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Rental Assistance: Housing Vouchers

Housing vouchers can help families and individuals rent apartments in the private market by paying a portion of the rent. Voucher programs include Section 8, MRVP, and AHVP, and some other targeted programs.

NOTE: Due to high demand, wait times for housing vouchers can be long. Additionally, voucher programs can sometimes close to new applications.

Getting Started

Both Massachusetts and the federal government can help you pay your rent through “voucher” programs.  

There are 2 types of vouchers: Mobile vouchers (also known as tenant-based vouchers), which you can use anywhere as long as the unit meets health and safety standards and project-based vouchers, which are for a specific housing unit. With these, if you move, the voucher stays with the apartment. 

***For emergency help paying rent or mortgage, visit the RAFT program.***

How to Apply: Mobile Vouchers

Mobile-Vouchers (state-funded): MRVP + AHVP

You can apply for state-funded mobile vouchers (MRVP and AHVP) online through CHAMP or in person at a Local Housing Authority (LHA).

Apply online for state vouchers through CHAMP  Apply in person with your LHA (look yours up here) 

Mobile Vouchers (federally-funded): Section 8

For federally-funded Section 8 vouchers, there are two separate groups of vouchers with different waitlists.

Apply for Section 8 with a Local Housing Authority (waitlist *open*)   Apply for Section 8 with an RAA (waitlist currently *closed*) 

How to Apply: Project-Based Vouchers

Project-based Vouchers: Section 8 + MRVP

Project-based vouchers (PBVs) are attached to a particular unit, which means you will receive the subsidy only if you live in that particular unit.

Search on Housing Navigator MA: Apartments with a PBV  Contact a Regional Admin. Agency: Learn about local PBV apartments  MA Section 8 Centralized Waitlist (for federal PBVs) 

Eligibility and How Much Rent You'll Pay

How much you’ll pay

What you pay in rent is based on your income. You'll usually pay around 30% of your income. If your income changes, your rent will also change.

How much will the voucher pay

You can see the maximum rent amount a voucher will help pay toward in any city, town or zip code on the Payment Standard Calculator. 

Who is eligible

There are two state-funded voucher programs (MRVP + AHVP) and one federally-funded voucher program (HCVP/Section 8). Each program has its own eligibility standards.

Still figuring out if a voucher is right for you? Read about all three types of affordable housing and how to start searching. 

Details on Voucher Programs

Administrative Resources

Read the Public Legal Notices – Environmental Review for Federally Funded Housing Projects. 

They are part of the Environmental Review process for housing projects that use federal funds, including Project-Based Section 8 Vouchers and any other applicable federal funds under NEPA.

For Administrators

Contact Information

Address

100 Cambridge Street, Suite 300, Boston, MA 02114
Directions 

Phone

Call Rental Assistance Division Contact at 617-573-1250

M-F 8:45am - 5:00pm

Related Resources

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