Housing

When you’re trying to get affordable housing, contacting properties matters more than most people realize. Two applicants can have the same income and documents, but the one who communicates clearly, responds fast, and asks the right questions often gets processed sooner and avoids costly mistakes.

This guide shows you how to contact low-income apartment properties professionally and efficiently—by phone, email, and online portals. You’ll get ready-to-copy scripts, a short list of the best questions to ask, and a simple follow-up system that keeps you on track without annoying staff.

Overview: What You’re Trying to Achieve When You Contact a Property

You are not calling to “convince” them to approve you. You are calling to:

  • Confirm the waitlist is open and how it works
  • Confirm the exact eligibility requirements (AMI tier, household size rules)
  • Learn what documents they want for your income type
  • Find out the next steps and deadlines
  • Make sure your application is complete and active

Leasing teams are busy. Clear, short questions get the best results.

Before You Contact Them: Gather These 5 Details

Having these ready makes your call/email faster:

  • Property name + address
  • The unit size you need (studio/1BR/2BR)
  • Your household size
  • Your approximate annual household income (estimate is fine)
  • Your timeline (urgent vs flexible)

The 10 Best Questions to Ask (Save These)

These questions work for most income-restricted properties:

  • 1) Is the waitlist open right now?
  • 2) What AMI tiers do you offer for this unit size? (50%, 60%, 80% AMI)
  • 3) What are the income limits for my household size?
  • 4) Do you have separate waitlists for each bedroom size?
  • 5) How do you select applicants? (first-come, lottery, preferences)
  • 6) What documents do you require for my income type? (hourly, self-employed, benefits)
  • 7) What screening criteria do you use? (rental history, credit, background)
  • 8) What utilities are included, and which are tenant-paid?
  • 9) What are typical move-in costs? (deposit + fees + prorated rent)
  • 10) How will you contact applicants? (email/phone/portal) and how quickly must we respond?

Tip: If staff answers quickly, don’t keep adding questions. Ask for the best way to get the rest (email, brochure, website link, or portal FAQ).

Phone Script: First Contact (Short + Professional)

Use this when you haven’t applied yet:

Script:
“Hi, my name is _____. I’m looking for an income-restricted [studio/one-bedroom/two-bedroom]. Is your waitlist currently open? And can you tell me which AMI tiers you offer for that unit size, and the income limits for a household of [#]?”

If they answer and you want one follow-up question:

Follow-up:
“Thank you. What’s the best way to apply—online portal, email, or in-person—and what documents should I prepare so my application is complete?”

Phone Script: Status Check (After You Applied)

Use this when you already submitted an application:

Script:
“Hi, my name is _____. I submitted an application on [date] for a [unit size]. I’m calling to confirm you received it and that my application is complete and active. Is there anything missing or anything you need from me right now?”

If you’re trying to confirm contact methods:

Add:
“What’s the best way for me to make sure I don’t miss an update—email, phone, or portal messages?”

Email Template: Request Info Before Applying

Subject ideas: “Income-Restricted Unit Availability & Requirements” / “Waitlist Inquiry – [Unit Size]”

Email:

Hello,

My name is _____. I’m interested in applying for an income-restricted [studio/1-bedroom/2-bedroom] at [Property Name]. Could you please confirm:

  • Whether the waitlist is currently open
  • The AMI tiers offered for this unit size (50%, 60%, 80% AMI, etc.)
  • The income limits for a household of [#]
  • The best way to apply and the required documents

Thank you for your time. I appreciate any guidance you can share.

Sincerely,
_____

Email Template: Follow-Up After Applying (Polite and Effective)

Email:

Hello,

My name is _____. I applied on [date] for a [unit size] income-restricted unit at [Property Name]. I’m following up to confirm that my application was received and is complete/active. If anything is missing, I can provide it right away.

Thank you,
_____

How Often Should You Follow Up?

Following up is good; overdoing it can backfire. A simple rhythm that works for many properties:

  • Right after applying: confirm receipt within 3–7 days if you didn’t get confirmation
  • While waitlisted: follow up every 60–90 days (unless they tell you a different policy)
  • When contacted: respond within 24 hours whenever possible

If the property says “we do not give waitlist positions,” don’t push. Instead ask: “Do you require periodic updates to keep my application active?”

How to Avoid Common Communication Mistakes

  • Don’t send huge attachments first unless asked—start with questions and offer documents if needed.
  • Don’t guess your income details in a way that could be misleading. Give a rough estimate and offer to provide documents.
  • Don’t argue about policies. Ask what documentation can help and what options exist.
  • Don’t use multiple emails—it can cause lost messages and confusion.
  • Don’t ignore portal messages. Some properties communicate only through portals.

A Simple Tracking System (So You Don’t Lose Opportunities)

Use a tracker (notes app or spreadsheet). Include:

  • Property name + contact
  • Date applied
  • Unit sizes + AMI tier
  • Last contact date + outcome
  • Next follow-up date

This keeps your search organized and prevents missed deadlines—one of the biggest reasons people lose unit offers.

Pros

  • Less confusion because you ask the right questions up front.
  • Faster processing because your application is more likely to be complete.
  • Lower chance of missing contact attempts with a clear follow-up system.

Cons

  • Some offices are hard to reach and may respond slowly.
  • Policies vary, so you may need to adjust your questions by property.
  • Persistence is required in high-demand markets.

Conclusion: Clear Communication Gets You Housed Faster

You don’t need to be aggressive to get results—you need to be organized, polite, and fast. If you contact properties with a short script, ask the key questions, and follow up on a simple schedule, you’ll avoid wasted applications, reduce delays, and increase your chances of being approved when a unit becomes available.