SHA Housing

Learn about SHA's different housing programs.

Low-Income Housing Program units are located throughout Seattle and come in a range of bedroom sizes. They are located in apartment buildings, smaller multi-unit buildings, town homes and a few single-family homes. Many locations include on-site supportive services. Typically residents pay 30 percent of the total household’s monthly adjusted income for rent and utilities. All properties have a wait time. Applicants may apply to wait lists for up to two properties in the Low-Income Housing Program.

Seattle Senior Housing Program buildings are reserved for people age 62 or older and adults 18 or older with disabilities. Most units are one-bedroom apartments, with a few two-bedroom units. Tenants are charged one of several rent levels, depending on income, the number of people in the household and the number of bedrooms. Many locations include on-site supportive services. All SHA properties have a wait time. Applicants may apply to wait lists for up to two properties in the Seattle Senior Housing Program. Seniors and people with disabilities may apply to SSHP in addition to SHA’s Low-Income Public Housing program and other housing programs.

A limited number of additional housing units differ in eligibility, rent and application process from SHA's Low-Income Public Housing and Senior Housing programs. They vary from property to property and fall under two special programs.

Special Portfolio - Income eligibility limits vary by property. Tenants typically pay 30% of income for rent, but some may pay market rate.

Tax Credit - Income limits vary by property. Rent is not subsidized and tenants typically pay market rate. There is no eligibility criteria around citizenship for this type of housing.

Steps to apply

Low-Income Housing Program and Seattle Senior Housing Program

You will be able to apply for:

Up to two properties from the Low-Income Public Housing program
Up to two properties from Seattle Senior Housing Program, if eligible (please note: Applicants age 62 or older are not limited to these properties and may apply for the Low-Income Housing program properties and other housing prorgrams.)

Review eligibility

Eligibility for SHA Housing is based on income, age and/or disability, citizenship and immigration status and general tenant screening criteria. Please read the eligibility information carefully because requirements are different for each program.

Eligibility

Housing search tool

Please answer a few questions to see properties that might fit your situation

The number of bedrooms your household is eligible for is based on household composition.

How many adults age 18 or older in your household?

How many children age 17 or younger in your household?

Are there any adults age 62 or older in your household?

No

Yes

Do you require a fully-accessible building and unit, with UFAS features such as wheelchair access, accessible bathroom and kitchen, etc.?

No

Yes

Apply

Once you have completed steps 1 and 2 and have decided which properties you would like to apply for, you are ready to fill out your application.

Application instructions

Save my Spot

If your application is accepted, SHA will send you a confirmation letter and add your name to the wait list of the properties you selected. Usually wait time is no shorter than two years, and often longer. Admissions staff can give you information about historical average wait time. If you have any questions, call 206-239-1737.

You must check in once every month using SHA’s Save My Spot system to remain active on the waitlist. You can check in online at SaveMySpot.org or call to check in at 206.256.7000.

Save My Spot

When your name gets close to the top of the waitlist, SHA will mail you additional paperwork necessary to continue the application process. Once you complete and return this information, SHA will schedule an appointment for an interview and final paperwork.

All SHA properties

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Other resources for housing

Because the wait time for a property is uncertain, it is advisable to seek other options for housing assistance if you are in need. Visit our Housing page to learn about our other housing programs and how to apply, or non-SHA housing to learn about other resources. Go to the 2-1-1 Washington Information Network website for help with shelter, housing and other services. .

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Seattle Housing Authority will, upon request, provide reasonable accommodation to help ensure that no otherwise qualified individual with a disability is excluded from participating in, or denied the benefit of, any agency program.

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