Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do you only help Alaska Natives?
No. We offer housing to individuals who fall within the income guidelines (30-100% of area median income) of our programs, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, etc.
Does CIHA allow pets in their rental units?
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.
Does CIHA provide housing for military members/households?
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.
Does CIHA offer emergency housing?
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.
I have bad credit. Will this impact my ability to rent a CIHA unit?
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.
Does CIHA offer “rent to own” housing options?
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.
Can I see the unit/property prior to submitting my application for housing?
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.
Does CIHA charge an application fee? If yes, how much is this fee and what does it pay for?
CIHA charges an application fee of $20 per adult household member listed on the housing application. This fee covers the cost of the Online Rental Exchange report that is requested for each adult household member. This report provides information regarding the applicants’ credit history, any criminal charges they’ve incurred, and a list of previous mailing addresses.
How long is your waiting list?
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.
I was denied once by CIHA what should I do?
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.
Do you take people with criminal backgrounds?
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.
Is there help for security deposits or first month’s rent?
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.
Are there income restrictions?
Cook Inlet Housing Authority manages both income-restricted properties as well as properties with no income cut-off.
Do you accept Section 8 vouchers?
Yes, we accept Section 8 vouchers from AHFC at all properties.