About Acton Housing Authority

Acton Housing Authority (PHA Code: MA057) provides assisted housing opportunities in Acton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. The authority manages approximately 159 assisted housing units, primarily through Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers.

Currently, APHA is accepting applications for various programs, including the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and Affordable Rental Housing. Other available programs include AHVP and Local Initiative Programs (LIP), specifically LIP Rental Units. For a family of four applying for Very Low Income assistance, the current income limit for the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area is $82,700 per year.

AHVP Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple (at LHA, Online via CHAMP)

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

The Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) is for disabled individuals under 60.

Affordable Rental Housing Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

Jan 5, 2026

Closing Date

Apr 5, 2026

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

A lottery for 41 affordable apartments at McManus Manor is currently accepting applications for income-eligible households (30%, 50%, and 60% AMI). Units include Project-Based Section 8 and Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program subsidies, and are universally accessible with some designed for specific disabilities.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

Local preferences for Acton residents/workers, veterans, and homeless. Income eligibility up to 80% AMI. Voucher holders pay 30% of income for rent and utilities.

LIP Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Mail

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

Income from all family members is included, and income from assets over $5,000 or an imputation of 0.06% of total assets is added for eligibility determination. If an available unit is rejected, the applicant moves to the bottom of the waiting list.

Local Initiative Program (LIP) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online (download form), Mail

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

The waiting list for Local Initiative Program rental units is open. The application establishes preliminary requirements for placement on the waiting list. Required documents include income verification and household composition details. All provided information will be verified for accuracy at t...

Local Initiative Program (LIP) Rental Units Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Mail

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

Application establishes preliminary requirements for placement on the waiting list. Income from all family members is included, and local preference applies.

Multiple Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

Jan 5, 2026

Closing Date

Apr 5, 2026

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

McManus Manor is a 41-unit development for seniors (62+) and/or people with disabilities, offering units at 30%, 50%, and 60% AMI. It includes Project-Based Section 8 vouchers, Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program vouchers, and units for individuals under 60 with disabilities through DDS.

Other Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Phone

Additional Notes

3 affordable studio units for residents aged 60+ needing assistance, with local preference and an approximate 4-year wait.

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

1-bedroom units for individuals aged 60+ or under 60 with a disability. Residents pay 30% of adjusted gross income for rent. Local preferences for Acton residents/workers, veterans, and homeless.

Other Programs

8 programs

These programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.

Assisted Living
Closed

The Inn at Robbins Brook offers 3 affordable studio units for residents aged 60+ needing assistance, with local preference and an approximate 4-year wait.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
LIP (Local Initiative Program)
Closed

Scattered site family housing units under the LIP Program are filled from the Acton Housing Authority's Section 8 waiting list. Turnover for these units is rare.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
Closed

Waitlist had a lottery in April 2013 and currently has a long waiting list. Serves households with income at or below 30% AMI and 50% AMI.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
other
Closed

The lottery for 41 affordable apartments at McManus Manor, which include Project-Based Section 8 and Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program subsidies, closed applications on April 5, 2026.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Acton Local Initiative Program Rental Units
Pending

application link: click here.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Official Portal
MRVP
Pending

No waitlist information currently available for this program.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Mainstream Voucher
Pending

Mainstream Vouchers provide rental assistance specifically for non-elderly persons with disabilities. The program helps individuals transition out of institutional settings or avoid institutionalization by subsidizing housing costs in the private market.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)
Pending

No active waitlist information currently available.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.

Status History

PBV Closed 23 hours ago
other Closed Yesterday
PBV Opened 3 days ago

Deadline: Apr 5, 2026

PBV Closed Mar 25, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 22, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 21, 2026
HCV Opened Mar 20, 2026
HCV Closed Mar 14, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 9, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 8, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 1, 2026
PBV Opened Feb 24, 2026
HCV Opened Feb 23, 2026
PBV unknown Feb 19, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 19, 2026
Public Housing Closed Feb 19, 2026
Public Housing Opened Feb 19, 2026
PBV Opened Feb 18, 2026
Public Housing Closed Feb 18, 2026
HCV Opened Feb 18, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Acton Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Go to Official Site

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 68 Windsor Ave
City Acton, MA 01720
PHA Code MA057
Section 8 Units 159

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.

How to Apply at Acton Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

Acton Housing Authority currently has 9 open waiting lists (AHVP, Affordable Rental Housing, HCV, LIP, Local Initiative Program (LIP), Local Initiative Program (LIP) Rental Units, Multiple, Other, Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Acton Housing Authority, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $82,700/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.

3

Submit Your Application

Apply directly through the official Acton Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Acton Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Acton Housing Authority manages approximately 159 assisted housing units (159 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Acton. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Acton Housing Authority

AHVP open

The AHVP program at Acton Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Acton. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Affordable Rental Housing open

The Affordable Rental Housing program at Acton Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Acton. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements. The application window closes on April 5, 2026.

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Acton Housing Authority provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Acton. This program serves approximately 159 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

LIP open

The LIP program at Acton Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Acton. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Local Initiative Program (LIP) open

The Local Initiative Program (LIP) program at Acton Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Acton. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Local Initiative Program (LIP) Rental Units open

The Local Initiative Program (LIP) Rental Units program at Acton Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Acton. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Multiple open

The Multiple program at Acton Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Acton. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements. The application window closes on April 5, 2026.

Other open

The Other program at Acton Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Acton. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Public Housing Public Housing open

Public Housing units at Acton Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

Assisted Living closed

The Assisted Living program at Acton Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Acton. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

LIP (Local Initiative Program) closed

The LIP (Local Initiative Program) program at Acton Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Acton. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

PBV Project-Based Voucher closed

Project-Based Vouchers at Acton Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Acton. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.

other closed

The other program at Acton Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Acton. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Acton Local Initiative Program Rental Units closed

The Acton Local Initiative Program Rental Units program at Acton Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Acton. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

MRVP closed

The MRVP program at Acton Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Acton. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed

Mainstream Vouchers at Acton Housing Authority are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.

RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed

The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Acton Housing Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Acton maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Acton Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Acton Housing Authority administers 17 programs (AHVP, Affordable Rental Housing, HCV, LIP, Local Initiative Program (LIP), Local Initiative Program (LIP) Rental Units, Multiple, Other, Public Housing, Assisted Living, LIP (Local Initiative Program), PBV, other, Acton Local Initiative Program Rental Units, MRVP, Mainstream, RAD) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority's official portal or in person at their office at 68 Windsor Ave, Acton, MA.
How long is the wait at Acton Housing Authority?
Wait times at Acton Housing Authority depend on demand in Acton, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 159 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on April 7, 2026 when the PBV list changed from "open" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Acton Housing Authority directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of Acton Housing Authority, including Maynard Housing Authority (3 mi), Concord Housing Authority (6 mi), Hudson Housing Authority (8 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Massachusetts and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Massachusetts.
How do I contact Acton Housing Authority?
You can reach Acton Housing Authority by phone at (978) 263-5339. Their office is located at 68 Windsor Ave, Acton, MA 01720. You can also email them at melissa@actonhousing.net. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Acton Housing Authority?
Income limits for Acton Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area (currently $160,900). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $82,700. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

Acton Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Acton Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $82,700. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $34,750 $57,900 $92,650
2 Persons $39,700 $66,200 $105,850
3 Persons $44,650 $74,450 $119,100
4 Persons $49,600 $82,700 $132,300
5 Persons $53,600 $89,350 $142,900
6 Persons $57,550 $95,950 $153,500
7 Persons $61,550 $102,550 $164,100
8 Persons $65,500 $109,200 $174,650
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $160,900 Effective April 1, 2025
What do these income limits mean?

Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.

Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.

Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.