How can I obtain an affordable rental unit in the City of Irvine?
The City of Irvine does not own or manage affordable rental housing. To find a unit, contact the property directly to ask about current availability. For more information, view the Interactive Affordable Housing Map.
If no units are open, ask to join the waiting list (if one is available). When a unit opens, the leasing office will contact people on the list in order. Once on a waiting list, check in periodically and update your contact information if it changes.
You can also visit the Interactive Affordable Housing Map for details about Irvine properties with affordable units.
What is a waiting list?
A waiting list is a first-come, first-served list of people interested in affordable units. When a unit becomes available, leasing staff contact the next person(s) on the list to invite them to apply. At that time, applicants must provide income documentation to confirm eligibility.
How long can I expect to remain on a waiting list?
Each property manages its own waiting list. Some have separate lists for different income levels.
Waiting times vary — they are often longest for extremely low-, very low-, and low-income units, and shorter for moderate-income units. Many lists can be several years long, and some properties may not have open lists. Contact each property directly to ask about current wait times.
How is affordable rent determined?
Affordable rent is based on funding sources and legal restrictions tied to each property.
Rent formulas depend on income limits set by:
- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- The California Health and Safety Code
- The State Tax Credit Allocation Committee
The City reviews these projects each year to ensure rents do not exceed the allowed maximums and that tenants remain income-qualified.
How will I know when a future/upcoming affordable housing complex opens its interest list?
Developers of new affordable communities usually open an interest list shortly before construction finishes.
Interest lists stay open for about 45–60 days. If you sign up before it closes, the developer will notify you about how to enter a lottery for the new units once leasing begins.
When an interest list opens, the City posts updates on the Construction Update for Future Affordable Housing page.
How are units made affordable?
Under Irvine’s Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, developers must either include affordable housing within new residential projects or pay fees that fund affordable housing elsewhere in the City.
Nonprofit developers also build 100% affordable communities using City, local, state, and federal funds.
These affordable units typically remain income-restricted for 30 to 55 years, or sometimes permanently.
