Housing Search Tips

Housing Search Tips

Purpose:
Provide Hub staff with clear, practical guidance they can share with people who are searching for housing—especially in tight rental markets or when affordability is a barrier.

Q&A

Q: What are helpful first steps when someone is searching for housing?

A: Encourage them to:

• Identify their budget
  • https://mn.hb101.org/a/37/a5.htm
  • My Vault: Planning Path: Housing Budget
• Decide what type of housing they want (renting, supported living, roommates, etc.)
  • https://mn.hb101.org/a/8/
• Make a list of their must-haves vs. nice-to-haves
  • https://mn.hb101.org/a/37/a4.htm
  • My Vault: Planning Path: Housing Needs & Wants
• Gather documents they may need during the application process (ID, pay stubs, benefits letters, rental history)

They can also use statewide tools like:

• HousingLink: https://housinglink.org/
• HB101 Housing Overview: https://mn.hb101.org/housing/

Q: What online tools can help someone find affordable housing?

A:

• HousingLink – Affordable Housing Search: https://housinglink.org/
• HousingLink Listings & Waiting List tool: https://www.housinglink.org/Lists
• HB101 Affordable Housing Search Tools (PDF):
  https://mn.hb101.org/documents/Housing%20Search%20Tools.pdf

Q: How can someone expand their search options?

A: Suggest they:

• Search in multiple neighborhoods or nearby towns
• Consider living with a roommate to reduce costs
• Look at smaller or older buildings, which may have lower rent
• Check bulletin boards at libraries, coffee shops, and community centers
• Ask family, friends, or coworkers if they know of any openings
• Contact local housing authorities about upcoming waitlist openings

Q: What documents do landlords usually ask for?

A: People should be ready to provide:

• A valid ID
• Proof of income or benefits
• Rental history or references
• Application fees (if applicable)
• Background check authorization

If someone needs help gathering verification documents, Hub staff can guide them to benefits letters or help them request needed information.

Q: How can someone improve their chances of being approved?

A: They may:

• Apply to multiple properties at once
• Prepare references ahead of time
• Consider a co-signer (if appropriate)
• Keep communication prompt and respectful with property managers
• Ask about second-chance rental options if they have credit or rental barriers

Q: What should someone do if they have rental barriers (evictions, low credit, criminal history)?

A:

• Look for “second-chance housing” or “no credit check” listings
• Ask property managers whether they consider applicants with past barriers
• Connect with programs that help with rental readiness, such as local housing agencies or community organizations
• If barriers are legal in nature, refer to HOME Line for tenant rights guidance: https://homelinemn.org/housin-resources/

Q: How can someone stay safe during the housing search?

A:

• Avoid giving personal information over phone/email until they confirm the listing is legitimate
• View the apartment/building in person whenever possible
• Bring a trusted person to showings
• Avoid listings that require money upfront before seeing the unit
• Trust their instincts—if something feels off, it probably is

Internal Notes (not visible to public)

• Staff can help people locate benefits letters or income verification through MAXIS, MMIS, SSA, or Vault BLU as appropriate.
• Do not recommend specific landlords or guarantee availability.
• Follow Hub homelessness and eviction prevention protocols if the person is unstably housed.
• Refer legal questions to HOME Line or legal aid.
• For disability-related housing supports, consider Housing Stabilization Services or waivers where appropriate.

HB101 Places includes six Housing Support program types:

■ Adult Foster Care (AFC) and Community Residential Settings (CRS) ■ Board and Lodge with and without services ■ Assisted Living (Housing Support units) ■ Site-based supportive housing ■ Independent Community Settings (ICS) ■ Scattered Site Community Settings