Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Boston, Massachusetts
There are 17 open waiting lists in the Boston area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Boston, 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 Boston, 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 Boston, Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 17 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Boston area. There are also 412 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Boston include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), RAD, Mainstream, VASH. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: PBV (2 open), Public Housing (2 open).
Latest Opening
Exec. Office Housing & Livable Communities opened its Moderate Rehabilitation waitlist .
About Housing in Boston, Massachusetts
Seeking affordable housing in Boston, Massachusetts requires understanding the resources offered by two key housing authorities: the Boston Housing Authority and the Exec. Office Housing & Livable Communities. These agencies, in collaboration with the state's Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), collectively oversee approximately 48,839 assisted housing units within the area. At present, 17 waiting lists for various housing assistance programs are open for new applications in Boston, while 4 lists are closed.
Among the programs currently accepting applications are Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, and Moderate Rehabilitation programs. Several state-funded voucher initiatives, including the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) and the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP), also have open waiting lists. Additionally, other specialized housing programs may be available. To qualify, applicants must meet specific income guidelines. For instance, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy HUD Metro FMR Area for FY2025 is $82,700 annually. It is crucial for prospective applicants to carefully review the eligibility criteria for each program before applying.
Housing Authorities in Boston
Boston Housing Authority
Boston, Massachusetts · MA002
Exec. Office Housing & Livable Communities
Boston, Massachusetts · MA901
How to Apply for Section 8 in Boston
To apply for housing assistance in Boston, Massachusetts, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Boston area (listed above). Right now, 17 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 Boston include Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Moderate Rehabilitation Program, Other, Mod Rehab, State-Funded Vouchers (MRVP/AHVP), Rental Voucher, Moderate Rehabilitation, AHVP, MRVP/AHVP, Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP), other, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Other - State Rental Assistance (MRVP), MRVP, RAD, Mainstream, VASH. 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).
Boston, Massachusetts Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Boston, 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 Boston 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 Boston and have active housing programs.