FAQs for Applicants
More Important Information about our Rental Housing
REACH
Qualifying for Reach Housing
About Our Waitlist Process
Housing Definitions
REACH
Where are REACH properties located?
REACH’s properties are located in the Portland area with many in the inner Southeast area of Portland. Properties are also located in North, Northeast, Northwest and Downtown Portland. Please view the Property Listing and check out our property map.
Does REACH provide rental assistance?
REACH does not provide rental assistance. We are a nonprofit property management company. We own and manage affordable and low-income housing.
Are you the Housing Authority?
No, REACH is not the Housing Authority. Please visit the Housing Authority of Portland website or call 503-802-8300 or TTY 503-802-8554.
QUALIFYING FOR REACH HOUSING
What are the income restrictions?
Income restrictions vary from property to property. The income restrictions for a specific property are on the Screening Criteria included in the waitlist pre-application packet. To obtain a packet you must contact the property directly or you may download a waitlist pre-application from our website.
In most households, income may not exceed 60% of the Area Median Income. Some properties have income restrictions below 60%. Please refer to the Screening Criteria for the specific property you are interested in for income restrictions.
Do you accept Section 8 vouchers?
Yes, REACH accepts Section 8 vouchers at most properties. Applicants must first meet property specific Screening Criteria. Once you receive notification of a vacancy, you will have the opportunity to complete a Rental Application for a specific unit. The Building Manager will conduct the applicant screening and upon approval of the Rental Application, the Building Manager will coordinate the move in process with the Housing Authority of Portland.
Do you accept people with evictions?
Generally, applicants with evictions in the last three years are not eligible for REACH housing. This varies by property so please refer to the Screening Criteria of the property you are interested in. Applicants with prior evictions who are “Ready To Rent” graduates, may be considered.
What if I have a criminal record?
Each property has its own standards for accepting or denying applicants with a criminal background. Please refer to the Screening Criteria of the specific property you are interested in for more detailed criminal background screening information.
How many people are allowed per bedroom?
REACH follows HUD’s occupancy standards, which allow two (2) people per bedroom plus one (1) for the unit. A bedroom consists of a room with a closet, a window and a space for sleeping. The following chart shows the minimum and maximum occupancy standards:
Studio - Minimum 1 person, Maximum 2 people
1 Bedroom – Minimum 1 person, Maximum 3 people
2 Bedroom – Minimum 2 people, Maximum 5 people
3 Bedroom - Minimum 3 people, Maximum 7 people
4 Bedroom – Minimum 4 people, Maximum 9 people
5 Bedroom – Minimum 5 people, Maximum 11 people
What is Reasonable Accommodation?
Under the Fair Housing Act, housing providers are required to consider making adjustments to policies and/or rules (a Reasonable Accommodation) for people with disabilities to enable them an equal opportunity to enjoy housing. This obligation has limits. Regulations allow a landlord or housing provider to request verification for the disability and the need for an accommodation from a qualified professional. Reasonable Accommodation requests are reviewed on a case by case basis.
Do I have to sign a lease?
Certain properties require an initial lease of six (6) to twelve (12) months. All other REACH properties use a month-to-month rental agreement.
Can I have a roommate?
Yes you may have a roommate as long as the occupancy standards and household income restrictions are not exceeded. Each adult over age 18 must meet the property specific Screening Criteria and complete the Rental Application.
Do you allow pets?
Please refer to the Building Information sheet for specific property pet policies. Most buildings allow one spayed/neutered cat with an additional deposit. Service/companion animals may be allowed for persons with disabilities.
Where do I park?
Parking varies by property. Please contact the Building Manager directly for parking details.
ABOUT OUR WAITLIST PROCESS
How do I apply to be on the waitlist?
REACH does not maintain a central waitlist. Choose the properties you are interested in and contact the property directly to have a pre-application packet mailed to you. You may also check out our website and select the property you are interested in and download a complete packet to be filled out and mailed in.
How do I know if my pre-application went through and I’m on the waitlist?
You will not be waitlisted if: A) The required * and bolded fields on the pre-application were not complete or B) Your household size does not meet minimum or maximum standards for occupancy.
Due to the volume of inquiries we receive, we cannot send you a confirmation that you have been placed on the waitlist. However, you may call the Building Manager directly approximately one week after the pre-application was returned to verify the pre-application was received.
Does REACH have any units currently available?
Most of our properties currently have a waitlist. There is no general waitlist pre-application. Each property has its own waitlist and pre-application. You may be on multiple waitlists, however, the applicant is responsible for adhering to each property’s qualifications for remaining Active on the waitlist.
How long will I have to wait for a unit to become available?
Completed waitlist pre-applications are posted to the waitlist in the order received. When pre-applications are received at the property, they are time and date stamped upon arrival. As each property maintains its own waitlist, the wait times vary depending on the type of property you require.
For a property with subsidized units, the expected wait time can be up to two (2) years or longer for a unit. For an affordable unit, the expected wait time can be from three (3) months to one (1) year or more. All wait times are approximate and differ by building.
Due to the volume of inquiries we receive, we cannot provide callers with their “spot on the list” or their “number on the list”.
When will I know if a unit is available?
When a property receives a notice to vacate from a resident, the Building Manager will notify waitlist applicants by mail or phone based on their position on the waitlist. Applicants are given approximately seven (7) days from date of mailing to respond with their interest. An appointment will be set by the Building Manager to view the unit and applicants will then begin the formal Rental Application process.
Waitlist applicants may decline one (1) offer of housing and remain at his or her place on the waitlist; after declining a second offer, the applicant will then be rendered Inactive on the waitlist and will have to reapply by completing a new waitlist pre-application and beginning at the bottom of the list again. The Building Manager will not notify you of an Inactive status.
HOUSING DEFINITIONS
What is subsidized housing?
Subsidized housing is housing that has partial financial support from public funds administered through a government program. Rent levels are regulated in subsidized housing so that they are affordable to low income households. Resident rents are generally based on income and may not exceed 30% of a household’s monthly income.
What is the difference between Subsidized housing and the Section 8 Voucher Program?
Both programs provide monthly rental assistance and participants must be income qualified. The Section 8 Voucher Program is administered through the Housing Authority of Portland. Both programs are provided to a household as long as the household remains income qualified and does not violate the terms of the rental agreement and/or the program requirements.
The Section 8 Voucher is portable and goes with the household to their next home anywhere within the County it was issued.
The Subsidized housing program is tied to a particular unit so if the household moves out, they cannot take the assistance with them.
What is an affordable unit?
Within REACH housing, an affordable unit is one with rent based on a percentage of the Area Median Income of 60% or less. Market rents are generally higher.
What is Low Income Housing Tax Credit?
The Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program is a federal housing program administered by the State and monitored by the IRS. Credits are given to each state based on the census. The Oregon Housing and Community Services agency determines which projects will receive credits following the Qualified Allocation Plan.
What is considered an accessible unit?
An accessible dwelling unit is a unit that is located on an accessible route and can be approached, entered, and used by individuals with physical disabilities. Check with the Building Manager of the specific property you are interested to see if it has accessible units.
