Housing FAQs

 

Am I eligible for affordable housing?

Each affordable housing community has its own requirements for eligibility. Usually eligibility is determined by your household income and how many people are in your household. Some housing units are set aside for specific populations, such as seniors or people with disabilities. To determine whether you are eligible contact the community you are interested in for further details.

What affordable housing programs exist at Oakridge Neighborhood?

Oakridge manages several distinct affordable housing options, including Section 8, Section 42, Section 202, Section 236 and Section 811 and 202/8. Section 8 is a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) federal program that helps low and very low-income households. There are two types of Section 8 programs: Section 8 vouchers and project-based Section 8. Under the Section 8 program, rents are based on 30 percent of a household’s income. Oakridge Neighborhood provides project-based Section 8. Qualified applicants must :

  • Have income that does not exceed the maximum allowable income for this program based on the size of the household
  • Meet selection criteria for the property

Is Oakridge Neighborhood a provider of Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers?

No, Oakridge Neighborhood does not provide Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. Oakridge provides project-based subsidy that stays with the property. When a resident moves, the subsidy is then available for the next qualified person who moves into the property.

What is Section 42 or Tax Credit Housing?

Section 42 or Tax Credit Housing assists households that make 30-60 percent of Area Median-Income. These households pay lower than the area’s market rate rent; however, rents are not based on 30 percent of household’s income and do not change with the household’s income. Income and rent limits are established annually by the local Housing Finance Agency. Qualified applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Minimum income requirement – two to three times the amount of rent per month
  • Total gross income of the household cannot exceed the maximum allowable income based on the size of the household at the time of move ins
  • Rent cannot exceed the maximum allowable rents based on the size of the units
  • Selection criteria for the property

What is the difference between “Income-Based” and “Income Guidelines”?

Income-Based rent is a percentage of your income. Income-Guidelines are the minimum and maximum income limits set to qualify to rent an apartment. Income limits are updated every year and will vary according to city, county, and state.

Can  I get a housing application online?

Unfortunately, no. The housing application is quite lengthy. Please contact us or stop by the Variety Center on the Oakridge campus to complete a full application. Our address is:

1401 Center Street

Des Moines, IA 50309

What is the rental application process?

Applications are accepted for available units or the open wait list. For properties that have availability, the manager will request a credit, criminal and rental background check. After these reports are received and approved, the manager will need to verify all incomes and assets and confirm the household qualifies under the income limits required for the specific location.

Do you run background checks on everyone that wants to live at Oakridge?

Credit, criminal and rental background reports are run on all prospective residents ages 18 and over.

What is looked at on the credit report?

The applicant’s demonstrated ability to pay rent and utilities on time.

What is looked at on the criminal report?

Arrest/conviction of criminal activity/behavior involving one or more of the following:

  • Crimes of physical violence to persons or property
  • Drugs
  • Theft of another’s property
  • Registration with state and/or federal sex offense register
  • Other criminal acts which may endanger the health, safety, or welfare of other residents or management staff
  • For felonies please refer to the property Resident Selection Criteria for detailed information

What is looked at on the rental background?

  • Unverifiable previous rental history
  • The ability to fulfill obligations and comply with all terms of previous/current lease(s)
  • A record of chronic late payment of rent
  • A record of underpayment or nonpayment of rightful obligations, including rent and utilities
  • A record of disruptive behavior
  • A record of destruction of property
  • A record of poor living or housekeeping habits

What if I haven’t rented anywhere and don’t have a rental reference?

Lack of previous rental history for first time rents is not sufficient justification to reject an application.

What does it mean to be on the waiting list?

Oakridge maintains a waiting list because the demand for affordable housing is greater than the number of housing units available. The waiting list ensures that there is a ready list of potential residents when units become available. Waiting lists can be as long as two years; sometimes, waiting lists are closed because there are already so many people who have applied. Applicants on the waiting list may be required to renew their status as an interested applicant by contacting the site office every six to 12 months. The applicant’s eligibility to rent one of the apartments is determined by their income at the time they are offered a unit.

Are pets allowed?

Each Oakridge Neighborhood housing entity has a pet policy. Silver Oaks Senior Living community allows pets, with breed and size limitations. Assistance animals are allowed at all communities.

Can I live in affordable housing if I am a student?

The general rule is that if everyone in your household is a full-time-student you are not eligible to live in affordable housing. There must be at least one household member who is not a full time student. Please check with property staff for specific details.

Does Oakridge Neighborhood provide emergency housing or temporary housing?

Oakridge Neighborhood does not provide emergency housing or temporary housing.

How long will it take to find out if I have been approved to become a resident at Oakridge Neighborhood?

Depending on availability, you should typically hear about your status in two to three weeks. Please note that there is a great need for affordable housing and the majority of the properties have waiting lists or no availability. P.ease contact the community directly for questions.

Is there an application fee?

Section 8 communities do not have an application fee; however, most Section 42 (Tax Credit) communities require a very reasonable application fee. Please check with property staff to determine if your desired community requires an application fee.

For application materials or questions:

Shyanne Taylor

Application Specialist

515 |  244-7702, extension 168