SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) has announced that its Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and public housing wait lists will officially close on Feb. 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., ending the period during which new applications can be submitted through the SDHC’s Rental Assistance Wait List Portal.
At the same time, SDHC has confirmed it is not currently selecting new families for vouchers due to federal funding shortfalls and rising program costs.
Officials warn that even though applications can still be submitted, it could be several years before any households receive assistance.
The wait list portal — an online system where residents can apply for rental assistance, update existing applications, and maintain their place on the wait list, remains open for applicants who have already applied.
Those existing applications will remain active without additional action required following the closure.
The commission says the demand for assistance far exceeds federal funding levels, which have not kept pace with rising housing costs and increased program expenses.
The wait list portal is also closely tied to special referral‑based programs required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These referral wait lists will stay open, but only through community‑based organizations rather than the general public.
Affordable housing guide
Residents seeking rental assistance are encouraged to explore other affordable housing resources, including SDHC‑managed rental properties and community programs.
SDHC provides a resource directory and an affordable housing guide to help families locate alternative options.
For more information or to check on an existing wait list application, applicants can contact the SDHC Wait List Call Center at 619‑578‑7639.
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