Rent

1. CLAM markets an available home according to our fair housing marketing plan: through a range of information outlets, including on the CLAM website (clam-ptreyes.org), in our newsletter CLAMbites (sign up here), on local message boards and news outlets, and in other relevant locations.

2. CLAM property manager receives applications within a certain period of time. Applicants must show proof of income with application.

3. CLAM will filter applications for eligible household sizes and income levels.

4. If multiple eligible applications are received, then applicants will be selected by lottery.

Rents are set for each unit based on the amount CLAM needs to cover property expenses. We cannot adjust rent amounts for particular applicants. We are usually not able to subsidize individual rents.

“Affordable” means that a household is not spending more than one-third of its income on rent. For example, if rent is $1,000/month, a household would need at least $3,000/month in gross income to qualify. If we allow people to spend a greater percentage of their income on housing, we will not be contributing to their stability, because they will likely not be able to set aside any savings for the curve balls that life inevitably throws. The 30% rule is not a one-size-fits-all rule. Some people have more debt than others or spend less on monthly expenses and thus could afford to spend more on housing. Still, 30% remains the best benchmark we have for financial stability. Keep in mind that we look at 30% of gross income, which might be the same as 40% of net income.

2023 Income Limits Summary