Eligibility, the selection process and the steps to becoming a tenant are different for homebuyers, renters and cooperative members. Two of the main criteria that NCLT reviews when considering applications (for all levels of tenancy) are income and household size.
Renters and homebuyers may not exceed a maximum income limit for their household size. This income limit is determined each year by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Below is an example of the income limits that are set for each NCLT housing opportunity.
| Household Size | One Person | Two People | Three People | Four People | Five People | |
| Income Limits for Rental Units and Housing Coops | Allowable Maximum Household Income for 2017 (60% AMI) | $48,840 | $55,800 | $62,720 | $69,720 | $75,300 |
| Income Limits for Condos and Single Family Homes | Allowable Maximum Household Income for 2017 (80% AMI) | $62,750 | $71,700 | $80,650 | $89,600 | $96,800 |
* 60% and 80% Area Median Income (AMI) table pursuant to 2017HUD Standards for Alameda County
In addition to not exceeding a maximum threshold, NCLT also considers minimum income. Monthly costs for housing should not exceed 1/3 of the total monthly household income. Ideally, the applicant’s income will be at least three times the housing costs.
The size of the applicant household must be appropriate for the number of bedrooms in the home that the applicant is applying for. (i.e. a 3 or 4 person household will have higher ranking than a 1 or 2 person household for a 3 bedroom unit.)
For more details about eligibility, the selection process and steps to becoming a tenant, please see the category of tenancy you’re interested in pursuing.
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