Affordable Housing (Inclusionary Zoning program) at Theory
Through the Inclusionary Zoning program, Theory apartments offers affordable housing apartment residences ranging from studio, one bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.
Income-restricted affordable housing refers to apartments where rents are limited based on a resident's income, ensuring affordability for low and moderate-income households.
Application process
Please contact the Department of Housing and Community Development at www.DHCD.dc.gov regarding the availability of such apartments and requirements for registration in the Inclusionary Zoning program.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the affordable housing lottery and be added to the waitlist, applicants must first complete the Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) orientation class and register for DHCD’s IZ database located at https://dhcd.dc.gov/service/inclusionary-zoning-iz-affordable-housing-program.
After you finish the Inclusionary Zoning Orientation, wait for an email from housinglottery@myhousingsearch-notice.com with instructions to create and log-in to your account.
Lottery
- IZ apartments are offered by lottery only. This is a random drawing. IZ is not an emergency housing program.
- Check your email. If you are registered, you will receive an email anytime a home is available for your income and household size. Check your email 1-2 times a week, including your junk, spam, or other folders.
- How Often? Lotteries happen when apartments become available. There is no regular schedule.
- New information? If your information changes (income, household members, etc.) please contact DHCD at iz.adu@dc.gov or 202-442-7221.
Income requirements
Theory apartments features 17 apartments reserved for households with a gross income at or below 50% and 80% of the Area Median Family Income (MFI).
In addition to income and household size, the following factors will be used to evaluate a household’s lease eligibility:
* Employment history
* Credit score and reports
* Income and assets verification
* Criminal background screening
Applicants must lease the affordable apartment as their full-time residence and have no ownership or leasehold interest in any other housing.
For additional information on the Inclusionary Zoning program please click here: https://dhcd.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dhcd/publication/attachments/2024-2025%20IZ%20ADU%20price%20schedule%20-%202024-8-30.pdf
Contact
If you have any questions about the Inclusionary Zoning program, please contact DHCD at iz.adu@dc.gov or 202-442-7221.
Max Allowable Incomes by Household Size
| Household Size | 50% MFI | 80% MFI |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $54,150 | $86,650 |
| 2 persons | $61,900 | $99,000 |
| 3 persons | $69,650 | $111,400 |
| 4 persons | $77,350 | $123,750 |
| 5 persons | $83,550 | $133,650 |
Maximum Rents (excluding utilities)
| Maximum Rents | 50% MFI | 80% MFI |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,170 | $1,900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,270 | $2,030 |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,520 | $2,430 |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,780 | $2,850 |
Theory residents are responsible for electric, phone, and cable utilities. Additional monthly fees may apply for parking and pets. 12-month lease required. * Rents subject to change at any time without notice. Apartments contain FHA compliant features for persons with disabilities.
Application Process
Do I Qualify?
Eligibility Criteria
- Household must meet Resident Selection Criteria, including credit and criminal background screening.
- Applicant’s household size must be appropriate for the apartment (minimum of one per bedroom and maximum of two per bedroom plus one).
- Households must have gross income at or below 50% and 80% of the Area Median Family Income (MFI)
- Households must disclose all income and assets, and asset income is included in the calculation of total household income. Assets in restricted retirement accounts (the applicant cannot access the account without retiring or terminating employment) are not included in the calculation of total household assets.
Application process and required information
In order for our leasing team to begin processing your application, we will need the following items shown below that are applicable to your household for people who will be living with you in the apartment:
- Valid/Unexpired Government-Issued Photo ID for all adults (18 years of age or older)
- Birth Certificates for minors (17 years of age or younger)
- Proof of your current Housing Choice Voucher holder status (If applicable)
- Proof of Income (Which may include one or more of the following and is not an all-inclusive list):
- Most recent federal income tax return for all self-employed applicants
- Two (2) most recent consecutive pay stubs
- Most recently dated statements/documents from: (If applicable)
- Child support
- Alimony
- Social Security benefits
- Veterans benefits
- Unemployment benefits
- Pension and/or retirement income
- Disability income
- Regular gifts or contributions from persons not members of the household
- Public assistance
- Any other Income not listed above
- Assets
- Self-declaration affidavit of assets. Assets may require additional recently dated verification and/or documentation.
Please note: All verifications listed above must be dated within 120 days of your anticipated move-in date to be valid for processing.
In addition to income and household size, the following factors will be used to evaluate a household’s lease eligibility:
- Employment history
- Credit score and reports
- Income verification
- Criminal background screening
