Some of the homes Landmark manages are set aside through the City of Bellingham's MFTE program, for households that meet income guidelines and at a rent capped by the City.
Available homes
No income-restricted homes are listed right now.
Eligibility
These homes are part of the City of Bellingham’s 12-year Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE) program. They have similar amenities to the other units in the building and the same Landmark management. The difference is who can rent them and what the rent can be.
Your household qualifies if its total yearly income, before taxes, is at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI) for Whatcom County. The limit depends on how many people will live in the home and is updated every year. View current income and rent limits on the City of Bellingham MFTE page.
Washington State Housing Finance Commission income limits
Income counts for every adult in the household and includes wages, self-employment, tips, bonuses and commissions, Social Security, disability, unemployment, child or spousal support, pensions, regular financial help from family, and interest or dividends earned on savings and investments. Student loans, grants, and work-study do not count. All sources of legal income are treated equally, including housing vouchers.
Full-time students qualify only with demonstrated financial need: a need-based award through the FAFSA or WASFA (such as a Pell Grant, Washington College Grant, or federal direct loan) or GI Bill benefits. Merit and athletic scholarships alone do not establish need. Proof of enrollment and your financial aid award letter are required.
Costs
Rent is capped by the City each year based on the number of bedrooms and is shown on each listing. Your rent is set by the limit in effect when you move in and may be adjusted at renewal. Where tenants pay their own utilities, the cap is reduced by a utility allowance. The application fee is the same as any other Landmark rental, with no extra fees or additional screening.
Step by step
Find a home and apply. Browse the income-restricted homes listed on this page and apply using the button above.
Complete the Household Eligibility Packet. We will send you the City of Bellingham’s packet. Every adult in the household lists all income and assets expected over the next 12 months; no field can be left blank (enter $0 if it doesn’t apply). Have these ready:
Income verification. We verify employment income directly with your employer. If we cannot reach your employer after two attempts, your six most recent paystubs are used instead. The City requires certification within 120 days before your lease start date, and your lease cannot be signed until it is complete.
Sign your lease. Once you are confirmed eligible, we both sign a Certificate of Household Eligibility, and then you sign your lease.
After move-in
Household income is checked again once a year, usually at lease renewal. If your income rises above the limit, your home may convert to market-rate rent with advance written notice. MFTE homes are for the qualified household only; subleasing, including short-term rentals, is not permitted.
Landmark Real Estate Management is an Equal Housing Opportunity provider. Learn more on our Fair Housing page.
Questions? Contact us or email applications@visitlandmark.com.