## Eligibility

To be eligible for the housing programs, your household must meet the following criteria:

- Your income must fall within 50%, 60%, or 80% of the Median Family Income (MFI) for Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) units. For other non-IZ affordable units, households with incomes of 30%, 100%, or 120% of the MFI may be eligible. View current incomes, rents, and prices [here](https://dhcd.dc.gov/publication/2023-2024-inclusionary-zoning-maximum-income-rent-and-purchase-price-schedule).

- Both IZ and non-IZ affordable units require a valid IZ orientation certificate and registration in the IZ program/database.

- There must be at least one person per bedroom in your household.

- Housing costs may not exceed 50% of your income (before taxes).

- You cannot be enrolled in a full-time college or university program.

- The home must be your primary residence.

- You (or someone living with you) may not own other residential property at the time of lease or purchase.

- If you (or someone living with you) do not live or work in the District of Columbia, the odds of selection are very low.

## How to Begin

### Step 1 - Orientation

Complete a two-hour IZ Orientation. Find a class [here](https://dhcd.dc.gov/publication/inclusionary-zoning-orientation-classes). Note: You must take a new class every two years and update your registration to apply for a home.

### Step 2 - Registration

After completing the IZ Orientation and receiving a certificate, fill out the online registration form [here](https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5493787/Register-to-receive-Inclusionary-Zoning-RENTAL-emails). This form is necessary for IZ program registration.

### Step 3 – Purchase Registration (optional)

Attend an approved eight-hour homebuyer class. Options are available [here](https://dhcd.dc.gov/page/homeownership-cbos). When you receive your eight-hour certificate, notify the relevant authorities at iz.adu@dc.gov or 202-442-7221.

## Getting a Home

Most IZ homes are offered through lotteries, which are random drawings. IZ is not an emergency housing program.

- Check your email regularly for notifications about available homes for your income and household size. Check your email 1-2 times a week, including your junk, spam, or other folders.

- Lotteries happen when homes become available, and there is no regular schedule.

- If your information changes (income, household members, etc.), inform authorities at iz.adu@dc.gov or 202-442-7221.

- Explore other housing options at [www.dchousingsearch.org](https://dchousingsearch.org/) and follow the directions for each listing.

## After Renting or Purchasing an IZ Home

- Households living in an IZ home may not rent out or sublet any part of the IZ home for any length of time.

- Renters of an IZ home must prove residency, household size, and income each year.

- Owners of an IZ home must prove that the home is their primary residence each year.

- Owners of an IZ home who wish to sell/refinance must submit a Resale Price Request to DHCD and wait for a pricing letter.
