City of San Diego residents have two main programs through the San Diego Housing Commission, both reached at 619-578-7768. If you are losing housing within 14 days, say so. The Commission says it does not expect to pull new families from its Section 8 waiting list for several more years.
Call 211 to ask what is open near you.
Last checked: November 4, 2026. Benefits Explorer is a private directory, not a government agency. We do not take applications, provide rent money or decide eligibility. Each program makes its own decisions.
These programs are for the City of San Diego. If you live elsewhere in the county, call 211. We could not open the County of San Diego's rental assistance pages to confirm other programs.
Rent Help in San Diego
Housing Instability Prevention Program (HIPP)
Who it serves: City of San Diego residents with income at or below 80% of area median income
Pays $250, $500, $750 or $1,000 a month toward rent for up to 24 months, and can cover past-due rent and utilities. You must spend more than 40% of income on housing, face a crisis such as eviction, and have under $2,000 in assets. Funding is limited to about 300 households at a time. Immigration status does not affect eligibility.
Read about Housing Instability Prevention Program (HIPP) · Phone: 619-578-7768 · Status not confirmed. Call first.
SDHC Homelessness Prevention Program
Who it serves: Households at risk of homelessness within 14 days, with income below 80% of area median income
Short-term help that may cover past-due rent, security deposit, application fees and case management. You need proof, such as an Unlawful Detainer, and must be able to pay rent afterward. You can't be receiving another rental subsidy. Our source is a flyer updated July 8, 2024, and the Commission says availability may vary, so confirm it when you call.
Read about SDHC Homelessness Prevention Program · Phone: 619-578-7768 · Status not confirmed. Call first.
Seniors Safe at Home
Who it serves: Low-income seniors 55 and older at risk of homelessness. The page states no area.
A rent and housing cost program from the Commission and Serving Seniors, with a $700,000 budget announced June 2025. The page lists no way to apply, so ask Serving Seniors, at 525 14th Street.
Read about Seniors Safe at Home · Phone: (619) 235-6572 · Status not confirmed. Call first.
Facing Eviction in San Diego?
If you get eviction papers in California, you generally have 10 court days to file an Answer if they were handed to you, per the state courts. Other kinds of service change the count. In the City of San Diego, the Eviction Prevention Program gives eligible low-income tenants legal help, from advice to full representation. Read Legal Aid Society of San Diego: Eviction Prevention Program
Free or low-cost legal help: Legal Aid Society of San Diego. Runs the Eviction Prevention Program for City of San Diego addresses with income at or below 80% of area median income. Intake is Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Legal Aid Society of San Diego website · Phone: 1-877-534-2524
See general eviction deadlines in California. Always go by what your papers say.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Don't ignore a notice or court papers, because eviction deadlines can be short. Contact legal aid about your case.
Avoid Rent Help Scams
Be careful with anyone who asks for a fee to apply or promises approval. Use the official links on this page, and don't share your Social Security number or bank details with a site you reached from an ad or a text.
More Help in California
- Rent assistance across California
- Eviction help: what to do today
- Emergency housing: what to do tonight
- Security deposit help
- Housing authorities in California
- Food pantries in California
- Our full rent assistance guide
San Diego Rent Assistance Questions
Is there $500 rental assistance in San Diego?
HIPP pays set amounts, and $500 a month is one of them, depending on your situation. It serves City of San Diego residents only, and funding is limited. Call 2-1-1 or 619-578-7768.