Frequently Asked Questions

Providing Stable Affordable Housing

In an effort to assist the millions of people in need of stable affordable housing, Mercy Housing provides a wide range of affordable, low-income apartment rental opportunities across the United States. Our housing services are available for families, seniors and people with special needs, including those with developmental disabilities, HIV/AIDS, formerly homeless individuals and Veterans.

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What types of housing does Mercy Housing provide?

Mercy Housing provides a variety of different affordable housing options, but our main types of housing include multifamily, senior (age 65+) and special needs housing (people with HIV/AIDS, formerly homeless and people with physical and mental disabilities).


Does Mercy Housing provide emergency housing or temporary housing?

Mercy Housing provides permanent housing, and does not offer emergency or temporary housing.


How do I apply for housing?

Each Mercy Housing property has its own leasing office and its own application process. If you or your family would like to rent an apartment at one of our communities, please call the property directly. When you call, the property staff can answer questions regarding apartment availability, rent, income requirements or restrictions and how to obtain an application for housing.


How do I qualify to live at a Mercy Housing property? What are the minimum requirements?

Each Mercy Housing property has its own qualification criteria. You can call each property of interest and discuss the qualifications with the property staff.


How long will it take to see if I have been approved to become a resident at a Mercy Housing property?

Depending on availability you should typically hear about your status in two weeks. Please note that there is a great need for affordable housing in our country and the majority of our properties have long waiting lists or no availability. Please call the property staff directly for questions regarding waiting lists.


What states are you located in?

Please visit the regional offices page to find out what states we are located in. You can also look for properties near you by searching your city or zip code on the Find Housing page.


What is the cost to rent an apartment from Mercy Housing?

Rents vary and are different across the country. You can contact the property you are interested in for more information about rent.


Are your apartments accessible?

Mercy Housing operates barrier-free properties which provide accessible, affordable housing for physically disabled residents in an independent living environment. Many of our properties have apartments specifically designed with accessible features. Please contact the property you are interested in for more information about accessibility options.


Do you allow pets?

Each Mercy Housing community has a pet policy. Please contact the property you are interested in directly for more information. Assistance animals are allowed at all Mercy Housing properties.


Can I apply for housing if I have been evicted?

Mercy Housing accepts all applications for housing. However, we must assess for evictions. Please refer to the individual property’s Resident Selection Criteria for detailed requirements around evictions. Mercy Housing’s policy is typically no evictions within three to five years.


Can I apply for housing if I have a felony?

Mercy Housing accepts all applications for housing. However, we must assess for felonies. Please refer to the individual property’s Resident Selection Criteria for detailed requirements around felonies.


Does Mercy Housing give out loans?

Mercy Housing does not provide housing loans or mortgage assistance. Mercy Loan Fund, a subsidiary of Mercy Housing, does not provide individual loans. They only lend to affordable housing developers.


Does Mercy Housing provide Financial Rental Assistance for non-Mercy Housing properties?

Mercy Housing does not provide financial rental assistance.


What is Mercy Housing’s VAWA Emergency Transfer Plan?

Click here to learn more about our VAWA Emergency Transfer Plan »


Mercy Housing follows restrictions established by federal law through the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. We do not discriminate against residents on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status and disability.

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