Steps to Find Affordable Housing

STEP 1 Where to look

Non-Profit Housing
Non-Profit housing developments are high-quality facilities that are well-designed and well- managed. Tenants are carefully screened and asked to meet a standard set of requirements. Some non-profits offer social services on-site, including youth activities, job training and medical consultations for seniors. The best way to research non-Profit developments is to contact the organizations listed on page 24 and visit their websites.

Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by cities and counties through local housing authorities, each with different guidelines. Contact your local housing authority for more information (see "Resources to help you find Affordable Housing").

Many East Bay landlords are finding that this program is a valuable resource that allows competitive rents and offers prompt rental payments. Be proactive in seeking out landlords who accept vouchers.

Public Housing
See "Resources to help you find Affordable Housing" for information about public housing opportunities.


STEP 2 Address common barriers

The Credit Check
Many landlords run credit checks and will not rent to applicants with credit issues. We recommend obtaining your credit report in advance. Be prepared to tell prospective landlords about any problems that you have with credit and the steps you have taken to address them. Some landlords will accept a tenant with a poor credit history if they have a secure job and good references.

If you or someone you know needs help with credit, contact Consumer Credit Counseling Services (see "Resources to help you find Affordable Housing"). They can get a copy of your credit report, explain it to you, and advise you on how to remedy any problems. If your income allows, another solution may be to offer to pay a higher deposit or pro- vide a co-signer in lieu of a positive credit report.

The Security Deposit
Security deposits are often unaffordable for people with modest or fixed incomes. There are programs that can help you pay move-in costs. Check out "Resources to help you find Affordable Housing". Some landlords are also willing to accept a deposit in installments.


STEP 3 Check to see if you fall within the income maximums

Applicants must have gross incomes that fall within the applicable income eligibility guidelines. Income from wages, salary, interest, dividends, retirement, benefits, investments and rents are all taken into consideration. And there are certain types of income from family members that are discounted. You can do a preliminary check in two ways:

a. Call a specific property when a waitlist opens for that property.

b. Check the Maximum Income Charts to see if your household income is below the income maximums displayed in the charts.

c. If you have a Section 8 Certificate: Many non-Profit developments accept Section 8 certificates at their properties.


STEP 4 Identify your housing needs by type, city and number of bedrooms

Make a list of every city or community that you would be willing to move to.

Identify the type of housing that matches you or your family:

• Senior: You or your spouse must be at least 62 or older.
• 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.

Identify how many bedrooms you need. The general rule of thumb is that two persons must share a bedroom unless they cannot for specific medical reasons. You will be allowed two per- sons per bedroom in the apartment unless State or local building codes, occupancy guidelines or structural limitations provide otherwise. A single person or a couple may not be offered a housing unit with two or more bedrooms unless there is a medical reason requiring separate bedrooms.


STEP 5 Review the “Waitlist Status” list

Call or visit the website.


STEP 6 If there are no waitlists currently open:

Check the websites of non-profit developers at least monthly.

Call their Rental Information number and ask for a list of properties including those in development. Additionally, ask to have your name placed on an “Interest List” for any properties you have an interest in and are qualified for (e.g., senior, family, single adult, special needs).

When a waitlist opens, call the number of the property that’s open. Ask for an application to be mailed, or go to the property to get an application, complete it, and submit it by the deadline.

Continue to apply to each property as waitlists open and be sure to apply to other properties managed by other affordable housing companies.

Once you have submitted your application(s), be sure to let each property know if you move or change your phone number. In order to remain on a waitlist, you must contact the site manager of each property in writing every six months. You may want to keep a calendar or log so that you know when you need to contact the manager in writing on each property you have an interest in.