NCLT Housing
PROGRESS BEGINS WITH A SAFE FOUNDATION
We Provide Housing.
Housing is more than just a roof over your head—it’s about building a safe, stable, and supportive community. At Northern California Land Trust, we offer a range of permanently affordable community land trust housing opportunities. These include rental units, CLT cooperatives and home ownership, mortgage down payment assistance, and commercial spaces. By keeping these perpetually affordable, not only do we address the pressing issue of housing today but also those of racial and climate justice. We want to ensure more individuals and families are able to find a place they can call home.
This page is your pathway to secure, permanently affordable housing in the Bay Area. Here, you can explore our rental and homeownership options, learn about eligibility requirements, and start the application process for a place that meets your needs.
Safe, stable, and secure housing for everyone—we’re here to build more than homes; we’re building hope for the community.
FEATURED PROPERTY
Redefining Affordable Living
Offering 65 sustainable, affordable condos and co-ops, Woolsey Gardens sets a new standard for community-focused, permanently affordable housing and nonprofit space.
Housing Opportunities We Offer
Affordable Rentals
We may have rental units available at below-market rates. We accept and welcome Section 8 vouchers at all our properties.
Homeownership Opportunities
If you qualify, you may have the chance to purchase an affordable condominium or cooperative housing unit. We also provide mortgage down payment assistance for those who meet certain criteria.
Resources and Support
Even if we don’t have a housing opportunity for you right away, we can still connect you with resources and guidance to help you navigate other options.
Down Payment Assistance
NCLT maintains a pool of DPA for first-time, low income home buyers.
Incubation for New CLT Projects
NCLT works to further expand the CLT movement by incubating and innovating new CLT and related organizations. Link to Incubation page.
NCLT’s CalHome First Time Homebuyer Loan Program assists low-income, first-time homebuyers in purchasing homes in Alameda and Solano County. Applicants purchasing deed-restricted/permanently affordable community land trust homes are given priority.
NCLT lends qualified buyers assistance up to $200,000 to cover financing gaps when purchasing a home, including down payment and additional funds that may be needed to purchase the home.
DOWNPAYMENT ASSISTANCE
CalHome First Time Homebuyer Loan Program
We want affordable homeownership to be accessible for more qualified lower income buyers – and these CalHome loans help make that possible!
Maximum Amount: CalHome loan amount not to exceed $200,000 or 40% of the purchase price.
We want to help you quickly determine if you meet the basic qualifications for our programs, saving you time and effort. Please review the eligibility requirements below, and if you believe you qualify, proceed by submitting a Screening Form as the first step in your application.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Are You Eligible? Let’s Find Out!
Basic Eligibility Requirements
1. Income Limits
Our housing opportunities are in general available for households earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the area the home is located. Income eligibility varies by project with some rentals targeted to households at lower incomes such as 50% of AMI. For reference, see the income limits for 2024 in Alameda County below.
If you’re unsure about your income level in relation to AMI for a given unit, we can help clarify what that means for your eligibility.
| Household size | 1 person | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6 people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50% of median | $54,500 | $62,300 | $70,100 | $77,850 | $84,100 | $90,350 |
| 80% median income | $84,600 | $96,650 | $108,750 | $120,800 | $130,500 | $140,150 |
2. Household Size
The number of people in your household matters because it affects the type of housing we can offer. We work to match families with appropriately sized homes that will provide stability and comfort.
3. Ability to Pay
Our affordable housing programs still require that residents can manage their rent or mortgage payments. We consider what’s manageable based on your income and expenses with the aim of setting you up for long-term success in a stable home. NCLT also accepts Section 8 & Shelter Plus Care vouchers.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
How Applying for NCLT Housing Works
In order to learn more, select the housing type you want to pursue.
Rental Application Process
Identify an available unit
Attend an open house
Attend an open house to learn more and decide if you want to apply. Please note that attending an open house is a requirement for submitting an application. Click on a vacate unit for Open House details.
Screening Form to Launch Application
You must submit a brief screening form to determine your eligibility for the vacant unit. NCLT will review the screening form and if you are eligible, we will email you a link to start the Application Process.
Approval
NCLT reviews and scores applications based on its Selection Criteria. The top applicant is invited to verify household income and details. Upon successful verification, they are approved.
Sign Lease
Sign the lease, complete final paperwork, pay the rent and security deposit, and receive the keys to your new home along with a warm welcome to the NCLT community!
Annual Monitoring
NCLT renters agree to annually report updates about income and household size annually, helping NCLT meet funder requirements and continue to fulfill its mission.
Home Ownership
Identify an available unit
Attend an open house
Attend an open house to learn more and decide if you want to apply. Please note that attending an open house is a requirement for submitting an application.
Screening Form
The first step in our process is to submit a screening form. NCLT will review the Screening Form and if you are eligible, we will email you a link to start the Application Process.
Purchase
There is a lengthy process involving many forms and much information. With good luck, it ends up in a purchase!
Move In
You will be provided a date for move in.
Annual Monitoring
NCLT homeowners provide proof of insurance and documentation of improvements to ensure we fulfill our mission of supporting stable and affordable homeownership.
Current Homeownership Opportunities
Woolsey Gardens Applicant
Please check back in 2026. Meanwhile, subscribe to our newsletter that provides monthly updates.
Down Payment Assistance
Guidelines
Review NCLT CalHome DPA Program Guidelines and Terms here.
Mortgage Pre-Approval
Work with your lender to secure mortgage pre-approval.
Screening Form
The first step in our process is to submit a screening form. NCLT will review the Screening Form and if you are eligible, we will email you a link to start the Application Process.
Application
Once you submit a screening form we will review your eligibility. If you are eligible, we will send you a link to the application form.
Program Approval
NCLT reviews and approves the application and certifies your household as income eligible. We then provide a pre-qualification letter for your lender and a referral to homebuyer ed class.
Homebuyer Education
Attend and complete an HUD approved first time home buyer education class. NCLT will provide referrals.
Identify your Home
Enter a contract for your home purchase and let your lender and NCLT know.
Primary Mortgage Approval
Work with your lender to secure your primary mortgage approval for your purchase.
Paperwork Galore!
Work with your lender to submit all your documents to NCLT for approval.
Annual Certification
NCLT’s program requires that your home is your primary residence and NCLT will require an annual certification.
Housing Application Pathways Begin with a Screening Form
CalHome Down Payment Assistance Application
NCLT maintains a pool of DPA for first-time, low income home buyers.
Rental Application
NCLT’s rental application process includes a screening form that will trigger an application to be sent to you. Please be prepared to upload proof of income and credit history. Please ensure all sections are completed.
Homeownership Application
NCLT's housing application process includes a screening form, a full application, and document upload (proof of income, credit history). Please ensure all sections are completed.
AST Screening Form
We will send an email to our mailing list when applications are open. Please sign up here to be added to our mailing list.
Woolsey Gardens Application
We will send an email to our mailing list when applications are open. Please sign up here to be added to our mailing list.
Annual Renewal Pathways for Current Residents & Homeowners
CalHome DPA Renewal
Recipients of a CalHome DPA award are required to provide annual proof of occupancy, insurance and payment of property taxes. This ensures the loans effectively support stable and owner-occupied housing.
Review the process for selling or refinancing your CLT home.
Homeownership Renewal
Each year, NCLT homeowners (condo, coop, and single family units) provide proof of residency, insurance and documentation of improvements to ensure we fulfill our mission of supporting stable affordable homeownership.
Income Verification
NCLT renters agree to annually report updates about income and household size annually, helping NCLT meet funder requirements and continue to fulfill its mission.
Explore Our Properties
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Rentals
Rental opportunities can be ideal for people seeking flexibility without focusing on equity growth. Community meetings are a common feature, and some residents participate in property upkeep.
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Cooperatives
In cooperatives, residents are members of an entity that owns the building and leases the land. All decisions are made collectively, and members may see a profit when selling their interest.
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Condominiums
Condominiums offer equity growth through homeownership. Residents own units, lease land from NCLT, and share responsibility for common areas as part of the HOA.
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Single-Family Homes
Single-family homes are owned and maintained by residents, with land leased from NCLT. While extensive modifications may be restricted, any equity from improvements belongs to the resident.
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Community Facilities
NCLT rents commercial space to nonprofits and community-based businesses at below-market rates, providing affordable facilities for essential services and community activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Emergency Housing FAQ
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No, NCLT does not offer emergency housing. We periodically have homes available for rent and purchase, which you can check on our Current Housing Opportunities page. If you require immediate housing assistance, please call 211.
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If you're facing displacement, please note that NCLT is at capacity for new projects. However, you can explore other resources in the Bay Area, such as OakCLT, SFCLT, BACLT, Yes2TOPA, EBCLC, and Causa Justa to help address your housing needs and interests.
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NCLT does not provide assistance with rent or security deposits. To find these resources, please call 211.
NCLT Housing Application Process
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No, NCLT does not offer emergency housing. We periodically have homes available for rent and purchase, which you can check on our Current Housing Opportunities page. If you require immediate housing assistance, please call 211.
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If you're facing displacement, please note that NCLT is at capacity for new projects. However, you can explore other resources in the Bay Area, such as OakCLT, SFCLT, BACLT, Yes2TOPA, EBCLC, and Causa Justa to help address your housing needs and interests.
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NCLT does not provide assistance with rent or security deposits. To find these resources, please call 211.
For Current Renters and Potential Partners
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No, NCLT does not offer emergency housing. We periodically have homes available for rent and purchase, which you can check on our Current Housing Opportunities page. If you require immediate housing assistance, please call 211.
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If you're facing displacement, please note that NCLT is at capacity for new projects. However, you can explore other resources in the Bay Area, such as OakCLT, SFCLT, BACLT, Yes2TOPA, EBCLC, and Causa Justa to help address your housing needs and interests.
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NCLT does not provide assistance with rent or security deposits. To find these resources, please call 211.