Most Collaborative Housing units are owned and operated by nonprofit agencies in the community. Their eligibility requirements may vary according to their programs. However, applicants must meet these basic requirements regardless of which partner agency operates the housing.
Income levels
- Households whose incomes do not exceed the higher of the federal poverty level or 30 percent of Area Median Income (AMI) may be eligible for project-based voucher housing. Area median income is the midpoint income for the Seattle area. It is determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and means that half of the people earn more than the median, and half of the people earn less.
- Households whose incomes do not exceed 30 percent of Area Median Income (AMI) and are homeless may be eligible for Mod Rehab units.
To apply, applicants should contact the Project-based or Mod Rehab partner agency directly. View an AMI chart
Criminal history
Providers screen and select applicants using their own standards for criminal history.
Seattle Housing Authority may investigate housing history, credit history, employment and criminal history.
Citizenship and immigration status
Applicants do not need to be United States citizens to apply for subsidized housing, but do need to be a citizen or have eligible immigration status at the time they receive housing. Learn more.
Debt owned to a housing authority
Seattle Housing Authority will generally deny the applications of households who owe money to the agency or another housing authority until the debt is repaid in full. Seattle Housing Authority will consider on a case by case basis entering into a repayment agreement for amounts owed to the agency.
Previous termination
Seattle Housing Authority will deny applications if any member of the household has been terminated from the program in the past five years, unless the applicant has support services that will increase the likelihood of successful participation. This exception does not apply to violations where fraud or deception relating to income or household circumstances was a factor in termination.