FAQ
How can I apply for housing at LIHI?
As of January 2008, our waitlist is
closed for all 30% and 40% AMI units in our Seattle buildings. We have
over 6,000 families and individuals on our waitlist and will be working
through those names for available units over the next few years. When
the waitlist is exhausted, it will be reopened. Any new applications
submitted will be returned to the applicant.
Is any of LIHI's housing available now?
Buildings located outside of Seattle maintain their own waitlists and may be accepting applications on a case-by-case basis. Please see the page Outlying LIHI Properties for contact information and details about these buildings.
When our 50% and 60% AMI units (which are closer to a "market rate" rent) become available, these vacancies will be advertised in the rental housing section of the NW Classifieds.
FAQ's for Individuals who are Already on the Waitlist
I applied for housing before you closed the waitlist. How will you contact me when my name comes up?
We will contact you using the information you submitted on your pre-application form. (phone number, email or mailing address) It is your responsibility to
update your contact information if it changes. This update should be made in writing to LIHI in one of the following ways:
Via fax: (206) 443-9851
Via mail: LIHI Attn: Waitlist update 2407 First Ave. Seattle, WA 98121
Via email: housinginfo@lihi.org
Where am I on the waiting list?
We do not keep a waiting list for units, though we do place people in order of
application date. When you turn in your pre-application form, we enter you into
our database. We record your application date, your family size, your household
income, and other information from your pre-application form. Based on the information
you give us, you are waiting for a certain type of unit. If you contact us to update
your information (for example: change in income or birth of a child), you may then be
waiting for a different type of unit, though your original application date will still
be used.
How long is the wait for housing?
Your household circumstances, such as family size and household income, will dictate what type of
unit you qualify for and the length of wait. We place people in units that they qualify for, in
order of application date. Because we can only place you as other residents leave their units or
new buildings are opened, it is very difficult to give estimates on wait time.
As of March 2008, we are screening applicants from 2004 &
2005 for SRO’s and 30%-40% family units.
Do
I need to check in every month?
No. As long as the information on your pre-application is accurate,
you do not need to check in with us. However, it is your
responsibility to update your information if it changes. If your
address or phone number changes we need your new contact information
so that we can reach you. If your household size or income changes,
this may alter the type of unit you qualify for - therefore it is
very important that you update LIHI.
How much will my rent be?
Rent will vary at each LIHI building. For example, rent for a studio varies from
$100 to $500 depending on your situation and the building’s unit mix (see information
on “Area Median Income” for more details). LIHI will never move a household into a unit
if the rent is more than 50% of their monthly income. Rents at some properties are subsidized,
meaning that your rent would be 30% of your monthly adjusted gross income. Funding sources
require LIHI to verify income limits; this is why applicants must provide proof of their income.
What does “AMI” mean?
AMI stands for Area Median Income. The area median income is used to determine the eligibility
of applicants for both federally and locally funded programs. It sets the maximum limit that a
household can earn to be eligible for our programs, essentially defining who we can serve given
the particular funding source. Income limits are calculated for specific geographic areas. They
are based on HUD estimates of median family income with adjustments for family size. For example,
one hundred percent of the 2007 area median income for a three-person household in Seattle
is $75,600, which means that 50% of the population earned more than
$75,600 and 50% of the population
earned less.
What size unit will I get?
We will contact you about units that are appropriate for your household size.
Generally speaking, this is the formula we use for maximum number of occupants:
# of bedrooms X 2 people + 1 person = maximum number of applicants
So, in the case of a 2-bedroom unit, we would consider housing a maximum of 5 people. (2 bedrooms X 2 people + 1 person.) There are some exceptions to this rule.
Except in specific pre-defined situations, a single person will only qualify for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment.
What is an SRO unit?
SRO means a Single Room Occupancy unit. SRO units are generally the best option for the
lowest income people that we serve. These are private single rooms (150 square feet or larger)
equipped with a mini-refrigerator, a sink, and a microwave or stovetop. Bathrooms and full kitchen
facilities are shared with other residents.
Can students live in your housing?
If all members of your household are full-time students, you may not qualify for housing.
Please ask us for more information if your household fits this
description.
If I am contacted about an available unit and decide that I don’t want to live there, can I remain in the database for the next unit that opens up?
Yes. If you decide you don’t want to take that unit, you can remain in the database with your original application date.
If I move into a LIHI unit but want to move to another building, do I need to reapply?
Yes. Once you are moved into a unit, your spot in the database is terminated. If you are interested in moving
to another LIHI building, you will need to submit a new pre-application.