Affordability Calculator

The Affordability Calculator can help give you an idea of how much you should be spending for rent and utilities each month. It’s an easy-to-use tool that can give you some guidance before looking for housing.

Steps to Overcoming Rental Barriers

Identify your barriers

• Gather credit history from annualcreditreport.com
• Go to courthouse records department for criminal history or evictions

Reduce your barriers

• Pay down debts (property debt first!)
• Build positive references
• Abide by probation/parole
• Create a monthly budget
• Take Rent Well classes

Write a rental cover letter

• Include explanation of negative barriers and what you are doing to address them

Get organized

• Organize documents to present to a prospective landlord - personal letter of explanation, letters of recommendation, Rent Well certificate, etc.

Call and screen the property you are interested in

• Make sure it meets your needs
• Set up an appointment to see the place in person
• Do not discuss barriers over the phone

Meet with the landlord in person

• Focus on appearance, communication skills, organization, timeliness
• Take a tour, check out the property
• Look at the screening criteria
• Explain circumstances behind barriers and positive things being done to address these barriers
  • Be honest!
  • Do this BEFORE paying a screening fee
  • Ask for a reasonable accommodation, if appropriate

Ask the landlord if he or she thinks you will pass the screening

• Decide whether it is worth submitting an application

If the application is submitted and denied, ask about an appeal

• Rental properties should have an appeal process
• Appeal process can sometimes allow a landlord to take a look at each individual's circumstances

Alternative Housing

Finding it difficult or impossible to find housing because of lack of income or other barriers? Here are other types of housing that may be available.

Oxford Houses are self-run, financially self-supporting homes for recovering alcoholics and addicts. Monthly expenses range from $275-$350, and include phone, cable and all the utilities. For more information please visit the Oxford Houses website or call 503-247-0777 in Portland and 360-695-4167 in Vancouver.

Shared Housing is a matching service, bringing together people looking for housing with people who have an extra room and need help with rent, or household chores, or a combination of the two. All participants are pre-screened. For more information, call 503-225-9924 or visit the Shared Housing website.

Transitional housing programs provide temporary housing often in an apartment setting for a specific period of time. These programs provide the time and the tools to help individuals and families find permanent housing. Dial 211 or look under Find Resources to locate transitional housing programs.

Shelters are designed to give people who are without housing a safe but temporary place to live. There are different types of shelters. Dial 211 or look under Find Resources for shelter options.

Housing counseling and other supportive services. There are agencies in the area who work with individuals and families on different housing issues. Having that “person to person” help may make the difference in understanding what’s available to meet your needs. The specialists at 211 can help sort out which agencies provide housing counseling and other supportive services.