Application and Eligibility

After the lottery drawing, Management will begin screening applicants according to their lottery number, starting with the applicants with the lowest placement number for each unit size and type. Applicants will be contacted to set up an interview with a member of the Management team. Applicants will proceed through the process as follows:

1. All adult household members will be asked to interview with agent. They will be asked to provide information/documentation and sign/date the interview and other necessary documents promptly so agent can efficiently process all applications consistently to determine if applicants meet the eligibility requirements of the property and programs. Failure to promptly respond to the Agent’s request for interview, documentation and/or information to process the application will result in rejection of the application. Note: if an application is rejected, the applicant will receive a written rejection notice with instruction on an appeal option.
   
   
2. Once Management has qualified the household, including confirming the household has passed suitability criteria (resident history verification, credit and criminal background checks), the approved applicant household will be shown/offered an apartment. Upon the offer, the applicant will have 48 hours to decide whether to lease the apartment. If the offer is accepted and an apartment reserved, it is expected a lease will be signed and effective within 2 weeks from the date of offer. This timeline will be adjusted based on the building being ready for occupancy.
   
   
3. If an applicant does not pass the credit and criminal background, agent will contact the applicant via phone/text/email to see if there are any special circumstances. If sufficient information cannot be supplied, agent will provide a formal written rejection notice and option for appeal in accordance with the ‘Rejection of an Application’ policy and procedures as stated in the Tenant Selection Plan.
   
   
4. If a household does not qualify due to exceeding the income limit, not meeting the minimum income, or another eligibility or suitability criteria, agent will contact the applicant via regular mail/phone/text/email and provide a written rejection notice including appeal option in accordance with the ‘Rejection of an Application’ procedures as detailed in the Tenant Selection Plan. A household is considered unsuitable for housing if their adjusted income to rent/utilities burden ratio is greater than 40%. In other words, the applicant’s adjusted income must exceed 2.5 times the gross rent (rent plus utilities). HOME designated apartments are more restrictive; applicants adjusted income to rent/utilities burden ratio must be less than 30% for rental of a HOME designated apartment. Voucher holders will always meet the minimum income when the Housing Authority payment standard exceeds the apartment’s gross rent. Voucher holders pay 30% their monthly adjusted gross income for rent and utilities. If the apartment’s gross rent is greater than the Housing Authority’s payment standard, the voucher holder must pay the additional amount. This is not acceptable on HOME units; however, the Housing Authority may approve on non-HOME units if the gross rent is not more than 40 percent of the household’s adjusted monthly income.
   
   
5. If an approved applicant chooses not to accept an apartment at the time a unit is offered, applicant will be removed from the lottery waiting list and if they choose to remain on the waitlist, applicant will be placed on the post-lottery waitlist based on date and time the applicant rejected the unit offer. If upon a second unit offer an applicant does not accept, the applicant will be removed from the waiting list. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like additional information.
   

Preferences

There will be preferences provided to applicants who meet certain criteria for the following:

1. Accessible Affordable Housing Grants (AAHG) Program Preference (6 Units): This is for fully accessible units, or the units modified for visual and hearing impairments. At least one household member must be under the age of 60, have a disability and need one or more of the accessible unit’s features due to their disability. A medical provider verification may be required.
   
   
2. Non-AAHG Accessible Units (2 Units): This is for fully accessible units, or the units modified for visual and hearing impairments. Preference shall be given to the applicants who need the features of these units.
   
   
3. HOME-ARP - Homeless or At Risk of Homelessness Household Preference (3 Units): There are 3(3)30% units set aside for this preference. These units are for applicants who are at risk of homelessness or are considered homeless by EOHLC if the applicant lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. Check yes if you meet one of these qualifications. Additional details are available on the property website, you may also inquire about the program by emailing or calling us to discuss your specific situation.
   
   
4. DMH/DDS/MassAbility/EOAI Set-Aside (1 Unit): This unit is for residents receiving services from the MA Department of Mental Health, MA Department of Developmental Services, MassAbility, or the MA Executive Office of Aging and Independence.
   
   
5. Local Preference (11 Units): Local preference only applies at initial occupancy and does not apply to units with project-based subsidy. To be eligible for this preference, applicants must have at least one household member currently:
   • Legally residing in the City of Newton.
   • Employed by the City of Newton.
   • Employed by a company or organization located in the City of Newton.
   • Have a child enrolled in the municipality’s schools.

If you have additional questions, please see our FAQ and feel free to contact us if you would like additional information.