Beyond Bending Tell You How
Aspen, Colorado, is a world-renowned destination for skiing, hiking, and all sorts of outdoor activities. It’s no surprise that many people want to live and work in this beautiful mountain town. However, the cost of living in Aspen can be quite high, and finding affordable housing can be a challenge. That’s where Aspen employee housing comes in. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at what employee housing is, who is eligible, how to apply, and more.
What is Aspen Employee Housing?
Aspen employee housing is a program that provides affordable rental units to full-time employees who work within the city limits of Aspen or Pitkin County. The program is designed to help local workers live close to their jobs and reduce the commute time and cost.The Aspen/Pitkin County Housing Authority (APCHA) oversees the employee housing program. They manage over 3,000 rental units across Aspen and Pitkin County, including apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes.
Who is Eligible for Aspen Employee Housing?
To be eligible for Aspen employee housing, you must meet certain requirements. These include:- You must be a full-time employee who works at least 1,500 hours per year within the city limits of Aspen or Pitkin County.- You must be able to prove that you are a legal resident of the United States or have legal authorization to work in the U.S.- Your household income must fall within certain limits, depending on the size of your household. The income limits are adjusted annually and can be found on the APCHA website.
Income Limits for Aspen Employee Housing
The income limits for Aspen employee housing are based on the area median income (AMI) for Pitkin County. The AMI is calculated annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The table below shows the income limits for 2021:| Household Size | Income Limit ||—————-|————–|| 1| $78,600|| 2| $89,850|| 3| $101,100|| 4| $112,350|| 5| $121,350|| 6| $130,350|| 7| $139,350|| 8+| $148,350|
How to Apply for Aspen Employee Housing
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for Aspen employee housing through the APCHA website. The application process can take several months, so it’s important to plan ahead and be patient.The first step is to create an account on the APCHA website and fill out the online application form. You’ll need to provide information about your employment, income, and household size. You’ll also need to upload supporting documents, such as tax returns, pay stubs, and proof of residency.Once your application is complete, it will be reviewed by the APCHA staff to determine your eligibility. If you are eligible, you’ll be placed on a waiting list for the type of unit you’re interested in. The waiting list is based on a priority system, with preference given to local workers and those with the lowest income.
Priority System for Aspen Employee Housing
The priority system for Aspen employee housing is based on several factors, including:- Local worker status: This refers to whether you work within the city limits of Aspen or Pitkin County. Local workers are given priority over those who work outside the area.- Income level: The lower your household income, the higher your priority on the waiting list.- Years of service: If you’ve worked in Aspen or Pitkin County for a certain number of years, you may receive a higher priority.- Dependents: If you have dependents living with you, you may receive a higher priority.
Types of Aspen Employee Housing Units
As mentioned earlier, the APCHA manages over 3,000 rental units across Aspen and Pitkin County. These units come in various sizes and types, including:- Apartments: These are typically one or two-bedroom units in multi-family buildings.- Townhouses: These are two or three-bedroom units in attached homes.- Single-family homes: These are typically three or four-bedroom homes with a yard or outdoor space.The rent for these units is based on a formula that takes into account your household income, the size of the unit, and the location. The rent is typically below market rate, making it more affordable for local workers.
Rules and Regulations for Aspen Employee Housing
Living in Aspen employee housing comes with certain rules and regulations that tenants must follow. These include:- Residency requirements: You must live in the unit as your primary residence and cannot rent it out or sublet it.- Income certification: You must recertify your income annually to ensure that you still qualify for the program.- No smoking: Smoking is not allowed in any of the employee housing units.- Pet restrictions: Each property has different rules regarding pets, so you’ll need to check with the APCHA to see if you can have a pet in your unit.- Parking restrictions: Some properties have limited parking, and tenants may need to park off-site or use public transportation.It’s important to read and understand the rules and regulations before applying for Aspen employee housing.
Advantages of Aspen Employee Housing
Living in Aspen employee housing has many advantages, including:- Affordable rent: The rent for employee housing units is typically below market rate, making it more affordable for local workers.- Shorter commute: By living closer to your job, you can reduce your commute time and cost.- Community: Living in employee housing allows you to be part of a community of local workers who share similar experiences and lifestyles.- Stability: Once you’re in the program, you have the option to renew your lease annually, providing stability and security for you and your family.
Disadvantages of Aspen Employee Housing
While there are many advantages to living in Aspen employee housing, there are also some disadvantages. These include:- Limited availability: There are only a limited number of employee housing units available, and the waiting list can be long.- Restrictions: Living in employee housing comes with certain rules and regulations that tenants must follow.- No equity: Unlike owning a home, you don’t build equity by renting an employee housing unit.- Limited options: Employee housing units may not be available in the location or type of unit that you prefer.
People Also Ask
Here are some common questions that people also ask about Aspen employee housing:- How long is the waiting list for Aspen employee housing?- Can I apply for Aspen employee housing if I work part-time?- What happens if my income exceeds the limit while I’m living in employee housing?- Can I move out of my employee housing unit before the end of my lease?- Can I buy an employee housing unit?
Conclusion
Aspen employee housing is a program that provides affordable rental units to full-time employees who work within the city limits of Aspen or Pitkin County. The program is designed to help local workers live close to their jobs and reduce the commute time and cost. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for employee housing through the APCHA website. While living in employee housing comes with certain restrictions, it also has many advantages, including affordable rent, a shorter commute, and a sense of community.
