Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Brookline, Massachusetts
There are 17 open waiting lists in the Brookline area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Brookline, 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 Brookline, 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 Brookline, Massachusetts
Brookline, Massachusetts is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 17 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Brookline area. There are also 421 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Brookline include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, RAD, Mainstream. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: HCV (1 open), PBV (1 open), Public Housing (1 open), RAD (1 open).
Latest Opening
Brookline Housing Authority opened its LIHTC Affordable Housing - 32 Marion LLC waitlist on Jul 1, 2025.
About Housing in Brookline, Massachusetts
Brookline, Massachusetts, offers various affordable housing opportunities managed primarily by the Brookline Housing Authority. There are currently 17 open waiting lists for housing assistance programs, with no closed lists at this time. These programs include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, and RAD. Several Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) programs are also available, such as LIHTC (50 Pleasant LLC), LIHTC (61 Park LLC), LIHTC (90 Longwood LLC), and general LIHTC Affordable Housing initiatives, alongside other specialized programs.
Eligibility for many of these programs is tied to income limits. For instance, a family of four in the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area is considered Very Low Income with an annual income up to $82,700 for FY2025. The Brookline area features approximately 1,509 assisted housing units. The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) oversees state-level housing efforts. Prospective applicants seeking assistance should review the specific criteria for each open waiting list through the Brookline Housing Authority and apply promptly when eligible.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Brookline
To apply for housing assistance in Brookline, Massachusetts, submit an application directly to Brookline Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. 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 Brookline include RAD, LIHTC Affordable Housing - 61 Park LLC, LIHTC, other, LIHTC (Various Properties), LIHTC Affordable Housing - 50 Pleasant LLC, LIHTC (50 Pleasant LLC), LIHTC (61 Park LLC), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), LIHTC (90 Longwood LLC), LIHTC Affordable Housing - 32 Marion LLC, LIHTC Affordable Housing - 90 Longwood LLC, LIHTC Affordable Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, LIHTC Affordable Housing (Various Properties), Other, Mainstream. 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).
Brookline, Massachusetts Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Brookline, 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 Brookline 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 Brookline and have active housing programs.