The Albany Housing Authority maintains a single waiting list for public housing and Section 8 vouchers combined

The Albany Housing Authority (AHA) does not separate applicants by program type. When you request to be added to the list, you enter one queue that serves both public housing units and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. This means your position on the list applies to whichever program has an opening first — you do not choose between them or maintain separate applications.

The waiting list is not continuously open. AHA closes the list when the number of applicants reaches a level they cannot process within their staffing capacity. You cannot add your name when the list is closed. The only way to know the current status is to call AHA directly at (510) 622-0792 or visit their office at 1515 San Pablo Avenue, Albany, CA 94706.

Wait times vary significantly depending on bedroom size needed and current funding. One-bedroom units typically move faster than larger units. There is no published average — AHA staff can give you a rough estimate based on your specific needs when you call.

Key Takeaways

  • The Albany Housing Authority waiting list closes periodically, so you must call (510) 622-0792 to confirm it is open before you make the trip to explore in person.
  • You explore once and enter a single list for both public housing and Section 8 vouchers, not two separate lists.
  • You must explore in person at 1515 San Pablo Avenue with a photo ID and proof of income; there is no online or mail process.
  • Wait times depend on the number of bedrooms you need and current funding levels, and AHA staff can estimate your timeline when you call.
  • Once you are on the list, AHA will contact you when a unit or voucher matching your family size becomes available.

What documents you need to bring to explore

Bring original documents or certified copies. A photo ID is required — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need proof of income for every adult household member, which can be recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer, tax returns, or Social Security statements. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of unemployment benefits or a signed statement explaining your income situation.

Bring proof of residency in Alameda County. This can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail addressed to you at your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you are homeless or staying with someone else, AHA has a separate process — call ahead to ask what to bring.

Bring a list of all household members, including children, with their dates of birth. If you have custody documents for any children not born to you, bring those as well. AHA uses this information to determine your family size and any preferences you may have under their admissions policy.

How the waiting list is ordered

AHA uses a date-and-time system, meaning your position is determined by when you complete your process in person. The first person to finish their process on a given day is ahead of the second person who finished that day. This continues through the entire list — it is not random, and it is not based on need or income level.

There are limited exceptions. Applicants who are homeless or living in substandard housing may receive preference points that move them ahead in the queue. You must document your housing situation when you explore — AHA will ask for proof such as a shelter letter or a code violation notice from the city. Domestic violence survivors may also receive preference; ask staff about this when you call to confirm the list is open.

Once you are on the list, your position does not change unless you withdraw or are removed for not responding to AHA's contact attempts. If AHA reaches out and you do not respond within the timeframe they give you, you lose your place.

What happens after you are added to the list

AHA will mail you a confirmation letter with your process number and your position on the list. Keep this letter. You do not need to do anything else while you wait — do not call repeatedly to check your status, as this does not move you forward and ties up staff time.

When a unit or voucher becomes available that matches your family size, AHA will contact you by phone or mail. You will have a limited time to respond — usually 10 business days. If you do not respond within that window, AHA will move to the next person on the list and you will lose your place.

If you move or your phone number changes, contact AHA to update your information. Provide your process number when you call. If AHA cannot reach you because your contact information is outdated, they will mark you as non-responsive and remove you from the list.

Income limits and rent you will pay

AHA has maximum income limits that determine whether you can be admitted to the program. These limits are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and change yearly. For 2024, the limits vary by family size — a single person has a lower limit than a family of four. Call AHA to ask the current limit for your household size, as it changes annually.

If you are admitted to public housing, you pay 30 percent of your adjusted gross income as rent, with a minimum rent set by AHA (typically $50 to $75 per month). Your rent goes up or down as your income changes. AHA recertifies your income annually.

If you receive a Section 8 voucher, you pay 30 percent of your income toward rent, and the voucher covers the difference between your payment and the fair market rent for your unit. You search for your own apartment and the landlord must agree to accept the voucher. Not all landlords participate.

Removing yourself from the list or reapplying

If you no longer want housing information, contact AHA in writing or by phone to withdraw from the list. Provide your process number. Once you withdraw, you must reapply if you change your mind — you do not automatically go back on the list.

If the waiting list is closed when you want to reapply, you will have to wait until AHA reopens it. There is no way to reserve a spot or get on a secondary list. Call periodically or ask AHA if they have an email notification system for when the list reopens.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list right now?

AHA does not publish wait times online. Call (510) 622-0792 during business hours to ask. Staff can tell you roughly how many people are ahead of you for your family size and give you an estimate based on how quickly units or vouchers become available.

Can I explore if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. Bring documentation of your status when you explore — a green card, work permit, or naturalization certificate. AHA will verify your status with federal databases. If you are unsure whether you may have access to, call and ask before making the trip.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

AHA considers eviction history but does not automatically deny applicants with past evictions. The age of the eviction and the reason matter. Call AHA to discuss your specific situation before explore. Bringing documentation of what happened and steps you have taken since may help your case.

Can someone else explore on my behalf?

No. The head of household must be present to explore in person with a photo ID. If you are unable to go to the office, call AHA to ask whether they can make an exception or arrange an alternative time.

What if the list is closed when I am ready to explore?

You will have to wait until AHA reopens it. There is no waitlist for the waitlist. Call every few weeks or ask AHA if they notify people by email when applications reopen. Some applicants also check the AHA website periodically for updates.