Income Limits
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the State of California use various terms to describe income levels. These income limits are used to determine eligibility for Housing and Community Development programs. State and federal definitions vary. These income levels are based on the current year's Area Median Income (AMI).
For example, HUD considers Low Income to be 50% of the AMI. If in 2020-2021 a family of four makes $65,250 per year or below, they would qualify as Low Income and would be eligible for programs targeting Low Income families.
- Income limits - 2020
- Income Limits -2019
- Income limits - 2018
- Income limits - 2017
- Income limits - 2016
- Income limits - 2015
- Income limits - 2014
- Income limits - 2013
- Income limits - 2012
- Income limits - 2011
- Income limits - 2010 (NOTE: While median income increased in 2010, due to HUD methodology, the limits for 80% AMI were reduced).
- Income limits – 2009
- Income limits – 2008
- Income limits – 2007 (NOTE: There was no increase from 2006 to 2007)
- Income limits – 2006
- Income limits – 2005 (Note: There was no increase from 2004 to 2005)
- Income limits – 2004
- Income limits – 2003
Rent Limits for Assisted Housing
Rental housing is considered affordable if gross housing costs (rent plus utilities) are 30% or less of a person's income. Rent limits for assisted housing apply to gross rents. The actual rents charged to tenants are calculated by subtracting utility allowances from the gross rents. For assisted housing projects, rents are set to be affordable to households at specific levels (Very Low Income, Low Income, etc.). Rents are adjusted higher for larger units and lower for smaller units according to formulas set by the Federal government.
- Rent Limits - 2020
- Rent Limits - 2019
- Rent limits - 2018
- Rent limits - 2017
- Rent limits - 2016
- Rent limits - 2015
- Rent limits - 2014
- Rent limits - 2013
- Rent limits - 2012
- Rent limits - 2011
- Rent limits - 2010 (Note: While median income increased in 2010, due to HUD methodology the limits for 80% AMI were reduced).
- Rent limits – 2009
- Rent limits – 2008
- Rent limits - 2007 (Note: There was no increase from 2006 to 2007)
- Rent limits – 2006
- Rent limits – 2005 (Note: There was no increase from 2004 to 2005)
- Rent limits – 2004
- Rent limits – 2003
Section 8 Utility & Appliance Allowances
The Oakland Housing Authority sets utility allowances for the Section 8 rental assistance program and for the City's affordable housing program. Rent limits for subsidized housing must be adjusted downward if the tenant pays utilities. Use these charts to determine the appropriate allowance, depending on which utilities are paid by tenants.
- December 2017 Allowances (effective December 1, 2017)
- December 2016 Allowances (effective December 1, 2016)
- September 2014 Utility Allowances (effective September 1, 2014)
- June 2013 Utility Allowances (effective June 1, 2013)
- December 2010 Utility Allowances (effective December 1, 2010)
- November 2008 Utility Allowances (effective November 1, 2008)
- September 2006 Utility Allowances (effective September 1, 2006)
- September 2005 Utility Allowances (effective September 1, 2005)
- July 2004 Utility Allowances (effective July 1, 2004)
- December 2002 Utility Allowances (expire Jun 30, 2004)
- May 2001 Utility Allowances (expired Dec 2002)