California · Sacramento and Sacramento County
Section 8 in Sacramento, California
The Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA) runs Section 8 for the City and County of Sacramento. Its waiting-list site says the "Tenant-Based Housing Choice Voucher Program waiting list (formerly known as the Section 8 program) is currently closed."
But 7 other SHRA lists were open on October 22, 2026: 4 project-based voucher lists and 3 public housing lists, mostly for families needing 3 to 5 bedrooms. You apply free at sacwaitlist.com.
With a voucher, SHRA pays by ZIP code. Its two-bedroom standards in city ZIPs run from $1,890 (95824) to $3,124 (95835), counting rent plus the utilities you pay.
By the VoucherMatch editorial team · Sources reviewed · Updated · Independent guide, not a housing authority
- Tenant-based voucher list
- Closed
- sacwaitlist.com, Oct 22, 2026
- Open SHRA lists
- 7
- 4 project-based, 3 public housing; 3 to 5 bedrooms
- 2BR payment standard
- $1,890–$3,124
- City ZIPs, effective Jan 1, 2026
- Median 2BR gross rent
- $1,839
- Census ACS 2020–2024, ±$30
- People on SHRA lists
- 80,279
- All lists, Sept 30, 2026
Which Sacramento lists are open, and where to apply
SHRA posts every one of its waiting lists on sacwaitlist.com. Its FAQ says it "manages 12 different wait lists, which open and close based on availability" and that "There is no charge to apply." The regular, tenant-based voucher list is closed. These lists were open on October 22, 2026:
| List | Program | Bedrooms open | Preferences shown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project-Based County | Project-based voucher, Sacramento County | 3, 4, 5 | Residency, veteran |
| Project-Based City | Project-based voucher, City of Sacramento | 3, 4, 5 | Homeless, residency, veteran |
| Phoenix Park (4400 Shining Star Dr., 95823) | Project-based voucher | 4 | Rent burdened or homeless, residency, disabled, veteran, displaced by government |
| Mirasol Village | Project-based voucher; SHRA calls it a "new, 427-unit housing development under construction" | 3, 4, 5 | Same as Phoenix Park |
| City Housing | Public housing, City of Sacramento | 4 | Veteran, homeless, homeless with services, involuntarily displaced |
| County Housing | Public housing, Sacramento County | 4, 5 | Same as City Housing |
| Walnut Grove (95690) | Public housing; needs the access code posted on site at 14215 Grove St. | 3 | Same as City Housing |
Source: sacwaitlist.com, "Open Waiting Lists" view, read October 22, 2026. Closed at the same time: the tenant-based voucher list, Project-Based Elderly, Saybrook/Serna, and the Alder Grove, Marina Vista and Elderly Only public housing lists.
What a project-based list gets you
A project-based voucher or public housing unit helps with rent only at that property or agency site. It does not move with you the way a tenant-based voucher does. The open lists cover 3 to 5 bedrooms, so they suit larger households.
Important: Only apply on sacwaitlist.com
SHRA says: "All Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency waiting lists are ONLY posted on Sacwaitlist.com." It warns that a flyer and the site govassistance[dot]org are "NOT legitimate." Applying is free.
The lists are long. SHRA's September 2026 monthly report counts 80,279 entries across its lists on September 30, 2026, including 4,009 on the closed voucher list. A youth list (Housing Choice Voucher – FYI) is "Open for Referral Only," for ages 18 to 24 leaving foster care. Some supportive project-based sites take only referrals through 211 or the VA.
| Agency | Phone | Voucher list status |
|---|---|---|
| SHRA (Housing Authority of the County of Sacramento, CA007, and of the City of Sacramento, CA005) | 916-440-1390; TTY 711 | "Tenant-Based Housing Choice Voucher Program waiting list … is currently closed." Project-based and public housing lists above are open. |
| Roseville Housing Authority (Placer County) | 916-774-5270 | Voucher list came from a 2020 lottery of 700 applications; no current open or closed line posted. Project-based list "now closed effective at 12pm noon, Friday, July 26, 2025." |
| Placer County Housing Authority (Auburn) | 530-889-7676 | Not re-verified: the county site blocked our check on October 22, 2026. |
| Yolo County Housing (Woodland, West Sacramento, Davis) | 530-662-5428 | No status posted on its home page. Yolo County is a separate HUD rent area. |
| El Dorado County Housing Authority (Placerville) | 530-621-6300 | Not retrieved: the county site blocked our check. |
Sources: sacwaitlist.com; Roseville HA; Placer County; Yolo County Housing. Read October 22, 2026. SHRA's 13,790 vouchers in HUD data belong to its county authority (CA007), which serves the city too; the city authority (CA005) runs public housing only.
SHRA payment standards by ZIP, 2026
Sacramento is a mandatory Small Area Fair Market Rent area, so SHRA sets its voucher limit ZIP by ZIP, for 60 ZIPs in the county. Its payment standard handout is effective January 1, 2026. It says to use "the lower of the voucher size or the unit size." HUD's metro-wide figure ($2,201 for a two-bedroom in FY2027) is not what SHRA pays.
| ZIP and area | Studio | 1 bedroom | 2 bedrooms | 3 bedrooms | 4 bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95811 Downtown, Railyards | $1,969 | $2,065 | $2,547 | $3,392 | $3,906 |
| 95814 Downtown | $1,738 | $1,823 | $2,247 | $2,989 | $3,445 |
| 95815 North Sacramento, Woodlake | $1,555 | $1,631 | $2,009 | $2,678 | $3,078 |
| 95816 Midtown, East Sacramento | $2,268 | $2,375 | $2,921 | $3,884 | $4,483 |
| 95817 Oak Park area | $1,675 | $1,760 | $2,162 | $2,883 | $3,318 |
| 95820 Tahoe Park, Fruitridge | $1,637 | $1,723 | $2,119 | $2,825 | $3,253 |
| 95822 South Land Park, Hollywood Park | $1,717 | $1,802 | $2,215 | $2,947 | $3,403 |
| 95823 Valley Hi, Florin | $1,652 | $1,739 | $2,138 | $2,851 | $3,283 |
| 95824 Fruitridge, Avondale | $1,470 | $1,533 | $1,890 | $2,520 | $2,898 |
| 95828 Florin, Parkway | $1,777 | $1,864 | $2,289 | $3,052 | $3,510 |
| 95831 Pocket, Greenhaven | $2,119 | $2,215 | $2,729 | $3,627 | $4,184 |
| 95833 South Natomas | $2,074 | $2,182 | $2,678 | $3,564 | $4,115 |
| 95834 Natomas | $1,969 | $2,068 | $2,541 | $3,377 | $3,894 |
| 95835 North Natomas | $2,420 | $2,541 | $3,124 | $4,158 | $4,796 |
| 95838 Del Paso Heights | $1,771 | $1,859 | $2,288 | $3,047 | $3,509 |
Source: SHRA, "Payment Standards Effective January 1, 2026" (rev. 11/12/25). Full 60-ZIP table and five-bedroom amounts in the PDF. Area names are approximate.
| ZIP and area | 2 bedrooms |
|---|---|
| 95608 Carmichael | $2,321 |
| 95610 Citrus Heights | $2,531 |
| 95624 Elk Grove | $2,761 |
| 95660 North Highlands | $2,257 |
| 95670 Rancho Cordova | $2,246 |
| 95630 Folsom | $3,191 |
| 95757 Elk Grove West (the highest) | $3,608 |
Source: SHRA 2026 payment standard handout.
Two-bedroom standard by city ZIP vs. the city median rent
SHRA's city two-bedroom standards run from $1,890 to $3,124; all are above Sacramento's $1,839 median two-bedroom gross rent.
- Observed rent
- Official amount
- Median 2BR gross rent, Sacramento$1,839/mo
Observed rent · ACS 2020–2024, ±$30
- ZIP 95811$2,547/mo
- ZIP 95814$2,247/mo
- ZIP 95815$2,009/mo
- ZIP 95816$2,921/mo
- ZIP 95817$2,162/mo
- ZIP 95820$2,119/mo
- ZIP 95822$2,215/mo
- ZIP 95823$2,138/mo
- ZIP 95824$1,890/mo
- ZIP 95828$2,289/mo
- ZIP 95831$2,729/mo
- ZIP 95833$2,678/mo
- ZIP 95834$2,541/mo
- ZIP 95835$3,124/mo
- ZIP 95838$2,288/mo
HUD's FY2027 Small Area figures took effect October 1, 2026 and fell in many ZIPs. SHRA had not posted a 2027 schedule on October 22, 2026, so some January 2026 standards now sit above 110% of the new HUD figure. In 95823, the $2,138 two-bedroom standard is 111% of the FY2027 figure of $1,930. Check for an update before you sign a lease.
Sources: SHRA 2026 handout; HUD FY2027 Small Area FMRs via HUD’s FMR API; U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 table B25031, Sacramento city. Chart: VoucherMatch, October 22, 2026.
SHRA's draft 2027 administrative plan keeps standards "within the range of 90% to 110% of the new FMR, unless an exception payment standard has been approved." It also lets SHRA approve up to 120% of the FMR as a reasonable accommodation for a person with a disability.
Worked example: a two-bedroom apartment in 95823
A hypothetical household with $2,000 a month in adjusted income rents a $1,950 two-bedroom apartment in 95823 (Valley Hi, Florin). The tenant pays SMUD electricity and PG&E gas for heat, cooking and hot water. The landlord pays water, sewer and trash. SHRA's 2026 allowance for that setup is $137.
Hypothetical $1,950 two-bedroom, standard $2,138
1.Gross rent
$1,950 + $137 utility allowance
$2,087
2.Family share (30% of income)
30% × $2,000
$600
3.SHRA pays the landlord
lesser of $2,138 or $2,087, minus $600
$1,487
4.Family pays the landlord
$1,950 − $1,487, plus its own utility bills
$463
5.40% move-in check
$463 + $137 = $600, under 40% of income ($800)
Passes
6.Highest rent this household could take in 95823
$2,138 − $600 + $800 − $137
$2,201
Hypothetical income and rent. Allowance lines (two bedrooms, apartment/walk-up, schedule dated April 1, 2026): gas heat $34, gas cooking $10, gas water heating $20, other electric $46, SMUD charge $27. Air conditioning adds $29 if the unit has it, making $166. At move-in the family's share cannot exceed 40% of adjusted income (24 CFR 982.508). SHRA also checks that the rent is reasonable.
Source: SHRA utility allowance schedule, apartment/walk-up. SHRA's voucher page also links schedules for houses, townhouses and energy-efficient units.
Income limits for Sacramento, FY2026
Most new voucher families must earn under the 50% limit. HUD's FY2026 limits for the Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade area cover El Dorado, Placer and Sacramento counties. The area median family income is $124,000.
| Household size | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low (80%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $27,600 | $46,000 | $73,600 |
| 2 | $31,550 | $52,600 | $84,100 |
| 3 | $35,500 | $59,150 | $94,600 |
| 4 | $39,400 | $65,700 | $105,100 |
| 5 | $42,600 | $71,000 | $113,550 |
| 6 | $45,750 | $76,250 | $121,950 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $81,500 | $130,350 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $86,750 | $138,750 |
Source: HUD USER income limits, FY2026, METRO40900M40900.
SHRA gives preference points if you live or work in Sacramento County, have a disabled household member, are rent burdened, are a veteran, or are homeless. Each open list shows which of these it uses.
Can a Sacramento landlord refuse Section 8?
No. Since January 1, 2020, California's fair housing law has covered vouchers as "source of income" (Cal. Gov. Code §§ 12955(p) and 12927(i), as amended by SB 329, Stats. 2019 ch. 600, and SB 222). A landlord may judge your income only against your share of the rent (§ 12955(o)). An owner who lives in the home and rents out one room is exempt.
- Complaints: the California Civil Rights Department, 800-884-1684. File generally within one year of the act.
- City rent cap: the City of Sacramento's Tenant Protection Act (City Code ch. 5.156) caps yearly increases. "Effective July 1, 2026, the annual rent adjustment maximum rate will be 8.6%" (5% plus April 2026 CPI of 3.6%), no more than once in 12 months. Penalties reach $25,000. See the 2026 notice.
- Which units: exemptions are in § 5.156.030 of the ordinance; we have not checked which unit types it covers. Ask the Tenant Protection Program, 916-808-8121.
This is general information, not legal advice. For help with a specific case, contact the Civil Rights Department or a legal aid office.
Moving to or from Sacramento with a voucher
Moving in
SHRA's FAQ says it is accepting portability transfers: "The Housing Agency that issued your current voucher must be contacted first to request your port (transfer)." Adults face background checks for criminal activity and evictions.
Moving out
Current participants file SHRA's port-out request form and book through its appointment portal.
The 12-month rule
New families who did not live in Sacramento County when they applied must stay 12 months first. SHRA's draft 2027 plan says: "Nonresident applicants have no right to move under portability for 12 months from the time the family is admitted to the HCV program."
Nearby agencies run their own lists: Roseville and Placer County to the northeast, Yolo County Housing to the west, El Dorado County to the east, and the Housing Authority of the County of San Joaquin in Stockton to the south.
- SHRA (County of Sacramento) profile
Contacts and programs.
- Section 8 in Sacramento County
County-wide guide.
- Section 8 apartments in Sacramento
Search voucher listings.
- ZIP 95823 rent data
Valley Hi and Florin.
- ZIP 95824 rent data
Fruitridge and Avondale.
- ZIP 95838 rent data
Del Paso Heights.
- Section 8 in Yolo County
West Sacramento and Davis.
- Section 8 in Placer County
Roseville and Auburn.
- Section 8 in California
Statewide guide.
Common questions
Is the Sacramento Section 8 waitlist open?
The tenant-based voucher list is closed. On October 22, 2026, SHRA had 7 other lists open on sacwaitlist.com: 4 project-based voucher lists and 3 public housing lists, mostly for 3, 4 or 5 bedrooms. Applying is free, and SHRA says its lists are posted only on sacwaitlist.com.
What are the SHRA payment standards for 2026?
SHRA sets standards by ZIP code, effective January 1, 2026, for 60 ZIPs. A two-bedroom runs from $1,890 in 95824 to $3,124 in 95835 within the city, and up to $3,608 in Elk Grove's 95757. The full table is in SHRA's 2026 handout. No 2027 schedule had been posted by October 22, 2026.
How do I find my SHRA payment standard by ZIP code?
Look up the ZIP of the unit you want to rent in SHRA’s 2026 payment standard handout. Use the lower of your voucher size or the unit’s bedroom count. Gross rent, meaning rent plus SHRA’s utility allowance, should fit under that amount, or you pay the difference.
How long is the wait for Section 8 in Sacramento?
SHRA does not publish a typical wait time. Its September 2026 report counted 80,279 entries across its lists, including 4,009 on the closed voucher list. Preference points for living or working in Sacramento County, disability, rent burden, veteran status or homelessness affect your place.
What is the income limit for Section 8 in Sacramento?
For most new voucher families it is the 50% limit. In FY2026 that is $46,000 for one person, $65,700 for four and $86,750 for eight in the Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade area. The extremely low (30%) limit for four is $39,400, and the low (80%) limit for four is $105,100.
Can a landlord in Sacramento refuse Section 8?
No. California law has banned source-of-income discrimination, including against Section 8 vouchers, since January 1, 2020 (SB 329). A landlord may only judge income against your share of the rent. Complaints go to the California Civil Rights Department, 800-884-1684, generally within one year. This is not legal advice.
Sources and review
VoucherMatch checked each source below on October 22, 2026. Housing authorities change payment standards, utility allowances and waiting-list status during the year, so confirm the figure that applies to your household with the agency before you sign a lease. This guide is general information, not legal advice. To report an error, email a correction and name the source that needs updating.
- SHRA waiting lists (sacwaitlist.com) — Open and closed lists, bedrooms, preferences; read Oct 22, 2026.
- SHRA referral-only programs — Supportive project-based sites by referral.
- SHRA Housing Choice Voucher program and FAQ — 12 wait lists; no charge to apply; preference points.
- SHRA participant resources FAQ — Portability transfers accepted.
- SHRA payment standards effective January 1, 2026 — By ZIP, studio to five bedrooms.
- SHRA utility allowance schedule, apartment/walk-up — Dated April 1, 2026.
- SHRA HCV administrative plan, 2027 draft — 90–110% range; 120% accommodation; 12-month nonresident rule.
- SHRA HCV monthly report, September 2026 — Waitlist counts as of Sept 30, 2026.
- SHRA port-out request form — Moving out of Sacramento County.
- Roseville Housing Authority, applicant services — 2020 lottery; PBV list closed July 26, 2025.
- Placer County housing vouchers — Not re-verified (site blocked our check).
- Yolo County Housing — No status posted.
- HUD USER income limits — FY2026, Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade.
- HUD USER Fair Market Rents — FY2027 metro FMR and Small Area FMRs.
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024, table B25031 (via Census Reporter) — Median gross rent by bedrooms, Sacramento city.
- California Civil Rights Department, housing — Source-of-income protection; complaints.
- City of Sacramento 2026 rent increase notice — 8.6% cap from July 1, 2026.
- City of Sacramento Tenant Protection Program — Program page and contact.
- Sacramento City Code ch. 5.156 — Tenant Protection Act text.