Frequently asked questions
Please tell us if you have any special needs which must be accommodated during the application process or when we offer you a unit or voucher. Some examples of accommodations include large-print materials, units accessible for wheelchairs or other assistive devices, adaptive features for special appliances and units in specific locations. We will make every effort to meet your needs.
How do I submit my pre-application to PorchLight?
You can submit your pre-application by mail or in person at PorchLight. (Please note that we can not accept pre-applications by fax.) When we receive your pre-application form, we will add your name to the waiting list and send you a confirmation letter. If you do not receive a confirmation letter within six weeks of submitting your pre-application, please contact us.
How do I change my address with SHA?
To submit a change of address in person, visit the PorchLight Housing Center and fill out a change of address form. To submit a change of address by mail or fax, write a brief letter which includes your name, Social Security number, previous address and new address. Fax your letter to 206-239-1770 or mail it to:
Seattle Housing Authority
PorchLight Housing Center
907 N.W. Ballard Way, Suite 200
Seattle, WA 98107-4637
Please note that changing your address with the United States Postal Service does not change your address with us. You must update us separately.
How do I add or remove someone from my application?
You may add or remove people from your application by submitting the change in writing to PorchLight. Please include your name, Social Security number and the information to be changed. Adding or removing people may affect your eligibility for some units. If the change affects your eligibility for a certain unit size (number of bedrooms), you will be moved to the waiting list for the correct unit size. Your date of application will be changed to the date you notified us of the change, which may affect your place on the waiting list.
How do I cancel my application?
You may cancel your application at any time by writing to PorchLight. When canceling your application, please include your name, Social Security number and the programs for which you applied.
Yes. Even if you can prove that you need housing, SHA is required by federal law and regulations to refuse assistance if you do not qualify.
Does SHA verify personal information?
Yes. At various stages of the application process, SHA may verify or ask you to verify the following: all sources of income, credit records, criminal history, residential history and professional or personal references. SHA will not share any of your personal information with other parties.
How long does it take to get housing?
The wait for housing assistance varies significantly depending on the housing program and market conditions. Your wait could exceed one year.
Which waiting list should I choose?
Choose the Site Specific Waiting List if you want to live in a particular building or neighborhood. This list allows you to choose one or two public housing communities anywhere in the city and wait for a vacancy in either one.
Can I change my waiting list choices later?
Yes, you may switch waiting lists. If you switch, your date of application will change to the date you made the switch.
Mixed-income housing: How do I apply for a housing unit at NewHolly?
The NewHolly community includes several kinds of units which have specific eligibility requirements and application procedures. Applicants for the Low Income Public Housing units at NewHolly must earn 30 percent of area median income or less. You can use SHA's pre-application form, available for download on our Downloads page, to apply for these units.
For all other NewHolly units, including market rate rentals and affordable "tax credit" units, please contact NewHolly’s management office directly. You can call the management office at 206-760-3285 or visit it at 7050 32nd Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98118. The office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Please note that NewHolly applicants must undergo a screening process that evaluates each household’s residential, credit and criminal history.
Mixed-income housing: How do I apply for units at Rainier Vista?
The Rainier Vista community is currently under development, and we anticipate that we will begin filling vacancies in the summer of 2004. In the meantime, applicants may place their names on the Rainier Vista public housing waiting list by using the general application form or online form. Applicants for the public housing units at Rainier Vista must earn 30 percent of area median income or less. Eventually, Rainier Vista will also offer other types of units, including market rate rentals and affordable "tax credit" units. Please note that Rainier Vista applicants must undergo a screening process that evaluates each household’s residential, credit and criminal history.