Income-restricted housing can feel confusing at first. Learn what it means, who qualifies, and how to find the right program for your household.
If you've ever searched for affordable housing and walked away more confused than when you started, you're not alone. Terms like MFTE, LIHTC, AMI, and HCV get thrown around constantly—but rarely explained. Here's what you actually need to know.
What is income-restricted housing?
Income-restricted housing is housing where rent is capped below market rate, in exchange for the property owner receiving a tax benefit or public subsidy. To qualify, your household income must fall below a certain percentage of the Area Median Income (AMI)—typically 50%, 60%, 80%, or sometimes 100% depending on the program.
The main program types
MFTE (Multifamily Tax Exemption)
A Washington State program where developers receive a property tax break in exchange for reserving a portion of units at below-market rents. Common in Seattle, Bellevue, and other cities.
LIHTC (Low Income Housing Tax Credit)
A federal program that funds affordable housing construction. Units are typically restricted to households earning 50–60% AMI.
Section 8 / HCV (Housing Choice Voucher)
A federal rental assistance program where a voucher covers the gap between what you can afford and market rent.
MHA (Mandatory Housing Affordability)
A Seattle program requiring developers to either include affordable units or pay into a housing fund.
Who qualifies?
Eligibility depends on your household size and gross income relative to AMI. For example, a single person in King County earning under $57,000 may qualify for 80% AMI units. A family of four has a higher income threshold.
Why it matters
These programs exist because the market alone doesn't produce enough affordable housing. Knowing which programs you qualify for is the first step to finding a home.
Roost Affordable makes that first step easier—centralizing listings across MFTE, LIHTC, and voucher-accepted properties so you can search smarter, not harder.