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Subsidized, waitlist, tax-credit. What does it all mean? Finding an apartment community that meets your budget, location preference, and timeline is challenging. Affordable housing comes with its own set of unique terms. This terminology guide will help you understand the key words and phrases you'll encounter as you search for a new home for yourself or your loved one.
Affordable Apartments
Apartments offered at rental rates lower than the market price for those that meet the income guidelines and age requirements set by the state or program at the property.
Age-Restricted
Minimum age required by the program or subsidy at each apartment community. At least one resident living in the apartment must meet or be over the minimum required age. These vary from property to property.
Amenities
The various features offered at a living community that helps provide social, cultural, educational, and spiritual opportunities. Potential amenities will differ from property to property, but may include a community room, wellness center, and other features.
Application Process
The process that residents must go through to determine whether they are eligible to rent an apartment at an income-based housing property. This process includes:
Average Median Income (AMI)
The average yearly income for a specific location where half of residents earn more than that income and half earn less. Median income can be broken out for individuals or families and is based on a person’s specific geographic location (ex. their city, county, etc.) to determine low- or lower-income status.
To find the AMI in your area, follow the steps on the Income Limit chart on the HUD website.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
An executive department of the U.S. federal government that provides housing support and promotes fair housing laws.
Health Services
Services provided at some income-based housing properties to care for a resident’s care needs. Residents must be capable of meeting the terms of the lease, either with or without services. No provisions are available for long-term health, convalescent, or nursing care in the community. If a resident requires services in order to comply with the terms of the lease, it is the responsibility of the resident to make the necessary arrangements. Where applicable, the property service coordinator may assist in finding services.
Income Based Rent
Income level determines rent. The resident rent portion will be determined based on the household’s adjusted gross income. Generally, rent is 30% of the households adjusted gross income. The remainder of the rent is subsidized by the government.
Also referred to as: PRAC, HUD, Subsidized, Low or Extremely Low Income
Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)
A tax incentive program designed to increase the supply of quality, affordable rental housing available for people making less than the average median income (AMI). LIHTC is another name for moderate rent apartments.
Low Income/Lower Income
A person or family whose incomes do not exceed a set percentage of the median individual or family income for the area. According to HUD, low income is set at 80% of a person or family’s median income for their county or metropolitan area, while very low income is set at 50%
Market Rate
Reflects what tenants are generally willing to pay in rent for similar properties in the area. Average rent is determined by property location, condition, amenities, and prevailing rental market conditions.
Moderate Rent with Income Limits
Rent is a set amount predetermined by the program at the property. Rent is a set amount over the lease term. The rental rate offered will be lower than the market price in that area for those that meet the income guidelines set by the state.
Also referred to as: LIHTC (Low-Income Housing Tax Credit), affordable, section 42, tax-credit, unsubsidized.
Non-Discrimination
Communities may not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, or age based upon the following Fair Housing laws:
Tenancy is open to all qualified eligible persons in accordance with any State recognized protected classes. National Church Residences does not discriminate in any fashion based upon a person’s race, color, sex, national origin, handicap status, disability, religion, familial status, source of income, actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status. National Church Residences does not discriminate based upon age for any reason, excluding HUD program/project requirements.
Reasonable Accommodation
Management will provide reasonable accommodations or reasonable modifications for applicants and residents with disabilities who have a need for the accommodation/modification. Reasonable accommodation is an exception made to the usual rules or policies made necessary because of a disability that will allow the applicant or tenant to use and enjoy an apartment community. A reasonable modification is a structural change that will enable a tenant with a disability to use and enjoy an apartment community. This includes the application and tenancy period.
Resident Activities
Different activities for residents to help them stay social. Activities will vary from property to property, but can include bingo, holiday celebrations, and more.
Service Coordinator
Potential staff member who connects tenants with various benefits and social services. Not all Income-Based communities will have a service coordinator.
Socialization
The process of interacting with other residents as social activity has been proven to improve mood, cognition, and more.
Waitlist
A list of potential residents who are waiting for apartments to become available for them to rent at a specific property. Wait times can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as room availability, location, and other circumstances.
An applicant does not need a fully approved application to be placed on the waiting list. Seniors on the waitlist are contacted twice a year and must respond in order to remain on the waiting list.
Wellness Checks
Visits where medical staff will come on board to conduct blood pressure checks and other services to review residents’ overall wellness. This process is done from an outside medical provider and is not normally affiliated with building ownership or management.
Need help finding the right senior living option for your ideal lifestyle and care needs? Let National Church Residences help you find a place that’s right for you or your loved ones.
