What One 90 Frankford is and who it's for

One 90 Frankford is a mixed-income residential development in Philadelphia's Kensington neighborhood, located at 1900 Frankford Avenue. The building contains both market-rate and affordable units, meaning some residents pay standard rent while others pay reduced rent based on their income. It opened to residents in the mid-2020s as part of Philadelphia's effort to add housing stock in neighborhoods with high demand and limited supply.

The development is designed for working families, individuals, and seniors who earn between 30% and 80% of the area median income (AMI). That income range varies by household size, but for a single person in Philadelphia, it typically means earning somewhere between roughly $20,000 and $55,000 annually. The building itself is new construction, so units are modern and the building systems are under warranty.

One 90 Frankford is not a public housing project run by the Philadelphia Housing Authority. It is a private development that includes affordable units because the developer received tax credits or other financing incentives from the city or state in exchange for setting aside a percentage of units at below-market rent.

Key Takeaways

  • One 90 Frankford contains both affordable and market-rate units in a single new building in Kensington, Philadelphia.
  • Affordable units are typically available to households earning 30% to 80% of area median income, with rent set as a percentage of your income or at a fixed affordable rate.
  • To learn about current availability and how to express interest, contact the building's leasing office directly or reach out to the Philadelphia Housing Trust or local community development organizations.
  • Affordable units in mixed-income buildings often have waitlists, so the timeline from first contact to move-in can range from weeks to several months.
  • Your lease terms, lease length, and what utilities are included are set by the building's management and may differ between affordable and market-rate units.

How income limits work at One 90 Frankford

The affordable units at One 90 Frankford are restricted to households at or below a certain percentage of area median income. Philadelphia's AMI is recalculated each year by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, so the actual dollar amounts change annually. A household at 60% AMI, for example, earns less than one at 80% AMI, and may pay lower rent in return.

When you contact the building or a housing organization about an affordable unit, you will need to provide proof of your household income. This typically means recent pay stubs, a tax return, a letter from your employer, or proof of benefits if you receive unemployment, Social Security, or other information. The building's leasing office will calculate whether your income falls within the allowed range for the units available.

Income limits explore to the household, not the individual, so if you live with a spouse, partner, or adult children, their income counts toward the total. Some programs allow for temporary income above the limit if you are newly employed or recently experienced a job change, but this varies by building and by the specific financing structure of the affordable units.

How to find out about availability and express interest

The first step is to contact One 90 Frankford's leasing office directly. You can ask whether affordable units are currently available, what the income limits are for those units, and what the rent would be for your household size and income level. The leasing office can also tell you whether there is a waitlist and, if so, how long people typically wait.

You can also reach out to organizations that work with affordable housing in Philadelphia, such as the Philadelphia Housing Trust or your local community development corporation. These groups often maintain lists of new affordable housing developments and can tell you which ones are currently leasing. Some may also help you gather the documents you need to explore.

If you are currently receiving services from a homeless services provider, social services agency, or community organization, ask whether they have a relationship with One 90 Frankford or can refer you. Some affordable housing developments prioritize referrals from service providers, which can speed up the process.

What to expect during the leasing process

Once you have confirmed that affordable units are available and your income qualifies, the building will ask you to complete a lease process. This is a standard form that asks for your personal information, employment history, rental history, and references. You will also need to provide proof of income and, typically, authorization for a background and credit check.

The building may also conduct a criminal background check and verify your rental history by contacting previous landlords. The standards for what disqualifies an applicant vary by building and by the financing rules that govern the affordable units. Some buildings have strict policies; others consider context and may overlook older offenses or evictions if you can explain the circumstances.

Once your process is approved, you will sign a lease. Read it carefully, especially the sections on lease length (usually one year), what happens if you move out early, what utilities are included, and what maintenance or repairs the building is responsible for. Ask the leasing office to explain anything you do not understand before you sign.

Rent and what it covers

Rent at affordable housing developments is typically set in one of two ways. Some buildings charge a fixed affordable rent that is the same for all affordable units of the same size, regardless of your income. Others charge rent as a percentage of your income, usually 30%, meaning if your household earns $30,000 per year, your monthly rent would be $750.

The lease will specify what utilities are included in your rent. Some buildings include water, sewer, and trash; others do not. Electricity and gas are sometimes included and sometimes not. If utilities are not included, you will be responsible for setting up accounts with the utility company and paying those bills separately. Ask the leasing office for an estimate of typical utility costs so you can budget accurately.

Rent increases are governed by your lease and by the financing rules of the affordable units. Some affordable units have rent locked in for the entire lease term; others allow annual increases tied to inflation or a set percentage. Ask the leasing office what to expect when your lease renews.

Your rights and responsibilities as a tenant

As a tenant at One 90 Frankford, you have the same legal rights as any renter in Pennsylvania. The building must maintain the unit and common areas in habitable condition, respond to maintenance requests within a reasonable timeframe, and respect your right to quiet enjoyment of the space. If something breaks—a window, a door lock, plumbing, heat—report it to the building's maintenance office in writing and keep a copy for your records.

You are responsible for paying rent on time, keeping the unit clean and undamaged beyond normal wear and tear, and following the building's rules about noise, guests, and use of common areas. If you fail to pay rent or violate the lease, the building can begin eviction proceedings. Pennsylvania law requires the building to give you notice and an opportunity to cure the problem before filing in court, but it is important to take lease violations seriously.

If you experience a significant change in income—a job loss, a major illness, a reduction in hours—contact the building's management office to discuss your situation. Some buildings have hardship policies or can connect you with emergency information programs. Do not straightforward stop paying rent; that will trigger an eviction case and damage your rental history.

What happens if your income increases

If your household income rises above the limit for affordable units, you may be required to move out or transition to market-rate rent. The timing and rules for this depend on the specific financing structure of the affordable units and what your lease says. Some programs allow you to stay at affordable rent for a set period even if your income rises; others require you to leave once you exceed the limit.

When you renew your lease, the building will typically ask you to recertify your income. If you have earned more money during the past year, report it honestly. The building will then determine whether you still meet the income limit. If you do not, the building will explain your options, which may include moving to a market-rate unit in the same building (if available) or finding housing elsewhere.

This is not a penalty—it is how affordable housing programs work to may support that units go to people who need them most. If you are concerned about your income rising above the limit, ask the leasing office at the time you explore what the recertification process looks like and what your options would be.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to move in after I am approved?

The timeline depends on whether units are when ready available and how quickly you can complete the lease signing and move-in inspection. If a unit is ready, you may be able to move in within two to four weeks. If there is a waitlist, you could wait several months. Ask the leasing office for a realistic estimate based on current availability.

Can I bring a pet to One 90 Frankford?

Pet policies vary by building and are set by management. Some buildings allow dogs and cats with a deposit; others do not allow pets at all. Ask the leasing office about their specific pet policy, including any breed or size restrictions, before you explore if you have an animal.

What if I need a reasonable accommodation due to a disability?

Federal fair housing law requires the building to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. This might mean allowing an emotional support animal, modifying a unit for wheelchair access, or allowing a service animal. Disclose your need when you explore or as soon as possible, and provide documentation from a healthcare provider if requested.

What should I do if the building is not making repairs?

Report the repair request in writing and keep a copy. If the building does not respond within a reasonable timeframe (usually 10 to 30 days depending on the severity), contact the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections to file a complaint. You can also contact a tenant rights organization like Community Legal Services for guidance on your options.

Can I break my lease early if I need to move?

Most leases require you to give 30 to 60 days' notice and may charge an early termination fee. Some leases allow you to break early without penalty only in specific circumstances, such as domestic violence or a job transfer. Review your lease carefully and ask the leasing office what the policy is before you sign.