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While the City does not own or operate any affordable housing, we have many resources to help you locate affordable housing in Redwood City. The majority of these apartments are rent-restricted and require income verification. Below are five steps you can take to locate and apply for affordable housing.

1. Learn about different kinds of affordable housing 

Non-Profit Housing

Non-profit affordable housing developments offer well-designed and professionally-managed homes with restricted rents and varying eligibility requirements. Call or visit the websites of the organizations on this list provided by the County of San Mateo and this list provided by the City of Redwood City.

Section 8

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) closes the gap between rent and your income. Contact the San Mateo County Housing Authority for guidance by emailing them at housing@smchousing.org or call (650)780-7577; (650) 802-3300.

Affordable Homeownership and Other Options

Click here for more information about homebuyer assistance and education programs.

Tenants’ Rights

If you need help with tenant/landlord issues, go here. 

Emergency Housing Assistance 

If you need help with security deposit, rent, emergency housing or shelter, please click here.

Affordable Housing Notifications

Sign-up for email notifications when affordable housing opportunities are available here. 

You will be notified about opportunities to apply for below market rate/affordable housing units for rent and/or for sale within new developments currently under construction, recently completed projects or other affordable housing units. You will be notified when the developer begins marketing the affordable units and accepting applications. You will need to submit an application directly to the property management company of the property you are interested in as the City does not accept applications. This is a notification list only and NOT a waitlist.

2. Get your finances and credit ready

Credit Check

Obtain your credit report early, and be prepared to tell prospective landlords about any problems and the steps you’ve taken to address them. They may accept a low credit rating with good references, proof of employment, a higher security deposit, or a co-signer. For help, contact a credit counseling agency.

Income and Budgeting

Your housing costs should consume no more than one-third of your income. Some organizations like Monterra Credit Union and Smart About Money (SAM) offer free courses to help you create a financial and savings plan so you can afford transportation, childcare, health care and other expenses along with rent or mortgage payments.

3. Check to see if your income qualifies

Find out if you qualify for affordable housing by inquiring with a specific property or non-profit developer. Click here to see the City of Redwood City’s current income limits.

If you have a Section 8 voucher, ask if the property owner will accept it, or contact your housing authority for a list of landlords who will. 

4. Identify your housing needs and preferences

Think about location and amenities, but also be flexible and consider several cities and types of housing to increase your chances. Non-profit housing often targets certain populations: seniors, special needs, family or transitional/supportive. You may have trouble qualifying if you’re undocumented or if you have a certain type of criminal record.  

5. Contact non-profit housing organizations and apply

✓ Check the websites of non-profit developers often or call to get current information and applications. Follow directions to ensure success.

✓ Search through the City of Redwood City’s List of Affordable Housing, Call 2-1-1, and search www.1degree.org and housingbayarea.org to find openings.

✓ For properties with openings, visit the website and/or call to request an application or to be added to the waitlist. Complete and submit applications by the deadline. Be prepared to provide financial and family information and your housing history to determine eligibility.

✓ For properties under construction, ask to be added to the interest/marketing list.

✓ Once you’ve submitted your applications or joined a waitlist, let each property know if you move or change your phone number. Ask about the best way to keep in contact.

Apply to as many affordable housing properties as you can. The following are links to affordable housing lists and notification services in Redwood City and San Mateo County.