Massachusetts is consistently ranked among the most expensive states in the country for housing. Boston and its suburbs have among the highest rents in the Northeast, but even mid-sized cities like Worcester, Springfield, and Lowell — and college towns like Amherst and Northampton — face acute affordable housing shortages that push low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities into housing instability. Section 8 housing vouchers in Massachusetts provide essential monthly rent relief — but waitlists across the state are among the longest in the nation, making early and persistent application critical.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about Section 8 housing in Massachusetts — including who qualifies, Massachusetts-specific income limits by region, Fair Market Rents, a full directory of Massachusetts Public Housing Authorities, a step-by-step application guide, Massachusetts’s source-of-income protections, and the state’s unique MRVP voucher program.
What Is Section 8 Housing in Massachusetts?
Section 8 — officially called the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program — is a federally funded rental assistance program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In Massachusetts, the federal HCV program is administered by over 100 local housing authorities (LHAs) across the state, as well as regionally by agencies like the Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership (MBHP), which administers federal vouchers across 28 Greater Boston communities.
The program pays a portion of your monthly rent directly to your landlord. You contribute approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and your Massachusetts LHA covers the remainder — up to the local payment standard — each month. You are free to choose any privately owned rental unit in Massachusetts where the landlord agrees to participate and the unit meets HUD’s Housing Quality Standards.
Massachusetts Has Two Voucher Programs: Unlike most states, Massachusetts operates its own state-funded voucher program alongside the federal Section 8 program. The Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), administered by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC), provides rental vouchers funded entirely by the state — a critical safety net that expands assistance beyond federal HCV funding. Apply for both the federal Section 8 HCV and the state MRVP simultaneously — they have separate waitlists and separate funding streams.
Massachusetts Source-of-Income Protection Law
Massachusetts has robust statewide source-of-income (SOI) protections under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 151B, which prohibits housing discrimination based on source of income — including Section 8 housing vouchers — statewide. This means:
- Massachusetts landlords cannot refuse to rent to you solely because you hold a Section 8 or MRVP voucher
- Landlords cannot advertise “No Section 8” or “No housing subsidies”
- Landlords cannot impose more burdensome screening requirements on voucher holders than on unsubsidized applicants
- Violations can be reported to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) at mass.gov/mcad or by calling (617) 994-6000
Boston has additional local reinforcement through the Boston Fair Housing Commission at (617) 635-4408. Cambridge enforces fair housing through the Cambridge Human Rights Commission at (617) 349-4396.
Important: Massachusetts’s SOI protection means a landlord cannot legally reject your application solely because of your voucher — but they may still screen based on credit, rental history, income, and other lawful criteria. File a complaint with MCAD within 300 days of the discriminatory act. In Boston’s extremely competitive market, SOI violations are common — don’t walk away from illegal rejections without reporting them.
Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing Vouchers in Massachusetts?
To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Massachusetts, you must meet all of the following requirements:
1. Income Limits
Your household’s total gross annual income must fall below HUD’s income limits for your area in Massachusetts. These vary significantly by region — the Greater Boston metro has some of the highest AMIs in the country, while western Massachusetts and the South Coast run considerably lower.
Below are the approximate [Current_year] income limits for a family of four in major Massachusetts areas:
| Massachusetts Area | Extremely Low (30% AMI) | Very Low (50% AMI) | Low Income (80% AMI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Quincy Metro (Suffolk / Middlesex / Norfolk) | ~$47,700 | ~$79,500 | ~$127,200 |
| Cambridge / Somerville (Middlesex County) | ~$47,700 | ~$79,500 | ~$127,200 |
| Newton / Brookline / Waltham | ~$47,700 | ~$79,500 | ~$127,200 |
| Worcester Metro | ~$31,600 | ~$52,700 | ~$84,300 |
| Lowell / Lawrence (Essex / Northern Middlesex) | ~$36,800 | ~$61,350 | ~$98,150 |
| Springfield Metro (Hampden County) | ~$25,650 | ~$42,750 | ~$68,400 |
| Cape Cod (Barnstable County) | ~$34,900 | ~$58,150 | ~$93,050 |
| Pittsfield / Berkshire County | ~$25,900 | ~$43,200 | ~$69,100 |
| New Bedford / Fall River (Bristol County) | ~$26,150 | ~$43,600 | ~$69,750 |
| Brockton / Plymouth County | ~$32,950 | ~$54,900 | ~$87,850 |
| Pioneer Valley (Hampshire / Franklin County) | ~$26,700 | ~$44,500 | ~$71,200 |
| Martha’s Vineyard / Nantucket | ~$44,100 | ~$73,500 | ~$117,600 |
Note: The Boston metro and Nantucket/Martha’s Vineyard have some of the highest income limits in the United States. A family of four earning up to $79,500 may qualify at the Very Low Income level in the Boston metro — the same family would qualify at $52,700 in Worcester. These figures are approximate and updated annually. Always verify current limits at huduser.gov or with your local Massachusetts LHA or EOHLC.
2. Citizenship or Eligible Immigration Status
At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. Mixed-status households qualify for prorated assistance. Massachusetts has large immigrant communities — particularly in Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Chelsea, and East Boston — that are frequently served by Massachusetts LHAs.
3. Family Composition
Section 8 is open to single individuals, couples, families with children, elderly persons (age 62+), and persons with disabilities. Household size determines the voucher bedroom size issued.
4. Criminal Background
Federal mandatory bars apply: lifetime sex offender registration and methamphetamine manufacturing in federally assisted housing. Massachusetts has adopted significant fair chance housing reforms — Chapter 151B limits how LHAs can use criminal history in tenant screening. Contact your specific LHA for their policy if this applies to your household.
5. No Outstanding PHA Debt
Any unpaid debt owed to any PHA or LHA — in Massachusetts or another state — must be resolved before approval.
Pro Tip: Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket have extraordinarily high income limits — a family of four earning up to $73,500 may qualify at the Very Low Income level. These islands face some of the most extreme affordability gaps in the country, with year-round residents priced out by seasonal tourism demand. If you live or work on the islands, contact the Vineyard and Nantucket LHAs directly — their programs are critical lifelines for year-round island residents.
How Much Rent Assistance Will You Receive in Massachusetts?
Your Section 8 subsidy in Massachusetts is based on your adjusted monthly income, HUD’s Fair Market Rents for your area, and your LHA’s payment standard. You pay 30% of adjusted income; the LHA covers the rest up to the payment standard.
Here are the approximate [Current_year] Fair Market Rents for major Massachusetts markets:
| Massachusetts Area | 1 Bedroom | 2 Bedroom | 3 Bedroom | 4 Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston / Suffolk County | ~$2,450 | ~$2,950 | ~$3,700 | ~$4,400 |
| Cambridge / Somerville (Middlesex) | ~$2,450 | ~$2,950 | ~$3,700 | ~$4,400 |
| Newton / Brookline / Waltham | ~$2,450 | ~$2,950 | ~$3,700 | ~$4,400 |
| Lowell / Lawrence / Haverhill | ~$1,750 | ~$2,150 | ~$2,700 | ~$3,250 |
| Brockton / Plymouth County | ~$1,700 | ~$2,100 | ~$2,650 | ~$3,200 |
| Cape Cod / Barnstable County | ~$1,800 | ~$2,250 | ~$2,800 | ~$3,400 |
| Martha’s Vineyard / Nantucket | ~$2,300 | ~$2,850 | ~$3,550 | ~$4,250 |
| Worcester Metro | ~$1,350 | ~$1,650 | ~$2,100 | ~$2,550 |
| New Bedford / Fall River | ~$1,200 | ~$1,500 | ~$1,900 | ~$2,300 |
| Springfield / Hampden County | ~$1,050 | ~$1,300 | ~$1,650 | ~$2,000 |
| Pioneer Valley (Hampshire / Franklin) | ~$1,200 | ~$1,500 | ~$1,900 | ~$2,300 |
| Pittsfield / Berkshire County | ~$1,000 | ~$1,250 | ~$1,600 | ~$1,950 |
Note: Boston metro FMRs are among the highest in the United States. MBHP and Boston Housing Authority payment standards may be set higher than FMR in some bedroom sizes. Cape Cod and island FMRs are elevated by seasonal tourism demand. Payment standards set by each Massachusetts LHA typically range between 90%–110% of these FMR figures. Confirm current payment standards directly with your local LHA or MBHP.
Massachusetts Local Housing Authorities (LHAs): Complete Directory
Massachusetts has over 100 local housing authorities. Below is a comprehensive directory of major agencies organized by region.
Statewide & Regional Resources
| Organization | Phone | Website | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) | (617) 573-1100 | mass.gov/eohlc | Statewide oversight; administers Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) |
| Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership (MBHP) | (617) 425-6700 | mbhp.org | Administers federal HCV across 28 Greater Boston communities outside Boston proper |
Greater Boston LHAs
| LHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Housing Authority (BHA) | Boston | (617) 988-4000 | City of Boston |
| Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) | Cambridge | (617) 864-3020 | City of Cambridge |
| Somerville Housing Authority | Somerville | (617) 625-1152 | City of Somerville |
| Lynn Housing Authority | Lynn | (781) 581-8700 | City of Lynn |
| Quincy Housing Authority | Quincy | (617) 847-4350 | City of Quincy |
| Malden Housing Authority | Malden | (781) 322-2871 | City of Malden |
| Waltham Housing Authority | Waltham | (781) 893-5640 | City of Waltham |
| Newton Housing Authority | Newton | (617) 244-3370 | City of Newton |
| Brookline Housing Authority | Brookline | (617) 277-2022 | Town of Brookline |
| Chelsea Housing Authority | Chelsea | (617) 884-0084 | City of Chelsea |
| Everett Housing Authority | Everett | (617) 389-3128 | City of Everett |
| Medford Housing Authority | Medford | (781) 396-2333 | City of Medford |
North Shore & Merrimack Valley LHAs
| LHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lowell Housing Authority | Lowell | (978) 937-3500 | City of Lowell |
| Lawrence Housing Authority | Lawrence | (978) 683-4284 | City of Lawrence |
| Haverhill Housing Authority | Haverhill | (978) 374-8575 | City of Haverhill |
| Salem Housing Authority | Salem | (978) 744-4431 | City of Salem |
| Peabody Housing Authority | Peabody | (978) 532-1800 | City of Peabody |
| Beverly Housing Authority | Beverly | (978) 927-7655 | City of Beverly |
| Gloucester Housing Authority | Gloucester | (978) 283-0370 | City of Gloucester |
South Shore & Southeast Massachusetts LHAs
| LHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brockton Housing Authority | Brockton | (508) 588-6880 | City of Brockton / Plymouth County |
| New Bedford Housing Authority | New Bedford | (508) 996-8900 | City of New Bedford |
| Fall River Housing Authority | Fall River | (508) 675-2130 | City of Fall River |
| Taunton Housing Authority | Taunton | (508) 823-6308 | City of Taunton |
| Attleboro Housing Authority | Attleboro | (508) 222-0090 | City of Attleboro |
Central Massachusetts LHAs
| LHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worcester Housing Authority (WHA) | Worcester | (508) 635-3000 | City of Worcester |
| Fitchburg Housing Authority | Fitchburg | (978) 345-6310 | City of Fitchburg |
| Leominster Housing Authority | Leominster | (978) 534-2636 | City of Leominster |
| Marlborough Housing Authority | Marlborough | (508) 485-5521 | City of Marlborough |
Western Massachusetts LHAs
| LHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield Housing Authority (SHA) | Springfield | (413) 785-4747 | City of Springfield / Hampden County |
| Holyoke Housing Authority | Holyoke | (413) 534-4944 | City of Holyoke |
| Chicopee Housing Authority | Chicopee | (413) 594-7530 | City of Chicopee |
| Northampton Housing Authority | Northampton | (413) 584-4030 | City of Northampton / Hampshire County |
| Pittsfield Housing Authority | Pittsfield | (413) 445-4502 | City of Pittsfield / Berkshire County |
| Greenfield Housing Authority | Greenfield | (413) 774-4313 | Town of Greenfield / Franklin County |
Cape Cod & Islands LHAs
| LHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Housing Authority | Hyannis | (508) 771-7222 | Barnstable County / Cape Cod |
| Martha’s Vineyard Housing Authority | Edgartown | (508) 696-6441 | Martha’s Vineyard (Dukes County) |
| Nantucket Housing Authority | Nantucket | (508) 228-9779 | Nantucket Island |
Tip: Massachusetts has over 100 LHAs — many small towns have their own housing authority. If your community is not listed above, contact EOHLC at mass.gov/eohlc or use HUD’s PHA locator filtered by Massachusetts to find your local LHA. For many Greater Boston communities outside the city of Boston itself, MBHP at (617) 425-6700 administers federal HCV — call MBHP to find out if your community is in their service area.
The Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP): Apply for Both
Massachusetts is one of a small number of states that funds its own rental voucher program alongside the federal Section 8 HCV. The Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) is administered by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) and provides rental assistance funded entirely by the state of Massachusetts — not federal HUD dollars.
Key facts about MRVP:
- MRVP has its own waitlist, separate from the federal Section 8 HCV — apply for both
- MRVP has two types: mobile vouchers (similar to Section 8, usable anywhere in Massachusetts) and project-based vouchers (tied to specific housing developments)
- MRVP income limits and payment standards differ from federal Section 8 — check with EOHLC for current MRVP-specific limits
- Apply for MRVP through your local LHA or through EOHLC at mass.gov/eohlc or (617) 573-1100
- Because MRVP is state-funded, it is not subject to federal funding fluctuations — but state budget decisions do affect MRVP funding year to year
Strategic Advice: Always apply for MRVP and federal Section 8 at the same time through every Massachusetts LHA that serves your area. Many Massachusetts families receive MRVP assistance before their federal Section 8 name is ever reached — the two programs have separate waitlists and separate funding. Applying to both maximizes your chances of receiving assistance sooner.
How to Apply for Section 8 Housing Vouchers in Massachusetts
Here is a complete step-by-step guide to applying for Section 8 housing in Massachusetts:
Step 1: Identify Every LHA and Program Serving Your Area
In Greater Boston, the landscape is complex — BHA serves Boston proper, CHA serves Cambridge, and MBHP administers federal HCV across 28 surrounding communities. Each suburban town also has its own LHA. Identify every LHA covering your target area, apply to MBHP if your community is in their service area, and apply to both the federal HCV and MRVP programs simultaneously.
Step 2: Check for Open Waitlists
Massachusetts LHA waitlists are frequently closed — some Boston-area LHAs have not opened their HCV waitlists in years. To stay current:
- Check each LHA’s official website regularly for waitlist opening announcements
- Call each Massachusetts LHA directly — many will take your name for a notification list even when their HCV waitlist is closed
- Monitor affordablehousingonline.com for Massachusetts waitlist openings
- Check mass.gov/eohlc for MRVP waitlist status and statewide program updates
- Contact Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS) at (617) 603-1700 for Boston-area housing program information
- Contact Massachusetts Legal Aid (mlac.org) for statewide housing program guidance
Step 3: Apply Immediately When a Waitlist Opens
BHA, CHA, and other Boston-area LHA waitlist openings draw enormous numbers of applicants. Act immediately when an opening is announced:
- BHA, MBHP, and most Massachusetts LHAs offer online pre-applications
- Have all household member information ready: full names, dates of birth, SSNs, income details
- Apply to every open Massachusetts LHA and MRVP program simultaneously
- Apply to LHAs in communities outside your current city — applying to Worcester, Springfield, or Cape Cod LHAs while living in Boston is allowed and can result in faster placement
Step 4: Maintain Your Waitlist Position
Massachusetts waitlists are among the longest in the country. BHA (Boston) waits can exceed 8 to 15+ years for the federal HCV. CHA (Cambridge) is similarly long. MBHP suburban communities run 3 to 8 years. Worcester and Springfield typically run 2 to 5 years. While waiting:
- Update your contact information with every LHA and MBHP every time you move or change your phone number — this is the single most common reason people lose their waitlist position
- Respond immediately to all annual confirmation and update notices
- Document any priority preference eligibility:
- Currently homeless or residing in emergency shelter (Massachusetts’s right-to-shelter law means homeless families with children receive priority access to emergency shelter)
- Victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking (VAWA protections apply)
- Veteran or active-duty service member
- Person with a disability requiring accessible or supportive housing
- Displaced by fire, natural disaster, or government action
Step 5: Complete the Full Application
When your name is reached, gather these documents without delay:
- Photo ID — driver’s license, state ID, or passport for all adult household members
- Birth certificates — for all household members
- Social Security cards — for all household members
- Proof of income — recent pay stubs, Social Security or disability award letters, Massachusetts TANF (Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children — TAFDC) award letters, or most recent federal tax return
- Bank statements — last 2–3 months for all accounts
- Rental history — landlord names, addresses, and contact info for the past 2–3 years
- Benefit letters — SNAP, MassHealth (Massachusetts Medicaid), TAFDC, or other Massachusetts benefit award letters
Step 6: Attend the Eligibility Interview
An LHA or MBHP specialist will review your application, verify documents, and conduct an eligibility interview. If you believe your application was improperly handled, contact Greater Boston Legal Services at (617) 603-1700 or the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination at (617) 994-6000.
Step 7: Receive Your Voucher and Search for Housing
If approved, you receive your Massachusetts Section 8 or MRVP voucher and typically have 60 to 120 days to find eligible housing. Massachusetts’s statewide SOI law means landlords cannot legally reject you solely because of your voucher — use this right actively. In Boston’s near-zero vacancy market, lean hard on your LHA’s landlord list and request extensions proactively.
Finding Section 8 Housing in Massachusetts
Massachusetts’s statewide SOI law is a crucial protection — but Boston’s historic low vacancy rates make finding any available unit intensely competitive. Here are the best resources:
- EOHLC Rental Listing Search: mass.gov/eohlc — EOHLC maintains affordable housing search tools and MRVP program information statewide
- MBHP Landlord Search: mbhp.org — MBHP maintains an active landlord outreach and listing database for the 28 communities it serves
- HUD Housing Locator: hudhousinglocator.com — search by Massachusetts city or ZIP code
- GoSection8.com: national database with extensive Massachusetts and Boston-area listings
- AffordableHousing.com: filter by Massachusetts for voucher-friendly listings
- Your local LHA landlord list: request the internal participating landlord list at your briefing
- Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD): If a landlord refuses your voucher application, file a complaint at mass.gov/mcad or call (617) 994-6000. Violations of Chapter 151B SOI protections are fully enforceable statewide.
- Boston Fair Housing Commission: Boston-specific fair housing enforcement; (617) 635-4408
Massachusetts Section 8 Housing: Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Section 8 waitlist in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has some of the longest Section 8 waitlists in the United States. Boston Housing Authority (BHA) federal HCV waits routinely exceed 8 to 15+ years and the list is frequently closed entirely. Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) is similarly long — 8 to 12+ years. MBHP suburban communities run 3 to 8 years. Worcester and Springfield typically run 2 to 5 years. Cape Cod and island LHAs vary — Barnstable runs 3 to 7 years; Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard can run similarly long given the island housing crisis. Applying to every Massachusetts LHA simultaneously — including Springfield, Worcester, and western Massachusetts LHAs — is the single most effective strategy for Boston-area applicants willing to consider relocation.
Can a Massachusetts landlord refuse Section 8?
No — not legally. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 151B prohibits landlords statewide from refusing to rent solely because a tenant holds a Section 8 or MRVP voucher. If a Massachusetts landlord rejects your application because of your voucher, file a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) at mass.gov/mcad or call (617) 994-6000. Boston residents can also file with the Boston Fair Housing Commission at (617) 635-4408. Cambridge residents can file with the Cambridge Human Rights Commission at (617) 349-4396.
What is the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) and how is it different from Section 8?
The Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) is a state-funded rental assistance program that operates alongside the federal Section 8 HCV. MRVP is funded by the Massachusetts state budget — not federal HUD dollars — which means it can expand or contract based on state appropriations. MRVP has its own waitlist, separate from Section 8, administered through local LHAs and EOHLC. Many Massachusetts families receive MRVP assistance before their Section 8 name is ever reached. Always apply for both MRVP and Section 8 at every LHA that serves your area. Contact EOHLC at (617) 573-1100 or mass.gov/eohlc for current MRVP waitlist information.
What is the income limit for Section 8 in Massachusetts?
Income limits vary significantly by region. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) ranges from approximately $42,750 in Springfield to $79,500 in the Boston metro — one of the highest limits in the country. Worcester is approximately $52,700, Cape Cod approximately $58,150, and Nantucket/Martha’s Vineyard approximately $73,500. Verify current county-specific limits at huduser.gov as they are updated annually.
How much does Section 8 pay for rent in Massachusetts?
In Boston (Suffolk County), payment standards for a two-bedroom unit are approximately $2,700–$3,250 — among the highest in the United States. In Cambridge and Somerville, approximately the same. In Lowell and Lawrence, approximately $1,950–$2,365. In Worcester, approximately $1,500–$1,815. In Springfield, approximately $1,200–$1,430. In Cape Cod (Barnstable), approximately $2,050–$2,475. On Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, approximately $2,600–$3,125. Contact your specific LHA or MBHP for current exact payment standards.
What is Massachusetts’s right-to-shelter law and how does it interact with Section 8?
Massachusetts has a unique right-to-shelter law (Chapter 450 of the Acts of 1983, as amended) that guarantees emergency shelter to homeless families with children and pregnant individuals who meet income and residency requirements. This means homeless families in Massachusetts cannot be turned away from the emergency shelter system. The right-to-shelter guarantee provides a safety net while families wait for Section 8 or MRVP vouchers — but shelter placement does not automatically advance your position on the Section 8 waitlist. Contact HomeStart at (617) 542-0338 or the Massachusetts shelter system through EOHLC at (617) 573-1100 for information on shelter access and how to simultaneously pursue voucher assistance.
Can I use my Massachusetts Section 8 voucher in another state?
Yes — federal Section 8 HCV vouchers can be ported to another state after living in your initial Massachusetts unit for at least 12 months. MRVP vouchers, being state-funded, are generally not portable to other states — they are usable anywhere in Massachusetts but typically cannot transfer out of state. Contact your LHA or MBHP to initiate portability for your federal HCV, and ask specifically whether your voucher is federal or state-funded.
Are there Section 8 vouchers for veterans in Massachusetts?
Yes. The HUD-VASH program provides Section 8 vouchers for homeless veterans combined with VA case management. Massachusetts VA facilities administering HUD-VASH include the VA Boston Healthcare System at (857) 203-5000, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial VA (Bedford/Lowell) at (781) 687-2000, VA Central Western Massachusetts (Leeds/Springfield) at (413) 584-4040, and Brockton VA Medical Center at (508) 583-4500. Contact your nearest Massachusetts VA to inquire about HUD-VASH availability.
What other programs help with housing in Massachusetts besides Section 8?
Massachusetts has one of the most comprehensive state housing assistance systems in the country, including the MRVP (described above), the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) for non-elderly persons with disabilities, the Massachusetts Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) for emergency assistance, HomeBASE for homeless families transitioning from shelter, and extensive LIHTC affordable housing developments statewide. EOHLC at mass.gov/eohlc is the single best starting point for all state housing programs. Dial 211 or visit 211.org (select Massachusetts) for immediate local referrals.
Additional Housing Resources in Massachusetts
- Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC): mass.gov/eohlc — statewide housing programs, MRVP, HomeBASE, AHVP, and affordable housing finance; (617) 573-1100
- Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership (MBHP): mbhp.org — federal HCV administration for 28 Greater Boston communities; (617) 425-6700
- 2-1-1 Massachusetts: Dial 211 — emergency housing, shelter, utility assistance, and social services statewide, 24/7
- Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD): mass.gov/mcad — file SOI and housing discrimination complaints; (617) 994-6000
- Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS): gbls.org — free housing legal assistance for low-income Greater Boston residents; (617) 603-1700
- Massachusetts Legal Aid (MLAC): mlac.org — free housing legal assistance statewide; find your regional legal aid office at mlac.org
- HomeStart (Boston): homestart.org — housing stabilization, shelter navigation, and rapid rehousing in Boston; (617) 542-0338
- Boston Fair Housing Commission: boston.gov/departments/fair-housing — Boston fair housing enforcement; (617) 635-4408
- Cambridge Human Rights Commission: cambridgema.gov/humanrights — Cambridge fair housing enforcement; (617) 349-4396
- HUD-Approved Housing Counselors: Free counseling statewide — find one at hud.gov/housingcounseling
- HUD-VASH for Veterans: Contact VA Boston Healthcare System at (857) 203-5000 for homeless veteran housing vouchers
- Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP): Apply through your local LHA or EOHLC — rental vouchers specifically for non-elderly persons with disabilities in Massachusetts
- OnBoard (Boston): onboardboston.org — housing search assistance and landlord outreach for Boston-area voucher holders; (617) 542-0338
- Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH): noahcdc.org — affordable housing development and tenant services in East Boston and Greater Boston
Final Thoughts: Getting Section 8 Housing in Massachusetts
Securing a Section 8 housing voucher in Massachusetts is one of the most competitive and lengthy housing processes in the country — but Massachusetts also offers the most comprehensive state-level housing support system of nearly any state, including the unique MRVP, the right-to-shelter law, the AHVP for persons with disabilities, and strong SOI protections that give voucher holders genuine legal recourse.
Here are the most important actions to take right now:
- Apply for both Section 8 HCV and MRVP simultaneously — through every Massachusetts LHA that serves your area; these are separate programs with separate waitlists
- Apply to LHAs outside your current city — Springfield, Worcester, and western Massachusetts LHAs typically have shorter waits than Boston; you can port your voucher back to Greater Boston after 12 months
- Know your legal rights — Massachusetts law prohibits landlords from rejecting your application solely because of your voucher; report violations to MCAD at (617) 994-6000
- Keep all contact information current with every LHA and MBHP you have applied to — this is the most common reason people lose their waitlist position after years of waiting
- Ask about AHVP if you or a household member has a non-elderly disability — this state-funded program has separate funding and may be accessible sooner
- Dial 211 for immediate help with housing, emergency rental assistance, shelter access, and other urgent needs while you wait
For the most current waitlist information, contact your local Massachusetts LHA directly, contact MBHP at (617) 425-6700, or visit the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities at mass.gov/eohlc.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Income limits, Fair Market Rents, payment standards, and program rules are updated annually by HUD. Massachusetts state housing laws and programs are also subject to change. Always verify current information with your local Massachusetts Local Housing Authority, EOHLC, MBHP, or a HUD-approved housing counselor before applying.