How to Know if an Apartment Is Classified as Affordable Housing

Renters often come across listings labeled as affordable, income-restricted, or LIHTC, but it may not always be clear what these terms mean. Understanding whether an apartment complex truly belongs to the affordable housing category is important for determining eligibility and expected rental costs.

Main Signs That an Apartment Is Affordable

Affordable housing in the U.S. is typically part of government-supported programs that limit rent and set income requirements. Here are the most common indicators:

• Income requirements are listed in the application. Affordable units usually require proof of household income that falls within specific limits for the county or metropolitan area.
• The property mentions LIHTC. This stands for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit — the most common affordable housing program nationwide.
• The rent is fixed and does not match typical market pricing. Affordable apartments often have noticeably lower and more stable rents compared to similar units in the same area.
• The complex is listed in local housing authority records. Many properties participate in programs managed by state or city housing agencies.
• There is a waitlist. Most affordable properties maintain long waitlists due to high demand and limited availability.

Typical Phrases in Listings

Affordable housing is often labeled with terms such as:

• “Income-restricted”
• “Affordable units available”
• “LIHTC property”
• “Section 42 housing”
• “Below-market rent”

Examples

• A complex in Los Angeles lists “1-bedroom units for households earning 50% of Area Median Income (AMI).” → This means the property participates in an affordable housing program.
• A building in Miami states “Income verification and annual recertification required.” → This is a standard requirement for LIHTC apartments.
• A community in Chicago shows standard market prices for the area with no income limits. → This is not an affordable housing property.

How to Verify if You're Still Unsure

If the listing doesn’t clearly mention any program, you can:

• Ask the leasing office whether the property participates in LIHTC or other affordable housing programs.
• Check the property on your local Housing Authority’s website (each state maintains its own lists).
• Look for required income documentation during the application process — a strong indicator of affordability status.

In most cases, affordable apartments will make their status clear, because program participation requires transparency and standardized tenant screening.