The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program enables qualified first-time homebuyers to receive monthly assistance for homeownership expenses in lieu of monthly rent aid. Pursuant to Congressional authority, HUD has authorized states and Public Housing Authorities (PHA's) to provide this assistance using funds available through the Section 8 rental voucher program. The PHA's may choose to participate in offering the Section 8 for homeownership but are not required to do so. Under the Program at least 30% of the eligible homebuyers' income will go to pay the homeownership expenses with Section 8 covering the remainder.

The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) does not provide funding or administer this program but has approved its use in partnership with our first mortgages and subordinate loans by those PHA's approved by CalHFA.

View the list of CalHFA approved PHA's here. A copy of the Department of Housing and Community Development's list of PHA's in California can be found on their web site at www.hcd.ca.gov/hpd/hrc/tech/contacts.htm.

Steps for PHA to Become Approved

Step 1: PHA needs to submit in writing their desire to partner with CalHFA and attach copies of their Master Plan or 5-Year Plan and any other related material. All requests must be sent to:

California Housing Finance Agency
Homeownership Special Programs
1121 L Street, 7th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814

Step 2: Homeownership Special Programs staff will review the documentation submitted. The PHA will be contacted if further clarification is needed.

Step 3: Homeownership Special Programs will facilitate a meeting and/or conference call with the PHA and one or more of CalHFA's approved lenders (selected by the PHA) to discuss the requirements of both entities. Program qualifications and borrower eligibility will be disclosed and the most restrictive criteria will be identified. Additionally, lenders will be advised of the subsidy, known as the Housing Assistance Payment, which will be added to the borrower's gross income for CalHFA Tax Act Compliance and all CalHFA loans participating with the Section 8 assistance will be service-released to CalHFA Loan Servicing.

Step 4: The PHA will be added to the list of approved PHA's to partner with CalHFA.

Important Program Highlights

The PHA's will be solely responsible for all program eligibility, administration, training/counseling, reporting and annual review of the homeowners who receive Section 8 assistance.

Eligible prospective homebuyers or those wanting more information must contact their local PHA for details.

CalHFA and the PHA may have different eligibility requirements. The most restrictive requirements will apply.

All prospective homeowners must be able to meet the following CalHFA Homeownership Program requirements:

1. Borrower requirements
2. Property requirements

Homebuyers interested in applying for financing, should contact one of CalHFA's approved lenders.

Please contact the Homeownership Programs staff for additional information:

CalHFA Homeownership Division
P.O. Box 4034 , Sacramento, CA 95812
Phone: 877.9.CalHFA
Email: homeownership@calhfa.ca.gov

CalHFA does not lend money directly to consumers. CalHFA works through and uses approved private lenders to qualify consumers and to make all mortgage loans. CalHFA purchases closed loans that meet CalHFA's requirements. The fees consumers pay could be different depending on the lender and the program. View the sample Truth in Lending disclosure here.