How do I get housing at EBALDC?

In order to live in one of EBALDC’s Below Market Rate (BMR)/Affordable Housing, Project Based Voucher (PBV) or Moderate Income Housing Acquisition Fund (HAF) units, you must be on the waiting list that serves that property and unit type. EBALDC will announce when waiting lists open to new applicants on our website, social media, and through other marketing efforts.

What are income limits for affordable housing?

Income limits are determined annually via California’s Tax Credit Allocation Committee guidelines. For specific information on income limits and eligibility at our properties, contact the site you’re interested in.

How much is rent?

Rent varies from building to building and unit to unit. For specific rental costs, please contact the site you’re interested in.

What is the difference between Below Market Rate (BMR) units, Project Based Voucher (PBV) units and Moderate Income (HAF) units?

Our BMR/Affordable Housing units have fixed rents that are lower than Market Rate Housing rents. Applicants must qualify based on income, occupancy and other regulatory restrictions in order to live in these units. EBALDC accepts Housing Choice Vouchers for its BMR units.

PBV units have subsidies administered by the City and/or County Housing Authority where residents typically pay 30% of the adjusted household income towards rent. Applicants must qualify under income, occupancy and other regulatory restrictions including the Housing Authority’s in order to live in these units. Applicants do not need to have their own Housing Choice Voucher to live in these units.

Housing Acquisition Fund (HAF) units provide long-term affordability for moderate-income residents by using government programs, like property tax exemptions to stabilize rents. The HAF portfolio of properties are aimed at serving moderate income households earning up to 80% Annual Median Income (AMI), as set by Alameda County.

What is the difference between the PBV waiting lists and the HAF portfolio waiting list?

Project Based Voucher (PBV) Waiting Lists are used to lease vacant PBV units at certain EBALDC properties.  Properties with PBV units open and manage their own PBV site-based waiting list.  PBV units are governed and subsidized the City and/or County Housing Authority where rents are typically 30% of household income.

The Housing Acquisition Fund (HAF) Portfolio Waiting List is used to lease vacant Moderate Income units at EBALDC.

How long are EBALDC’s waiting lists?

EBALDC’s waiting lists are generally very long. The time to reach the top of the list varies depending on the building and unit type. We cannot predict when a unit will become available or when you will be called for a vacant unit.

Can I pick up a pre-application at EBALDC’s headquarters?

Our main office does not distribute pre-applications unless the opening announcement says that our main office is a pick up/drop off location. Please read the announcements for application pick up/drop off location and specific instructions.

What happens to my pre-application after I turn it in?

Your pre-application is dated and time stamped by EBALDC’s Property Management department. If complete and submitted within the advertised criteria, your pre-application is eligible to be added to the list(s). The order and how many households will be added to the list is determined by the specific property’s requirements. If you are eligible for an available unit and are at the top of the list, you will be contacted by the site’s Property Manager for an interview. All applicants must meet income limit guidelines and occupancy regulations to become residents of our buildings (see Eligibility Restrictions and Tenant Selection Criteria).

Will I be removed from a list if I refuse a unit?

For every EBALDC waiting list, you are allowed to refuse a unit once without a penalty. The second time you refuse a unit, you will be removed from that waiting list. We encourage you to ask questions of the Property Manager when you are ready to make a decision.

How can I check my pre-application status?

You can check your pre-application status by emailing us at marketinglist@ebaldc.org, by  calling our main office at 510.287.5353.

To check your Project Based Voucher (PBV) and/or Moderate Income Housing Acquisition Fund (HAF) waiting list status you must call the property manager where you applied.

How do I update my contact information on a pre-application I already submitted?

Applicants currently on EBALDC property waiting lists are responsible for updating EBALDC in writing whenever their pre-application information changes.

To update your pre-application submit it in writing, including your name, contact information and reference number via email to marketinglist@ebaldc.org or via USPS to EBALDC, WL Update, 1825 San Pablo Ave, Suite 200, Oakland CA 94612.

 

What EBALDC Properties have Project Based Voucher (PBV) units and have site-based waiting lists?

The list of the properties that use site-based waiting lists* to lease their PBV units is below:

  • California Hotel
  • Casa Arabella
  • Drasnin Manor
  • Effie’s House
  • Giant Road Apartments
  • Hugh Taylor House
  • Jack London Gateway Senior Housing
  • Lillie Mae Jones Plaza
  • Madison Park Apartments
  • Marcus Garvey Commons
  • Oakland Point L.P.
  • Prosperity Place Apartments
  • San Pablo Hotel
  • Seven Directions Apartments
  • Slim Jenkins Court

*The following are properties that may use the Annual Marketing List as a referral list to lease their PBV units and/or Local Housing Assistance Program (LHAP) units:

  • Hismen Hin-Nu Terrace
  • Madrone Hotel
  • Oak Park Apartments
  • Swan’s Market Apartments
What EBALDC Properties are a part of the Housing Acquisition Fund (HAF) and has a moderate-income unit waiting list?

The list of the properties that are included in the HAF Portfolio and have moderate-income units is below:

  • Casa Grande Village
  • Creekside Apartments
  • Eastlake Apartments
  • Emerald Estates
  • Foothill Blvd. Apartments
  • Highland Palms
  • Kensington Gardens
  • MacArthur Park
  • Vernon Street Apartments

You may apply to the HAF Portfolio waiting list at any time by visiting www.ebaldchaf.com, selecting “Applicant Login” and creating an account to submit your application.

What is a Reasonable Accommodation?

Please click here to find out more about EBALDC’s Reasonable Accommodation policies and procedures.

What is EBALDC's Violence Against Women's Act (VAWA) policy?

Please click here to find out more about EBALDC’s VAWA policies and procedures.

Can I build my credit score by paying my rent?

Yes, with the passing of California’s SB 1157 in Sept. 2020, renters can now build credit their through rental payments.

Rent payment is typically not reported to credit bureaus, which can affect your ability to establish good credit and receive lower interest rates when you apply for a car loan, credit card or mortgage.

SB 1157, a first in the nation bill, requires assisted housing landlords to offer each resident the option of having their rental payments reported to a major credit bureau.

Residents can elect to have their rental payments reported to at least one nationwide credit reporting agency, or request that Landlord (or Landlords third-party service provider) cease reporting their rental payments at any time during their tenancy.

SB 1157 is tailored to tenants most likely to receive the greatest benefit from establishing or improving their credit scores.

Rent reporting data shows clear and consistent results: full rent reporting plays a critical role in helping people without credit scores establish one and helps those with low scores improve theirs.

To find out more about what EBALDC offers its residents regarding SB 1157 click here.

EBALDC adheres to the “Ronald V. Dellums & Simarashe Sherry Fair Chance Access to Housing Ordinance No. 13581 C.M.S. (O.M.C. 8.25)”
EBALDC is an equal opportunity housing provider.  EBALDC will not discriminate against prospective residents on the basis of the fact or perception of their race, religion, creed, national origin, age, color, sex, blindness or other physical or mental disability, marital status, domestic partner status, familial status, ancestry, actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, having Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) or AIDS related conditions (ARC), Human Immune Deficiency viruses HIV, medical condition, height, weight, political affiliation, source of income, any arbitrary basis, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law. EBALDC will not discriminate against prospective residents on the basis of their receipt of, or eligibility for, housing assistance under any federal, state or local housing assistance program or on the basis that prospective residents have minor children. While EBALDC will not discriminate against those using Section 8 certificates or vouchers or other rental assistance, applicants with such rental assistance must meet all eligibility requirements.