Steps to Find
Affordable Housing
Finding a great, affordable
place to live can be challenging, but the tips below can help. Call 2-1-1 and the organizations on our
resource page for more information.
Step 1. Learn about different types of affordable housing
Step 3. Check to see if your income qualifies
Step 4. Identify your housing needs such as location, services, and number of bedrooms
Step 5. Contact non-profit developers and apply
Step 1. Learn about different types of affordable housing
Non-Profit Housing
Non-profit housing developments offer well-designed and well-managed homes like the properties in our guidebook. Tenants are carefully screened. Some non-profits offer services on-site, including youth and senior activities, job training and computer labs. Find out about non-profit housing opportunities by contacting the organizations listed on our resource page and visiting their websites.
Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher Program)
The Housing Choice Voucher Program – better known as Section 8 – is a federally-funded program managed by local government agencies and housing authorities. A Section 8 voucher helps close the gap between rent and your income. Seek out landlords who accept vouchers; many of them find that the program allows competitive rents and prompt rental payments. It's difficult to obtain a Section 8 voucher, but it's worth getting on the waiting list. Contact your local housing authority for more information.
Public Housing
Many public housing developments have been renovated in recent years. Public housing has certain income and residency restrictions; contact the housing authorities for information.
First-Time Homebuyer Programs
Renting is a great option for many families. But if you are ready to think about buying a home, contact your city’s housing department about assistance programs. The organizations on our resource page can help you through the homebuying process.
The Credit Check
Many landlords run credit
checks and will not rent to applicants with credit issues. Obtain your credit
report early, and be prepared to tell prospective landlords about any problems and
the steps you have taken to address them. Some landlords will accept a poor
credit history if you have good references and can demonstrate ability to pay
the rent through proof of employment, a higher security deposit, or a
co-signer.
If you need help with credit, contact a credit counseling agency.
The Security Deposit
If the security deposit is a challenge, there are programs that can help you pay move-in costs – see the resources page. Some landlords are also willing to accept a deposit in installments.
Savings and Budgeting
Make sure that you can afford transportation, childcare, health care and other costs along with rent. Non-profit agencies can help you with savings plans and managing your finances.
Step 3. Check to see if your income qualifies
Because affordable housing is reserved for people with lower incomes, your gross income must fall within a certain eligible range. All sources of income and assets are taken into consideration. Find out if you qualify by inquiring with a specific property or non-profit developer. If you have a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, ask if the property will accept it.
Step 4. Identify your housing needs such as location, services, and number of bedrooms
Think about the location and amenities that are best for you, but be flexible and consider several cities to increase your chances of finding the right place.
See which of these housing types fit you and your family:
· Senior: You or your spouse/partner must be at least 62 or older. Children are usually not allowed.
· Special Needs: You must have a disability (mental, physical, developmental).
· Studio: You must be a person living alone, or a two-person household (not necessarily married).
· Family: You may be a single parent with children, a two-parent family with or without children, or two or more persons who have chosen to live together but are not necessarily married.
· Formerly Homeless, Youth, Veterans or Other: You belong to the designated group.
Identify how many bedrooms you need. Generally, two persons must share a bedroom unless there is a medical reason requiring separate bedrooms. For example, a couple would apply for a one-bedroom apartment, while a family of five could apply for three bedrooms.
Step 5. Contact non-profit developers and apply
· Check the websites of non-profit developers at least monthly.
· Call them and ask for a list of properties, including those in development. Have your name placed on an “Interest List” for any properties that meet your needs and income level.
· Get on as many waitlists as you can. When a waitlist opens, call the property. Ask for an application, or go to the property to get an application. Submit it by the deadline.
· Once you have submitted your applications, let each property know if you move or change your phone number. In order to remain on a waitlist, you must be in regular contact with the site manager of each property. Ask to find out the best way to do this.
Apply to as many affordable housing properties as you can. Remember, the agencies and organizations in this Guidebook want to help you find affordable housing. Be persistent, don’t get discouraged, and advocate for more affordable housing in your community!