this may be disappointing news, and we share your frustration. We remain committed to seeking every opportunity to expand access to housing assistance in the future. Please continue to monitor our website for updates.
General Questions
If you have general questions regarding the Wait List, your application, or registering for the new SDHC Wait List Portal, please contact the Wait List Call Center at 619-578-7640.
