HUD-assisted housing in Santa Cruz, CA

Santa Cruz has 14 HUD-assisted multifamily rental properties on file with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (data as of 2026-09-11), providing a combined 829 federally-assisted apartment units. The largest community on file is Elizabeth Oaks Apts. at 1460 JOSE AVE, with 126 assisted units under the Insured-Subsidized category.

The table below mixes Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance, Section 202 housing for the elderly, Section 811 housing for persons with disabilities, and other Project-Based programs administered by HUD’s Office of Multifamily Housing. Rows with a linked name have a full Unit Seeker profile page (3 of 14 in Santa Cruz); the rest are shown as plain text (see our methodology for why).

How rent is calculated

At HUD-assisted properties in Santa Cruz, eligible tenants generally pay 30% of their adjusted monthly income toward rent and utilities. HUD pays the property the difference between that household contribution and the negotiated contract rent. Income limits are set annually by HUD based on the local Area Median Income (AMI).

How to apply for housing in Santa Cruz

Each property keeps its own waitlist, separate from your local Public Housing Agency’s Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher list. Practical steps:

• Call the on-site management number listed for each property below to ask whether the waitlist is open and how to apply.
• If most local waitlists are closed, also apply for a portable Housing Choice Voucher through the PHA serving Santa Cruz — see our step-by-step guide.
• Cast a wider net by checking nearby cities in California — HUD vouchers are typically portable within the same metro area.
• Confirm what you may qualify for using our eligibility guide before you call.