Apply for Affordable Housing
How to Apply
To apply for housing through DAHLIA, first create an account on the DAHLIA San Francisco Housing Portal to see available listings. From there, you can apply to specific listings; you will be entered into a lottery to determine your place in line. If you win a lottery spot, a building representative will contact you to complete a more detailed application, provide additional documents (such as paystubs, bank statements, and tax returns), and may review your credit and rental history.
BHNC does not run an internal waitlist, and all openings and requirements will be announced through the DAHLIA portal.
Step 1: Create an account and find listings
- Go to the DAHLIA website to sign up for an account with your name, email, and password.
- Creating an account helps you track applications and results in one place.
- You can also sign up for email alerts to be notified about new housing opportunities.
Step 2: Enter the lottery
- Browse the available rental or homeownership listings on the website.
- Apply to the listings that interest you. Applying automatically enters you into a lottery for that specific unit.
- The lottery determines your place in line. Some applicants may have a preference based on specific programs.
Step 3: Complete the detailed application
- If you are contacted after the lottery, you will need to fill out a more detailed application.
- Be prepared to provide documents to confirm your eligibility and information, such as:
- Proof of income (paystubs, tax returns)
- Bank statements
- Information on previous landlords
- Proof of identity and household members
- A leasing agent may also review your credit score and rental history.
Additional Assistance
The following resources are available to help you navigate the affordable housing application process.
Have Questions or Need Support?
If you have general questions regarding housing policies and services or are facing an eviction, please visit one of San Francisco’s housing navigation centers nearest you and speak with a housing counselor.
Additional Resources
Websites
Call or Visit
- Call 311 for rental assistance programs.
- Contact Eviction Defense Collaborative at (415) 659-9185 or legal@evictiondefense.org. Visit in person Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10-11:30am and 1-2:30pm, 976 Mission Street
- Contact Housing Rights Committee of San Francisco Mission District Office at (415) 703-8644 or Richmond District Office at (415) 947-9085
- Mission Office languages: English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish
- Richmond Office languages: English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian