Despite beliefs to the contrary, Los Alamos does have safe, low income rental housing options. 

The Caballo Peak Apartments opened in June 2000 under a Federal Low Income Housing Program. It comprises 40 apartments, 32 of which are designated for low income tenant. There are eight handicap accessible units, seven of which are designated for low income tenants. 

General rent is $800 per month, but for those who qualify under the low income program, rent is $725 or $750. Section 8 vouchers are welcome, provided the tenant pays the balance not covered by Section 8.

Each prospective household member over age 18 must complete a free application and provide a copy of their driver’s license and social security card. Birth certificates are required for each household member under age 18.

The maximum number of people per household is four, per fire code. When the application is approved, an additional packet of forms must be completed to verify household income and assets in order to qualify for the discounted rent. The process usually takes two to three weeks from application approval to move-in.

The tenant pays for electricity and the property owner pays for water, trash and heat. The units are all pre-wired for cable TV, which the tenant can arrange for with the local Comcast office.  Tenants are allowed to bring their own window air conditioners, and the Caballo maintenance staff will help install them to assure proper fit.

Caballo Peak is centrally located within walking distance to the hospital, post office, movie theater, aquatic center, museums, restaurants and shopping. The free Atomic City bus stops at the edge of the parking lot and the school buses stop in the parking lot so students stay safely off the main roads.  

Several tenants who moved into Caballo Peak under the Federal Low Income Housing Program in 2000 continue to live there. When tenants do move out, the units are refurbished.

Caballo Peak offers tenant incentive programs, sponsors at least one summer picnic on-site and does not tolerate criminal activity.

Each apartment is approximately 770 square feet with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a dishwasher, garbage disposal, washer and dryer hookups, a large kitchen pantry and three to four closets. Most bedrooms comfortably fit a queen sized bed, dresser and chest of drawers. There also is a small laundry room on-site, a fenced playlot, centrally located mailboxes and  maintenance staff available 24/7.

Pets are not allowed, however, service animals are allowed on a case-by-case basis.

Caballo Peak has several units available and is offering a move-in special: instead of a $600 deposit plus full first month’s rent, approved new tenants first month rent payment is $99, making total move-in cost $699.

For information, call 505-662-0620 ext. 323. 

Caballo Peak Apartments  facing Canyon Road. Courtesy photo