Live Local
Live Local is a pilot program that provides rental assistance to eligible Big Sky workers who are housing burdened, meaning they pay more than 30% of their gross income on rent.
For Locals Who Work and Rent in Big Sky
Live Local provides rental assistance to eligible workers living in Big Sky. The program does not change the lease relationship. Instead, it helps locals remain housed by providing monthly rental support payments directly to landlords when market-rate rents outpace local incomes.
Eligibility Requirements
Lease
Currently renting a property full-time in Big Sky
Employment
Working 1,560 hours a year in Big Sky
Income
Household income at or below 100% AMI
Rent Burdened
Spending more than 30% of gross income on rent
Area Median Income Limits (AMI)
Live Local eligibility is limited to households earning at or below 100% of the Area Median Income for Gallatin County and whose current rent exceeds 30% of their gross income.
| Household Size | Income Limit |
| 1 | $84,500 |
| 2 | $96,600 |
| 3 | $108,600 |
| 4 | $120,700 |
| 5 | $130,400 |
| 6 | $140,000 |
AMI limits are based on current HUD income guidelines and updated annually.
Preparing to Apply
Before starting the eligibility form, make sure your household has access to the documents listed below. These will be required if you are invited to complete the full application.
The Eligibility Form does not require document uploads. However, households that cannot provide these documents if invited to apply are not eligible for the pilot program.
Roommates must apply separately.
- Most recent federal tax return (Form 1040) and W-2s or 1099s for all household members who earned income
- Two months of the applicant’s Big Sky pay stubs
- Copy of your current lease signed by both parties
- Individual and household income amounts
- Landlord contact information
- Applicant’s ID
How it Works
Check Eligibility
Complete the Live Local eligibility form.
Submit Application
Eligible households may be invited to apply.
Landlord Confirmation
Landlord and tenant sign program agreement.
Monthly Assistance
What to Expect After You Apply
Staff will verify income, lease information, and landlord participation before approving assistance.
Please note: To participate in this pilot program, you must provide an executed lease agreement and allow the Housing Trust to conduct a brief home visit to verify that your household has an active lease in Big Sky.
Landlord Requirements
Live Local assistance is paid directly to your landlord, so your landlord must also agree to participate in the program.
If you are approved for assistance, your landlord will be asked to:
-
Sign the Owner/Tenant Program Agreement
-
Provide a W-9 for tax reporting
-
Accept rental assistance payments via ACH (direct deposit)
- Approve a brief site visit to verify ownership and habitability
The Housing Trust sends the rental assistance payment directly to the landlord each month on or before the lease payment due date. The tenant continues paying their portion of the rent. Rental Assistance Payments will end when the current lease expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much assistance can I receive?
The Live Local pilot program provides rental assistance based on how much your monthly rent exceeds 30% of your household's gross income before taxes. The maximum monthly assistance the pilot will provide per household is $400. The Housing Trust makes all payments directly to your landlord.
What if my landlord does not want to participate?
Unfortunately, we cannot provide rental assistance without landlord participation. The Housing Trust must have a signed agreement with the property owner to send assistance payments.
How long does assistance last?
The Live Local pilot program will provide rental assistance for up to one year, not to exceed $4,800 per qualified household. The assistance is tied to your current lease term. If your lease ends or changes during the one-year pilot, rental assistance payments will end. If a lease renews, eligible households may be invited to reapply for the remainder of the one-year pilot.
How can interested households apply?
Big Sky Community Housing Trust will accept rolling intake forms and will review submissions to confirm eligibility and assess rent burden. Households that meet the criteria may be invited to complete a full application. Because this is a pilot program with limited funding, not all eligible households will receive an invitation to apply.
Will every eligible household receive assistance?
No. Because Live Local is a pilot program with limited funding, not all eligible households will receive assistance.
The Housing Trust will prioritize households experiencing the greatest rent burden while funds are available.
Who receives the assistance payment?
The Housing Trust sends rental assistance payments directly to the landlord each month. Tenants continue paying their portion of the rent directly to the landlord.
Who can apply for this program?
Only one member of a household may apply. This includes spouses, children, committed partners, and multi-generational families who reside together. Roommates must qualify and apply individually.