Program Description and Information
MRVP provides a permanent improvement in the lives of low-income families and individuals by offering both tenant and project-based rental subsidies to those eligible for the program. The tenant-based voucher, which is also known as a mobile voucher, is assigned to the participant and is valid for any housing unit that meets the standards of the state sanitary code. Project Based vouchers are assigned to a specific housing unit or development. The owner rents these units to a program eligible tenant, who receive the subsidy for all as they continue to live in the unit. In both cases, a regional non-profit housing agency or a local housing authority administers the program locally. There are currently 8 regional non-profit housing agencies and 112 local housing authorities that administer the MRVP throughout the Commonwealth to approximately 9,500 households under lease as of February 2023 (5,700 mobile and 3,800 project-based). Through the assistance of this program, thousands of Massachusetts' families and individuals benefit from the long-term stabilization of their often uncertain housing and financial situation.
For further information:
For general questions, please contact the Division of Rental Assistance at (617) 573-1100 extension 4.
How it works:
For the mobile (tenant-based) vouchers, the voucher will not pay more than the payment standard. The payment standard is determined by household size and geography. The participant pays 30% of their net monthly income towards rent. Most mobile vouchers are offered to eligible applicants on local waiting lists which can be quite lengthy, or closed, due to the great demand.
For project-based vouchers, a participant pays 30% of their net monthly income towards rent, and the voucher pays the remainder of the rent. Some local housing agencies maintain waiting lists and are still accepting applications. Interested applicants can also find opportunities on the Housing Navigator Massachusetts webpage.
Who is eligible?
The income limit at initial eligibility for MRVP is 80% of Area Median Income. In addition to verifying other eligibility requirements, the housing agency will also screen for CORI prior to admitting an applicant to the program.
Application process:
While the waits may be lengthy, persons interested in applying for MRVP should contact the local housing agency in the area in which they wish to reside to check the status of the agency’s waiting list, open or closed. Applications may be made where waiting lists are open. Not all agencies administer both the mobile and project-based programs. Please use the Service Locator to find the Housing Authority closest to you.
MRVP Application Form - English
MRVP Application Form (Haitian Creole) - Aplikasyon pou Pwogram Koupon Lwaye Massachusetts (MRVP)
MRVP Application Form (Portugese) - Formulário para o Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)
MRVP Application Form (Russian) - Заявление на Массачусетскую Программу Ваучеров Аренды (MRVP)
MRVP Application Form (Vietnamese) - Đơn xin Chương Trình Ưu Đãi Tiền Thuê Massachusetts (MRVP)
Housing Agencies with Mobile MRVP Vouchers
MRVP Notices
MRVP Applicable Payment Standards Effective January 1, 2023
MRVP Utility Allowances Effective January 1, 2023
Payment Standards and Utility Allowances Effective January 1, 2023
MRVP Administrative Plan 2017(August)
Full Lifting of MRVP Voucher Re-Issuance Freeze