1. Check Your Income Eligibility
BMR units are restricted by Area Median Income (AMI) levels. Each listing specifies which AMI bracket it serves — typically 50%, 80%, or 120% AMI. Use our AMI Calculator to see where your household falls.
Your total household income includes all adults who will live in the unit. This means wages, self-employment income, Social Security, and most other regular income sources.
2. Gather Your Documents
Most applications require similar documentation. Having these ready before you apply saves time and avoids missed deadlines:
Commonly required: Government-issued photo ID for all adults, tax returns (2 most recent years), pay stubs (2–3 most recent months), bank statements (2–3 most recent months), proof of current address, employer verification letter.
Sometimes required: Credit report, rental history/landlord references, asset statements (investments, retirement accounts).
3. Apply to Multiple Listings
BMR housing uses a lottery system in most Bay Area cities. Being selected is partially luck — so apply to every listing you qualify for. There is no penalty for applying to multiple properties, and most applications are free.
Each property has its own application. Some cities use online portals (like San Francisco's DAHLIA), while others accept paper applications or email submissions. We link directly to each application from every listing on our site.
4. Watch Your Deadlines
Application windows are typically 30–60 days. Late applications are almost never accepted. We display deadline status on every listing — green means open, yellow means closing soon, gray means closed.
Coming soon: email notifications when new listings open in your preferred cities.
5. After You Apply
After the application window closes, the city or property manager runs a lottery. If your number is drawn, you'll be contacted for income verification and document review. This process can take several weeks to months.
If you aren't selected, stay on any waitlists offered — units turn over, and waitlist applicants are contacted when spots open.
Common Questions
Can I use a Section 8 voucher for a BMR unit?
In most cases, yes. Many BMR properties accept Housing Choice Vouchers. The listing details will specify if vouchers are accepted.
Do I need to live or work in the city to apply?
It depends on the city. Some give priority to local residents or workers, but most don't restrict applications by geography. Check each listing's eligibility requirements.
How long do BMR restrictions last?
BMR rental restrictions typically last for the life of the property. For ownership units, deed restrictions usually last 30–55 years and limit resale prices to maintain affordability.