Faqs: Seeking Housing

How do I apply to rent an apartment?

Check out our step-by-step guide for applying.

Why can't I just drop off my application? Why do I need an appointment?

Our rents are affordable because we rely on money from local and federal government. Using this government money requires that we verify household eligibility. It also requires that paperwork typically be filled out with a staff member. When necessary, we can send you application forms electronically.

During your application appointment, the Property Manager will collect information about your household's income and assets. The forms that you will need to fill out depend on your household's unique situation.

Is there a fee to apply?

Yes. There is a non-refundable screening fee for each adult applicant. Payment can be made by Money Order, Cashier's Check or Personal Check only; no cash accepted. The fee is solely to cover the cost of screening your application, including a credit check, rental history and public records check.

There is no screening fee for applicants applying at one of our HUD properties.

Does Bellwether accept Portable Screening Reports?

No, sorry.

Can I apply for more than one building?

Once you apply to an apartment, we hold the apartment for you without a deposit until your application is approved or denied. We can only hold one apartment per household. If you have already applied for an apartment, you must cancel that application before submitting an application for a different Bellwether apartment.

What if I apply for a unit and then I change my mind? Can I pick a different one?

Applications are valid for 120 days. In most cases, we can transfer your application to a different apartment or even a different building. If you have already applied for an apartment, you must cancel that application before you apply for a different Bellwether apartment. Let the Property Manager of the new building know that you already have paperwork started at another building. The two Property Managers will cooperate to transfer your file to the new unit.

How long does the application process take?

Our goal is to process your application in 5 business days. To document your household qualifies for housing we must collect verifications from landlords, employers, or banks. Sometimes it can take a while to get information from them. To speed up the process, be sure to bring all necessary documents to your application appointment. Contact your current and previous landlords, employer and subsidy providers. Let them know that they may be contacted and that your application is waiting on their response.

I applied more than 5 days ago, and have not yet heard from the Property Manager. What can I do?

Call the Property Manager to check in. Delays can happen if your employer, bank, or other verifier does not respond to our requests for information. Applications with Section 8 vouchers or other rental subsidies may be delayed if the subsidy provider is unable to complete a unit inspection in a timely manner.

Bellwether contacted me to get more information for my application.

If we contact you to clarify employment, rental or other information, you must provide the information within 72 hours or your application will be stopped.

Can I have a co-signer?

No, your household must individually meet qualifications.

Can I be on a waiting list?

Most of our apartments are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Wait lists are kept for our HUD subsidized units serving very low-income households. Each building’s waiting list has different eligibility requirements. Review the Wait List information or contact the Property Manager at the building for information about eligibility.

What are the Qualification Requirements?

Please review our Qualifications page to see if your household may qualify. Contact us or one of our Property Managers if you have any questions.

I'm a full-time student, can I still apply?

If all household members are full-time students, you are eligible for select apartments at these communities:

• Annapolis
• The BLVD
• Kingway
• Marina Club
• Mary's Boathouse
• Meridian Manor
• Olive Tower
• The Oregon
• The Renton Sage

Children in grades K-12 are considered full-time students.

For all other Bellwether properties, if all members of your household are full-time students, you must meet one of the following exceptions:

• Married and filing a joint federal tax return with spouse
• Single parent with a minor child and neither are dependents of a third party
• Single parent with a minor child and neither are dependents of a third party
• Receiving benefits under Title IV of the Social Security Act (e.g., TANF)
• At least one student participates in a program receiving assistance under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act or under other similar, federal, state or local laws. (Attach documentation of participation.)
• Previously under the care of a state foster care system.
• Other student restrictions may apply at certain communities – inquire with the Property Manager.

How are income limits determined?

Income limits are set each year by Bellwether’s funders, including the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Washington State Housing Finance Commission, and City of Seattle Office of Housing.

Bellwether provides apartments for households at different income levels. Each income level has a different rent price.

What are Bellwether's income criteria?

Household income must be at least 2.0 times the rent per month OR you must have a rent subsidy or accessible financial assets to cover the gap for the length of the lease.

How is my income calculated?

Bellwether is required to calculate the highest possible gross (before taxes) annual income your household may have during your initial lease term. All sources of income and assets for all household members must be disclosed and verified.

The Unit AMI (Area Median Income) refers to the maximum allowed income for the household size moving into the apartment.

Use the chart here to find the maximum allowable income for the apartment in which you are interested. Use the Unit AMI listed for the apartment and your household size.

If you have any questions, please contact us! Our leasing team would love to help you.

I don’t have an income — I’m living off savings or my parents pay my rent. Can I still apply?

All sources of income, including support from relatives and unemployment benefits, count towards your household's eligibility. Assets can be used to meet minimum income requirements.

Does Bellwether accept Section 8 vouchers?

Yes! Learn more here

What other vouchers does Bellwether accept?

Learn more here about accepted vouchers.

How long will my lease be? Does Bellwether offer short term leases?

We offer 12-month leases. After the initial 12 month lease term expires most leases convert to month-to-month.

What utilities are included in rent?

All Bellwether apartments include water, sewer, and garbage. Some apartments also include other utilities. Please view the property website or contact the Property Manager.

Is there parking available?

There is on-site parking at some of our communities. Please view the property website or contact the Property Manager for more details.

Do Bellwether communities allow pets?

Cats and dogs (75 lb. limit) are accepted at most Bellwether communities. For more information, check the property website or contact the Property Manager.

Cats only are accepted at Graham/Terry and Sterling Court.

Approval for certain other small household animals may be requested in writing. Bellwether limits the number of pets to two (2) per apartment. The pet deposit is $125 and Bellwether requires proof of inoculations, proof of spay/neutering, and a current license. Residents must agree to and follow the Bellwether Pet Policy.

All Bellwether communities accommodate approved service animals.

What are the move-in costs?

The security deposit and first full month's rent are paid at lease signing. Move-in costs must be paid by money order or cashier's check only. No cash or personal checks are accepted. Upon request, the security deposit may be paid in six equal monthly installments.

If you move in on any day other than the first of the month, the pro-rated rent is due on the first day of the next month. For example, if you move in on July 15th, you would pay August's rent on July 15th. On August 1st, you would pay rent for July 15th to July 31st.

How much is the security deposit?

Security deposit information can be found on our Eligibility and Screening Criteria.
HUD Apartments = one month of the resident's portion of rent, with a minimum of $50.

My application was denied, but I disagree with the denial. What can I do?

If your application is denied and you believe the information upon which the denial was based is incorrect, or if you have additional information that was not considered during the review of your application, you may request an appeal of the decision. Instructions for how to submit an appeal are included on the denial letter.

How can I get a copy of my background screening report?

Applicants may request a free copy of their background screening report within 60 days of application. You may request a copy directly from the consumer-reporting agency:

Global Verification Network

877.695.1179

service@globalver.com

www.globalver.com

PO Box 95258

Palatine, IL 60095

I don't qualify for housing with Bellwether. Where else can I go for housing?

• Contact the Community Information Line by calling 2-1-1.
• Use the apartment search offered at http://www.socialserve.com/tenant/WA/index.html?ch=KCHA
• The City of Seattle lists affordable housing programs.

I have a disability, and need a modification made to the unit. How can I request this?

Bellwether provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and residents who have disabilities. Residents with disabilities can request reasonable modifications to their apartments. Please review our Reasonable Accommodation/Modification Request form and contact the Property Manager for more information.

Where do I find answer for questions that aren't in the FAQ?

Please contact any of our Property Managers or our administrative office.