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.

The following categories receive first priority on the BMR Waiting List:
- Current residents of incorporated areas of Menlo Park who have continuously lived in incorporated areas for Menlo Park for at least one (1) year prior to applying for a BMR apartment
- Current employees of incorporated areas of Menlo Park who work at least 20 hours per week AND have continuously worked in incorporated areas of Menlo Park for at least one (1) year prior to applying for a BMR apartment.

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

Below market rate qualifications for 2024 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 may eligible to renew at market rate for a maximum of 2 consecutive years.

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 $2,600.