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Affordable Dwelling Unit-Rental Program

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1. What happens once I receive an Affordable Dwelling Unit Rental Program certificate?

Once you receive an ADU certificate, the next step is to contact the apartment complexes that accept the certificate for availability. If there are no ADU units available, ask if there is a waiting list to put your name on so when a vacant unit is available, the apartment complex can contact you. Some apartment complexes may not have a waiting list. In this situation, you will need to call the apartment complex on a regular basis regarding vacant ADU units.

2. Once I receive an ADU Rental Program certificate, am I automatically approved at the participating apartment complexes?

No. ADU certificate holders must be approved by the apartment complex to rent an ADU unit. The certificate holder must meet all the guidelines of the apartment complex and be approved by the apartment complex to be able to rent an ADU unit.

3. Are required fees at the participating apartment complexes waived for ADU Rental Program certificate holders?

No. ADU certificate holders are required to pay application fees if the certificate holder is interested in renting an ADU unit. If approved, some apartment complexes require applicants to pay a one-time, non-refundable amenities fee. The cost of the amenities fee varies based on the community. Security deposits and pet deposits/rent are other costs to be considered as a renter.

4. Can I take the ADU Rental Program certificate to any complex or are there specific apartment complexes that participate in the ADU Rental Program?

There are specific apartment complexes that participate in the ADU Program. The complexes listed on “Complexes that Accept the ADU Rental Program Certificate” are the only apartment complexes that participate in the ADU Program. The ADU rental fees are listed on this sheet.

5. What happens when a new community participates in the ADU Rental Program?

The new units must initially be offered through a lottery process. The lottery is available to people with an unexpired ADU Rental Program certificate who are on the ADU Rental Program Waiting List and who are not currently renting an ADU unit. Lottery packets are mailed to the waiting list. Certificate holders who are interested in renting at the new community can submit a lottery ticket. Tickets are drawn on the designated lottery date and are sent to the leasing office of the new community numbered in the order in which they were drawn. The leasing office contacts the lottery winners in this order to see if they are interested in renting an ADU unit. Once all lottery winners have been contacted, if there are still available ADU units, the units become first-come, first-serve to an ADU Rental Program certificate holder.

6. Are utilities included in the ADU rent?

Utilities are not included in the ADU rent unless specified by the apartment complex. You will need to contact the apartment complexes directly to find out if any utilities are included in the rent. The utilities are separate and must be paid to the utility companies.

7. Can ADU rental complexes increase the ADU rents?

Yes, but it must be approved by Family Services and meet the guidelines of the ADU Rental Program. If you are renting an ADU unit, it is recommended that you check with the leasing office on a regular basis to see if the ADU rent has increased. Typically the apartment complex will notify tenants of the rent increase at renewal.

8. Are there any other required fees besides application fees and amenities fees?

Some apartment complexes that participate in the ADU Rental Program have required cable fees and trash removal fees. You will need to contact the complex directly for specific information regarding the required fees. These required fees are in addition to the rent.

9. The ADU Rental Program has a maximum income requirement of 50% of the area median income indexed by family size. Are there any participating communities that have special income requirements?

There are two communities with a special income requirement. StoneRidge and Broadlands Apartments have ADU units for ADU certificate holders whose income does not exceed 40% of the area median income indexed by family size. The ADU Rental certificate must indicate that you are eligible to live at one of these two communities in order to apply and be approved for an ADU unit.

10. How long is the ADU Rental Certificate valid for?

ADU Rental certificates are valid for one year. Certificates can be renewed if the required paperwork is submitted and if paperwork meets the requirements of the program. The Dept. of Family Services will mail a reminder letter to ADU Rental Certificate holders approximately 120 days prior to certificate expiration. The renewal paperwork should be submitted no later than 90 prior to ADU Rental certificate expiration.

11. What happens if I submit ADU Rental Program renewal paperwork but I am no longer eligible for the ADU Rental Program once it is reviewed?

If you are living in an ADU unit and you submit renewal paperwork and you are no longer eligible for the ADU Rental Program, you can remain in the ADU unit paying the ADU rent until the lease expires. Once the lease expires, you may be required to move out of the apartment and you are no longer eligible to pay the ADU rent. Note: Remember to give the apartment complex the required notice to vacate per your lease agreement.

12. Once I receive an ADU Rental Certificate, does it matter who lives in the ADU unit with me?

Yes it matters. The people listed on the ADU Rental Program Application are the only people authorized to live in the ADU unit. If there are changes to your household size, you are required to report these changes to the Loudoun County Department of Family Services. If you meet the guidelines of the ADU Rental Program with the proposed changes, the ADU certificate will be amended to reflect the change in household size. Any proposed changes that do not meet the guidelines of the Department of Family Services cannot be approved and cannot happen. Any changes in household size that have not been reported and approved by the Department of Family Services will be reported to the Loudoun County Fraud Investigator.

13. What happens if I have a visitor when I live in an ADU Rental Unit?

Visitors are permitted. Please review your lease agreement regarding the visitor policy. Visitors who have the intention of visiting longer than what is allowed in the lease are required to obtain approval from the leasing office as well as the Loudoun County Department of Family Services. The Department of Family Services requires paperwork regarding the visitor.

14. What happens if an ADU Rental Certificate holder is evicted from an ADU unit?

If an ADU certificate holder is evicted from an ADU unit, their ADU certificate will be revoked. They will have to wait a year to re-apply to the ADU Rental Program, although they probably will not be able to rent at an ADU apartment complex due to the eviction.

15. What happens if I am living in an ADU Rental unit and I cannot pay my rent?

If you are in a situation where you are unable to pay your rent, you may qualify for rent assistance through the Loudoun County Department of Family Services. You would need to contact the department at 703-777-0353 and ask to speak with an Emergency Services Worker. Please be advised that you must meet the criteria of the programs offered and it is based on available funding. Please contact the ADU Rental Program Housing Specialist as well as the leasing office to avoid an eviction which can ruin your credit.

16. What happens if an ADU Rental certificate holder moves out of an ADU rental unit owing a balance?

If an ADU certificate holder moves out of an ADU unit owing a balance, the ADU certificate will be revoked. You will not be eligible to re-apply to the ADU Rental Program until the balance is paid in full and the complex provides proof of this.

17. What happens if an ADU Rental Program certificate holder is found guilty of fraud or failure to report information?

When an ADU certificate holder is found guilty of fraud/failure to report information, the certificate holder will permanently lose the ADU certificate and if residing in an ADU unit, will have to vacate the unit in 30 days. The ADU certificate holder will never be eligible to re-apply to the ADU Rental Program or apply to the ADU Purchase Program.