Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Chelmsford, Massachusetts
There are 46 open waiting lists in the Chelmsford area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Chelmsford, 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 Chelmsford, 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 Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Chelmsford, Massachusetts is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 46 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Chelmsford area. There are also 452 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Chelmsford include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Mainstream, RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (2 open), HCV (1 open).
Latest Opening
American Training by Chelmsford Housing opened its Affordable Homeownership waitlist on Jul 21, 2026. Applications close Sep 21, 2026 — apply early.
About Housing in Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Federal rental assistance in Chelmsford, Middlesex County is administered by 2 housing authorities: American Training by Chelmsford Housing and Chelmsford Housing Authority. Together they administer roughly 941 assisted housing units.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 71 waiting lists across these agencies. As of Apr 19, 2026, 46 are accepting applications. Another 452 open lists are within 50 miles; most agencies accept applications from non-residents.
HUD sets income eligibility for this area as 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).
Housing Authorities in Chelmsford
American Training by Chelmsford Housing
Chelmsford, Massachusetts · MA883
Chelmsford Housing Authority
Chelmsford, Massachusetts · MA108
How to Apply for Section 8 in Chelmsford
To apply for housing assistance in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Chelmsford area (listed above). Right now, 46 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 Chelmsford include Other (Unassisted Housing), Unassisted Age-Restricted Housing, Affordable Unassisted Age-Restricted, Affordable Unassisted Units, Age-Restricted Housing, Unassisted Family Housing, Affordable Homeownership (Resale), Public Housing, Specialized Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Affordable Housing (Unassisted), Affordable Homeownership, Other - Homeownership Resale, Other (Affordable Unassisted), Affordable Housing Resale, Affordable Rental Lottery, Affordable Rental / Lottery Programs, Affordable Housing Resale (Homeownership), Affordable Housing (Unassisted Age-Restricted), Affordable Unassisted Housing, Other, Homeownership, Affordable Rental Housing (General Waitlist), Affordable Unassisted, Affordable Housing (Cobblestone Place), Other (Cobblestone Place), Unassisted Age-Restricted, Other (Affordable Rental Lottery - Acton), Other (Affordable Homeownership Resale), Other (Unassisted Age-Restricted - Senior/Elderly), Other (Affordable Housing Lottery), Affordable Unassisted Rental Housing, Unassisted Family, Other (Affordable Unassisted Family Housing), Other (McManus Manor Lottery), Affordable Rental Lottery (Acton), Affordable Housing (Unassisted Family), Other (Affordable Unassisted/Age-Restricted), Affordable Unassisted Family, Other (MRVP), Affordable Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Affordable Housing (Cobblestone Place Lottery), Affordable Unassisted Age-Restricted Housing, Mainstream, Affordable Housing (Rental Lottery), Other (Affordable Housing Cobblestone Place), Affordable Housing Lottery, Other (Affordable Housing - Cobblestone Place), Affordable Housing (Past Opening), Affordable Housing (McManus Manor Lottery), Affordable Senior Apartments, AHVP, MRVP, RAD. 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).
Chelmsford, Massachusetts Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Chelmsford, 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 Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford and have active housing programs.