FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We offer housing options for all community members who meet our rental eligibility requirements. As an equal opportunity housing provider subject to the Fair Housing Act, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, or national origin. However, some of our apartments, within our developments, are set aside for Alaska Natives and American Indians who meet specific income eligibility criteria, based on the mix of funding used to build and operate certain properties in our housing portfolio.

CIHA allows for dogs and/or cats in select rental housing developments. Please contact CIHA staff for further information regarding which rental housing units permit these pets, and which do not. Reptiles or rodents of any kind, including snakes, lizards, rats, gerbils, hamsters and guinea pigs are not permitted in CIHA rental housing. Caged birds and aquariums are permitted, assuming they are appropriately sized for the unit, do not cause any form of property damage, or constitute a physical conditions standards violation.

Military members/households are encouraged to apply for CIHA rental housing. Interested military households should contact CIHA to discuss the housing options that best meet their unique needs.

CIHA does not offer emergency and/or transitional housing services. However, persons seeking emergency housing can contact CIHA staff to receive referrals to community providers that do offer emergency/transitional housing services. You may also reach out by calling the 211 Helpline or by visiting the 211 Helpline Website.

"Homelessness" includes a family residing in one of the following places and does not include any individual imprisoned or otherwise detained pursuant to an Act of the Congress or State law:

1. Resides in places not meant for human habitation, such as cars, parks, sidewalks, abandoned buildings (on the street); in an emergency shelter; and in transitional or supportive housing for homeless persons who originally came from the streets or emergency shelters. In any of the above places but is spending a short time (up to 30 consecutive days) in a hospital or other institution.

2. A family with children that is doubled-up with family or friends AND who receives services from an Alaska School District under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

3. Is being evicted within a week from a private dwelling unit and no subsequent residence has been identified and the person lacks the resources and support networks needed to obtain housing. Is being discharged within a week from an institution, such as a mental health or substance abuse treatment facility or a jail/prison, in which the person has been a resident for more than 30 consecutive days and no subsequent residence has been identified and the person lacks the resources and support networks needed to obtain housing.

4. Is fleeing a domestic violence housing situation and no subsequent residence has been identified and the person lacks the resources and support networks needed to obtain housing.

5. Is an individual(s) who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence and includes: children and youths who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; are abandoned in hospitals; or are awaiting foster care placement.

1. A letter from the shelter, transitional, or supportive housing agency on letterhead stating the applicant's current residency in their shelter, or;

2. A letter from a social worker, social service agency, health care official, family intervention advocate, or school official on letterhead having firsthand knowledge that the family resides in one of the places listed above, or;

3. A letter from an Alaska School District Homeless liaison, or designee, verifying services via the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act on letterhead.

While credit scores are not a pertinent factor when reviewing applications for approval, the sum and value of all delinquent collections accounts is factored into the final determination. However, many types of debt are not considered when reviewing delinquent accounts, including medical debt, student loan debt, and child support arrears.

CIHA does not currently offer a rent to own program. However, certain affordable housing units within CIHA’s rental portfolio do offer residents a “First Right of Refusal” option to purchase their unit if they are residing in it at the point that CIHA determines to offer the unit for sale. Sale of these units is predicated on a number of factors and is not guaranteed.

Residents that are interested in further information regarding the First Right of Refusal option, and whether it applies to their specific unit, are encouraged to speak with their CIHA Community Director.

Because CIHA operates a housing waitlist, it is generally difficult to facilitate a unit viewing. In many cases, a vacant unit is simply not available to be viewed. However, CIHA offers a variety of marketing materials and pictures of each CIHA development at the 3510 Spenard office, and encourages potential applicants to drive to the rental complex to ensure the location and development configuration meets their expectations.

When an application is pulled from the waitlist to be processed for a vacant unit, CIHA is happy to offer that applicant the opportunity to view the unit prior to signing a lease and finalizing the move-in process.

Yes. An application fee of $20 per adult (18 years and older) member of the household listed on the application is required for application processing. Total fees charged are capped at $60 per household.

This fee covers the cost of the “Resident Check” report for each adult household member. This is a full background screening including credit/criminal check and rental history.

Applicant screening is an important, common business practice of responsible rental property operators. 

The length of time it takes to be approved for a CIHA unit depends on many factors, including unit availability and waitlist placement. In all cases, CIHA staff will contact you when your name is next in line for an available unit. Applicants are also able to apply for more than one property, effectively putting them on more than one waitlist at a time.

You may reapply with CIHA, especially if you have had a change of status that may affect your acceptance. Depending on the reason for denial you may be eligible to reapply, for available units, immediately.

There is a criminal background check that focuses on an applicant’s criminal history over the past three years. CIHA also does a credit check and landlord reference check.

Note: Some reasons for denial can include a criminal history of violence, sexual misconduct, domestic violence, drug trafficking and/or prostitution.

CIHA does not offer assistance for security or first month’s rent but there are partner agencies who work with CIHA who do offer these programs for qualified clients. Catholic Social Services and Cook Inlet Tribal Council are two agencies that help in these specific areas.

Cook Inlet Housing Authority manages income-restricted properties as well as properties with no income restrictions. As part of our application process, our Customer Care team will guide you through the process to determine which apartments would be the right fit for your household income.

Yes, we accept Section 8 vouchers from AHFC at all properties.