Leasing an existing unit in the Inclusionary Program

Information and steps for property managers and leasing agents

What to do

To receive the latest document templates (including those not linked on this page), email Brooke Barber (brooke.barber@sfgov.org).

Listing preparation

  1. As soon you know the unit will be vacant, contact MOHCD at (415) 701-5500 or email Brooke Barber (brooke.barber@sfgov.org).
  2. MOHCD will send you the DAHLIA Re-Rental Listing Template.
    • Email the completed listing template to Brooke Barber (brooke.barber@sfgov.org)
    • MOHCD needs two weeks to review and approve your documents, post your unit on DAHLIA, and schedule the lottery.

Listing Period on DAHLIA

DAHLIA San Francisco Housing Portal is our online housing application system. Each listing on DAHLIA has an application link. The application and the DAHLIA website is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Filpino.

  1. MOHCD will post the listing on DAHLIA 7 days after we approve.
    • During this time, we will be preparing the DAHLIA listing.
  2. The DAHLIA listing will accept applications for at least 7 days. During the application period, you may get questions from applicants.
    • As the leasing agent, you will be listed as a resource for unit-related questions. For this reason, you should have unit and building photos, the unit’s floor plan, and a virtual tour available.
    • For applicants looking for help filling out the application, refer them to our housing counselor resources.
  3. Hold an open house.
    • You must schedule at least one open house during the listing period. It must be on either a weekend day or weeknight.

 

Application deadline and lottery preparation

  1. After the application deadline, you must collect from us any paper applications sent to MOHCD by the next business day.
  2. You must enter paper applicant information into DAHLIA Partners three business days after the application deadline.
    • You will be responsible for checking Live/Work in San Francisco preference documents before the lottery, for paper applicants.
    • Based on information you enter into DAHLIA Partners, MOHCD will verify applicants who claim a Certificate of Preference (COP) or Displaced Tenant Housing Preference (DTHP) before the lottery.
    • You must complete your review of applications we have flagged by the next business day.
  3. MOHCD will send you a PDF of all flagged applications removed from the lottery, after you've entered all the paper applicant information into DAHLIA Partners.
    • You must email and call each applicant to let them know they have been removed from the lottery.
    • Applicants have to respond within 24 hours.
    • MOHCD will review all lottery appeals.
  4. You will also be responsible for mailing applicants their lottery number, if they provided a self-addressed stamped envelope.

 

Lottery

  1. MOHCD will hold a virtual lottery that is open to the public. Generally, lotteries last about 30 minutes.
  2. At least one leasing agent must attend the lottery, and be ready to answer questions about the building.
  3. Lottery results will be posted on DAHLIA by the next business day.

 

Lease-up

  1. MOHCD will send the leasing agent the DAHLIA Partners applicant list and the post-lottery documents.
  2. We will schedule a phone conference with the new BMR rental leasing agents to go over all the documents that will be used during the lease-up, including the BMR Review and Analysis Worksheet.
    1. MOHCD offers two annual trainings to BMR rental leasing agents:
      • The Re-rental, Recertification, and Monitoring webinar
      • The DAHLIA Partners and the Review and Analysis Worksheet webinar
    2. For new leasing agents who are unable to attend the annual trainings, MOHCD will provide recorded webinars and will provide one-on-one technical assistance.
  3. You are responsible for contacting lottery winners in preference rank order, by using DAHLIA Partners.
    1. You must contact them by email, text, phone, and mail.
  4. Lottery winners will send back paperwork to confirm that they are interested in renting the unit. You will then review their application for completeness and eligibility.

 

Application review with MOHCD

  1. All BMR rental leasing agents will be provided step-by-step procedures to follow during lease-up.
  2. New leasing agents will forward complete applications to MOHCD.
  3. MOHCD will confirm that the applicant is income and asset-qualified.
    • Once MOHCD has confirmed income eligibility, you can then move forward with your resident selection criteria. This may include a credit and rental history check as well as a criminal background screening.

Move-in

  1. The new renter must sign a lease within 7 days from the date of the approval letter.
    • The lease must include our lease addendum. It acknowledges that the renter understands the unit is restricted under the Inclusionary Housing Program.
  2. You must give the renter at least 10 calendar days before the lease begins.
    • This gives the new renter a chance to do a 30-day notice for their current apartment.

Closing-out listing

  1. Send MOHCD the final application package with the BMR Tenant File Closeout Checklist.

Last updated November 18, 2022