Agency Owned Housing FAQs
What is Agency-Owned Housing?
Agency-Owned Housing includes Public Housing units in Lane County, Multi-Family Housing programs at Fourteen Pines, Abbie Lane and Village Oaks, and a non-subsidized apartment complex called Firwood.
Who can be served in Agency-Owned housing?
In subsidized Public Housing or Multi-Family Housing units, first preference is given to single individuals who are either elderly or disabled, or to families with children. Firwood Apartments is the only complex where we can house single individuals who are neither elderly nor disabled. At Village Oaks, we will also house single full-time students, but one-bedroom units at this complex rarely come available.
How do I know my bedroom size?
Single individuals or couples without children would be assigned a one-bedroom unit. A family with one child or two children of the same sex would be assigned a two-bedroom unit. A family with a boy or a girl, or more than two children would be assigned a three-bedroom unit. We have only 17 four-bedroom units in all of Lane County. Families who would normally qualify for a four-bedroom unit can voluntarily take a three-bedroom unit until a larger unit comes available.
How long would I need to wait for housing?
The wait for housing can range from months to years, depending upon the bedroom size, program or location. The Waiting List page will show you who we are serving now by date of application.
How do I qualify for Agency-Owned Housing?
First, you must meet the Income Guidelines for the various programs. You will also need to pass criminal and civil background checks. You will also need to show you will be a good renter. We will send references to your landlords for the last three years. If you do not have three years of recent landlord references, you can provide alternative references as described in the ABC letter.
How is my rent calculated?
In Public Housing, Fourteen Pines and Abbie Lane, your rent and utilities would be 30% of your adjusted income. This Rent Calculation Worksheet can give you an idea of what your rent would be in a 30% program. Village Oaks has basic and market rents. The Village Oaks Income Worksheet can help you decide if you can qualify for that program. Firwood has flat rents as described on the Firwood page.
What are Agency-Owned Housing units like?
We offer clean, safe and sanitary housing that meet high federal and state standards for livability. Some units are apartments; others are duplexes or townhouses. We also have a number of houses for rent, but these are offered first to current Public Housing residents who have shown they are good renters. Our Maintenance Department strives to make repairs in a timely manner. All empty units are repaired and painted as needed, and then professionally cleaned before leasing up a new resident.
Are Agency-Owned Housing Developments Safe?
Our goal is to keep our neighborhoods as safe and crime-free as possible. Therefore, we conduct criminal history background checks on all applicants. When doing background checks, we are able to search local and state criminal databases, and if necessary we can fingerprint applicants to obtain FBI records. We also maintain close relationships with local law-enforcement agencies. We house police officers in some of our complexes, and we provide office space for Lane County probation officers. Additionally, if someone calls 911 about one of our units, or the police visit one of our units or arrest one of our residents, we get an email the next day detailing the activity. Our research has shown that the crime rates in our neighborhoods are lower than those of the surrounding areas.
What if I have a criminal record?
Federal law prohibits housing authorities from renting to registered sex offenders, or to people who have manufactured methamphetamines in a subsidized unit. Otherwise, we review criminal histories on an individual basis. In the case of illegal drug use or alcohol-related arrests, an applicant must show that he or she has at least one year clean and sober. If you are found ineligible due to your criminal history, you will have the right to a hearing in which you can demonstrate that you no longer engage in criminal behaviors, and if necessary that you have sufficient clean-and-sober time.
What are the lease requirements?
Leases are month-to-month. Residents are expected to pay rent on time, take good care of the unit, do yard work if the unit has a yard, and get along well with neighbors. Other lease obligations can be found in the model lease for Multi-Family Housing or in the sample lease for Public Housing. Additional tenant responsibilities can be found in the House Rules.
Can I have a dog or cat?
Residents may have one dog or cat weighing less than 30 pounds with an approved pet application and a $150 deposit. Dogs and cats must be neutered, flea free and current with shots. Most other types of pets are allowed. For more information on what kind and how many animals are allowed, please read the Pet Policy. Residents who claim a disability and have a companion animal may request a Reasonable Accommodation to bring the dog or cat into their unit without paying the deposit.
What if I need accessibility features?
We offer a number of fully wheelchair accessible units. These units are provided first to current residents who need them. Residents who require grab bars, ramps or other accessibility features may submit a Reasonable Accommodation request for us to install these items.
