Public Housing Information

Eligibility Department
440 Turk Street, San Francisco CA 94102
Phone (415) 241-1017     Fax (415) 554-1316
Daily "Drop-in" Hours
Monday – Friday
8:30 AM – 12 Noon

What Is Public Housing?

Public Housing was established to provide decent, safe, sanitary, affordable, housing to very low-income families, senior citizens and persons with disabilities. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers Federal aid to local Housing Agencies (HAs) that manage the housing for low-income residents at income based (30% of adjusted income) or flat rents, whichever is most affordable.

The San Francisco Housing Authority (SFHA) currently has 53 developments with 6,451 public housing units of which 2,027 are senior/disabled units. The SFHA is the oldest Housing Authority in California. In 1940, the SFHA opened Holly Courts, the City's first low-income development, for 118 families.

Return to top

Who Is Eligible?

An applicant (individual or family) is qualified by meeting all of the following criteria:

1. A family (one or more persons), with or without children, regularly living together, related by blood, marriage, adoption, guardianship or operation of the law who will live together in SFHA housing.
2. Heads of household in which at least one member declares either U.S. citizenship or verifiable eligible immigration status.
3. At the time of admission, has an annual income that does not exceed the income limits for occupancy established by HUD.
4. Provides Social Security numbers for each family member or certifies that a household member does not have a Social Security number.
5. Meets or exceeds the Applicant Screening Criteria and successfully completes a SFHA-approved orientation class.

Return to top

What Is The Screening Criteria?

All SFHA Applicants will be screened in accordance with HUD's regulations and SFHA Applicant Screening, which will include, but not limited to the following:

1. Demonstrate through an assessment of current and past behavior the ability to respect the essential obligations of tenancy as expressed in the SFHA lease.
2. Criminal background check (this includes arrests and convictions)
3. Credit Check; payment history for utility charges and unlawful detainer/eviction history.
4. Current and prior landlord histories.

Applicants determined to have negative items will be given the opportunity through an Informal Review meeting, to present information that the SFHA will consider before rendering a FINAL determination for rejection of admission.

I'm Eligible, What Happens Next?

When you are determined eligible, you will be notified by mail. This letter will inform you about your rent and security deposit amounts. When an apartment, suitable for your family size, becomes available you will be notified by phone AND by mail. You will be given ONLY ONE housing offer. Should you reject, your name will be WITHDRAWN from the Public Housing Waiting List.

Return to top

How Do I Apply?

SFHA Registration Forms are available at the following locations: SFHA website (www.sfha.org), 440 Turk Street, District Offices (90 Kiska Road, 2501 Sutter Street, 1010 Webster Street), and Section 8 Department (1815 Egbert Street). Once the Registration Form is returned to the address listed, Eligibility staff will enter information into the computer system. Within approximately six to eight weeks, you will receive a letter confirming your application date, client number, bedroom size and rank. Your client number is YOUR SFHA identification number; always keep it handy when you reference your application.

What Do I Do While I Wait?

It is your responsibility to keep SFHA informed of any changes in your address, telephone numbers, income, family composition, and/or any circumstances that qualifies for a housing preference change.

ALL CHANGES MUST BE IN WRITING; WE DO NOT ACCEPT CHANGES OVER THE TELEPHONE.

It is very important that you NOTIFY us immediately of ALL changes. Keeping your information current enables us to contact you when your name reaches the top of the Waiting List.
Download Change in Eligibility Information form here.
You will need a free copy of the Adobe Acrobat Reader application to view the *.pdf files.

You may check your status by phone during the months of May and December by calling, (415) 241-1017.

What Documents Will I Need To Provide At My Final Interview?

When your name approaches the top of the Waiting List, you will receive an appointment letter. Please have the following documents on your appointment day:

1. Valid CA state id or Driver's License for all household members 18 years or older.
2. Birth certificates for ALL household members.
3. Social security cards for ALL household members.
4. Name, address and telephone number of current and past landlords.
5. A current home or message telephone number.
6. Verification or proof of income and assets.
7. Proof of LEGAL custody or guardianship for all children under the age of 18 currently in your care that are NOT your own children

ALL household member(s) 18 years or older MUST be present at the appointment.

Public Housing Registration

Return to top

Contact Us•Careers•Legal•Site Index