When the program is in operation, the resident must occupy the apartment as his/her principal place of residence in order to qualify for the BMR Rate. Lease term cannot exceed duration of Qualifying Employment.

The following categories receive first priority on the BMR Waiting List:
- LIVE OR WORK IN THE CITY OF MENLO PARK: Applicants who currently live or work in the City of Menlo Park. Applicant's hours worked must average a minimum of 20 hours per week over the course of one year. All City of Menlo Park housing preferences receive equal weight.
- MENLO PARK ACCESSIBLE UNIT PREFERENCE: You can receive a preference for accessible units if you or a household member have an accessibility need. You still must qualify for the unit based on your household size and income. All City of Menlo Park housing preferences receive equal weight.
- MENLO PARK DISPLACEMENT PREFERENCE: You can receive a preference for housing if you previously lived within incorporated Menlo Park for three or more years then were displaced and now no longer live in Menlo Park. You must be able to show that your displacement was due to economic conditions beyond your control. All City of Menlo Park housing preferences receive equal weight.
- MENLO PARK UNHOUSED PREFERENCE: Applicants who are currently unhoused may qualify for local residency by providing evidence that their last permanent residence was in Menlo Park and/or documentation from a case manager or homeless services provider demonstrating current residency in Menlo Park, including places or structures other than a bona fide dwelling unit (i.e. vehicle or tent). All City of Menlo Park housing preferences receive equal weight.

All other categories receive second priority on the BMR waiting list.

Below market rate qualifications for 2023 is as follows: 

Please note that Annual Household Income (AMI) limits are updated annually.

Below market rate occupancy requirements are as follows:

In addition to documents for proof of residence and/or employment due at time of application, all household members listed on your application who are 18 years or older will be asked to submit the following items when contacted by BMR administration:

- Signed and dated copes of the most recent (2) years of Federal Income Tax Returns (IRS Form 1040 or 1040EZ or 1040A form), including all SCHEDULES, attachmentsm and W-2 form(s) or 1099s
- Copies of the 3 consecutive and most recent paystubs, or if hired recently, an Employment Offer Letter
- If receiving severance pay, Social Security, unemployment benefits, retirement income, disability, public assistance, or the like: most recent benefits or award letter stating your income
- If self-employed: Year to Date Profit and Loss statement plus the past 3 years of federal income tax returns
- 3 consecutive and most recent official bank and asset statements for ALL accounts, including ALL pages
- A written explanation and supporting documentation for deposits totaling $500 or more, not including documented employment.

Residents are required to notify property management as soon as they are aware of income or household changes.

If you no longer meet the BMR requirements and are NOT employed by Stanford University or Stanford Health Care at least 75% FTE, you will receive a 90 day notice of to move out.

If you no longer meet the BMR requirements and are employed by Stanford University or Stanford Health Care at least 75% FTE, you may be eligible to renew at the current affiliate rate provided that you are able to show proof of financial viability. If unable to show proof of financial viability, you will receive a 90 day notice of to move out.

The BMR interest list will re-open after the waiting list drops below 10 persons. The BMR interest list will remain closed if there are at least 10 persons on the list.

We recommend to routinely check the BMR Interest List page, as this is where the announcement will be posted.

The BMR waiting list will typically stay open for a minimum of 30 days.

The current Below Market Rate rent is $2,676.