Frequently Asked Questions - End of Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) Program
General Q&A
What are Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHVs)?
EHVs are a federal housing subsidy created during the COVID-19 pandemic to rapidly house vulnerable populations. They were designed as a temporary emergency response program.
Why is the EHV Program ending?
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced early termination of EHV funding, with funds projected to be exhausted by December 31, 2026. The City and County of San Francisco (City) and the Housing Authority of the City and County of San Francisco (Authority) are implementing a coordinated transition plan to maintain stability for all households.
Have households been notified?
Yes. EHV households were originally notified in October 2025. Updated tenant communications were issued March 31, 2026, confirming continued support and outlining next steps.
What has the Authority done to prepare for the end of the EHV Program?
The City is committed to ensuring households will not lose rental assistance as a result of the ending of the EHV Program. The Authority applied for and has been granted two waivers from the HUD that will enable automatic, prioritized placement of EHV households onto the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Tenant-Protection Voucher (TPV), and Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program waiting lists.
The City is also bringing additional resources to supplement the expiring EHV funding as needed while the Authority assists EHV households in transitioning to more permanent rental assistance sources. In addition, the City will continue to fund the service providers that have been providing support to individual EHV households since 2021.
Will households lose assistance during the transition?
No. The City’s top priority is keeping all EHV households stably housed for as long as possible by fully maximizing tenant-based vouchers, as well as City funding and project-based replacement vouchers as-needed to ensure there is no lapse in rental assistance.
Will there be any impact on waitlist access for others?
The impact on households currently on the PBV waitlist is unknown at this time, as the transition plan will prioritize tenant-based vouchers over project-based vouchers in 2026 and possibly beyond. Pending further direction from HUD on funding in 2026 and 2027, PBVs will be utilized to facilitate the EHV transition as needed.
For EHV Tenants
What should tenants do right now?
You should continue to abide by all Family Obligations under the EHV program.
If there have been any changes to your contact information since your last certification, please email the Housing Authority at EHV@sfha.org or call (415) 715-5200 and your service provider (if applicable) to provide updated contact information. The Authority will be in contact with EHV households regarding next steps.
Will tenants be required to move?
The Authority expects to primarily utilize tenant-based vouchers as part of the EHV transition plan, which would not require households to move. Instead, their EHV voucher would be replaced by either a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) or Tenant Protection Voucher (TPV).
If all tenant-based options are exhausted, it is possible that some households may need to relocate to project-based vouchers. Should households be required to move, the Authority will provide advance notice, moving assistance, alternative options, and service provider support.
Will tenants’ rents be impacted?
Tenants transitioning from an EHV to another voucher program will not see any change in how their rent is calculated. Households will continue to pay 30% of their adjusted monthly income toward rent and utilities.
When will tenants be placed on the HCV and PBV waitlists?
The Authority will automatically start placing EHV households on the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waitlist in July 2026. After tenant-based options are exhausted, the Authority will automatically place remaining EHV households on the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) waitlist
The Authority will notify individual EHV households about waitlist position following initial placement.
Who can tenants contact for help?
Households may contact their service providers, or the San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing at HousingChoiceVouchers@sfgov.org, or the Authority’s EHV team at EHV@sfha.org or (415) 715-5200.
For EHV Landlords
Will my payments change before December 2026?
No. The Authority anticipates EHV payments will continue through December 2026; unless you receive a 30-day notice to vacate from your tenant, the tenancy will continue according to the terms of the lease.
Will my payments change after December 2026?
After the exhaustion of EHV funds, payment under the HAP contract will continue to be paid from City funds or other federal voucher programs. The Authority will contact landlords directly to update HAP contracts to amend the source of funds, but no other changes in responsibilities or requirements for either owner or tenant are expected.
What are my responsibilities during transition?
Continue normal operations (e.g. lease compliance, inspections, rent collection, etc.). The Authority will be in touch with specific instructions if changes are needed to the HAP contract to document the change from EHV funding to City or other federal funds. Lease agreements will not be impacted.
Who should I contact with questions?
Contact the Authority’s EHV team at EHV@sfha.org or (415) 715-5200.