We’re here to help you navigate the process.

Hey, we get it! This stuff can get kind of confusing. Lots of acronyms and government agencies — HUD, CalHFA, Section 8, BMR…. What does it all mean? If you’re here, chances are you have some questions. And although we can’t promise to answer every question, hopefully these resources will be of assistance.  Here are our “tips for finding an apartment.”

 

If you still have questions, please call our office or send us an email.

How do I find affordable housing?

Alta Housing was born from the tremendous need for affordable housing. Unfortunately, demand far exceeds supply.

If you haven’t already done so, check out our Alta Housing properties for wait list options here.

We also encourage you to check out additional local and regional resources below to aid in your search.

Santa Clara County Housing Search

San Mateo County Housing Search

Palo Alto Resources

2-1-1 Santa Clara County

Income eligibility. Do I qualify?

Requirements for income eligibility and rent level differ for each of our properties. Household income must be verified to determine eligibility.

Looks like I qualify, now how do i sign up?

Trust us, we wish it were as simple as picking your property and signing up. Unfortunately, demand for affordable housing far outweighs current supply. As a result, you’ll most likely have to get on a waitlist.  Waitlists are kept and maintained at each individual property.

Waitlists. How do i get- and stay- on one?

How to get on a waiting list 

There are waiting lists for all of our properties. The waiting lists are kept at the individual properties rather than at the Alta Housing office. Some waiting lists are open, and new applicants may submit their applications at any time. Other properties have closed waiting lists because so many people are already on the list. In general, Alta Housing will open waiting lists f there is a need for more applicants. Potential residents can click on an individual property on the property list or contact the site manager at the property for the status of the waiting list.  Here’s a video with some tips about waiting lists.

You may add your name to an open waiting list at any time by submitting a Rental Housing Waiting List Application (Adobe Acrobat Reader must be installed on your computer to read the application) directly to the property. Applications received without the Resident Selection Criteria will not be added to the waiting list.

When your name is among the first ten on the waiting list, the property manager will contact you. A credit check fee of $20 per adult household member will be charged at some properties.

How to stay on a waiting list

Each waiting list is updated once a year in March. At this time, each applicant is asked to submit an application update. Applicants who fail to do so are dropped from the list. Please inform the property in writing of address changes throughout the year to ensure that you receive information mailed to waiting list applicants.