06.25.12 Howard County Housing Accepting Applications for Moderate Income Housing Unit Program
June 25, 2012
Media Contacts: Kevin Enright, Director, Office of Public Information, 410-313-2022
Tom Carbo, Director, Howard County Housing, 410-313-6318
Free informational workshop scheduled for July 18
Howard County Housing Accepting Applications for Moderate Income Housing Unit Program
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Housing is accepting applications for the July open enrollment period for the County’s Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program. The enrollment period will run from Monday, July 2 through Tuesday, July 31.
The MIHU program is an inclusionary zoning program that requires developers of new housing in certain zoning districts to sell or rent a percentage of the new dwelling units to households of moderate income. The program offers quality new homes at reduced sale prices and rents to income eligible families.
Housing will also hold a free “MIHU Buyers and Renters Workshop,” on Wednesday, July 18 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Gateway Building, 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive in Columbia. The workshop is open to the public and will explain the program’s eligibility requirements and application process for prospective homebuyers and renters. Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Maryland and Delaware, Inc. will also be on hand to present information regarding the importance of credit scores for buying or renting a home. For more information or to register for the workshop, contact Housing’s MIHU Coordinator at 410-313-6497.
To purchase an MIHU home, persons must apply to Howard County Housing during an open enrollment period in order to be placed in the database and on the waiting list. The applicant’s household income may not exceed 80% of Howard County’s median income which, as of January 1, 2012, is $101,771 for a family of four. Applicants must also meet minimum credit score requirements and their household income must be sufficient to qualify for a home mortgage based on industry standards. Base sale prices for MIHUs can range from $130,000 for a condominium to $260,000 for a townhome. Actual sale prices vary depending on the size and amenities of the unit. If you were not eligible in the past because of household income, Howard County Housing encourages you to check current eligibility limits.
Available MIHU homes for ownership opportunities are at Riverwalk and Legacy at Cherry Tree. Riverwalk features three-level, two-car garage townhomes in Laurel, with three bedrooms, two and a half baths, gourmet kitchens, Energy Star® appliances and spacious and open interiors. Legacy at Cherry Tree, a 55+ active adult community located off Route 216 in Laurel, features condos with two bedrooms, two baths, spacious kitchens and a washer and dryer in each home. Additionally, construction of new townhomes in the Simpson Mill (Columbia), Dorset Gardens at Blue Stream (Elkridge) and Ellicott Crossing (Ellicott City) communities are expected to start this summer.
To rent an MIHU unit, an applicant’s household income may not exceed 60% of the Howard County median income. MIHUs are rented on a first-come, first-serve basis, with rents ranging from $1,145 to $1,374, including utilities. MIHUs are interspersed throughout each community and residents enjoy all of the amenities of community life. Alta at Regency Crest, Ashbury Courts, Belmont Station, Mission Place and Penniman Park are currently accepting MIHU rental applications. Prospective renters may apply directly to a participating rental community at any time during the year. Rental management addresses and phone numbers can be found on Housing’s MIHU website, www.howardcountymd.gov/housingmihu.htm.
Open enrollment periods for the MIHU purchase program are held quarterly. Interested persons should call Howard County Housing at 410-313-6318 or visit Housing’s MIHU website at www.howardcountymd.gov/housingmihu.htm.