1. Get on every list
   Sign up for city housing waitlists, nonprofit interest lists, and affordable housing portals.
2. Stay on the lists
   Even if you are temporarily housed, keep your name on waitlists for future opportunities.
3. Answer every call
   Unknown numbers could be housing providers trying to reach you.
4. Check messages quickly
   Housing agencies often move to the next person if you don’t respond right away.
5. Follow up regularly
   Calling or emailing shows persistence. If staff recognize your name, you may move faster through the process.
6. Think outside the box—BUT with caution
   Some students have found leads on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.
   • These sites are not regulated housing platforms.
   • Tenant rights may not be clearly stated or enforced.
   • Be alert for scams (requests for wire transfers, no in-person showings, or “too good to be true” offers).
   • Whenever possible, prioritize official housing providers, agencies, and property management companies that are bound by fair housing laws.

Protecting Your Rights

• Regulated housing (through city, county, nonprofit, or property management waitlists) comes with clear tenant rights, screening standards, and lease protections under state and federal law.
• Unregulated spaces (Craigslist, informal sublets, or cash-only rentals) carry more risks: fewer protections, no guarantee of repairs, and potential scams.

Final Note

The information here is student-to-student advice to support housing success. Always double-check opportunities with reliable sources, and if you’re unsure about a listing or lease, seek support from a trusted housing agency or advocate.

Income Limits Explained

Public housing is limited to low-income families and individuals. Your local housing authority (HA) determines your eligibility based on: 1) annual gross income; 2) whether you qualify as elderly, a person with a disability, or as a family; and 3) U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. If you are eligible, the HA will check your references to make sure you and your family will be good tenants.

HUD sets the lower income limits at 80% and very low-income limits at 50% of the median income for the county you choose to live. Income limits vary from area to area so you may be eligible at one HA but not at another. The HA serving your community can provide you with the income levels for your area and family size, or you can also find the income limits here https://www.hud.gov/topics/rental_assistance/phprog

Household Size and Annual Income Limits – By County

Alameda County & Contra Costa County

	Household Size
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Very Low Income	$55,950	$63,950	$71,950	$79,900	$86,300	$92,700	$99,100	$105,500
Extremely Low Income	$33,600	$38,400	$43,200	$47,950	$51,800	$55,650	$59,500	$63,300
Low Income Limits	$87,500	$100,500	$112,550	$125,050	$135,100	$145,100	$155,100	$165,100

 

San Joaquin County

	Household Size
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Very Low Income	$36,650	$41,850	$47,100	$52,300	$56,500	$60,700	$64,900	$69,050
Extremely Low Income	$22,000	$25,150	$28,300	$32,150	$37,650	$43,150	$48,650	$54,150
Low Income Limits	$58,600	$67,000	$75,350	$83,700	$90,400	$97,100	$103,800	$110,500

 

 

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Day Shelters

Supplement homeless and low-income people when the shelter their staying in only offers shelter on an overnight basis. Case management is often provided and sometimes there are laundry and shower facilities.  Meals and basic hygiene may also be offered.  Almost all-day shelters provide their services free of charge. Any emergency or homeless shelter that allows clients to stay during the day is also classified under this category.

Drug & Alcohol Rehab Programs

Intended to treat alcohol and/or drug dependency.  The cost of participating in one of these programs and the method of treatment range significantly. The database operated on this website only includes residential rehab programs (not outpatient programs). We also provide Access to Recovery (ATR) Grant programs for substance abuse treatment.

Emergency Homeless Shelters

Provide short term relief for the homeless & low-income. Usually there is a maximum stay of 3 months or less. Many of these shelters ask their clients to leave during the day.  Meals and other supportive services are often offered.  3 times out of 5 these shelters offer their services free of charge.

Independent Living Programs (ILP) Programs

Designed to support various populations of residents but primarily for veterans, foster youth, and/or persons with disabilities. These programs have some eligibility guidelines but those participating require little to no assistance. Programs offer additional services that participants can access on an as-needed basis. These can include legal aid, peer support, on-site supportive staff, etc.

Permanent Long-Term Housing 

A long-term solution for housing. Residents are often allowed to stay as long as they remain in the low-income bracket but is sometimes limited 3 - 5 years.  Residents pay no more than 30% of their income toward rent. Emergency shelters, homeless shelters and transitional housing programs that allow their clients to stay without a maximum stay is also classified under this category.

Rooming House or Boarding House

A rooming house is a building in which renters occupy single rooms and share kitchens, bathrooms, and common areas. The location may be a converted single-family home, a converted hotel, or a purpose-built structure. Rooming houses are low-cost housing and may have as few as three rooms for rent, or more than a hundred. The same goes for boarding houses.

Shared Housing Programs

Helps bring low-income persons together and helps prevent homelessness by providing affordable housing options. This service is good for families, disabled persons, and others wanted more companionship. ShelterListings.org finds these shared housing locations and lists them throughout our website.

Supportive Housing Programs

Provide an alternative living arrangement for individuals who, because of age, disability, substance abuse, mental illness, chronic homelessness or other circumstances, are unable to live independently without care, supervision and/or support to help them in the activities of daily living; or who need access to case management, housing support, vocational, employment and other services to transition to independent living.

Transitional Housing

Affordable low-cost supportive housing designed to provide housing and appropriate support services to persons who are homeless or who are close to homelessness. The transition is to help them be more self-sufficient to move toward independent living on their own. Services provided at transitional housing facilities varies from substance abuse treatment, to psychological assistance, job training, domestic violence assistance, etc. The assistance provided varies, but it is generally affordable and low-cost housing. Read the descriptions of each of the transitional living locations for more detailed information.

What is Section 8?

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (“Section 8”) is the largest and most successful low-income housing assistance program in the country. Property owners who participate in the Section 8 program benefit from the program because as much as 100% of the rent is paid by the government. As long as the lease terms and property are maintained, the rent is virtually guaranteed and sent to the owner every month, often times by direct deposit into the owner’s bank account.

How does Section 8 work?

Approximately 2.3 million households receive federal rental assistance via the Section 8 program. Section 8 is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Although federally funded, the Section 8 program is administered locally by over 2,400 Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) across the country.

Is it hard to get a Section 8 voucher?

Obtaining a Section 8 voucher is not easy. Because of funding limitations, not everyone who qualifies for a Section 8 voucher receives one. Due to overwhelming demand, many waiting lists for Section 8 assistance are closed and only open sporadically and for brief periods of time. This makes getting on a Section 8 waiting list challenging. If you manage to get on a Section 8 waiting list, long wait times are the norm and families often wait years to receive a voucher. 

Further complicating the process, most PHAs also have different local priorities or methods of selecting applicants from their waiting list. Often this includes a local residency preference for those living or working within the PHAs jurisdiction. Some PHAs also administer special purpose vouchers that are designated for specific populations, like the Mainstream Section 8 voucher program which provides a Section 8 voucher to households with a disabled adult household member.

How to apply for Section 8?

The first step in getting a Section 8 Voucher is finding a Section 8 waiting list that is open and taking applications. Anyone interested in applying for Section 8 should start by searching the Section 8 Waiting List Directory. New Section 8 Waiting List openings are updated and posted daily along with who is eligible and instructions on how to apply. Families interested in applying for a Section 8 voucher assistance should check this Waiting List Directory frequently.

What number am I on the Section 8 waitlist?

Most Housing Authorities will not tell you what your place is on a waiting list. This is because rankings can change as an applicant’s needs change. PHAs require applicants to keep their application up to date with any changes in their family composition, income, or contact information to remain on the waiting list. Updating factors that can affect ranking on your application, like income, can change your ranking.

If you are on a waiting list, it is very important to keep your contact information current. Often times applicants are selected after years of waiting but their mailing address or phone numbers have changed. Sadly, many applicants cannot be reached when they are finally selected to receive a Section 8 voucher. Make sure to update your personal information to ensure you will be contacted when housing becomes available.

Applying for a rental home can be as competitive as landing your dream job. A rental resume helps you stand out by presenting essential information in a professional format, showing landlords that you are responsible and prepared.

While landlords will still conduct credit and background checks, receiving a rental resume can elevate your application and demonstrate that you’re serious about maintaining the property and meeting lease obligations.

What to Include

• Current and past employment
• Rental history and references
• Number of occupants (but not personal details like children’s ages or protected categories under the Fair Housing Act)

Why It Matters

Landlords look for tenants who will pay on time, follow lease rules, report maintenance issues early, and keep the unit in good condition. A rental resume provides confidence that you’re a qualified, reliable renter.

Key Tips

• Be honest and transparent: Address employment gaps or credit issues upfront.
• Attach supporting documents: Include proof of income, references, or even a pet resume if relevant.
• Show readiness and responsibility: Note that you’re prepared to provide a credit report, background check, and deposit.
• Proofread carefully: A clean, professional document reflects your seriousness.

A well-prepared rental resume not only makes the application process smoother but also helps ensure your landlord remembers you when selecting tenants.

 

Housing Resume Structure

[Your Name]
[Phone Number] | [Email Address] | [Current Address]

Objective

A short statement about your housing needs and why you’re a strong tenant. Example:
“Responsible professional seeking a quiet, long-term rental. Reliable, tidy, and respectful of property and neighbors.”

Personal Background

Brief intro about yourself and household (education, work, or community involvement). Example:
“Recent college graduate working downtown, active in local volunteer efforts. Lives alone, no pets.”

Employment & Income

Show financial stability with current/previous jobs and proof of income. Example:

• Web Designer, Tech Solutions Inc. (2024–Present)
• Supervisor: Jane Doe, (555) 555-1234
• Annual Income: $XX,XXX (proof available)

Rental History

List prior residences to show reliability. Example:

• Oak Creek Apartments, 123 Maple St. (2021–2024)
• Rent: $1,500 | Manager: Jackie Jones, (555) 555-4321
• Reason for Leaving: Moved closer to work

References

Include 2–3 reliable contacts (former landlords, supervisors, or neighbors). Example:

• Mark Smith – Former Supervisor – (555) 555-9876
• Jane Rodriguez – Former Neighbor – (555) 555-6789

 

Impress Your Future Landlord

 

Apartment hunting is competitive. Making a strong first impression can help your rental application stand out. Landlords look for reliable tenants who pay on time, take care of the unit, and communicate well.

Phase One: First Impressions

Preliminary tenant screening often happens when you call or tour a property. Landlords pay attention to what you say and how you act.

Tips:

• Be polite and honest—don’t lie about pets or credit, they’ll find out.
• Answer “Why are you moving?” positively (e.g., closer to work or need more space). Avoid bad-mouthing your current landlord.
• Ask about pet policies instead of announcing you want a new puppy.
• Keep relationships private if your partner won’t be on the lease.
• Go to showings alone if possible; if you bring a friend, clarify they’re not a roommate.
• Be ready to provide your Social Security Number for the credit check—it’s standard practice.

Meeting the Landlord

Think of it like a job interview.

• Be on time and dress neatly.
• Turn off your phone during the showing.
• Listen first, then ask questions.
• Arrange childcare so you can stay focused.

Common questions landlords may ask:

• How many people will live here?
• Why are you moving?
• Do you have pets?
• What’s your income and job situation?
• Can you pay first month’s rent and deposit?

👉 Practice your answers with a friend or case manager to build confidence.

Handling Tough Topics

If you’ve faced bad credit, eviction, or criminal history, be prepared:

• Be honest and keep explanations short.
• Be positive—share what’s changed and how you’re more responsible now.
• Bring references from employers, landlords, or mentors.
• Stay proactive—have documents ready (proof of income, recommendation letters).

Maintaining Good Relationship

Once you move in, build trust with your landlord.

• Report maintenance issues early—don’t try to fix major problems yourself.
• Don’t stop paying rent without legal advice.
• Let your landlord know if you need to change locks, add residents, or make changes (like painting).
• If neighbor issues arise, try resolving calmly before escalating.
• Communicate if you’re late on rent—honesty may buy you time.

Evictions

Rules vary by city, but in general:

• With cause: nonpayment of rent or lease violations can lead to a 3-day notice and possible eviction.
• Without cause: landlords may give 30–60 days’ notice depending on how long you’ve lived there.

👉 If you get an eviction notice, don’t ignore it. Contact a tenant rights group or dial 211 right away for local support.