Available Rental Opportunities
Understanding the Affordable Rental Process
Initial tasks
Please review the Opportunity Drawing Notification for specific deadlines AND instructions for the unit you are applying for. The information below is for the program in general.
Watch the Introduction Videos and Orientation Webinar on this page
All applicants and co-applicants must individually take the quiz with a passing score
Register and attend the mandatory Orientation - all applicants and co-applicants - (Events Tab)
Carefully review the Application Guide (on this page towards the bottom)
Feeling lost? Attend an FAQ Session. To register click HERE
Register your Household’s Profile at https://www.myhousekeys.com/ to obtain an Application ID for the Program
Get familiar with the application forms and document checklist Packaging a Renter File — HouseKeys Start organizing your documents and be ready to submit them by the file submission deadline on the Opportunity Drawing Notice you are interested in.
Review the Opportunity Drawing Notice (ODN). It contains important information such as property information, qualification and eligibility criteria, deadlines, file submission instructions and the File Request. The ODN contains the File Request information unless HouseKeys is only in charge of ranking the list and not in involved in processing and underwriting the file.
Use your Application ID to enter drawings at https://www.myhousekeys.com/
Note: This is a quick list and partial instructions; other requirements and processes apply.
introduction videos, orientation deck & Quiz
These 6 short videos will help you understand how affordable housing works, and key terminology. The Orientation Deck Slides explain the application process. After reviewing both the videos and slide deck, take the Renter Quiz. This should all be done before applying for any rental programs. Please check the “Events Calendar” tab above to find the registration link for the next Rental Orientation Webinar which is highly recommended to learn about the application process and criteria.
Disclaimer: HouseKeys Orientation ZOOM Webinars provide general information only and may be subject to change at any time without notice. HouseKeys Orientation ZOOM Webinars do not constitute financial advice. You should obtain independent advice before making any financial decisions. HouseKeys Inc. does not give any warranty or representation as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information. To the extent permitted by law, HouseKeys Inc. and its employees, shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising in any way (including by way of negligence) from or in connection with any information provided or omitted or from any one acting or refraining to act in reliance on this information.
MyHouseKeys
MyHouseKeys is our web-based software platform created to help you manage your program relationships, find housing opportunities, and navigate the application process. You start by registering your household profile.
profile Registration Process
When you click on the button to “Register Your Profile, you’ll begin with a quick sign up form that asks: Name, Number of Household Members, Total Household Income, and Zip Code. After you enter and confirm your email address, you will start a Registration Wizard that will have you complete a series of forms. You may want to set aside an hour to complete all of the online forms. These forms include:
Admin Profile - this is the basic information and address for the primary applicant.
Member Profiles - all other household members who will be occupying the housing unit
Income Profile - you’ll identify the type of income that you earn, information about your employer, and your employment details
Household Preference - this form details any special criteria that your household may meet that would allow you to receive preferential treatment among other applicants.
Household Demographics - this is an optional form that allows us to track our Fair Housing statistics
At the end of the process, you’ll get to a page called the Household Overview. This page summarizes all of the information you entered and gives you a chance to review before finalizing.
Program Application & Checklists
Click on the link below to access and download the Rental Application documents:
Application Exhibits
Application Exhibits are special documents that help provide further details about items that you provided while completing the Program Application and gathering items on the Application Checklist. Click on the links below to open the Exhibit documents.
Program Guides
Application Guide - 8.28.2020 (Revised 7.13.2021)
As an applicant, you must complete the steps to create a household profile, obtain an Application I.D. and enter Drawings for the housing opportunity you want. Each housing opportunity is given an Opportunity ID. If you are chosen in the Drawing, then you will submit a full file to be processed and underwritten and the rules are outlined in this guide.
Participation Guide
Once you are a tenant, you will be required to certify your income on an annual basis. The Participation Guide walks through some of the rules on compliance.
City of Santa Clara Affordable Rental Information
