Housing
The Planning Division of the Community Development Department administers the City’s housing programs. This includes monitoring affordable housing units throughout the City, working to create more affordable housing opportunities, and implementing the City’s affordable housing regulations. The Housing Coordinator is available for counter appointments or walk-ins on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.
Looking for Affordable Housing? Complete this form to receive information about affordable housing opportunities and resources.
Sign up for Affordable Housing updates here: https://www.fostercity.org/subscribe
Latest Housing News:
New! Foster City Emergency Rent Relief Pilot Program (Limited Funding):
If you live in a regulated below-market-rate (BMR) unit in Foster City and need help paying for rent and utilities, or if you have been approved to rent a BMR unit but can't afford the security deposit, you could receive up to $3,000 per household in funds from the City of Foster City through the County of San Mateo's Measure K program. Program eligibility is limited to seniors aged 62 or over, individuals living with disabilities, veterans, and families with children. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that their income is less than 50% of area median income (AMI) and are at risk of losing housing in the next three (3) months.
For more information about the program and eligibility rules, click here (also available below). Applications are available online or in person at City Hall at the Planning Counter. Payments are made directly to landlords. Funding is limited and available until December 31, 2025, for eligible applicants.
Watch the Fair Housing presentation by Project Sentinel that took place on August 28, 2024. Click here for video recording. Our next workshop will be held in September 2025.
Coming Soon! Grants and Rebates of up to $5,000 and Loans to Low-Income Homeowners for Rehabilitation and Home Repairs: If you are a very low or low-income homeowner and need to make repairs in your home, complete rehabilitation projects, or complete minor upgrades to your home such as installing grab bars and other safety equipment in a bathroom, the City is starting a Low Income Homeowner Rehabilitation Fund to provide grants, rebates, and loans to assist you. Stay tuned for information on how to apply to this program.
Developers and Nonprofit Housing Developers and Service Providers interested in affordable housing in Foster City: In June 2026, we held a roundtable discussion on Cooperative Ventures and minimizing governmental constraints for developing affordable housing. We will hold these roundtables annually in person and via Zoom. The next meeting will take place in spring or early summer 2025. Please contact the Housing Coordinator at housing@fostercity.org to learn more about opportunities to develop affordable housing in Foster City or if you'd like to sign up to receive an invitation to the next roundtable discussion. Our next roundtable discussion will be held on June 25, 2025.
Multi-Lingual Tenant Resources: Our housing information form is available in multiple languages as listed below. If you don't see the language you need, contact us at housing@fostercity.org for help. 中文（简体） Español (México) Pусский 한국어 हिन्दी Українська العربية. Project Sentinel provides housing resources on fair housing and anti-discrimination for tenants in multiple languages. Click here: https://www.housing.org/other-resources
2023-2031 Housing Element Implementation: Anti-Displacement Strategy
On September 16, 2024, the City Council held a study session on developing an Anti-Displacement Strategy. A public hearing will take place on April 7, 2025 at the City Council meeting. To watch the study session, click here.
2023 Housing Element Implementation: Rental Registry
On October 7, 2024, the City Council held a study session on exploring a Rental Registry. A public hearing will take place on April 7, 2025 at the City Council meeting. If approved, the Rental Registry will apply only to below market rate units in Foster City. To watch the study session, click here.
