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Find your next home
Get started with the employee program
Free access to search for homes
View listings with reduced screening criteria on our platform hosted by Zillow
Receive support
Let us know if you have any issues during your lease and we'll work directly with the housing provider towards a resolution
How it works
1. Sign up
Complete the form on the sign up page. We’ll verify your eligibility and send an onboarding email once you’re enrolled in the program
2. Search for homes
Receive your access to search for homes offering our reduced application screening criteria on Zillow
3. Apply and Move In
Reach out and apply to rentals that meet your preferences. Let us know when you move in and receive a $10 gift card automatically!
4. Stay in touch
Let us know if you have any issues with your housing while you remain in your unit, like falling behind on rent or needing additional services. We are here to support you for up to two years
FAQs
What is Housing Connector?
Housing Connector is a tech-for-good nonprofit organization that focuses on increasing access to housing for individuals in need. Housing Connector partners with property managers and owners to adjust or reduce screening criteria (credit, rental history, etc.) that can often be a barrier for people seeking private market housing. Housing Connector also provides properties with two years of guaranteed housing stability support for all participants in our program.
How do I access this program?
Once you provide basic information in the sign up form and your employer verifies your employment status, you will receive onboarding materials and access to the Housing Connector Zillow platform to begin your housing search journey.
Do I have to pay for this program?
No, this program is free for you and is provided by your employer.
What are "reduced screening criteria"?
Screening criteria are a set of factors which property managers, owners, and landlords use to accept or deny applicants. Housing Connector negotiates with properties to modify their screening criteria in areas like credit score, past debt, income-to-rent ratio, rental history, criminal history, and past evictions, therefore lowering the barriers to housing access.
For example, consider a property that traditionally only accepts individuals with zero evictions in the last three years and a credit score of 650+. With Housing Connector, that same property might accept any credit score and 2 evictions in the last 2 years for applicants coming from our program.
I’m not finding any units that I want to apply to. What should I do?
New units are added daily so keep checking back to find a unit which may be a good match for you!
What information will my employer be able to access about me and my housing search?
Your employer’s HR department will know that you have entered the program, but they will not receive specific information about you or your housing search. They will also keep your participation in the program confidential.
How will I let a property owner or manager know I am part of this program?
You will receive a Housing Connector Letter of Support via email. You can download, save, and print this letter for future use. The Letter of Support must be included in all housing applications sent to Housing Connector properties. The Letter verifies for the property that you are part of the Housing Connector program and should be screened according to the reduced screening criteria.
Will my manager find out that I’m using this program?
Your participation in this program will only be known to your HR Department as they will need to verify your employment status for participation. However, details of your participation will not be shared with your manager without your explicit permission and will not impact your employment.
What information will my employer be able to access about me and my housing search?
Your employer’s HR department will know that you have entered the program, but they will not receive specific information about you or your housing search. They will also keep your participation in the program confidential.
Who is eligible to participate?
All employees 18 years and older who have passed the 12-week skills assessment
and are in good employment standing are eligible for this program.
How long is this program available to me?
The Housing Connector Program is being offered for the next 6 months. Your employer will keep employees updated on changes to the program. Once you have secured stable housing via the program, you will receive the two years of housing stability support from Housing Connector, whether or not the program continues, or you stay employed with your current employer.
If I gain housing through the Housing Connector Pilot program, what are my responsibilities?
You are expected to follow lease agreements, including paying rent on time every month and adhering to behavioral guidelines set forth by the property. In the case of a lease violation, the property manager will notify you as well as Housing Connector. A Housing Connector Stability Specialist will contact you to provide support.
Who pays the application fee and move-in costs?
The Housing Connector program does not cover move-in costs or application fees. If this will inhibit your ability to move, please reach out to employeesupport@housingconnector.com for a list of resources.
How long does this process take?
It takes less than one week to gain access to the platform. Once you gain access, the time it takes to find, apply to, and get approved at a home that fits your needs will vary.
What happens if I get denied?
We reduce screening criteria, but our program cannot guarantee approval. If your housing application is denied by one of our property partners, there are a few steps you can take. First, check the reduced screening criteria details and make sure that you meet the property’s criteria. Second, request a copy of the screening report and any other official documentation related to the denial. If you still feel that you have been wrongfully denied during the application process, reach out to Housing Connector and we can help.
What happens if I lose/leave employment while I am in the process of getting housing?
Please reach out to employeesupport@housingconnector.com for us to discuss your options if you are in the process of looking for housing with Housing Connector.
Are family and friends allowed to access this program?
No, this program is just for the employee working with the participating employer and those that they live with.
What areas can I search for housing through this program?
In the Western Washington area across King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties.
Could my participation in this program affect my employment?
Your participation in this pilot program will not affect your employment in any way.
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