FAQS

Q: How quickly can I get into an apartment?

A: That depends on what type of housing you need. If you want an apartment, you qualify, and we have vacancies, we might be able to place you quickly. More typically, however, there are waiting lists for our apartments.

Q: How do I get on the waiting list for rental housing?

A: Phone, email, fax or write to us at our Morgan Hill address or the property management office nearest you or in the city in which you want to live.

Q:  How long is your waiting list?

A: It varies depending on the apartment complex or the subdivision. Check listings under Rent an Apartment to see if the list is OPEN or CLOSED.

Q: How long do I have to wait to get housing?

A: It depends on what type of housing you seek, where you want to live and what we have available. In general, you can expect to wait from six to twelve months for an apartment. If your goal is homeownership, the wait can be longer, depending on what projects are under construction and planned and when they will go on the market. In either case, there is an application process.

Q: Do your apartments have security?

A: A resident manager lives at each of our apartment complexes and is well versed in what to do in case of emergencies. Typically, we do not provide on-site security services. If you have problems that require a professional emergency response, dial 911.

Q: How do I buy a house?

A: You can become a homeowner through South County Housing in two basic ways. One is our self-help program, in which families earn their down payment by helping to build their own and neighbors’ homes. The other is through a regular purchase of Homes for Sale.

Q: What is a self-help home and how do I apply for one?

A: Our self-help, or sweat-equity, program allows very-low- and low-income families to earn their down payment by helping to build their own homes and those of neighbors.  SCH’s construction staff provides on site training and supervision to teams of families who build their new homes after work hours.

Q: Is South County Housing a government agency?

A:  We are not a government agency. We are a private, non-profit corporation.

Q:  I’m going through bankruptcy.  Is it worth it to apply?

A:  Each case is reviewed individually.  Most lenders will look at the date of discharge (two to three years is acceptable) and review the credit history after the bankruptcy.

Q:  What is the definition of first time homebuyer?

A:  Someone who has never owned a home or who has not owned a home in the past three years.