Takes 30 seconds. 100% free
Best fit
Seniors
Rent
Contact for pricing
Floor plans
1 Bed • 2 Bed
Total Units
79
Studio / Efficiency
5 units
Year Built / Opened
2025
Waitlist expected. Click Check Eligibility below to generate your ready-to-print application materials so you're first in line.
Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® are trademarks of Walk Score and Redfin.
How Walk Score worksWhat this means for you
This property includes LIHTC tax credit · Income Average AMI. Rent rules can change by unit, so ask the office which program applies to the apartment you want.
LIHTC: These are income-based apartments with rent limits tied to the local Area Median Income (AMI) — not market-rate rent. The local 4-person AMI for the 92117 zip code is $118,142 (2024 data). Rent limits are set from that number. If this property also has rental assistance, some tenants may pay about 30% of adjusted income.
To qualify for these apartments at PAUL DOWNEY SENIOR RESIDENCE F/K/A MESSINA, your total household income must fit the local Area Median Income (AMI) limits for San Diego and the 92117 zip code. The exact rules can vary by program and by household size.
This property includes LIHTC tax credit · Income Average AMI. Check the program labels on this page and confirm the exact unit rules with management before you apply.
Local Median (1-Person)
$82,699
Local Median (4-Person)
$118,142
Based on the latest 2024 census data, the figures above show the local median earnings for this area. Management will generally require your household income to be at or below 50% of these median figures.
Not explicitly confirmed. Call ahead to verify elevator availability and doorway widths before applying.
Management Company
Hyder & Co.
Rent-Restricted Units
78 of 79 total
income-restricted tax credit apartments
Paul downey senior residence f/k/a messina is a Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) apartment community in San Diego, California. LIHTC properties — also called Section 42 housing or tax credit apartments — are income-restricted rentals developed with federal tax credits administered by state Housing Finance Agencies (HFAs). Qualifying residents pay rent based on a percentage of the Area Median Income (AMI) for San Diego. Based on 2024 data, the local AMI for the 92117 zip code is $82,699 for a single person and $118,142 for a 4-person household. These figures make San Diego tax credit apartments among the most affordable rentals available without a Section 8 voucher.
To qualify, your total household income must fall at or below the income limit set for this property — currently Income Average of AMI. Unlike public housing, LIHTC income-restricted apartments are privately managed and require you to apply directly to the property. Rent is fixed at a discounted rate tied to AMI — not to your specific income — so your monthly payment stays predictable.
By law, LIHTC properties must remain rent-restricted for a minimum of 30 years. Paul downey senior residence f/k/a messina was placed in service around 2025, keeping rents income-restricted at least through ~2080. This property has an extended 55-year affordability commitment — providing long-term housing stability well beyond the minimum.
You must be of qualifying age. Your income must fall within HUD's Area Median Income (AMI) limits for San Diego. Based on the 92117 zip code AMI (2024), this property's 50% income limit is approximately $41,350/yr for 1 person / $59,071/yr for a 4-person household.
This listing shows historically available units. Ask directly if a unit is open today.
If you use a wheelchair or walker, confirm elevator access and doorway widths before submitting a paid application.
Did you know?LIHTC properties have specific maximum rent limits based on your income and the local Area Median Income (AMI). Read the full guide
Income limits are calculated against the Area Median Income (AMI) for the 92117 zip code. Based on recent Census data, the local median income is $82,699 for a single person, and $118,142 for a four-person household. Your specific income cap depends on the exact subsidy program rules applied by management.
To view how these median figures translate to specific income caps (e.g., 30%, 50%, or 60% AMI limits) for all household sizes, check out the AMI Calculator .
Our eligibility tool automatically cross-references your household size and gross income with the local AMI database for this property to determine your fit.
Rental Assistance
Federal
Qualifying tenants may pay ~30% of income
Rent-Restricted Until
~2080
Extended commitment: 55-year affordability period
Income Limit
Income Average
Your household income must be at or below this % of Area Median Income
Designated For
Elderly
May have preference policies — confirm with management
Additional Financing Sources
This record reports: 1 Bed • 2 Bed. Availability can change rapidly, so ask management which layouts are currently open and whether any accessible units are available.
Use the eligibility checker to see the next step for this listing. Contact details are not shown here, but you can start the process and get your application path from the property page.
We'll ask a few basic questions and then show the next step.
Paul downey senior residence f/k/a messina is a Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) property. HFA records indicate the income ceiling is set at Income Average. This means your household income must be at or below that percentage of the Area Median Income (AMI) for san diego. Based on 2024 Census data, the local median income for the 92117 zip code is $82,699 for a single person and $118,142 for a 4-person household. Management will verify income during the application process.
To view the specific income caps (e.g. 30%, 50%, or 60% AMI limits) for all household sizes, check out the AMI Calculator .
Our eligibility tool automatically cross-references your household size and gross income with the local AMI database for this property to determine your fit.
This property has an extended affordability commitment beyond the standard LIHTC 30-year minimum — the record shows 55 years of affordability, keeping rents income-restricted until approximately 2080. This is a legally binding commitment, providing greater long-term housing stability for residents.
Yes. HFA records show this property has federal project-based rental assistance. This means qualifying tenants may pay as little as 30% of their adjusted monthly income toward rent, with the assistance contract covering the remainder. Confirm with management which units carry the rental assistance and whether any are currently available.
In addition to the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit, this property was also financed with: non-profit sponsorship. Layering multiple housing subsidy programs is common and often allows properties to offer deeper affordability or better amenities than LIHTC alone.
Yes. HFA records classify this as a new construction LIHTC property, meaning units were purpose-built as affordable housing rather than converted from existing stock. New construction properties often feature modern layouts and energy-efficient systems. It's worth asking management about the age of appliances and any known maintenance issues before applying.
According to HFA records, this LIHTC property is specifically designated to serve elderly residents. This means it may have specialized services, accessible units, or preference policies that prioritize these groups. Contact management to understand their current preference and waitlist selection process — being in a designated group does not guarantee priority without a formal application.
Yes. This property reports 5 studio or efficiency units. Efficiency units are typically self-contained apartments with a combined living/sleeping area, a kitchenette, and a bathroom — well suited for individuals or couples. Ask management for current availability and exact square footage before applying.
Data Provenance
Sourced from LIHTC Database. Last updated: Jun 27, 2026.Read our methodology.
