If you're looking for affordable housing in San Francisco, this page pulls together the programs, resources, and next steps available to you. Whether you need emergency shelter tonight, want to apply for Section 8, or need help with rent — here's where to start in San Francisco.
Emergency Help in San Francisco
If you need a place to stay tonight or are facing eviction in the next few days:
- Call 211 — free, 24/7. Tell them your location in San Francisco and that you need emergency shelter or rental assistance
- Search findhelp.org — enter your San Francisco zip code to find local shelters, food banks, and assistance programs
- Contact local Coordinated Entry — San Francisco's homeless services system can assess your needs and connect you with available housing. Call 211 for the Coordinated Entry access point nearest you
For a complete guide on finding immediate shelter, see our emergency housing tonight page.
Section 8 in San Francisco
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers in San Francisco are administered by the local Public Housing Authority. Here's what you need to know:
- Find your PHA: Search for "San Francisco housing authority" or use HUD's PHA directory
- Check waiting list status: Call your PHA or check their website to see if the waiting list is currently open. Many San Francisco-area lists open only periodically
- Apply to multiple PHAs: You're not limited to San Francisco proper. Apply to surrounding area housing authorities too — they often have shorter waits
- Income limits: Section 8 eligibility is based on your area's median income. Check exact limits for San Francisco at HUD's income limits page
For the full application process, see our step-by-step Section 8 guide.
Rental Assistance in San Francisco
If you're behind on rent or struggling to make this month's payment, these programs may help:
- Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA): Search "San Francisco emergency rental assistance" or call 211. These programs pay your landlord directly for back rent
- Utility assistance: LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) helps with heating and cooling bills. Apply through your state's LIHEAP office or call 211
- Local nonprofits: Organizations like Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, St. Vincent de Paul, and local community action agencies often provide one-time rental assistance in San Francisco
For more details, see our emergency rental assistance guide.
Tenant Rights in California
As a renter in San Francisco, you're protected by California tenant law. Key protections include:
- Your landlord must give proper written notice before eviction (varies by reason)
- You have the right to a habitable unit — landlords must make necessary repairs
- Retaliatory eviction (evicting you for complaining about conditions) is illegal
- Security deposit limits and return deadlines are set by state law
- Discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability is illegal under federal and state fair housing laws
For state-specific details, see our California housing resources page.
Other Housing Programs in San Francisco
- Public Housing: Government-owned affordable apartments. Apply through your local PHA
- LIHTC (Tax Credit) Housing: Privately owned affordable apartments with income-restricted rents. Search HUD's LIHTC database for properties near San Francisco
- Housing counseling: Free HUD-approved counselors can help you navigate applications, budgeting, and fair housing issues. Find one at HUD's counselor locator
- Rapid Rehousing: Short-term rental assistance and case management to quickly move people from homelessness into permanent housing. Access through Coordinated Entry (call 211)
Next Steps
Not sure which program is right for you? Our Where to Start tool asks a few quick questions about your situation and matches you with the best resources. It takes about two minutes.