Multifamily Tax Exemption
The Multifamily Property Tax Exemption (MFTE) Program provides a tax exemption on new multifamily buildings in exchange for setting aside 20-25% of the homes as income- and rent-restricted. By supporting mixed-income residential development in the urban centers, the MFTE program ensures affordabilty as the community grows.
The MFTE program was renewed on November 1st, 2015. Click here to see the new ordinance.
- Developers and owners applying to the MFTE program can contact Mike Kent at 206.684.0262 for more information.
- Prospective renter applicants can find more information about the MFTE program and other income and rent restricted properties here.
- Property managers at buildings participating in MFTE can find compliance resources here.
- Current MFTE tenants can find resources on their rights and responsibilities here.
Owners/developers applying to participate in the MFTE program must commit to implement an Affirmative Marketing Plan. Please refer to the following documents for more information on affirmative marketing and how to comply with these requirements.
- Affirmative Marketing Info Sheet - This document defines affirmative marketing and describes the requirements for properties participating in the MFTE or Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) programs.
- Letter of Intent - This document indicates a property owner's commitment to implement an Affirmative Marketing Plan. The Letter of Intent must be submitted to the Office of Housing along with the MFTE application, prior to the issuance of the project's first building permit. MFTE applications will not be considered complete without a signed Letter of Intent.
- Community Based Organizations for Special Outreach - Properties that are required to implement Affirmative Marketing Plans must choose three organizations to direct their special outreach to. This Excel spreadsheet includes contact information for over 60 community based organizations around Seattle.
- Special Outreach Forms - Properties implementing Affirmative Marketing Plans may use these forms to assist their special outreach efforts.
- Reporting Forms - Properties that are required to implement Affirmative Marketing Plans must demonstrate compliance by completing these forms and submitting them to the Office of Housing as part of the property's Annual Certification Report.
Questions regarding Affirmative Marketing requirements should be directed to Stephanie Velasco (stephanie.velasco@seattle.gov) at 206.256.5359.
- Ordinance 118505: New MFTE Legislation (effective November 1st, 2015)
- SMC 5.73: Multifamily Housing Property Tax Exemption Program
- RCW 84.14: New and Rehabilitated Multiple-Unit Dwellings in Urban Centers
- Director's Rule 01-2013: Verification of Number and Type of Dwelling Units
- Director's Rule 01-2009: Calculation of Maximum Rent
- Director's Rule 02-2016: Clarification of Defined Terms
- Notice of Potential Changes to MFTE Residential Target Areas: Public notice and hearing (September 2015)
Reporting
- 2017 MFTE Program Annual Report NEW!
- 2016 MFTE Program Annual Report
- 2015 MFTE Program Annual Report
- Attachment A - MFTE Project Roster
- Attachment B1 - Map of MFTE Approved Applications, by Year
- Attachment B2 - Map of All MFTE Projects, by Status, P4 Eligible Areas
- Attachment B3 - Map of All MFTE Projects, by Status, P5 Eligible Areas
- Attachment C - Market and MFTE Rents for Projects Receiving Final Certificates in 2015
- Attachment D - MFTE Projects Expiring at End of 2015
- Attachment E - Property Tax Impact Analysis for Tax Year 2016
- Attachment F - Locations of Projects Receiving MFTE Final Certificates in 2015
- 2014 MFTE Program Annual Report