The Aura Farm Foundation, Inc Apartment Application & Checklist Requirements
The Aura Farm Foundation, Inc. (TAFFI) is committed to providing affordable, mission-driven housing to support low- to moderate-income residents living in Baltimore County and Baltimore City, Maryland (MD). Once our first Tiny Home Community is established, we will be able to also accommodate individuals living in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. To ensure fairness and alignment with our mission, all applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria for MD:
Eligibility Requirements
1. Income Eligibility
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Household income must fall within 50–80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Baltimore County.
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Acceptable proof of income includes:
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Recent pay stubs
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Tax returns
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Benefit statements
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Rent is offered at below market rate, aligned with our mission to provide affordable housing.
2. Rental History
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Applicants may be asked to provide references from previous landlords.
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Demonstrated history of stable housing is preferred.
3. Background Screening
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A criminal background check may be conducted in accordance with Fair Housing laws.
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Applicants will not be disqualified based solely on past convictions, consistent with our mission and legal requirements.
4. Occupancy Limits
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Maximum occupancy is 2 people per one-bedroom unit.
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Occupancy limits follow local building and safety codes.
5. Fair Housing & Non-Discrimination
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Housing is provided without discrimination based on:
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Race, color, religion, sex, national origin
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Familial status or presence of children
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Disability
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Sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status
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Source of income (including housing vouchers)
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These standards are in compliance with the Federal Fair Housing Act, Maryland Fair Housing Act, and Baltimore County regulations.
6. Application Process
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Applicants must complete the official application form and submit all required documentation.
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Meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee approval; all applications are reviewed based on compliance with these requirements and availability of units.
To schedule a tour, or for detailed application instructions, lease terms and submitting supporting documents, please contact our office or download the application form from this site.
Application Checklist
To apply for a below-market rental unit, please ensure you have all items below prior to paying for and submitting your Rental Application -- Incomplete applications may delay review.
1. Completed Application Form
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Fill out all fields accurately.
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Include names, contact information, household composition, and requested unit.
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Download Rental Application Here
2. Income Verification
Provide documentation for all household members:
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Recent pay stubs (last 2–3 months)
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Most recent tax return
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Benefit statements (if applicable)
Income must fall within 50–80% of Area Median Income (AMI) for Baltimore County.
3. Rental History / References
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Contact information for previous landlords (if applicable)
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Optional: brief summary of housing history to demonstrate stable living arrangements
4. Background Information
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Consent for criminal background check (in compliance with Fair Housing laws)
5. Occupancy Confirmation
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Indicate number of household members
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Acknowledge compliance with unit occupancy limits (2 per one-bedroom)
6. Non-Discrimination & Compliance Acknowledgment
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Read and acknowledge the nonprofit’s Fair Housing & Non-Discrimination Statement
7. Optional Supporting Documents
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Letters of recommendation
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Proof of local residency (if required)
Submission Instructions
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Submit the completed checklist, application form, and all required documentation to:
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Applications will be reviewed in the order received.
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Meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee approval.
References for Apartment Requirements & Checklist
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Federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) – Prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability.
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HUD Guidance on Income-Targeted Housing – Defines low- to moderate-income eligibility, verification, and rental assistance programs.
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Maryland Fair Housing Act – Expands protections to sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, and source of income.
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Baltimore County Housing Regulations – Provides rules for occupancy limits, building safety, and rental standards.
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IRS Nonprofit Compliance Guidance – Outlines recordkeeping, mission alignment, and reasonable pricing for nonprofit activities.