Question 1

What is Roost Affordable?

Accepted Answer

Roost Affordable is a free online platform that helps renters find and apply for income-restricted housing in the Pacific Northwest. Built by housing operators, Roost provides real-time availability, transparent eligibility information, and a streamlined application process—making it easier to discover affordable apartments you actually qualify for.

Question 2

How does Roost Affordable help people find housing?

Accepted Answer

Roost simplifies the affordable housing search by:  • Showing only units that are currently available (updated in real-time from property management systems) • Letting you check your eligibility before applying with our "Do I Qualify?" tool • Providing clear information about income limits and program requirements • Offering a single place to view multiple properties and programs • Connecting you directly with property management for questions and applications

Question 3

Is Roost Affordable free to use?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Roost Affordable is completely free for renters. There are no fees to search for housing, check your eligibility, or apply for units through our platform.

Question 4

What cities does Roost Affordable serve?

Accepted Answer

Roost currently lists affordable housing in the Seattle metropolitan area, including Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Shoreline, and other Puget Sound cities. We're expanding to more cities across Washington state and beyond.

Question 5

How often is Roost Affordable's availability updated?

Accepted Answer

Our listings sync directly with property management systems multiple times per day, so you're seeing real-time availability—not outdated listings.

Question 6

Does Roost help find ADA accessible and wheelchair-accessible homes?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Roost Affordable makes it easy to search for ADA accessible apartments and wheelchair-accessible housing. We compile accessibility data directly from property management companies and their leasing systems to ensure our ADA listings are accurate and up-to-date.  Our accessibility filter lets you quickly find units that meet your mobility needs, including: • Wheelchair-accessible floor plans and entrances • ADA-compliant bathroom and kitchen features • Accessible parking and common areas • Ground-floor and elevator-accessible units  Because we pull this data directly from management companies' property systems, you can trust that the accessibility information reflects actual unit features—not outdated or inaccurate listings. Simply use the "ADA Accessible" filter on our Browse Properties or Find My Matches pages to see all available accessible units.

Question 7

What is MFTE (Multifamily Tax Exemption)?

Accepted Answer

MFTE (Multifamily Tax Exemption) is a Seattle program that offers developers a tax break in exchange for renting a percentage of their units at below-market rates to income-qualified households. MFTE units are typically in newer, market-rate buildings with full amenities, but with reduced rent for eligible renters.

Question 8

What do the different MFTE programs (P3, P4, P5, P6) mean?

Accepted Answer

MFTE programs are numbered based on when they were enacted and their income requirements:  • P3 MFTE: Earlier program serving households at 80% AMI • P4 MFTE: Serves households from 40% to 90% AMI depending on the unit • P5 MFTE: Similar to P4, with units ranging from 40% to 90% AMI • P6 MFTE: Most recent program, serving 40% to 90% AMI households  The higher the program number, the more recently the building participated in the program. Each building may have units at different income levels within these ranges.

Question 9

What is the difference between MFTE, MHA, ARCH, and LIHTC programs?

Accepted Answer

Each affordable housing program has different eligibility requirements and coverage areas:  • MFTE (Multifamily Tax Exemption): Seattle's tax exemption program for market-rate buildings with affordable units, typically serving 40-90% AMI households • MHA (Mandatory Housing Affordability): Seattle's inclusionary zoning program requiring affordable units in new developments, typically at 60% AMI • ARCH (A Regional Coalition for Housing): East King County program serving Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and surrounding cities at 50-80% AMI • LIHTC (Low Income Housing Tax Credit): Federal program for dedicated affordable housing communities, typically serving 30-60% AMI households  Each program has different income limits, eligibility rules, and geographic coverage.

Question 10

What does 'AMI' or 'Area Median Income' mean?

Accepted Answer

Area Median Income (AMI) is the midpoint household income for a geographic area, calculated annually by HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development). Affordable housing programs use AMI percentages to set income limits. For example, if your area's AMI is $100,000 for a family of four, a 60% AMI limit would be $60,000. Your household must earn below the program's AMI threshold to qualify for that unit.

Question 11

What are the occupancy limits for households?

Accepted Answer

Include all dependents when determining your household size. Maximum occupancy is calculated as 2 people per bedroom plus 1. For example: Studio apartments allow up to 2 people, 1-bedroom units allow up to 3 people, 2-bedroom units allow up to 5 people, and 3-bedroom units allow up to 7 people.

Question 12

What documents do I need to provide when applying for an affordable/income-restricted home?

Accepted Answer

You will need to provide proof of income (such as pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements), identification, and possibly documentation of any other financial assistance you receive.

Question 13

What is considered income?

Accepted Answer

Income documents may vary by program, but review the below for a list of likely required documents to procure for your application.  Employment Income: Wages, salaries, overtime, tips, bonuses and commissions, tax return transcripts, tax forms.  Social Security: Pension, retirement income, SSI, disability benefits, VA benefits, unemployment benefits. IRA, 401(k) withdrawals, alimony, child support.  Assets: Income from rental properties, investment income, dividends, interest, stocks, bonds.  Miscellaneous income: Gift money if regular (from family members or friends, Churches, charities), lottery winnings if regular and ongoing, life insurance payouts if ongoing, trust fund payments. Housing subsidies or housing allowances (Section 8).  Educational income (in some cases): Scholarships, grants, educational stipends if they are not tied to tuition.

Question 14

I am a student, which program would I qualify for?

Accepted Answer

Generally speaking, students are not eligible for LIHTC housing. There are exceptions where full-time students may qualify. Exceptions may include a student who is married and files a joint tax return with their spouse, is a single parent with dependents. There may be more exceptions which should be discussed with the community manager of the location of interest.  Students may be eligible for MFTE, ARCH and MHA housing as long as the household meets the income qualifications for both the program & community in which they are applying at.

Question 15

How long does approval take once we submit an online application?

Accepted Answer

The process time varies by household. After submitting your online application, contact the community for next steps. Typically, you'll need to provide income proof from the last 3-6 months and fill out a packet based on the program offered at the community you are applying for. You can schedule a meeting with a team member for any questions and to fill out the packet in person, if preferred. Once your documents are submitted, the review process usually takes 1 to 4 weeks. If more information is needed, the team will contact you directly.

Question 16

Who counts as a household member?

Accepted Answer

Any person residing in the home as an occupant counts as a household member, regardless of age.

Question 17

Can I still qualify for an affordable/income-restricted home if I have a roommate?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can have a roommate, but the combined income of all household members must still fall within the income limits set for the specific community program. The income of everyone living in the home will be considered when determining eligibility. All applicants over 18 must also pass standard screening to be eligible to live at the community.

Question 18

Are utilities and parking included in the rent for MFTE homes?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the specific community and program. Some community programs may include one parking space and all utilities in the rent, while others require tenants to pay for a parking space, electricity only, or other utilities separately. Be sure to ask the community manager what is included in the rent.

Question 19

How often do I need to recertify my income for program eligibility?

Accepted Answer

Communities require tenants to recertify their income annually to ensure they still meet the program's income requirements. The management team will provide instructions on how to complete the recertification process prior to your initial lease expiration. Upon recertification approval, you will have the option to renew your lease for another term.

Question 20

What happens if my income changes after I move into an MFTE/MHA home?

Accepted Answer

If your income increases above the eligibility threshold during your lease term, you typically remain in the home until your lease expires. Communities may require annual recertification, and if your income exceeds the limits at that time, your lease may not be renewed at the same affordable rate.

Question 21

How does the LIHTC program differ from Section 8 housing?

Accepted Answer

While both LIHTC and Section 8 programs aim to provide affordable housing, they operate differently. LIHTC units have fixed affordable rents based on area median income, whereas Section 8 offers vouchers that subsidize rent, with tenants paying a percentage of their income. Some properties may accept both LIHTC and Section 8 tenants.

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