Looking for Affordable Rentals?

You do not need perfect credit or a perfect rental history to apply for Phoenix Apartments. We look at the whole application. Previous credit problems, an eviction, limited rental history, or certain criminal history do not necessarily mean you will be denied. Applicants must meet the property's income requirements, demonstrate an ability to pay their portion of the rent, and meet applicable HOME program requirements. For answers to commonly asked questions, see FAQ Section below.

The Phoenix Application

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Phoenix Apartment Frequently Asked Questions

What are Phoenix Apartments?

Phoenix Apartments are affordable rental apartments managed by HOPE of Evansville at 1143, 1153, and 1163 Covert Avenue in Evansville. The property includes studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments.

Phoenix is a HOME-assisted affordable housing property, which means applicants must meet applicable income and program requirements. The Tenant Selection Plan is designed to make sure applications are reviewed fairly and consistently.

How much is rent?

Current rents are:

• 1-bedroom: $690 per month
• 2-bedroom: $850 per month
• Water/trash fee: $40 per month
• Residents are responsible for their own electric.

Are there income limits?

Yes. Phoenix Apartments are income-restricted affordable housing. Households generally must be at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), and income will be verified as part of the application process.

Eligibility can also depend on the HOME requirements that apply to a particular unit.

Do I have to have perfect credit?

No.

Credit history is only one part of the application. HOPE may look at things such as unpaid rental obligations, utility collections, judgments related to previous tenancies, and patterns of seriously delinquent financial obligations.

However, medical debt and other debt that does not reasonably indicate whether you can meet your rent obligations may receive reduced or no weight. Applicants with limited or imperfect credit may still qualify. Improved payment history, payment arrangements, and changes in financial circumstances may also be considered.

Is there a minimum credit score?

The Tenant Selection Plan does not establish a minimum credit score.

We look at the overall application and whether the applicant appears able and willing to meet their rental obligations.

How do you determine whether I can afford the rent?

Applicants must demonstrate a reasonable ability to pay their portion of the monthly rent.

HOPE may consider employment income, Social Security, SSI or SSDI, retirement or pension income, child support actually received, recurring income, Housing Choice Vouchers, rental assistance, and other lawful and verifiable sources of income.

If you receive a voucher or rental subsidy, we look at the portion of rent you are actually responsible for paying when required by the applicable program rules.

What if I don't have two years of rental history?

That does not automatically disqualify you.

HOPE generally reviews the most recent two years of rental history when enough history is available, but applicants will not automatically be denied simply because they do not have two years of traditional rental history. Alternative housing history may also be considered.

What do you look for in rental history?

We may consider things such as:

• Payment of rent
• Outstanding balances owed to previous landlords
• Lease compliance
• Property damage beyond ordinary wear and tear
• Eviction history
• Unauthorized occupants
• Serious or repeated disturbances
• Landlord references

The purpose is to determine whether an applicant is reasonably likely to meet their responsibilities as a tenant.

Can I qualify if I've had an eviction?

Possibly. An eviction does not automatically disqualify you.

HOPE may consider why the eviction happened, how long ago it occurred, whether money is still owed, whether the balance has been paid or is under an acceptable repayment arrangement, your rental history since then, circumstances beyond your control, and other mitigating factors.

Repeated recent evictions or serious lease violations can result in denial if they indicate a current inability or unwillingness to comply with the lease.

What if I've had late rent payments or problems with a previous landlord?

You may still be considered.

Applicants with issues such as late payments, a prior eviction filing, previous lease violations, limited rental history, financial instability, or landlord-reference concerns may qualify for conditional approval instead of an automatic denial.

What is conditional approval?

Conditional approval gives some applicants an opportunity to demonstrate successful tenancy.

An applicant may initially receive a six-month conditional lease. During that period, the tenant must pay rent and other lawful charges when due, maintain the apartment, follow the lease and House Rules, avoid unauthorized occupants, and avoid substantial property damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Successful completion of the conditional period may result in renewal under the property's regular lease terms.

Does having a criminal record automatically disqualify me?

No.

An arrest by itself is not proof that someone engaged in criminal conduct and will not, by itself, be treated as a criminal conviction.

A criminal conviction also does not automatically mean an applicant will be denied. HOPE may consider the type and seriousness of the offense, how long ago it occurred, whether it presents a current risk, subsequent rental history, rehabilitation, employment, and other circumstances.

What criminal history is most likely to affect my application?

HOPE's primary concern is conduct that presents a significant risk to the health, safety, or peaceful enjoyment of residents, employees, visitors, or the property.

Serious violent felony convictions may be considered using a seven-year lookback period, unless another period is required by law or program rules. Examples listed in the Tenant Selection Plan include murder or attempted murder, voluntary manslaughter, rape or sexual assault, armed robbery, kidnapping, aggravated battery or assault, serious weapons-related violence, arson involving substantial risk to people, human trafficking involving violence or coercion, and comparable violent offenses.

Mitigating circumstances may still be considered when appropriate.

What about drug-related offenses?

A past drug-related criminal offense does not necessarily result in automatic denial.

HOPE may consider the nature of the offense, whether violence was involved, whether it involved manufacturing or distribution, how much time has passed, subsequent conduct, treatment or rehabilitation, and whether the applicant currently presents a threat.

Current illegal drug activity that threatens the health, safety, or peaceful enjoyment of the property may be grounds for denial when permitted by law.

What about sex-offender screening?

HOPE conducts sex-offender screening as permitted or required by applicable law.

An applicant who is subject to a lifetime sex-offender registration requirement will be denied when that denial is required by the applicable federal housing program. Other records are evaluated according to applicable law and program requirements.

Will you consider circumstances that explain something in my background?

Yes.

HOPE may conduct an individualized review and consider mitigating circumstances, including:

• The nature and severity of an offense
• How old the person was when it occurred
• How much time has passed
• Whether violence or threats were involved
• Subsequent criminal history
• Successful probation or parole
• Employment
• Stable rental history
• Education or job training
• Rehabilitation
• Community involvement
• References
• Changes in circumstances
• Applicable disability-related considerations
• Applicable VAWA-related circumstances

What if information on my background check is wrong?

You will have an opportunity to dispute inaccurate information and provide supporting documentation.

HOPE will not knowingly rely on records belonging to another person, expunged records that legally cannot be considered, incorrectly reported criminal dispositions, duplicate records, dismissed cases presented as convictions, or other materially inaccurate information.

What happens if I put incorrect information on my application?

Please answer all questions completely and truthfully.

Intentionally providing materially false, fraudulent, misleading, or incomplete information can result in denial. However, minor mistakes, typographical errors, misunderstandings, or information an applicant reasonably did not know will not automatically be treated as fraud. Applicants may be given an opportunity to clarify discrepancies when appropriate.

Can students qualify?

Student eligibility rules associated with the HOME program or other applicable affordable-housing funding must be followed.

Applicants may be asked for information about student status to determine eligibility.

Are Housing Choice Vouchers or other rental assistance accepted?

Yes. Lawful rental assistance, including Housing Choice Vouchers and other approved rental assistance, can be considered when determining your ability to pay.

Applicants will not be denied simply because they receive lawful rental assistance.

Is there a security deposit?

Yes. The amount varies by unit but will not exceed the monthly rent.

What if I have a disability and need an accommodation?

Applicants with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation during the application and screening process.

This can include an exception or adjustment to a rule, policy, practice, or procedure when necessary to provide an equal opportunity to use and enjoy the housing, subject to applicable law. HOPE will not require unnecessary medical information.

What if something negative in my rental or criminal history is related to domestic violence?

Phoenix Apartments follows applicable protections under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

An applicant will not be denied housing because they are or have been a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Rental history, criminal activity, property damage, emergency calls, or other negative information directly related to VAWA-covered violence will be evaluated according to applicable VAWA protections.

Are Phoenix Apartments accessible?

Applicants may request reasonable accommodations or modifications when applicable.

One important physical feature to know before applying is that the existing Phoenix apartment units require the use of stairs. If you need housing without stairs, let us know so we can discuss whether one of HOPE's other affordable housing options may be a better fit.

Does applying guarantee that I will receive an apartment?

No. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval or the availability of a particular unit.

Applications must go through income eligibility, rental history, credit/background screening, and any other HOME or program requirements that apply.

Does HOPE discriminate based on race, disability, family status, or other protected characteristics?

No. Phoenix Apartments are operated in accordance with the Fair Housing Act and applicable federal, state, and local civil-rights requirements.

Housing is made available without unlawful discrimination based on any protected characteristic. HOPE also follows applicable requirements for reasonable accommodations, accessibility, language access, and VAWA protections.

Where can I apply?

Applications for Phoenix Apartments will be made available through HOPE of Evansville. Because units are being renovated and released as they become available, interested households can join HOPE's affordable-housing mailing list to receive updates when applications and units become available.