Incentive Program (MFTE, IZ, MHA) Compliance
The Seattle Office of Housing monitors multifamily properties with commitments through the Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE), Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) and Incentive Zoning (IZ or Housing Bonus) programs. Property managers must ensure that all participating units meet affordability restrictions, determine income eligibility of all resident households, and calculate rents in accordance with program requirements. OH compliance staff review projects yearly and perform on-site file audits every one to three years. (Page last updated 5/1/2023)
Renters: This page is intended for property managers of buildings participating in the MFTE, MHA and IZ programs. Renters interested in applying for properties should review materials on the Office of Housing Find Housing page. Properties participating in the programs will have the most current information on vacancies and will conduct the income certification process. See the Renter's Guide for more detail.
Compliance Training Opportunities
Training will be live webinars. Please register using the link below. OH will email the meeting link and other materials serveral days before the scheduled start time of the webinar you have registered for.
- Check back for future training opportunities
Past Trainings
Compliance Manual and Form Update Webinar
Jan. 26 2023 Compliance Training
General
- Incentive Program Compliance Manual (Effective 4/1/23)
- MFTE/IZ Compliance Reference (Effective 4/1/23)
Income and Rent Limits
- 2022 Income & Rent Limits (Effective 5/1/22)
Utility Allowances
- Seattle Office of Housing programs primarily use the Seattle Housing Authority's (SHA) utility allowance when determining maximum rent levels (see Income & Rent Limits). These utility allowances are available on SHA's website. The "Utility Estimates" page lists allowances according to the utility types expected to be paid by the tenant household and by the number of bedrooms in the unit.
2022 Annual Reporting
Additional Resources
Income Certification
- Income Declaration (ID) (Effective 4/1/23)
- Tenant Income Certification (TIC) (Effective 4/1/23)
Other Required Forms
- Resident Demographic Form (4/1/23)
- Lease Rider (Effective 4/1/23)
Income and Household Verification Forms
- Employment Verification (Effective 4/1/23)
- Self Employment Verification (Effective 4/1/23)
- Non-Employment Affidavit (Effective 4/1/23)
- Unemployment Benefits Verification (Effective 4/1/23)
- Gift Affidavit (Effective 4/1/23)
- Pension Verification (Effective 4/1/23
- Public Assistance Verification (Effective 4/1/23)
- Military Pay Verification (Effective 4/1/23)
- Child Support Affidavit (Effective 4/1/23)
- Student Certification (Effective 4/1/23)
Asset Verification Forms
- Real Estate Valuation Form (Effective 4/1/23)
- Annuity, Stock and 401(k) Verification (Effective 4/1/23)
- Life Insurance Verification (Effective 4/1/23)
- Cash on Hand Affidavit (Effective 4/1/23)