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Burlington Community Land Trust

TENANT SELECTION POLICY

In order to be considered for a BCLT rental, a household must complete and submit a BCLT Rental Application.
The application must be filled out completely, and signed before it will be processed. Applicants must provide identification in the form of a social security card or green card. If a section of the application does not apply, write "N/A" in the appropriate spot. Incomplete applications will be returned.

Applications are given priority based on order of receipt in our office, providing all other eligibility criteria are met and the application is complete.

TENANT ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

  1. Household Income Guidelines: BCLT rental housing is available only to households below certain household income caps. The cap varies with the apartment, including higher caps for market-rate apartments.
  2. Affordability: An applicant’s household income must be stable and adequate to afford the rent and still be able to cover the rest of his/her household expenses. The BCLT standard for rent affordability is that no more than 45% of household income should be used for rent. Exceptions can be made only if the applicant has demonstrated successfully paying more than 45% for rent, or is moving to a unit of lower rent than they are presently occupying.
  3. Household Size: The number of members in a household, relative to the size of the apartment must meet Burlington’s Minimum Housing Standards.
  4. Ability to Pay Deposits: Applicants are expected to pay a full security deposit equal to one month’s rent, and any utility deposits that may be necessary.
  5. Credit: Applicants must have an overall satisfactory credit report. Applicants having no credit showing on their report, or insufficient satisfactory credit must have three positive references from past landlords, employers, teachers or someone in a similarly formal relationship to the applicant.
  6. Landlord references: Applicants must have verifiable, positive references from prior landlords. Prior evictions, causing problems with neighbors, or a history of damaging property are examples of possible causes for denial.
  7. Criminal history: Convictions for crimes of violence or the sale of illegal substances will generally result in denial.
  8. Pets: Pets are not allowed in BCLT properties, except caged birds and fish. Exception to this rule is for medically necessary companion animals.
  9. Misrepresentation: Any applicant determined to have willfully made a false statement on their application will be denied. All areas of the application must be completed without exception.

STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

BCLT will not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnic background, age, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, marital status, having one or more minor children, or being a recipient of public assistance.

APPEAL

If an applicant is denied, written notice will be mailed to the applicant specifying the reason for denial. An applicant who is denied has 14 days to appeal by setting an appointment with the Asset Manager. No apartment will be held during this period, but if the appeal is upheld, the applicant will retain his/her place on the waiting list.

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