Open Low Income Housing Waiting List in Massachusetts

Find applications for 19 open low-income apartment waiting lists in Massachusetts. Get the information needed to apply for HUD rental housing that can’t be found anywhere else.

Massachusetts Housing Authorities

Abington Housing Authority

Abington Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Acton Housing Authority

Acton Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Adams Housing Authority

Adams Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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American Training By Chelmsford Housing

American Training By Chelmsford Housing serves Massachusetts.

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Amesbury Housing Authority

Amesbury Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Amherst Housing Authority

Amherst Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Andover Housing Authority

Andover Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Arlington Housing Authority

Arlington Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Athol Housing Authority

Athol Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Attleboro Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
State-Aided Open Until Further Notice

Attleboro Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Auburn Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Auburn Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Auburn Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Barnstable Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Barnstable Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Barnstable Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Bellingham Housing Authority

Bellingham Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Belmont Housing Authority

Belmont Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority

Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Beverly Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Beverly Housing Authority Closed

Beverly Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.

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Billerica Housing Authority

Billerica Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Boston Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Boston Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Boston Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Bourne Housing Authority

Bourne Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Braintree Housing Authority

Braintree Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Bridgewater Housing Authority

Bridgewater Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Bridgewell

Bridgewell serves Massachusetts.

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Brockton Area Multi Services Inc.

Brockton Area Multi Services Inc. serves Massachusetts.

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Brockton Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Brockton Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Brockton Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Brookline Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Family, 2 and 3-Bedroom Closed
Federal Family, 1-Bedroom Closed
Beacon Park, 1 and 2-Bedroom Open Until Further Notice
Village at Brookline Apartment, 1, 2, 3 and 4-Bedroom Open Until Further Notice
Federal, 1-Bedroom Open Until Further Notice
View all 7 Brookline Housing Authority Waiting Lists.

Brookline Housing Authority is accepting applications for 5 waiting lists now.

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Burlington Housing Authority

Burlington Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Cambridge Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Cambridge Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice
Cambridge Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Cambridge Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Chelmsford Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Multiple Properties Open Until Further Notice

Chelmsford Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Chelsea Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Federal Family Closed
Carter Heights Open Until Further Notice
Federal Elderly Open Until Further Notice

Chelsea Housing Authority is accepting applications for 2 waiting lists now.

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Chicopee Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Chicopee Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Chicopee Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Clinton Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Clinton Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Clinton Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Community Teamwork Inc.

Community Teamwork Inc. serves Massachusetts.

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Concord Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Concord Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Concord Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Danvers Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Danvers Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Danvers Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Dartmouth Housing Authority

Dartmouth Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Dedham Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Dedham Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Dedham Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Dennis Housing Authority

Dennis Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Dracut Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Dracut Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Dracut Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Duxbury Housing Authority

Duxbury Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Easton Housing Authority

Easton Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Everett Housing Authority

Everett Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities

Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities serves Massachusetts.

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Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities

Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities serves Massachusetts.

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Fall River Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Federal Mixed Population, 1 and 2-Bedroom Open Until Further Notice
Federal, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5-Bedroom Open Until Further Notice

Fall River Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Falmouth Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Falmouth Housing Authority Closed
Disabled Individual Adult Living Closed
Cape Cod Apartments Senior Project-Based Open Until Further Notice

Falmouth Housing Authority is accepting applications for a waiting list now.

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Fitchburg Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) Closed

Fitchburg Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.

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Framingham Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Framingham Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Framingham Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Franklin County Regional Housing and Redevelopment Authority

Franklin County Regional Housing and Redevelopment Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Gardner Housing Authority

Gardner Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Gloucester Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Gloucester Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Gloucester Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Greenfield Housing Authority

Greenfield Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Groveland Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Groveland Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Groveland Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Halifax Housing Authority

Halifax Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Hanson Housing Authority

Hanson Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Haverhill Housing Authority

Haverhill Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Hingham Housing Authority

Hingham Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Holbrook Housing Authority

Holbrook Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Holden Housing Authority

Holden Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Holliston Housing Authority

Holliston Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Holyoke Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
HUD Open Until Further Notice

Holyoke Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Hudson Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Hudson Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Hudson Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Ipswich Housing Authority

Ipswich Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Leominster Housing Authority

Leominster Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Lexington Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Lexington Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Lexington Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Lowell Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
2, 3 and 4-Bedroom Closed
HUD Open Until Further Notice

Lowell Housing Authority is accepting applications for a waiting list now.

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Lynn Housing Authority and Neighborhood Development

Waiting ListStatus
Lynn Housing Authority and Neighborhood Development Closed

Lynn Housing Authority and Neighborhood Development is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.

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Malden Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Malden Housing Authority Closed

Malden Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.

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Mansfield Housing Authority

Mansfield Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Marlborough Community Development Authority

Marlborough Community Development Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Massachusetts Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Centralized Waiting List

Waiting ListStatus
Massachusetts Housing Choice Voucher Open Until Further Notice

Massachusetts Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Centralized Waiting List is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Maynard Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Maynard Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Maynard Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Medford Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Medford Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Medford Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Medway Housing Authority

Medway Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Melrose Housing Authority

Melrose Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Methuen Housing Authority

Methuen Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Middleborough Housing Authority

Middleborough Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Middlesex North Resources Center Inc.

Middlesex North Resources Center Inc. serves Massachusetts.

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Milford Housing Authority

Milford Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Millis Housing Authority

Millis Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Milton Housing Authority

Milton Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Natick Housing Authority

Natick Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Needham Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Needham Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Needham Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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New Bedford Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
New Bedford Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

New Bedford Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Newburyport Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Newburyport Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Newburyport Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Newton Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Nonantum Village, Congregate Living Open Until Further Notice
Nonantum Village Open Until Further Notice
Hamilton Grove Apartments, Multifamily Project-Based Rental Assistance Open Until Further Notice

Newton Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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North Adams Housing Authority

North Adams Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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North Andover Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
North Andover Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

North Andover Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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North Attleborough Housing Authority

North Attleborough Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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North Reading Housing Authority

North Reading Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Northampton Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Northampton Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Northampton Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Norwood Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Norwood Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Norwood Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Oxford Housing Authority

Oxford Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Peabody Housing Authority

Peabody Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Pembroke Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Pembroke Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Pembroke Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Pittsfield Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Christopher Arms, Dower Square, Jubilee Apartments, McGill Court, and Wilson Park Family Open Until Further Notice
Columbia Arms, Francis Plaza, Providence Court, Rose Manor, and Wahconah Heights Open Until Further Notice

Pittsfield Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Plymouth Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Plymouth Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Plymouth Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Quincy Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Quincy Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice
Federal Family Open Until Further Notice
Federal Open Until Further Notice

Quincy Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Reading Housing Authority

Reading Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Revere Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Revere Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Revere Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Rockland Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Rockland Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Rockland Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Rockport Housing Authority

Rockport Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Salem Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Salem Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Salem Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Salisbury Housing Authority

Salisbury Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Sandwich Housing Authority

Sandwich Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Saugus Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Saugus Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Saugus Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Scituate Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Scituate Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Scituate Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Shrewsbury Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Shrewsbury Housing Authority Closed

Shrewsbury Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.

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Somerville Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Mystic View, Federal Family Open Until Further Notice
Bryant Manor and Hagan Manor, Multi-Family Open Until Further Notice
Brady Towers, Ciampa Manor, Highland Garden, Properzi Manor and Weston Manor, Federal Open Until Further Notice
Waterworks ll Open Until Further Notice

Somerville Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Southbridge Housing Authority

Southbridge Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Springfield Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Springfield Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Springfield Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Stockbridge Housing Authority

Stockbridge Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Stoughton Housing Authority

Stoughton Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Swansea Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Swansea Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Swansea Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Taunton Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Taunton Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Taunton Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Tewksbury Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Tewksbury Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Tewksbury Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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The Bridge of Central Massachusetts

The Bridge of Central Massachusetts serves Massachusetts.

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The Housing Authority of the City of Laurel

Waiting ListStatus
Beacon Homes, Brown Circle Homes, Arco Lane Homes and Windsor Court Apartments Open Until Further Notice

The Housing Authority of the City of Laurel is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Wakefield Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Wakefield Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Wakefield Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Walpole Housing Authority

Walpole Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Waltham Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Waltham Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Waltham Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Ware Housing Authority

Ware Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Warren Housing Authority

Warren Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Watertown Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
E. Joyce Munger Apartments, Near Elderly Closed
St. Joseph’s Hall Closed
Open Until Further Notice

Watertown Housing Authority is accepting applications for a waiting list now.

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Wayland Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Wayland Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Wayland Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Webster Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Webster Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Webster Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Wellesley Housing Authority

Wellesley Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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West Springfield Housing Authority

West Springfield Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Westfield Housing Authority

Westfield Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Weymouth Housing Authority

Weymouth Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Williamstown Housing Authority

Williamstown Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Wilmington Housing Authority

Wilmington Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Winchendon Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Winchendon Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Winchendon Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Winchester Housing Authority

Winchester Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Woburn Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Woburn Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Woburn Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Worcester Housing Authority

Waiting ListStatus
Worcester Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Worcester Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Yarmouth Housing Authority

Yarmouth Housing Authority serves Massachusetts.

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Are Public Housing Waiting Lists Open in Massachusetts?

As of December 1, 2024, AHO is tracking 19 Public Housing waiting lists open right now.

AHO encourages you to apply continuously to open waiting lists as soon as possible. These waiting lists may close without sufficient notice.

How many Public Housing waiting lists were open in Massachusetts in the last few years?

During the last three years, there were 80 Public Housing waiting lists open for at least a day in Massachusetts.

How long were Public Housing waiting lists kept open in Massachusetts in the last few years?

Public Housing waiting lists in Massachusetts were kept open an average of 841 days over the last three years.

Many waiting lists were kept open only a short time. In the last three years, 1.3% were open seven days or less . This means that it is important for low-income renters to apply right away when they find an open waiting list.

How hard is it to get a Public Housing unit if I don't currently live in the area the housing authority serves?

Some housing authorities have a preference for local residents in their waiting list placement. If you live outside the area you can get on the waiting list, but you will likely wait a long time before a unit becomes available, if at all.

Over the last three years, 48.8% of Public Housing waiting lists in Massachusetts that opened had a preference for local residents.

To what extent do housing authorities in Massachusetts increase access with online applications?

Online applications make it easier for low-income renters to apply for open waiting lists, especially when applying to different communities or when waiting lists are only kept open a short time.

Online applications were used for 65% of waiting list applications in in Massachusetts over the last three years.

How fair is waiting list placement in Massachusetts?

Random lotteries were used by 5% of housing authorities in Massachusetts to place applicants on their waiting lists over the last three years.

Applicants placed at the bottom of a waiting list may wait up to two or three years before being offered a voucher. Placing applicants on a waiting list using a random lottery gives everyone a fair chance to be near the top of the list.

Many housing authorities place applicants according to the date and time of their submission. Applicants who apply later will have a long wait for assistance, which is especially unfair in cases where waiting lists are kept open just few days or less.

How long do households spend on a Public Housing waiting list in Massachusetts before being offered a unit?

Households spend an average of 37 months on a waiting list before a unit becomes available for them in Massachusetts.

Who is served by Public Housing programs offered through housing authorities in Massachusetts?

Public Housing households served by housing authorities in Massachusetts include:

  • 50% headed by seniors
  • 31% with a person with a disability
  • 24% with children
  • 26% where the majority of household income comes from wages earned

What is the income level of households served by Public Housing programs offered through housing authorities in Massachusetts?

Public housing is limited to low-income families and individuals, with "low-income" usually defined as income at or below 80% of the median income (80% AMI) for the county or metropolitan area in which the Public Housing units are located. However, most housing authority Public Housing programs serve households with much lower incomes.

A 50% AMI household is considered very low-income (VLI) and a 30% AMI household is considered extremely low-income (ELI). ELI households are a subset of the VLI households served by a housing authority.

In Public Housing programs of housing authorities in Massachusetts, VLI households make up 93% of voucher-holding households.

ELI households make up 78% of voucher-holding households.

What is a low-income apartment?

A low-income apartment has a federal, state, or local government housing program that makes rent affordable for those who are in need of housing assistance.

These apartments may have rental assistance that allows tenants to pay a portion of their income for rent, or pay a fixed rent amount that is affordable to renters.

Are there different types of housing assistance for low-income apartments?

Yes, there are many different types of housing assistance programs for low-income apartments. Some housing programs, such as Public Housing, allow tenants to pay a portion of their income for rent. Others, like the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, provide fixed rents that are affordable to many renters.

The most common housing programs for low-income apartments include:

  • Public Housing
  • Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance
  • Section 8 Project-Based Voucher
  • RAD Project-Based Voucher
  • Low-Income Housing Tax Credit
  • Section 202 Supportive Housing For The Elderly
  • Section 811 Supportive Housing For Persons With Disabilities
  • Section 515 Rural Rental Housing
  • Section 521 USDA Rental Assistance

Why is there a waiting list for low-income apartments?

There is a higher demand for low-income apartments than available units, so housing agencies have waiting lists. Building a waiting list allows the agency to quickly fill units that are no longer being occupied.

Who can apply for a low-income apartment waiting list?

To apply for a low-income apartment waiting list, the head of the household must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or an eligible immigrant. If the head of household cannot submit an application, another person can submit one on their behalf.

There are many qualifications to get a low-income apartment, including income, housing, and criminal history. But those requirements do not prevent a person from applying for an open waiting list.

What is needed to apply for a low-income apartment waiting list?

To apply for a low-income apartment waiting list, renters must usually provide their first and last name, date of birth, Social Security Number or Alien ID, and the total gross income of all household members (with exceptions).

Applications may ask for additional information, including housing history, criminal history, proof of income, and preference verification. Applicants may also be asked for demographic information, like gender, disability status, or race and ethnicity.

When can I apply for a low-income apartment?

Applications for a low-income apartment can only be submitted when the housing agency opens the waiting list.

Waiting lists in many areas are kept open indefinitely, but there are also apartments with waiting lists that are only open for certain periods. Depending on the area, if a waiting list is closed, it may not reopen for many months or years.

How do I apply for a low-income apartment waiting list?

When a low-income apartment waiting list is open, there can be a number of different ways to submit an application. In most cases, applications are available online, in person, by mail, or a variety of these options.

Contact the agency that manages the apartment to find out how to submit an application.

Where can I apply for a low-income apartment waiting list?

Renters can apply to most open low-income apartment waiting lists in the country. You do not have to live in the area to apply to most waiting lists, but there are some with restrictions. There are also some apartments with a housing program that is restricted for certain populations. If the apartment or waiting list is restricted, it means that the housing agency is targeting a specific demographic (such as elderly applicants), and documentation or a reference may be required to apply.

However, even if a waiting list is available to the general public, applicants who do not live in the area should check if there are preferences. Preferences give qualified applicants priority placement on the waiting list. And one of the most common preferences is for local residents. This means that non-local applicants may have a very long wait for a voucher, or may not get a voucher at all because of the local demand.

Can I apply for multiple low-income apartment waiting lists?

Yes, renters can apply for multiple low-income apartment waiting lists. There is no limit to how many waiting lists a household may be on.

But, it's usually not allowed to submit multiple applications for the same waiting list. If more than one application is submitted for the same waiting list, the household risks getting disqualified.

Is there an application fee for low-income apartment waiting lists?

Unlike Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, there are many low-income apartment waiting lists that charge a fee to apply. This depends on type of housing assistance for the apartment.

It is against HUD policy for a housing authority to charge an application fee for Public Housing or Section 8 apartments (including Project Based rental Assistance and Project Based Vouchers). If anyone is charging a fee for an application to these apartment types, they are either violating federal law, or a scammer.

But there may be an application fee for apartments with other housing programs.

How long is a waiting list for a low-income apartment?

After being placed on a low-income apartment waiting list, the wait may be anywhere between weeks, months, or even years.

There is no typical wait time for an apartment, but waiting lists are usually shorter than those for a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher. The amount of time spent on a waiting list depends on many factors, including how many preferences are met, and the location of rental assistance. An applicant in one area of the country may wait for months, while someone in another area is awaiting for years.

Is there any way to get priority placement on a low-income apartment waiting list?

Yes, many housing agencies use preferences to give a priority to applicants who are part of groups in the area that are in great need of assistance.

Common preference categories for low-income apartment waiting lists include seniors, persons with disabilities, and those who live and work locally. Applicants who qualify for preferences will have a shorter wait time than those who don't.

How can I get more information about a low-income apartment waiting list?

The easiest way to get more information about many low-income apartment waiting lists is to contact the property manager directly. Most managers can be reached by phone, email, or both methods of communication.

Many housing agencies have websites, but not all sites have in-depth details about their apartments. So, contacting the agency directly is usually the most effective way to find out if a waiting list is open, how to apply, and other important apartment requirements.

How does a waiting list for low-income apartments work?

Renters must first submit an application to a housing agency with an open waiting list for a low-income apartment. If a apartment's waiting list is not currently open, applications cannot be submitted.

After applying and getting qualified for the waiting list, the household will be added to the list. Waiting lists that are open indefinitely are almost always sorted by date and time the application is received. If the waiting list for a low-income apartment is only open for a specific period of time, it may be sorted by either random lottery, or date and time.

If the household is selected for the waiting list, the housing agency will send confirmation. Be aware that some waiting lists have preferences (such as elderly or local applicants), and qualified households are given priority placement over others.

After getting placed on a waiting list, prepare to wait for some time. Waiting lists for low-income apartments are usually shorter than those for the Section 8 HCV program, but applicants may still wait weeks, months, or years, depending on the area.

Once the household reaches the top of the waiting list, an eligibility interview will be held to make sure that everyone is qualified. If the household does not meet the qualifications, they can continue applying to other open waiting lists for a chance to get a low-income apartment.

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