How to Apply for SRO Housing in San Francisco

Introduction to SRO Housing in San Francisco

Single Room Occupancy (SRO) housing offers affordable living spaces for low-income individuals, seniors, families, and those transitioning from homelessness in San Francisco. These small, private rooms, often 8×10 feet, come with shared bathrooms and kitchens, typically in historic buildings in neighborhoods like the Tenderloin and Chinatown. SROs are a critical part of San Francisco’s housing solution, addressing the city’s high costs and limited affordable options. This guide explains the application process, eligibility, support services, and what to expect when living in an SRO.

How to Apply for SRO Housing

Applying for SRO housing involves working with organizations like the Chinatown Community Development Center (Chinatown CDC), which manages many SRO properties. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Find Available Properties:

• Visit Chinatown CDC’s housing page for a list of SROs like 937 Clay Street, St. Claire Residence, or William Penn Hotel.
• Check the DAHLIA Housing Portal for open waitlists and lotteries.

2. Access the Application:

• Download forms from the Chinatown CDC website or pick them up in person at property offices (e.g., 937 Clay Street, Monday-Friday, 9 AM-5 PM).
• Some properties, like 1005 Powell Street, use lotteries for waitlist placement. Applications for these closed on July 29, 2024, but check DAHLIA for updates.

3. Complete the Application:

• Provide accurate income and personal details. Most SROs require a minimum income of two times the rent (e.g., $1,200 for a $600 rent).
• Ensure you meet specific requirements, like veteran status for properties like Maceo May Apartments.

4. Submit the Application:

• Options include:
  • In Person: Drop off at the property’s office (e.g., Swiss American Hotel, 534 Broadway).
  • By Mail: Send to the property’s address (e.g., Clayton Hotel, 1003 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA 94108).
  • Online: Use secure upload forms on the Chinatown CDC website or email to the provided address.

5. Wait for Processing:

• Applications are reviewed for completeness and added to waitlists based on submission date or lottery results.
• Waitlists can range from months to years due to high demand. For example, St. Claire Residence’s waitlist closed January 2, 2025, with a lottery on January 15, 2025.

6. Follow Up:

• Contact the property office (e.g., 415-981-7119 for St. Claire Residence) to check your status or appeal rejections.

For Families: SRO Families United offers support, including rental subsidies, though their 2023-2024 program is closed. Contact them for partner organization referrals.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for SRO housing varies by property but often includes income and demographic requirements. Here’s a breakdown:

• Income Requirements:
• Minimum: Typically two times the monthly rent (e.g., $1,372 for St. Claire Residence’s $686 rent).
• Maximum: Some properties, like 937 Clay Street, cap income at $83,900.
• Demographic Priorities:
• Some SROs prioritize seniors, veterans, or those exiting homelessness. For example, Maceo May Apartments require veteran status.
• Families may qualify for specific buildings, like 201 Turk Street, which offers family-friendly units.
• Occupancy Limits:
• Most SROs limit rooms to one person, though some, like 201 Turk Street, accommodate families.

Property	Address	Rent	Min Income	Max Income	Contact
937 Clay Street	937 Clay St, SF, CA 94108	$600-$650	$1,200-$1,300	$83,900	415-872-9620
St. Claire Residence	585 Geary St, SF, CA 94133	$686	$1,372	–	415-981-7119
William Penn Hotel	160 Eddy St, SF, CA 94102	$525-$625	$1,050-$1,250	–	415-775-6211
Clayton Hotel	657 Clay St, SF, CA 94108	$546	$1,092	–	415-981-1378
Swiss American Hotel	534 Broadway, SF, CA 94133	$575-$675	$1,150-$1,350	$55,950	415-397-4338

Note: Always verify requirements with the property manager, as they can change.

Support Services and Resources

San Francisco offers robust support for SRO applicants and tenants:

• Chinatown CDC: Manages 38 properties, housing over 5,000 residents, and provides resident services like community events and advocacy.
• SRO Collaborative Program: Connects tenants to local organizations for outreach and support. Check their map to find your assigned group.
• Tenderloin Housing Clinic (THC): Offers legal aid, eviction protection, and habitability support. Contact them at 415-771-2427.
• SRO Families United: Supports families with advocacy and subsidies.
• SF Homeless Outreach Team (SFHOT) and Brilliant Corners: Help place homeless individuals in SROs.
• Housing Choice Voucher Program: Administered by the San Francisco Housing Authority, this provides subsidies for low-income families, paying part of the rent directly to landlords.

San Francisco’s Residential Hotel Unit Conversion Ordinance (1981) protects SRO tenants by preventing conversions to tourist use and ensuring affordability.

What to Expect When Living in an SRO

Living in an SRO involves unique considerations:

• Space: Rooms are small, typically 80-100 square feet, with shared bathrooms and kitchens.
• Cost: Rents range from $500-$1,000 monthly, making SROs one of the most affordable options.
• Community: Some buildings, like 201 Turk Street, offer resident activities and after-school programs.
• Maintenance: Quality varies. Report issues to THC or the SRO Collaborative for resolution.
• Tenancy Rights: Tenants are protected from unjust evictions and entitled to habitable conditions under San Francisco law.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Related Questions (People Also Ask):

• How do I qualify for Section 8 in San Francisco? Visit SF Housing Authority.
• What are other affordable housing options? Check DAHLIA for Below Market Rate units.

Conclusion

SRO housing is a vital option for affordable living in San Francisco. By following the application steps, verifying eligibility, and leveraging support from organizations like Chinatown CDC and SRO Families United, you can secure a stable home. Be patient with waitlists and proactive in checking DAHLIA for opportunities. For more housing options, explore Section 8 vouchers or contact the San Francisco Housing Authority at 415-715-3280.

Visit more:

• Benefits of Affordable Housing in Real Estate Trends
• Impact of Housing Shortages on Real Estate Markets
• How to Afford a House in San Francisco