Programs Overview

The Berkeley Housing Authority administers two basic types of housing programs:

• Tenant-based assistance (that is, Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) and

• Project based assistance

Tenant-based assistance is tied to the family who receives the freedom of searching for affordable housing among all rental housing within the Berkeley Housing Authority's jurisdiction.

Project-based assistance is tied to a specific dwelling.  The family who lives there will pay an affordable rent, but if they move, they receive no further rental assistance.  The unit then goes to the next income-eligible family who moves in.

The rent paid by families is based on household income (see the Housing Statistics link below).  Rent is generally between 30% to 40% of the family’s monthly-adjusted gross income. 

For more information, please click on the links below: 

• Section 8 Voucher Program

• Program Guidelines for:

1. Rents

2. Incomes

3. Utilities 

(Shows Fair Market Rents, Payment Standards, Income Limits, Utility Allowances)

• Portability Information

Special Programs

THE FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM IS NOT ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS.  

Family Self-Sufficiency 

Project Move-Up

Emergency Housing Vouchers:

VASH Voucher Program:

Housing for Disabled and Homeless Individuals (SROs)

Mainstream Voucher Program: