Essential Living
Essential Living at The Zenith, Austin, Texas
Quality Apartment Living Designed for the People Who Keep Our Communities Running
At The Zenith, we believe exceptional apartment living should be attainable. Our Essential Living Program offers select apartment homes with the same finishes, amenities, and service as every home in the community at reduced rates for residents who meet the income qualifications.
Contact our leasing office to discover how you can benefit from this exclusive program! All applicants are subject to standard screening criteria and program requirements. Our team will help guide you through the process.
Whether you're beginning your career, supporting a growing family, or simply looking for outstanding value, Essential Living provides the same beautiful homes, exceptional amenities, and remarkable resident experience enjoyed throughout our vibrant community.
What Is Essential Living?
Essential Living offers a limited number of apartment homes with income-qualified pricing for eligible households.
Residents enjoy:
- The same beautiful apartment homes
- The same exceptional amenities
- The same vibrant community, events, and more
- The same outstanding maintenance service
The only difference is that eligibility is based on household income and program guidelines.
Do I Qualify for Essential Living?
Many working households are surprised to learn they qualify. Essential Living may be available to people with moderate to middle incomes working in careers such as:
- Teachers
- Healthcare professionals
- First responders
- Municipal employees
- Retail professionals
- Hospitality employees
- Office professionals
- Skilled trades
- Service industry employees
Eligibility is based primarily on household income and program requirements, not occupation.
Income Qualifications
Applicants must meet The Zenith's rental screening and occupancy standards; complete and sign all required forms; disclose all household income and assets; provide documentation needed to determine eligibility; and have household income at or below the limit applicable to the unit.
Final approval is subject to management and compliance review. A restricted unit must not be occupied before final eligibility approval.
Maximum Household Income
2025 Income Limits | 60% AMI
Income Limits for 2025
(Based on 2025 Mtsp Income)
| Persons | 60% | 140% Next Available Unit Rule |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Persons | $56,220 | $78,708 |
| 2 Persons | $64,260 | $89,964 |
| 3 Persons | $72,300 | $101,220 |
| 4 Persons | $80,280 | $112,392 |
| 5 Persons | $86,760 | $121,464 |
| 6 Persons | $93,180 | $130,452 |
| 7 Persons | $99,600 | $139,440 |
| 8 Persons | $106,020 | $148,428 |
| 9 Persons | $112,380 | $157,332 |
| 10 Persons | $118,800 | $166,320 |
| 11 Persons | $125,220 | $175,308 |
| 12 Persons | $131,640 | $184,296 |
The Zenith's program uses the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX MSA income limits and requires income limits adjusted for household size. Income limits may change annually.
How Do I Apply for Essential Living?
The following items are required with the rental application:
- Completed rental application with no blank responses
- Signature of every adult applicant
- Government-issued photo ID for each adult
- Signed authorization/release forms
- Household, income, and asset questionnaire
- Voucher paperwork, when applicable
- Current income documentation for all household members
- Current statement for each bank or asset account
- Benefit, pension, or retirement documentation, when applicable
- Self-employment documentation, when applicable
- Child support/alimony documentation, when applicable
- Other documents requested to resolve incomplete or inconsistent information
Essential Living Floor Plans
Essential Living FAQs
What are the Benefits of the Essential Living Program at The Zenith?
The Essential Living Program at The Zenith is designed to provide income-qualified residents with thoughtfully priced apartment homes while offering the same modern amenities and welcoming community experience enjoyed throughout The Zenith.
Benefits include:
- Live closer to work and reduce your commute time
- Enjoy beautifully maintained and modern homes
- Access exclusive rates aligned with your income
- Experience a strong and vibrant community
Do I have to work in an essential profession?
No. Eligibility is based primarily on household income and program requirements, not your occupation.
Will my apartment be different?
No. Essential Living residents enjoy the same homes, amenities, and community experience as every resident.
How do I know if I qualify?
Our leasing team can walk you through the qualification process and explain the documentation you'll need.
Can anyone apply?
Yes. Anyone may apply. Eligibility is determined according to program guidelines and household income.
Can I apply if I have irregular income, such as hourly pay or gig work?
Most sources of income are accepted. Please contact our leasing team for more information.
How long does the application process typically take from submission to approval?
The length of time for approval will depend on how quickly we receive the required documentation. The application will be reviewed by a third-party auditor prior to approval. The average time is 48–72 hours to confirm approval.
Do you accept additional income sources, such as a second job, freelance work, or bonuses, when determining eligibility?
Any income is included in the gross potential income for the year.
Does household size affect eligibility?
Yes. Total persons include leaseholders, minors, and adult dependents. Please refer to the Income Qualifications section for the applicable household income limit.
Are there restrictions on types of employment, such as full-time or part-time employment or hours worked per week?
Most sources of income are not restricted; however, bonuses or overtime are included in overall calculations. Please ensure you have the proper documentation required for your specific income source.
