Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Arlington, Massachusetts
There are 2 open waiting lists in the Arlington area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Arlington, Massachusetts and updates statuses nightly. Below you will find every PHA in the area with current waitlist status, program types, and direct application links.
If no lists are currently open in Arlington, we recommend applying to nearby cities as well. There is no limit to the number of waiting lists you can join, and many housing authorities accept applications from non-residents.
Affordable Housing in Arlington, Massachusetts
Arlington, Massachusetts is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 2 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Arlington area. There are also 426 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Arlington include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing.
Latest Opening
Arlington Housing Authority opened its Other (MRVP) waitlist .
About Housing in Arlington, Massachusetts
Arlington, Massachusetts is served by the Arlington Housing Authority (AHA), which manages various affordable housing programs for residents. Currently, the AHA has 2 waiting lists open for applications and 2 lists closed. Programs accepting applications include the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) and specific "Other (MRVP)" lists. Waiting lists are currently closed for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Public Housing, Special Needs Housing, and another general "Other" category.
To qualify for assistance, applicants must meet income guidelines. For a family of four considered Very Low Income in the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area, the annual income limit for FY2025 is $82,700. Arlington currently offers approximately 427 assisted housing units. These programs are administered locally by the Arlington Housing Authority, with state oversight provided by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
Individuals interested in affordable housing in Arlington should monitor the Arlington Housing Authority's announcements for changes in waiting list status. It is advisable to apply promptly when lists open, as demand often exceeds availability. Applications and specific eligibility details are typically provided directly by the housing authority.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Arlington
To apply for housing assistance in Arlington, Massachusetts, submit an application directly to Arlington Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 2 waiting lists are accepting applications — apply as soon as possible, as open enrollment periods can close with short notice. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Before applying, gather the following documents for all household members: government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements), and proof of current address. For a family of four in this area, income must be below $82,700/year (Very Low Income threshold) to qualify for most programs. Having these ready before a waitlist opens can be the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Housing programs available in Arlington include Other (MRVP), MRVP, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Other, Special Needs Housing. Applying to multiple program types simultaneously improves your chances of receiving assistance. After submitting, you will be placed on the waiting list based on the date of your application and any applicable preferences (veterans, elderly, disabled, working families, or local residents).
Arlington, Massachusetts Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Arlington, Massachusetts, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $82,700 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $160,900.
| 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 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Arlington use these income limits to determine who qualifies for rental assistance. Your total household income before taxes is compared against the limit for your household size.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — Most Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing programs require your income to be at or below this level. This is the primary eligibility threshold.
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households at this level often receive priority on waiting lists. By law, housing authorities must allocate a portion of vouchers to extremely low-income families.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and locally funded initiatives, accept applicants up to this threshold. Contact individual housing authorities below for their specific requirements.
Nearby Cities with Housing Authorities
Applying to nearby cities increases your chances of receiving assistance sooner. These cities are within 75 miles of Arlington and have active housing programs.