In essence, as describe here first, in SF you’re applying to apply to be in the lottery and on the waitlist. The lottery you enter is letting you know who gets to apply first. It is a way to determine your place in line to apply for the open units. This is broken down well here, and we are including information on the lottery’s to encourage you to apply if you are interested in entering any of the lotteries you may be eligible for depending on where you hope, wish or want to live.

In San Francisco, you will want to begin here: https://housing.sfgov.org/

Sign up, provide your email address so they can contact you when new listings are posted.

You will be placed in an order based on qualifications, and preferences.

Note: You will fare better if you have any of the preferences listed here:

https://www.sf.gov/get-priority-housing-lottery

Please see the list at the above link, in short however, these preferences include:

1. Being forced to move by the SF Redevelopment Agency
2. Forced to move due to fire, eviction, or rising rent
3. You live in the same neighborhood as a new building
4. You live or work in SF
5. You’re a Vet

There are also housing counselors available.

After the lottery, a more detailed application and review happens. Keep in mind these are for both renters and buyers.

How the lottery works in short:

1. Apply, get a lottery number
2. You’ll receive a unique rank, using a Random System
3. Results are arranged by priority (folks with preference qualifications move up).
4. You will be entered into the General Lottery if there are no preference qualifications.

Please go to these links for more information:

https://www.sf.gov/information/how-affordable-housing-lottery-works-0

Sign up, provide your email address so they can contact you when new listings are posted.