Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the rental application process?

The first step is to review the Eligibility guidelines to verify you are eligible to rent at Stanford West Apartments. Your eligibility priority must fall within categories 1a and 2b. (Leasing manager will confirm eligibility after your application has been received.)

The next step is to contact Stanford West Leasing Office at 650-725-2000 to inquire about availability. You may be asked to complete and return a Waiting List form. If there is availability, you can complete the Application Process.

2. Where can I get a rental application?

Applications are located on the Application Process web page at this site. Please review the Application Process for instructions.

If you are unable to access the forms, please leave a message with your address and/or fax # at 650-725-2000 and a leasing agent will mail or fax you an application.

3. Where can I submit my application?

Applications can be mailed to:

Stanford West Apartments
700 Clark Way

Palo Alto, CA 94304

Applications may be submitted in person at the above address between the hours of 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday - Saturday.

4. What happens after I file my application?

You will be notified once your application is reviewed and approved.

5. When can I come by and view an apartment?

Please call Stanford West to schedule an appointment to view the model.

6. Is my application fee refundable?

No. The application fee will be used to run a credit check.

7. Does the whole household have to be eligible?

Eligibility for the household will be based on the highest eligible person. Roommates do not need to be eligible; however, if the eligible person leaves their eligible position, the lease may be renewed at a market rate.

8. What if I terminate employment or retire?

Each household will be re-certified annually. Upon termination or retirement, a resident will no longer qualify for the Stanford or BMR (Below Market Rate) rate. Subject to availability, the resident may be offered a non-Stanford rate unit.

Contact the leasing office and ask to be placed on the waiting list.

10. How long is the lease term?

Please contact the leasing office for current rates and terms. Applicants may request a short term lease at the short term rate.

11. What about rent increases?

If you sign a lease, rents are guaranteed for the duration of the lease term. At least thirty days before renewal, rent changes will be announced. The only rent increases that are limited are those for the BMR (Below Market Rate) units which are limited to one-third of the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for All Urban Consumers, Rent Residential, San Francisco-Oakland Area.

12. What is the pet policy?

The pet policy is two pets per unit. An additional pet deposit of $1000 is required. Pet rent may also apply. For animals other than dogs or cats, please contact the leasing agent. Fish tanks 25 gallons or larger will require renter's insurance.

13. Where can I walk my dog?

We have provided pet stations along the San Francisquito Creek path and Sand Hill Road. All dogs must be on a leash. Please clean up after your dog.

14. How many parking spaces do we get?

Each one-bedroom unit gets one garage. Two and three bedroom units get one garage and one unreserved surface parking space. A limited number of additional carports, garages and unreserved surface parking spaces are available for rent.

15. Are the BMR qualifications flexible?

No. BMR requirements are not flexible.

16. Can I qualify for the BMR rate but not my roommate?

No, the entire household income will be taken into consideration in order to qualify for BMR rates.

17. Can I apply for both a BMR rate and a non-BMR rate unit?

If BMR applications are being accepted and you meet the BMR qualifications, you may apply for both rates. Certification of eligibility for a BMR unit must be completed before a BMR unit is assigned.

18. Are there adaptable units for the disabled?

Yes. Many adaptations have been made, however, additional adaptations will be done at the resident's request and expense. If you are interested in adaptable units, please check the appropriate box on the application.

19. What is the actual number of BMR units in the complex?

The agreement with the City of Palo Alto specifies that 10% of the complex be comprised of BMR units in the first year. Until 2016 and beyond, the number of BMR units will increase gradually to 156 units.