Re-renting a Unit in the Inclusionary Housing Program
Information for Property Managers and Leasing Agents
Important notes:
- Before we will re-rent your unit, your building must be in compliance with our procedures manual.
- Compliance includes the annual monitoring rules.
- To minimize the time that the unit is empty, you must let us know 30 days before the unit will be vacated.
- To receive the latest document templates (including those not linked on this page), email Brooke Barber (brooke.barber@sfgov.org).
Listing Preparation
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As soon you know the unit will be vacant, contact MOHCD at (415) 701-5500 or email Brooke Barber (brooke.barber@sfgov.org). - MOHCD needs at least 30 days before the unit becomes available.
- We need that time to review and approve your documents, post the unit, collect applications, and schedule the lottery.
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MOHCD will send you the DAHLIA Re-Rental Listing Template. - Email the completed listing template to Brooke Barber (brooke.barber@sfgov.org).
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MOHCD will review and approve the listing template, which may take up to 2 weeks.
Listing Period on DAHLIA
DAHLIA is our online housing application system. Each listing on DAHLIA has a link to download a paper application in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Filpino.
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MOHCD will post the listing on DAHLIA 7 days after we approve. - We will schedule a DAHLIA training session for leasing agents during these 7 days.
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The listing will be live on DAHLIA for at least 7 days. During the listing period, you may get questions from applicants. - As the leasing agent, you will be listed as a resource for unit-related questions. You must also make the unit’s floor plan available.
- For applicants looking for help filling out the application, refer them to our housing counselor resources.
- Applicants will be able to apply online or use a paper application, which will be sent to MOHCD’s PO Box.
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Hold an open house. - You must schedule at least one open house during the listing period. It must be on either a weekend day or weeknight.
Close of listing and lottery preparation
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After the listing closes, you must collect from us any paper applications sent to MOHCD by the next business day. -
You must enter paper applicant information into DAHLIA three business days after the application deadline. - There are 3 lottery preferences in DAHLIA related to re-rentals: Certificate of Preference (COP), Displaced Tenant Housing Preference (DTHP), and Live/Work in San Francisco.
- You will be responsible for checking Live/Work in San Francisco preference documents before the lottery, for paper applicants.
- Based on information you enter into DAHLIA, MOHCD will verify applicants who claim a COP or DTHP before the lottery.
- You must complete your review of applications we have flagged by the next business day.
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MOHCD will send you a PDF of all flagged applications removed from the lottery, after you've entered all the paper applicant information into DAHLIA. - You must email and call to let the applicant know they have been removed from the lottery.
- Applicants have to respond within 24 hours.
- MOHCD will review all lottery appeals.
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You will also be responsible for mailing applicants their lottery number, if they provided a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Lottery
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The lottery will be held at MOHCD and be open to the public. Generally, lotteries last about 30 minutes. -
At least one agent must attend the lottery, and be ready to answer questions about the building. -
Lottery results will be posted on DAHLIA within 24 hours of the lottery.
Lease-up
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MOHCD will send the leasing agent the final renter applicant list and the post-lottery documents. -
We will schedule a phone conference to go over all the documents that will be used during the lease-up, including the BMR Review and Analysis Worksheet. (Download the BMR Review and Analysis Worksheet SAMPLE).
- MOHCD offers training on the BMR Review and Analysis Worksheet during re-rental and recertification workshops.
- MOHCD will only provide one-on-one training when there is no one else at your company with experience.
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You are responsible for contacting lottery winners in preference rank order, by using the final renter applicant list. - You must contact them by email, phone, and mail.
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Lottery winners will send back paperwork to confirm that they are still interested in renting the unit. You will then review their application for completeness.
Application Review with MOHCD
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Forward complete applications to MOHCD. Incomplete applications will be disqualified. - You must organize the application package according to the Rental Working File Checklist.
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MOHCD will confirm that the applicant is income and asset-qualified. - You must get MOHCD's approval before disqualifying applicants for income or assets.
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Once MOHCD has confirmed income eligibility, you can then move forward with your resident selection criteria. This may include a credit score check. - Applicants who pass the income/asset and credit score check, may then be passed through a criminal background check.
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When applicants are approved or disqualified, you must notify them by mail, email, and a phone call. -
A disqualified applicant has 5 calendar days to have their application reconsidered. - You must allow 7 business days for MOHCD to review the appeal.
- An appropriately-sized unit must be held for them during this time.
Move-in
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The new renter must sign a lease within 7 days from the date of the approval letter. - The lease must include our lease addendum. It acknowledges that the renter understands the unit is restricted under the Inclusionary Housing Program.
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You must give the renter at least 10 calendar days before the lease begins. - This gives the new renter a chance to do a 30-day notice for their current apartment.
Close-out listing
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Send MOHCD the final application package with the Rental Working File Checklist. - It will include lease information.