Frequently Asked Questions

1. What types of affordable housing programs are available in Foster City?

We have both rental and ownership programs for affordable housing, as well as a homeshare matching program. If you will provide your name and mailing address, we will send you a packet of information. You can make your request via e-mail to: cda@fostercity.org or by phone: 650 286-3246.

2. Are there below-market-rate rental units available? How do I get on the waiting list?

There are four rental developments that include below-market rate units in Foster City: Metro Senior Apartments, Foster’s Landing, Marlin Cove and Miramar. As of January 2011 Foster’s Landing (650 574-3060), Marlin Cove (650 349-3200), and Miramar (650 287-4389) are taking names for their waiting lists. Foster's Landing is only taking names for the low-income and moderate-income lists at this time. The waiting list for the Metro Senior Apartments is closed at this time.

3. Are there any new below-market-rate units coming? How do I apply for a unit?

The first phase of the Pilgrim Triton development is under construction and will include 300 below-market-rate units.  You can submit your name and contact information at www.pilgrimtriton.com to get on an interest list to be kept informed about the project and receive instructions regarding how to apply for the first lottery and waiting list.

4. What are the income limits for the program?

The income limits for affordable housing programs are adjusted each year. You can look them up at www.hcd.ca.gov. The income limits for 2011 are:

2011 Income Limits by Number of Persons in Household – San Mateo County ($) Income Category

Income Category	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Very Low Income	37,400	42,750	48,100	53,400	57,700	61,950	66,250	70,500
Low Income	59,850	68,400	76,950	85,450	92,300	99,150	106,000	112,800
Median Income	71,100	81,300	91,450	101,600	109,750	117,850	126,000	134,100
Moderate Income	85,350	97,500	109,700	121,900	131,650	141,400	151,150	160,900

5. What categories of affordable units are in each of the rental developments?

Foster City Below-Market-Rate Rental Units by Income Category ($) Income Category

Income Category	Very Low Income	Low Income	Moderate Income
Foster's Landing	30	22	22
Metro Senior Apartments	54	6	0
Marlin Cove	56	0	28
Miramar	32	0	16
Pilgrim Triton Phase I (under construction)	15	40	5

6. Do the income limits and rents change each year?

Yes, as discussed above, the income limits are adjusted each year. As provided in the lease, the rent can be adjusted within the limits of the program.

7. Once a tenant is in the program, do they have to re-qualify each year?

Yes, the programs all require that a tenant be re-certified for the program each year.

8. What are the rents for the below-market-rate units?

The rents at Foster’s Landing  are based on each individual tenant household’s income so that the monthly rent is approximately 30% of the household’s income. The rent limits for the affordable units at Marlin Cove and Miramar are based on the income limits for the applicable categories, using a formula that includes an assumed household size and a utility allowance that varies with the type of appliances in the unit. The 2009 rent limits at Marlin Cove and Miramar are as follows:

Marlin Cove and Miramar Rent Limits: 2010*

Unit Category	Marlin Cove	Miramar
Very-low one-bedroom	$956	$1,025
Very-low two-bedroom	$1,059	$1,144
Very-low/low three-bedroom	NA	$2,064
Moderate one-bedroom	$2,123	$2,236
Moderate two-bedroom	$2,371	$2,515

*The landlord may choose to set the rent amounts below the limit provided by the program regulations.

9. Are there senior citizen apartments in the affordable housing program?

Yes, all 60 of the units at Metro Senior Apartments are reserved for senior citizens.  The waiting list for the Metro Senior Apartments is closed at this time.

10. Are there below-market-rate ownership units available? Is there a waiting list?

There are six below market rate units at Emerald Bay. There is no waiting list for these units. The best thing to do is contact a local realtor and let the realtor know you’re interested in purchasing one of these units. Have your realtor keep watch on the multiple listing for when the Below Market Rate (BMR) units come up for resale. The realtor should contact both the Foster City Community Development Agency and the realtor representing the person selling the unit immediately because these units are very popular and they go fast. Also, make sure that your name and address is current so the realtor can contact you easily.

11. Does the City own any rental units? Is there a waiting list?

The Foster City Community Development Agency owns eight units that are reserved for large families (4 or more people). The program is managed by HIP (Human Investment Project).  For more information, contact HIP at 650-348-0660.

12. Are there any first-time homebuyer loan programs? What are the qualifications?

New loans from the first-time homebuyer program have been suspended due to the State legislation to terminate redevelopment agencies.

13. Are there other first-time homebuyer programs?

There are also Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCC) for first-time homebuyers. The MCC Program is a means of providing financial assistance to first-time homebuyers by allowing those homebuyers to take fifteen percent of annual mortgage interest payments as a tax credit against their federal personal income tax in addition to the regular itemized deduction for the remaining 85% of the home mortgage interest payments. . For more information, contact San Mateo County at 650-802-5032.

14. What is the homeshare program?

The Foster City Community Development Agency contracts with the Human Investment Project (HIP) to administer a Shared Housing Program that matches, through a careful interview process, those wishing to provide affordable housing in a shared situation with those seeking affordable housing in a shared situation. Homeowners providing housing are benefited by the rental income received and the companionship provided. Renters are benefited by a reduced rent amount and by companionship as well. For more information, contact HIP at 650-348-0660.

15. Is there any assistance for home rehabilitation or repairs?

Foster City residents may apply for a home rehabilitation loan through the County of San Mateo. These low interest loans (3% for up to 20 years) are available to income-eligible homeowners only. The loans may be used for home repairs and rehabilitation. For more information, contact San Mateo County Office of Housing at 650-802-5050.