Essential Housing Program
Essential Housing at The Cambridge
The Cambridge participates in the Essential Housing Program, offering comfortable, high-quality homes at reduced rental rates for the essential workers who keep North Oak Cliff running.
Who Qualifies
Reduced rents for income-qualified households
The Essential Housing Program offers a selection of homes at reduced rental rates to households earning up to 80% of the local Area Median Income (AMI). It is designed for essential workers, including those in:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Emergency services
- Law enforcement
- Military
- Restaurant
- Retail
- Grocery
Total income includes additional earnings such as second jobs, bonuses, and other sources.
The Cambridge participates in and accepts Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8).
How It Works
Qualifying and applying
To qualify, your gross annual income must not exceed the program's limits for your household size, and you must earn a minimum of 2.5 times the monthly rent. Applications include standard background, credit, eviction, and rental-history checks.
What you need to apply
- A completed application for every resident 18 and older
- Income verification, including Housing Choice Voucher information if applicable
- Documentation of any additional assets
- Two years of rental history
Rent & Income Limits
2026 rent and income limits
Limits are set each year from the Dallas County area median income, and these apply to the 2026 program year (on or after May 1, 2026). They come in two tiers, 60% and 80% of AMI. Ask the leasing office at The Cambridge which tier applies to a particular home.
Maximum household income
Your total gross annual household income must not exceed the limit for your household size.
| Household size | 60% AMI | 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $50,880 | $67,840 |
| 2 people | $58,140 | $77,520 |
| 3 people | $65,400 | $87,200 |
| 4 people | $72,660 | $96,880 |
| 5 people | $78,480 | $104,640 |
| 6 people | $84,300 | $112,400 |
| 7 people | $90,120 | $120,160 |
| 8 people | $95,940 | $127,920 |
| 9 people | $101,700 | $135,600 |
| 10 people | $107,520 | $143,360 |
| 11 people | $113,340 | $151,120 |
| 12 people | $119,160 | $158,880 |
Maximum rent
These figures are the highest rent the program allows at each tier. They are not the rents charged at The Cambridge; current rents for available homes are shown on the community's floor plans. Rent limits here are calculated at 1.5 persons per bedroom.
| Apartment size | 60% AMI | 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | $1,272 | $1,696 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,362 | $1,817 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,635 | $2,180 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,889 | $2,519 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,107 | $2,810 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,325 | $3,101 |
Source: Novogradac Rent & Income Limit Calculator, report generated May 8, 2026. 2026 limits for Dallas County, TX (Dallas, TX HUD Metro FMR Area), based on a four-person area median income of $121,100. Limits are updated each year and are subject to change. Contact the leasing office at The Cambridge to confirm current limits and availability.