Affordable Housing,
Made Easier to Understand
■ UNDERSTANDING ELIGIBILITY
Do I qualify?
Affordable housing offers quality, comfortable homes at rents designed to be more manageable for eligible households. Understanding income limits, household size and area median income (AMI) can feel complicated. Our leasing teams can help you understand the requirements, explore where you may qualify and learn what comes next.
Income limits are established by the housing programs and agencies that govern each community. SRM does not set these limits, but we can explain how they apply to your household.
Eligibility depends on your household size, combined household income and the requirements for the particular home. These requirements vary by location, community and apartment size, so qualifying for one home does not mean you will qualify for every available apartment. If one home is not a fit, another may be.
Affordable Housing Basics
Understanding income guidelines, availability, and the application process can help you take the next step with confidence.
01
What is AMI?
AMI stands for Area Median Income. It measures household income in a specific region and helps determine which income-restricted homes a household may qualify for. Eligibility depends on location, household size, annual income, and the income level assigned to each available apartment.
That is why two people applying at the same community may qualify for different homes.
02
Why Availability Works Differently
Income-restricted apartment homes are divided by apartment type and income level. A community may have different unit types available at different AMI levels, such as 50%, 60%, 80%, or 100%.
That means qualifying depends on whether an available home matches your household size, income range, and needs.
03
Why the Application Has More Steps
Affordable housing applications require more documentation because the leasing team must confirm each household meets the income and program requirements for a specific apartment. You may be asked for income information, household details, identification, rental history, or other required documents.
Our leasing team is here to answer questions, explain what is needed, and help you move through each step with more confidence.
Common Questions
Answers to common questions about affordable housing, eligibility, and the application process.
Do I make too much or too little?
It depends on the community, household size, apartment type, and income level assigned to the available home. Some SRM communities serve a wider income range than many renters expect.
Is affordable housing lower quality?
Can I choose any apartment?
Not always. Each income-restricted apartment home is connected to a specific income level and apartment type. Availability depends on which homes are open and whether your household qualifies for that home.
What if I do not qualify?
You may still qualify for another apartment type, another income level, or another SRM community. The leasing team can help identify what may be a fit.
How do I apply?
Start by exploring our communities on the Find a Home page. Select a community to visit its website, check availability and begin your application. The community’s leasing team can answer questions about income requirements, required documents and next steps.
Our Communities
Find your next home in one of our carefully managed communities.
Altaire at Jackson Park ↗ 14343 15th Ave NESeattle, WA 98125 The Mill at First Hill ↗ 1000 8th Ave
Seattle, WA 98104 Nuovo ↗ 991 118th Avenue SE
Bellevue, WA 98005
Resident Testimonies
What residents are saying
