Inclusionary Affordable Housing Program Monitoring and Procedures Manual
Section 415 requires MOHCD and the San Francisco Planning Department to periodically publish a Procedures Manual containing procedures for monitoring and enforcing the policies and procedures for implementation of the Program. This Manual is meant to provide compliance guidance to all Program users – including buyers and renters, Project Sponsors, Project Owners, and property managers, MOHCD-Approved Lenders, MOHCD-Approved First-Time Homebuyer Education Provider, and City staff.
Area Medium Income (AMI) Chart
Each year, the City sets the income limits for BMR Units based on San Francisco’s Area Median Income (“AMI”). AMI is the median income; half of San Franciscan Household incomes earn above the median and half are below. MOHCD sets the income limits determined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) for the local area (San Francisco, Marin, and San Mateo Counties combined). Incomes are adjusted solely for Household size and not for high housing cost area. Calculating total Household income is key to determining whether the applicant Household is income and assets-eligible for the BMR Program. Total Household income consists of all sources of income of ALL Household members age 18 or older that will occupy the BMR Unit, regardless of dependency status.
2023 AMI Income Limits (PDF)
How the lottery works
Most lotteries for our affordable housing programs are now run electronically. The lotteries are open to the public, although you don’t have to be at the lottery to be eligible.
Lottery Preferences
Having a lottery preference improves your chances in a housing lottery. They give current and former San Francisco residents a better chance of living in the City.
Title Change on Your MOHCD Supported Home
You must contact MOHCD if you want to change the list of owners listed on the title of your home. This applies to homeowners who purchased a below market rate unit, a market rate unit using a City downpayment assistance loan, homeowners who received a rehabilitation loan or homeowners who used former SF Redevelopment Agency (SFRA) programs.
MOHCD Loan Payoff
MOHCD loans can be paid off before the loan term ends. Normally, this happens when the owner sells their home, or violates our program requirements.
How to Refinance a Home Purchased through City Programs
If the City provided financial assistance to you to purchase a home, you must follow this refinance process, and you must work with an approved lender.
Capital Improvements and Special Assessments
Homeowners may only begin claiming capital improvements made ten (10) years after the unit was originally occupied. The general guidelines of capital improvements are based on the definition of capital improvements provided by the IRS.To preserve affordability, MOHCD has the right to refuse any improvement or update that would take the home out of the affordable range. This does not mean that homeowners cannot improve or upgrade their property, only that the improvement or update may not be included in the resale price.
Reselling Your Below Market Rate (BMR) Home
If you bought your home at a below market rate price, you will have to sell your home at a price MOHCD determines and follow the rules for selling a BMR unit. Depending on your unit, a formula will be used to calculate the maximum price for which you can sell your unit. If that price is higher than the price affordable to the next qualified buyer, you may have to lower the price in order to complete the sale.
Property Inspection and Repairs Policy For BMR Resales
Outlines the obligations of an Owner regarding property inspection requirements and policies and procedures for repairs when selling a BMR unit. MOHCD requires owners of Below Market Rate (BMR) units to maintain the quality of their BMRs. Owners of BMR units must keep their BMR units in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. If an Owner desires to sell their BMR unit, the Owner is required to ensure the BMR unit is in a good and clean condition for the subsequent owner. In addition, all appliances, finishes and fixtures must be fully operable and free of deficiencies or any damage. No BMR units may be sold as-is, and any damage by abnormal or excessive wear and tear or because of neglect, abuse, or insufficient maintenance, must be repaired as a condition of resale, including components that are not damaged but have reached the end of their useful lives have to be replaced.
