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Application Journey

Sierra Vista Apartments How to Apply
Now Accepting Applications

Sierra Vista Apartments


Affordable one & two-bedroom apartment homes in Denver with project-based rental assistance through South Metro Housing Options.

Two Steps, One Home

Sierra Vista is an income-restricted tax credit community with project-based vouchers (PBV) administered by South Metro Housing Options. This means you'll work with two organizations during the application process but don't worry, we'll walk you through each step.

Approved applicants pay no more than 30% of their adjusted income in rent. The voucher covers the rest and it stays with the apartment, so you don't need to have a voucher already.

Your Application Journey

Follow these steps to apply for a home at Sierra Vista. Both tracks can happen at the same time.

1
South Metro Housing Options
Apply for the Sierra Vista Waiting List
Visit the SMHO website and submit your application for the Sierra Vista PBV waiting list. The waitlist opens Monday, March 16, 2026 and is accepting applications for one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. A valid email address is required.
Important: The waiting list is first come, first served apply as soon as it opens on March 16 to secure your place. Applications are limited, so don't wait.
2
Sierra Vista / ITEX Property Management
Start Your Tax Credit Application
While you wait to hear from SMHO, get a head start on the tax credit eligibility side. Contact the Sierra Vista leasing office or apply online to begin collecting the documents you'll need including income verification, household composition, and identification.
Why both? Sierra Vista requires eligibility under both the tax credit program (verified by the property) and the housing voucher program (verified by SMHO). Starting early on your tax credit paperwork means faster move-in when your voucher is ready.

SMHO Handles

Voucher eligibility & rental assistance

  • Waiting list management
  • Income eligibility for HCV program
  • Voucher issuance & HAP calculation
  • Monthly orientation sessions
  • Ongoing recertifications

Sierra Vista Handles

Tax credit eligibility & tenancy approval

  • Tax credit income qualification
  • Application & background screening
  • Lease-up & unit assignment
  • Document collection & file prep
  • Move-in coordination
3
South Metro Housing Options
Attend an SMHO Orientation
When your name comes up on the waiting list, SMHO will contact you to attend a PBV orientation session. These are held monthly (or twice monthly during high-volume periods). An ITEX team member will also be available to answer questions about the property and help you with your tax credit paperwork.
Don't miss it: If you're contacted and don't respond within 30 days, your application may be removed from the waiting list. You would need to reapply when the list reopens.
4
Both Organizations
Final Approval & Move-In
Once SMHO has approved your voucher eligibility and Sierra Vista has confirmed your tax credit qualification, you'll be matched with an available apartment. The property team will coordinate your lease signing, unit inspection, and move-in date.

Welcome Home

Your rent will be based on 30% of your adjusted household income. The project-based voucher covers the remaining cost and it stays with the unit for as long as you live there.

Common Questions

What is a Project-Based Voucher (PBV)?
A PBV is a type of housing assistance where the rental subsidy is attached to a specific apartment not to you as a person. This means you don't need to already have a housing voucher to apply. If you qualify and are selected from the waiting list, the voucher is assigned to your unit at Sierra Vista.
Do I need to apply to both SMHO and Sierra Vista?
Yes. Sierra Vista requires two types of eligibility: voucher eligibility (determined by SMHO) and tax credit eligibility (determined by the property management). You can start both processes at the same time to move things along faster.
What happens if I already have a Housing Choice Voucher?
Sierra Vista uses project-based vouchers, which are different from tenant-based (portable) vouchers. You would still need to apply through the Sierra Vista PBV waiting list managed by SMHO. However, having prior voucher experience may be helpful during the process.
How long will I wait after applying?
Wait times depend on your placement on the list, the number of available units, and applicable preferences. Sierra Vista currently has available apartments, so the process may move more quickly than a typical waiting list. You will be contacted by SMHO when your name comes up.
What documents will I need?
You'll need identification for all household members, proof of income (pay stubs, benefit letters, tax returns), Social Security cards or documentation of eligible immigration status, and information about your current housing situation. The Sierra Vista leasing team can provide a detailed checklist when you begin your tax credit application.
What if I need a reasonable accommodation?
Persons with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact SMHO at (303) 794-9608. The property also has accessible units available.
Is the waiting list first come, first served?
Yes. Applications for Sierra Vista are processed in the order they are received, so it's important to apply as soon as the waiting list opens. The list is capped at 300 applications and may close once that number is reached.
Sierra Vista Apartments is managed by ITEX Property Management. Equal Housing Opportunity. Rental assistance administered by South Metro Housing Options (SMHO), Littleton, CO.