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 May 5, 2006 Foster’s Landing (650 574-3060), Marlin Cove (650 349-3200), and Miramar (650 287-4384) are taking names for their waiting lists. The waiting list for the Metro Senior Apartments is closed at this time.

3. 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 2009 are:

2009 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	39,600	42,250	50,900	56,550	61,050	65,600	70,100	74,650
Low Income	63,350	72,400	81,450	90,500	97,700	104,950	112,200	119,450
Median Income	67,750	77,450	87,100	96,800	104,550	112,300	120,060	127,800
Moderate Income	81,300	92,900	104,550	116,150	125,450	134,750	144,050	153,300

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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.

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

The rents at Foster’s Landing and Metro Senior Apartments 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: 2009* ($) Unit Category

Unit Category	Marlin Cove	Miramar
Very-low one-bedroom	$999	$951
Very-low two-bedroom	$1,110	$1,128
Very-low/low three-bedroom	NA	$1,368
Moderate one-bedroom	$2,191	$2,212
Moderate two-bedroom	$2,451	$2,455

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

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

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

9. 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.

10. 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). To  For more information, contact HIP at 650-348-0660.

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

The Foster City Community Development Agency contracts with San Mateo County to administer the Foster City Homebuyers Advantage and Advantage PLUS programs for first-time homebuyers. This program offers low interest, long term loans of up to $80,000 to assist first-time homebuyers with the purchase of a home in Foster City. There are actually a combination of two loans available, depending on your household income level. Moderate and Lower income applicants may apply for the Homebuyers Advantage Loan ($75,000 Second Trust Deed Loan) and Lower Income buyers may also apply for the AdvantagePLUS Loan ($5,000 Unsecured Loan). For more information, contact San Mateo County using the link below.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.