RENTAL APPLICATION - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’S)
Application Process
How can I apply for rental housing through NHSH?
NHSH will start accepting rental applications when the Waitlist Application Window opens and will continue to do so until the Waitlist Application Window closes. NHSH will conduct a lottery to create a Master Waiting List of applicants. The Master Waiting List will be maintained for at least two years.
What happens after the lottery?
Following the lottery, the application process will reopen, and new applicants will be added to the waiting list in the order received, provided they meet all eligibility requirements.
What is the process if a unit becomes available for an applicant on the waiting list?
NHSH will notify the applicant, who will then undergo eligibility verification by submitting further income documentation to a third party service for verification, conduct a background check and provide any further documentation for verification and approval. Upon approval, NHSH and the applicant will execute a lease.
Is there a chance to appeal if there's an issue with my application before the lottery?
Yes, NHSH provides a 5-day window for appeals before the lottery begins. If there's something wrong with your application or if you feel there's been a mistake, you can appeal during this time. It's essential to take advantage of this opportunity to ensure everything is correct before the lottery process begins. Please see the “Rejections and Appeal Process” document on page 3 of the application package.
How can I access the application form?
You can access the application form online through a NHSH online application or you may obtain a printed copy at the town office.
Where can I find the online application form?
The online application form is available on our NHSH website (www.nhshousing.org) or through a paper form provided at the Town Office.
Can I submit a printed copy of the application form?
Yes, you can submit a printed copy of the application form by regular mail via the US Postal Service.. Please ensure it is postmarked by May 31, 2024. Applications may be sent to NHSH, PO Box 373, North Haven, ME 04853.
NHSH Rental Waiting List
How does NHSH prioritize applicants for rental housing?
NHSH will establish a Master Rental Waiting List for all eligible applicants using an open and public lottery system to ensure fairness and transparency. Once the lottery is completed, additional applications will be accepted and placed at the end of the waiting list in order of receipt. The Master Rental Waiting List will be maintained for at least two years and applicants may remain on this list unless they ask to be removed or leave the island for an extended period of time (six months or more)..
Can you explain the NHSH Rental Waiting List process?
NHSH’s open lottery system will create a master Rental Waiting List for all eligible applications received during the Application Window. As housing units become available, applicants first in line that meet household size requirements will be offered an opportunity to move forward with eligibility verification. Applicants not selected will remain in line for future consideration.
Tenant Selection and Eligibility Criteria
What if an applicant is deemed ineligible or their application is declined?
In such cases, the applicant will be removed from the waiting list, and the next eligible applicant in line will be notified. If an applicant feels they have been declined unfairly that will have an opportunity to appeal the decision. (Please see Rejections and Appeal Process on page 3 of the application package.)
NHSH Tenant Eligibility Criteria
What are the eligibility criteria for NHSH rental housing?
To be eligible for housing assistance in North Haven, Maine, applicants must be at least 18 years old with a household income below 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Maine Housing-funded properties or below 200% of AMI for other units. At least one household member must have been a full-time resident of North Haven for 12 consecutive months or longer (or a full-school year in the case of school or Waterman’s teaching staff), and the rental unit must be their sole residence.
Household size varies by unit: 0-1 bedroom units accommodating a maximum of two persons; 2 bedroom units allowing for a minimum of two and a maximum of four persons; and 3 bedroom units allowing for a minimum of three and a maximum of six persons
Applicants must agree to adhere to North Haven Sustainable Housing (NHSH) Rental Rules and Regulations.
Can single individuals partner up with a roommate to qualify for a unit with a higher household size threshold?
Yes, single individuals are encouraged to find a roommate to qualify for larger units with higher household size thresholds. By partnering up, individuals can increase their household size, making them eligible for units with more bedrooms. Income eligibility will take into account the combined income of all tenants in the household.
How are income eligibility and verification handled?
Income eligibility varies depending on the type of unit and funding source. Rent will also be based on household income. MaineHousing has strict rules that require initial household income is below 120% area median income. Tenants will not be required to move if income increases above 120%, but rent may adjust based on household income.
A third party verification organization will verify income through federal income tax returns and/or other documentation. In some cases NHSH staff may ask for corroborating information such as tax returns, wage stubs, utility bills, etc. If deemed eligible by NHSH staff, applicants will be entered into the Lottery Pool to be placed on NHSH's Master Rental Waiting List.
Can I decline a housing option if it's offered to me?
Yes, you can decline a housing option if it's offered to you and remain first in line for the next property you qualify for. You're allowed to decline two times. However, after declining twice, you'll be put at the bottom of the Master Rental Waiting List.
Can I be added to the waitlist for housing on North Haven if I haven't been living there for a year?
Once the application window closes, you can apply to be put on the waitlist. Applications will be ordered on the waitlist behind all 2024 eligible applicants and in the order the application has been received.
Lease and Other Terms
How long is the lease term with NHSH?
Lease term is 12-months. Lease terms will be executed once full eligibility is confirmed. The lease agreement will outline the terms and conditions of occupancy and will be renewed annually.
Can I maintain another residence while occupying a NHSH unit?
No, NHSH requires that the unit be the individual’s only residence. Applicants must agree to this condition upon lease execution. Some narrow exemptions to this rule may be considered by the board. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Lease Renewals and Rent Adjustments
How often are NHSH leases renewed, and how are rent adjustments handled?
NHSH leases are renewed annually to allow for adjustments reflecting inflation, household composition changes, and household income changes. Rent adjustments will be made accordingly with notice to tenants. Rents increases will not exceed 5% per year.
What is the process for annual income verification at lease renewal?
NHSH will verify household incomes annually at lease renewal to facilitate rent adjustments according to policy. Tenants will never be asked to move based on increases in household income.
How does NHSH ensure privacy and reliability in income verification?
NHSH utilizes a confidential, secure third-party income verification service to provide reliable income information while maintaining a degree of privacy for NHSH tenants.
Rent Adjustment Policies at Annual Lease Renewal
What happens if a household's income remains the same relative to the Area Median Income (AMI)?
If a household's income remains at the same percentage of AMI as the previous year, the rent will be increased by any approved inflation adjustment determined by the board for that year. That increase will not exceed 5%.
How does NHSH handle rent adjustments for households experiencing a decrease in household income?
If your household's income drops, NHSH will lower your rent in the new lease to match the rent for your lower income level or until it meets the minimum rent floor of the unit. Each unit features a rent floor, determined at 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The rent floor is indicated as the lowest figure on the property chart found on page 1 of this application package.
What if a household's income increases, placing them in a higher AMI band?
If a household's income goes up, their rent may go up depending on where it falls on the AMI scale, but any increases will be delayed one year (and will be implemented only if the household income remains at the higher level) and then phased gradually over time. So, if your income stays high for more than one year, your rent will increase gradually each year until it matches the rent for your income level. This gives you time to adjust to the higher rent.
Additional Policies and Assistance
Are there specific requirements regarding smoking and illegal drugs?
Yes, NHSH mandates that there shall be no smoking inside the residence and that illegal drugs are strictly prohibited from the property. Tenants are responsible for maintaining this policy for all their guests and visitors.
What if I have further questions or need assistance with the application process?
For further assistance or inquiries, applicants can contact NHSH directly for guidance and support throughout the application process.
Contact Executive Director Hannah Itzler via email at hannah@nhshousing.org or by phone at 207-245-8359
Please click HERE to download our rental FAQ’s document.