Chelmsford Housing Authority
Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Last Updated
Less than an hour ago
About Chelmsford Housing Authority
Chelmsford Housing Authority (HUD agency code MA108) is the public housing agency serving Chelmsford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It administers 891 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 42 waiting lists at this agency, covering Affordable, Homeownership, Other, Public Housing, Senior, AHVP, HCV, Mainstream, MRVP, PBV, RAD. As of Apr 19, 2026, 31 are open and 10 are closed. Status is unconfirmed for 1 further list.
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 55 status changes at this agency, most recently on Sep 15, 2026. Always confirm current status with the agency directly before applying.
Affordable Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Mail, Fax, Multiple
Additional Notes
Applications are currently being accepted for waiting lists for various affordable unassisted rental units, even if units are fully leased at properties like Chelmsford Woods Residences, Kensington, and The Commons at Drum Hill. Preferences may be given to local residents, those who work in Chelmsford, or veterans, with income limits at 50% AMI.
Acton
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 5, 2026
Closing Date
Apr 5, 2026
How to Apply
Additional Notes
The Chelmsford Housing Authority is acting as the lottery agent for an affordable housing opportunity in Acton, with the lottery scheduled for April 21, 2026.
Affordable Housing Lottery
Status
open
Open Date
Apr 7, 2026
Closing Date
Jul 6, 2026
How to Apply
Additional Notes
Cobblestone Place is offering 1 affordable unit at 50% AMI. Local preference for Chelmsford residents for 3-bedroom units; selection by lottery.
Affordable Housing Resale
Status
open
How to Apply
Additional Notes
Accepting applications from first-time homebuyers for deed-restricted homes. Income limits (80% AMI) and a $75,000 asset limit apply, with an exception for Windemere Estates (no asset limit, 55+ household, must sell current home). Placement is based on the date the application is received and household composition.
Affordable Rental / Lottery
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Lottery results for Cobblestone Place Affordable Rental and McManus Manor Elderly Affordable Rentals are posted. Applicants are ranked based on need for local preference, accessible unit, homeless status, and local preference.
Affordable Rental Lottery
Status
open
Closing Date
Jul 6, 2026
Additional Notes
This lottery is for Acton properties.
Affordable Rental Lottery - Acton
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 5, 2026
Closing Date
Apr 5, 2026
How to Apply
Additional Notes
The Chelmsford Housing Authority is acting as the lottery agent for an affordable housing opportunity in Acton; applications are being accepted by mail, with the lottery scheduled for April 21, 2026.
Affordable Unassisted
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Current open programs include various affordable unassisted rental housing options. Preferences may be given to local residents or those who work in Chelmsford. Maximum allowable income limits at 50% or 60% AMI apply.
Affordable Unassisted Age-Restricted
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Current open programs include various affordable unassisted age-restricted rental housing options. Eligibility for senior is age 55+ or 62+ depending on the specific property. Income limits apply.
Affordable Unassisted Family
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Applications are accepted for preliminary applications for affordable unassisted family housing units; qualified applicants are entered onto the waiting list and selected by date of application.
Affordable Unassisted Family Housing
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Applications are accepted for waiting lists for affordable unassisted units at various properties, with preferences potentially given to local residents or those who work in Chelmsford. Maximum allowable income limits at 50% or 60% AMI apply.
Affordable Unassisted Housing
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Applications are accepted for waitlists for various affordable unassisted units, including age-restricted (55+/62+) and family housing, with eligibility based on income and household size.
Affordable Unassisted Rental Housing
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
This includes age-restricted and family housing units, with applications typically requiring income and household size verification, and can be submitted via mail or fax.
Affordable Unassisted Units
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Applications are accepted for waiting lists at various properties, including Kensington, The Commons at Drum Hill, Residences at Merrimac Landing, Alexan, and Chelmsford Woods, even when units are fully leased. Preferences for local residents, those who work in Chelmsford, and veterans apply to certain properties.
Affordable Unassisted/Age-Restricted
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Applications are accepted for a waitlist for Affordable Unassisted and Age-Restricted units, including properties like The Richardson (age 55+) and Roberta McGuire Senior Residences (age 62+). Eligibility is based on age and income limits.
Cobblestone Place
Status
open
Open Date
Apr 7, 2026
Closing Date
Jul 6, 2026
How to Apply
Additional Notes
This program is for 1 affordable unit at 50% AMI. A lottery will be held on July 16, 2026. Preferences are given to local Chelmsford residents.
Unassisted
Status
open
How to Apply
Mail, Fax, or Email
Additional Notes
Applications are currently accepted for waiting lists for affordable unassisted units at properties such as Mill & 3, Kensington, and The Commons at Drum Hill. Occupancy standards require a minimum of 1 person per bedroom, and preference may be given to local residents or those who work in Chelmsford.
Unassisted Age-Restricted
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Applicants must meet income limits and household size requirements. Proof of Chelmsford residency (three current proofs) or employment in Chelmsford (10+ hours/week) is a preference.
Unassisted Family
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Applicants must meet income limits and household size requirements. Some units are located at Chelmsford Woods Residences.
Homeownership & Homebuyer Assistance Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Additional Notes
Accepting applications for affordable housing resale waitlist for first-time homebuyers (with exceptions); requires mortgage preapproval and has a $75,000 asset limit (except for Windemere Estates). Placement is based on application date and household composition.
Affordable Homeownership Resale
Status
open
How to Apply
Additional Notes
This program is for first-time homebuyers, with exceptions for those 55+, and has income limits at 80% of the Area Median Income and a $75,000 asset limit, with an exception for Windemere Estates.
Affordable Housing Resale
Status
open
How to Apply
Additional Notes
Applicants are placed on a waitlist for affordable, deed-restricted homes. A $75,000 asset limit applies (with exceptions) and a mortgage preapproval is required. Applications can be submitted to candersen@chelmsfordha.com.
Other Programs Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Applications are accepted for the waiting list for affordable unassisted units at The Alexan.
Cobblestone Place
Status
open
Closing Date
Jul 6, 2026
How to Apply
Additional Notes
Application deadline for Cobblestone Place is July 6, 2026, at 4:00 PM.
McManus Manor Lottery
Status
open
How to Apply
Phone
Additional Notes
McManus Manor is currently marketing for its lottery application period for 41 affordable apartments for seniors over age 62, with spots available for unsubsidized one-bedroom units.
Unassisted Age-Restricted
Status
open
How to Apply
Additional Notes
Applicants must be 55 years of age or older (for Senior housing) or at least 62 years old (for Elderly housing), with household income below maximum allowable limits.
Unassisted Age-Restricted Housing
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
For applicants 55+ or 62+, without rental assistance, requiring a minimum annual income of $46,230.
Unassisted Family
Status
open
How to Apply
Mail or Fax
Additional Notes
Eligibility requires the entire household's income to be below the maximum allowable and the household to be of appropriate size. Applicants must provide vital documentation including proof of age, photo identification, Social Security Number documentation, and physician documentation if a reasonable accommodation is needed.
Unassisted Family Housing
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Applications for Chelmsford Woods Residences are being accepted. Income limits apply, and the household must be of an appropriate size.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online or Mail
Additional Notes
Applications are accepted via the Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Public Housing (CHAMP). Local Chelmsford residents and veterans receive preference for selection. Elderly housing (Chapter 667) requires applicants to be at least 60 years old and meet income limits.
Senior Housing Waitlist
Unassisted Age-Restricted - Senior/Elderly
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This application is for unassisted age-restricted units for seniors (age 55+) and elderly (age 62+).
Other Programs
8 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.
Cobblestone Place offered 1 affordable unit at 50% AMI.
This lottery was for 1 affordable unit at 50% AMI and the application period ended on July 6, 2026.
Lottery results for McManus Manor Elderly (62+) Affordable Rentals are posted. This indicates a past application period.
This includes the Affordable Housing and Affordable Rental programs, and the Cobblestone Place Lottery for 1 affordable unit at 50% AMI. The application period for these programs was from April 7, 2026, to July 6, 2026.
The Chelmsford Housing Authority does not currently issue Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) vouchers.
The Chelmsford Housing Authority uses the Massachusetts Section 8 Centralized Waiting List. Income limits are 50% of AMI.
Mainstream vouchers are selected from the Centralized Waiting List, which is currently closed for direct application to the Chelmsford Housing Authority.
This program is fully leased and the waiting list is currently closed. It will be posted on the website and advertised in local papers when it re-opens. Income limits are 80% of AMI.
The Section 8 Project-Based Voucher waiting list for multiple properties in Westford, Greater Chelmsford, Devens, and Harvard was open from November 1, 2023, to December 1, 2023, and is now closed.
McManus Manor provides affordable one-bedroom apartments for seniors over age 62; Section 8 and MRVP vouchers are gladly accepted.
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
Deadline: Jul 6, 2026
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Chelmsford Housing Authority currently has 31 open waiting lists (Affordable Housing, Homeownership & Homebuyer Assistance, Other Programs, Public Housing, Senior Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Chelmsford Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Chelmsford Housing Authority manages approximately 891 assisted housing units (891 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Chelmsford. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Chelmsford Housing Authority
Affordable Affordable Housing open
The Affordable Housing program at Chelmsford Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chelmsford. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Homeownership Homeownership & Homebuyer Assistance open
The Homeownership & Homebuyer Assistance program at Chelmsford Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chelmsford. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other Other Programs open
The Other Programs program at Chelmsford Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chelmsford. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at Chelmsford 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.
Senior Senior Housing open
The Senior Housing program at Chelmsford Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chelmsford. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
AHVP Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) closed
The Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) program at Chelmsford Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chelmsford. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford. This program serves approximately 891 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed
Mainstream Vouchers at Chelmsford 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.
MRVP Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) closed
The Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) program at Chelmsford Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chelmsford. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher (PBV) closed
Project-Based Vouchers at Chelmsford Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Chelmsford. 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.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Chelmsford Housing Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Chelmsford maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Chelmsford Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Chelmsford Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Chelmsford Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Chelmsford Housing Authority?
Chelmsford Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford Housing Authority — including across state lines.