Apply for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)

MRVP is a state program offering rental assistance in the form of vouchers to low-income families (similar to Section 8). The vouchers take 2 forms: tenant-based (mobile) or project-based.

Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) Contact

The Details   of Apply for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)

Types of vouchers and what they cover   for Apply for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)

Like Section 8, with MRVP you can apply for a rental voucher to help you pay rent. There are 2 types of vouchers: project-based vouchers are tied to specific housing units, and mobile or tenant-based vouchers can travel with you to new locations. 

For either voucher, you will pay at least 30% of your net monthly income towards rent. Even if you are eligible for a voucher, you will be placed on a waiting list because of high demand. 

Tenant-based or mobile vouchers:

  • Use them for any housing unit that meets the standards of the state sanitary code
  • The amount you can get for a mobile voucher is limited based on the your voucher size and zip code.

Project-based vouchers: 

  • These are tied to specific housing units
  • The owner rents these units to you, and you receive voucher payments for as long as you continue to live in the unit
  • Some local housing agencies maintain waiting lists

Eligibility   for Apply for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)

Individuals, families, people with disabilities and elders are all eligible for MRVP.

The income limit for eligibility for MRVP is 80% of Area Median Income. Use this table to determine your eligibility by town/city and number of people in your household. 

You may be eligible for homeless priority, which speeds up the application process. If you qualify, you’ll receive an email, phone call, and letter from the Centralized Screening Office (Archipelago Strategies Group/ASG). Learn what situations qualify and what documents you’ll need to claim homeless priority. 

How to apply   Apply for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)

You can apply for MRVP and check the status of your application through Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Programs (CHAMP).

You may also be eligible for the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP). You can apply for this in addition to MRVP.

You can also fill out a paper application (for both MRVP and AHVP) and submit it to your local housing agency.

Next steps   for Apply for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)

  1. Keep your contact information up to date while you wait

    After you apply, you will be placed on the waiting lists that you choose. Demand for vouchers is very high, so the wait may be lengthy. It's critical to check your email and keep your contact information updated in your application, so housing agencies can reach you.

  2. Screening interview

    Otherwise, when you get near the top of a housing agency's waitlist, they will contact you to review your eligibility. You may be contacted by multiple agencies if you're near the top of multiple waiting lists at the same time. If they decide you're eligible, they'll explain details of the program and next steps.

    Note: If you claim a homeless priority on your application, you'll be contacted by the centralized screening office.

More info   for Apply for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)

For questions about your application, please directly contact any housing agency in Massachusetts.

You can also apply for vouchers through AffordableHousing.com. You can find affordable and project-based units on Housing Navigator.

You can search for your payment standard using this lookup tool.

Downloads   for Apply for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)

Contact   for Apply for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)

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