Frequently Asked Questions

  Who is REACH?

REACH is an affordable housing provider with properties in Oregon and Southwest Washington.

  Are you the Housing Authority or Home Forward?

No, REACH is not the Housing Authority or Home Forward.  Please visit Home Forward’s website or call 503-802-8300 or TTY 503-802-8554.

  Where are REACH properties located?

REACH’s properties are located in Multnomah, Washington, and Clark Counties.

  Does REACH provide rental assistance?

REACH does not provide rental assistance. If you need additional assistance, dial 2-1-1 (toll free: 866-698-6155). Language interpreters are available.

  Do you accept people with evictions?

Generally, applicants with evictions in the last three years are not eligible for REACH housing.  This varies by property, so please refer to the Screening Criteria of the property you are interested in, which can be found on the Eligibility tabs for each property.

  What are the income restrictions?

Income restrictions vary from property to property. The income restrictions for a specific property are on the Screening Criteria, which can be found on the Eligibility tabs for each property and in the waitlist pre-application packet for Subsidized properties. Please refer to the Screening Criteria for the property you are interested in for income restrictions.

  Do you accept Section 8 vouchers?

Yes, REACH accepts Section 8 vouchers. Applicants must first meet property-specific Screening Criteria. Once a unit becomes available, you will have the opportunity to complete a Rental Application for the specific unit. The Community Manager will conduct the applicant screening, and upon approval of the Rental Application, the Community Manager will coordinate the move-in process with Home Forward.

  What if I have a criminal record?

Each property has its own standards for accepting or denying applicants with a criminal background. Please refer to the Screening Criteria of the specific property you are interested in for more detailed criminal background screening information.

  How many people are allowed per bedroom?

REACH follows HUD’s occupancy standards, which allow two (2) people per bedroom plus one (1) for the unit. A bedroom consists of a room with a closet, a window, and a space for sleeping. The following shows the minimum and maximum occupancy standards:

Studio - Minimum 1 person, Maximum 2 people
1 Bedroom – Minimum 1 person, Maximum 3 people
2 Bedroom – Minimum 2 people, Maximum 5 people
3 Bedroom - Minimum 3 people, Maximum 7 people
4 Bedroom – Minimum 4 people, Maximum 9 people
5 Bedroom – Minimum 5 people, Maximum 11 people

  What is Reasonable Accommodation?

Under the Fair Housing Act, housing providers are required to consider making adjustments to policies and/or rules (a Reasonable Accommodation) for people with disabilities to enable them an equal opportunity to enjoy housing. This obligation has limits. If the disability is not obvious, regulations allow a landlord or housing provider to request verification for the disability and the need for an accommodation from a qualified professional. Reasonable Accommodation requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

  Do I have to sign a lease?

Certain properties require an initial lease of six (6) to twelve (12) months. All other REACH properties use a month-to-month rental agreement.

  Can I have a roommate?

Yes, you may have a roommate if the occupancy standards and household income restrictions are not exceeded. Each adult over 18 must meet the property-specific Screening Criteria and complete the Rental Application.

  Do you allow pets?

Pets are allowed at certain REACH communities. Refer to property about the Pet Policy.

  Where do I park?

Vehicle and bicycle parking vary by property. Please contact the Community Manager directly for parking details.

  The Basic Rule of Fair Housing

In most housing transactions, it is against the law to discriminate on the basis of any “protected class.”  That means housing discrimination is illegal when a person is treated differently because he/she is a member of a protected group or class of people covered by fair housing laws.

Fair Housing Council of Oregon
Fair Housing Center of Washington

  Discriminatory Actions

• Refusing to rent, sell, or finance
• Refusing to give information, discouraging from renting, or lying about availability
• Applying different rules, privileges, standards, and/or qualifications
• Making discriminating statement (spoken or published)
• Steering to certain housing
• Harassing, intimidating, threatening, or coercing
• Refusing to let a person with a disability make modifications necessary to use the dwelling
• Refusing to make reasonable changes in rules, policies, practices, or procedures so that a person with a disability can have equal use of the dwelling

  Protected Classes

Federal Protected Classes (Entire USA):

• Physical or Mental Disability
• Race or Color
• National Origin
• Religion
• Sex
• Familial Status (presence of children under 18 in the household, or pregnancy)

In Oregon:

Marital Status

Source of Income

Sexual Orientation

Gender Identity

Oregon: In some cities and counties:

• Age over 18
• Type of Occupation
• Ethnicity
• Domestic Partnership
• Fair Housing Council of Oregon

In Washington:

• Creed
• Marital Status
• Sexual Orientation
• Retaliation
• Honorably discharged Veterans

Washington: In some cities and counties:

• Age over 18
• Gender Identity
• Ancestry
• Section 8 Voucher
• Political Ideology
• Fair Housing Center of Washington

  Who must comply?

• On-Site Managers
• Owners
• Property Managers
• Maintenance Staff
• Real Estate Agents
• Insurers, Appraisers, Home Owner’s Association Boards
• Lenders
• Advertising Media
• Neighbors (in some circumstances)
• Zoning and permit departments

  How is the law enforced?

Filing an agency complaint within one year or a lawsuit within two years of the date of the discrimination.

  What is subsidized housing?

Subsidized housing has partial financial support from public funds administered through a government program. Rent levels are regulated in subsidized housing, so they are affordable to low-income households. Resident rents are generally based on income and may not exceed 30% of a household’s adjusted monthly income.

  What is the difference between Subsidized housing and the Section 8 Voucher Program?

Both programs provide monthly rental assistance, and participants must be income qualified. The Section 8 Voucher Program is administered through Home Forward. Both programs are provided to a household as long as the household remains income qualified and does not violate the terms of the rental agreement and/or the program requirements.

The Section 8 Voucher is portable and goes with the household to their next home anywhere within the County it was issued.

The Subsidized housing program is tied to a particular unit. So, if the household moves out, the household cannot take assistance with them.

  What is an affordable unit?

Within REACH housing, an affordable unit is based on a percentage of the Area’s Median Income of 60% or less. Market rents are generally higher.

  What is Low Income Housing Tax Credit?

The Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program is a federal housing program administered by the State and monitored by the IRS. Credits are given to each state based on the census. The Oregon Housing and Community Services agency determines which projects will receive credits following the Qualified Allocation Plan.

  What is considered an accessible unit?

An accessible dwelling unit is a unit that is located on an accessible route and can be approached, entered, and used by individuals with physical disabilities. Ask the Community Manager of the property you are interested in to see if it has accessible units.