Acton Housing Authority
Acton, Massachusetts
Last Updated
Less than an hour ago
About Acton Housing Authority
Acton Housing Authority (HUD agency code MA057) is the public housing agency serving Acton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It administers 159 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 24 waiting lists at this agency, covering Affordable, AHVP, HCV, Other, Public Housing, MRVP, PBV, Senior, Mainstream, RAD. As of Mar 23, 2026, 8 are open and 9 are closed. Status is unconfirmed for 7 further lists.
Income eligibility is set by HUD for the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $82,700 per year, and as Low Income at or below $132,300 (HUD FY2025 limits). Most waiting lists at this agency apply the Very Low Income threshold.
Section 8 Waitlist has recorded 62 status changes at this agency, most recently on Oct 6, 2026. Always confirm current status with the agency directly before applying.
Affordable Housing Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 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.
Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
This program is for disabled individuals under 60; applications are accepted through the Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Programs (CHAMP).
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The Acton Primary Waitlist for Housing Choice Vouchers is open. Local preference is given to persons living or working in Acton. Income must be below 50% Area Median Income (AMI), and applicants are subject to criminal history checks.
Other Programs Waitlist
LIP
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Local preference results in an estimated wait of 1-2 years.
Local Initiative (LIP)
Status
open
How to Apply
Additional Notes
Applications for Local Initiative Program Rental Units are currently being accepted by mail. Gross annual household income limits apply, such as $78,300 for a 1-person household, and local preference is given.
Local Initiative (LIP) Rental Units
Status
open
How to Apply
Additional Notes
Application establishes preliminary requirements for placement on the waiting list. Income from all family members is included, and local preference applies.
Multiple
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 5, 2026
Closing Date
Apr 5, 2026
How to Apply
Multiple
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.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
State Elderly and Young Disabled Housing (Chapter 667) and Federal Public Housing are available. Preference is given to residents or workers in Acton, veterans, and the homeless. For age 60+ or disabled, income must be ≤ 80% AMI.
Other Programs
7 programsThese 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.
A past lottery for 41 affordable rental apartments, including some with project-based Section 8 and Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) vouchers. Income eligibility was set at 30%, 50%, and 60% Area Median Income, and accessible units were available.
A lottery for 41 affordable units for income-eligible individuals aged 62+ or with a disability at McManus Manor opened on January 5, 2026, with applications due by April 5, 2026. The application period has now closed.
The lottery for Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) vouchers at McManus Manor is closed. Applications were accepted by mail to Chelmsford Housing Authority.
Acton Local Initiative Program (LIP) Rental Units are filled from the Acton Housing Authority Section 8 waiting list, which is currently closed. This program serves households with income ≤ 50% AMI, with rent at 30% of income; turnover is rare.
This was a lottery for 41 affordable apartments for income-eligible applicants.
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.
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.
Units for this program are filled from the Acton Housing Authority Section 8 waiting list, and turnover is rare.
Additional programs administered by this housing authority that do not fall under a standard federal voucher or public housing category.
Serves households with income ≤ 50% AMI; local preference applies. Application is available through the Acton Housing Authority, likely submitted by mail or in-person.
Information regarding the current waiting list status for the Acton Local Initiative Program Rental Units is not explicitly stated as open or closed.
This refers to the Acton Local Initiative Program Rental Units Application. No specific waiting list status or details were found in the provided information.
The lottery for McManus Manor, offering 41 affordable units with Project-Based Section 8 and MRVP vouchers, for individuals 62+ or with disabilities, has closed. Eligibility was at 30%, 50%, or 60% Area Median Income (AMI).
A lottery for McManus Manor, offering 41 affordable units for income-eligible individuals aged 62+ or with a disability, accepted applications from January 5, 2026, to April 5, 2026. Preferences were given to Acton residents, employees of local businesses, and households with children attending Acton schools.
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.
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance, allowing housing authorities to leverage private funding for property rehabilitation while preserving long-term affordability for residents.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Acton Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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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
Check Current Status
Acton Housing Authority currently has 8 open waiting lists (Affordable Housing, Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP), Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Other Programs, Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
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.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official Acton Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.
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
Affordable Affordable Housing open
The Affordable 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.
AHVP Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) open
The Alternative Housing Voucher Program (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.
HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) 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.
Other Other Programs open
The Other Programs 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.
MRVP Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) closed
The Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (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.
PBV Project-Based Voucher (PBV) 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.
Senior Senior Housing closed
The Senior 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.
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 (RAD) 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?
How long is the wait at Acton Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Acton Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Acton Housing Authority?
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 |
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.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to Acton Housing Authority — including across state lines.