Apply April 1 For HoCo Moderate Income Housing Unit Program

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Individuals interested in participating in Howard County's moderate income housing unit program can start applying during the enrollment period that opens April 1.

To purchase a MIHU home, individuals must apply during the open enrollment period to be placed in the database. To qualify, an applicant’s household income may not exceed 80 percent of Howard County’s median income (example: maximum $94,184 for a four-person household to as much as $124,323 for an eight-person household).

Applicants must meet minimum credit score requirements and household income must be sufficient to qualify for a mortgage based on industry standards. Sale prices for available MIHU homes, currently range from $267,544 for a new condo to $386,938 for a new townhouse. Actual sale prices may vary depending on the size and amenities of the unit.

Applications will be available online and completed applications can be submitted either online, mailed to 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 224, Columbia, MD, 21046, or dropped off at DHCD’s Patuxent Woods Drive office by appointment only. Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. April 30.

Howard County’s Department of Housing and Community Development also will be hosting a virtual homeownership informational workshop April 7 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. via Webex.

"Home ownership is an important step for many families who are trying to build generational wealth and economic mobility," Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said. "Through our MIHU program, we are creating affordable homeownership opportunities to help families call Howard County home. We're investing in people, in socio-economic diversity and in a community that is focused on quality of life. I encourage our residents and families to learn more about our MIHU program and find out if they qualify."

To rent a MIHU unit, a qualified applicant’s household income may not exceed 60 percent of the Howard County median income (example: maximum $49,447 for a one-person household and $70,638 for a four-person household). MIHUs are rented on a first-come, first-served basis, are interspersed throughout each community and residents enjoy the same amenities of community life as market rate tenants. Prospective renters may apply directly to a participating rental community at any time during the year. Visit the county's MIHU rental website for more information.