With the summer moving season approaching, now is the time for many students to start thinking about their next housing arrangement. While some students may choose to stay in a dormitory or renew their current lease, others may begin searching for new places to live.
However, many renters face financial challenges. When renters find a clean and well-maintained home, the price can often be too high. Is there a way to address both housing quality and affordability in Seattle?
Fortunately, the Multifamily Property Tax Exemption (MFTE) program offers financial support to those in need.
What is the MFTE program?
The MFTE is available throughout Washington State, including Seattle. It provides landlords a tax exemption on qualifying multifamily housing units in exchange for offering units with income and rent restrictions. In other words, MFTE housing is generally more affordable than market-rate options.
The program has evolved in Seattle. As of April 25, 2025, MFTE programs P3, P4, P5, and P6 will be active.
Who is eligible for the MFTE Program?
Eligibility is based on household income. To qualify, an applicant’s income must be equal to or lower than the limit outlined in the Rental Housing Limits document published by the Seattle Office of Housing (OH). These limits vary by Area Median Income (AMI) percentage, household size, unit type, and MFTE program type.
The Affordable Housing Incentive Programs Compliance Manual defines AMI as“the median income for the metropolitan area in which an affordable housing unit is located.”
For example, under MFTE P5, a two-person household with an AMI of 80% must earn no more than $100,560 to qualify, according to the 2025 Rental Housing Limits document.
Renters can refer to Chapter Three of the Affordable Housing Incentive Programs Compliance Manual for information on eligibility and required identification.
Can students qualify?
Households that include adults enrolled as full-time undergraduate students may qualify. Students must be at least 18 years old and attending a post-secondary institution full-time.
They must also receive need-based financial aid or loans awarded through the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA).
If all eligibility requirements are met, students must still demonstrate that their income falls within the limit outlined in the 2025 Rental Housing Limits document.
Are international students eligible for the MFTE Program?
It’s generally impossible for international students to be eligible for the MFTE. According to page 17 of the Affordable Housing Incentive Programs Compliance Manual, international students with an I-20 Certificate may qualify if they receive need-based financial aid through WASFA. However, most international students on F-1 or J-1 visas are not eligible to complete the WASFA, typically making them ineligible for the MFTE.
Where to get started?
Finding MFTE housing is straightforward. The Seattle Housing website provides a map of affordable rental options. Additionally, the MFTE Seattle platform allows users to search for available units and determine eligibility.
If eligible, students and other renters may find MFTE housing to be an ideal option–offering high-quality housing at a more affordable price. To learn more, visit the Seattle government homepage and The Affordable Housing Incentive Programs Compliance Manual.
Author
She is Maya Lee. She likes participating in events. Also, she likes writing about interesting topics.
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