Chelmsford Housing Authority
Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Last Updated
21 hours ago
About Chelmsford Housing Authority
The Chelmsford Housing Authority (CHA), located in Chelmsford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, manages approximately 891 assisted housing units, primarily through Section 8 vouchers. While its Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) are currently closed, CHA offers a range of other housing assistance opportunities.
Current open programs include Public Housing, various affordable homeownership resale programs, and several affordable unassisted rental housing options, including age-restricted and family housing units. These programs aim to serve diverse housing needs within the community, alongside an Affordable Rental Lottery for Acton properties.
Applicants should be aware of income limits. For instance, a family of four categorized as Very Low Income in the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy HUD Metro FMR Area has an income limit of $82,700 per year. Potential applicants are encouraged to review specific program details for eligibility criteria.
Affordable Homeownership Resale Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Additional Notes
Interested individuals can be added to the waitlist by completing and submitting the homeownership application via email to lisa@chelmsfordha.com.
View original notice — chelmsfordha.comAffordable Housing Resale Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Additional Notes
This program is for first-time homebuyers with an income limit of 80% AMI and a $75,000 asset limit, with an exception for Windemere Estates. A mortgage preapproval must be submitted with the application.
Affordable Housing Resale Program Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Additional Notes
Accepting applications from first-time homebuyers for deed-restricted homes, with income and asset limits, and a mortgage preapproval required. Placement is based on application receipt date and household composition.
Affordable Rental Lottery (Acton) Waitlist
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 Unassisted Rental Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Mail, Fax
Additional Notes
Applications are currently accepted for waiting lists at various local apartment communities offering affordable unassisted units, with some properties giving local preference. Eligibility includes meeting income limits (e.g., 50% or 80% AMI) and undergoing a criminal background check.
Affordable Unassisted Units Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Mail, Fax, Email
Additional Notes
Applications are accepted for waiting lists at various properties, even if units are currently fully leased. Preferences may be given to local residents or those who work in Chelmsford. Section 8 and MRVP holders are encouraged to apply.
Homeownership Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Accepts applications for a waitlist to purchase affordable, deed-restricted homes. Requires mortgage preapproval, income limits (80% AMI), and a $75,000 asset limit, with exceptions.
Other Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Additional Notes
Applications are accepted for waiting lists for affordable unassisted family, and age-restricted (Senior 55+, Elderly 62+) units at various properties. Preferences may be given to local residents or those who work in Chelmsford.
Other (Affordable Housing Resale) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Additional Notes
This program is for first-time homebuyers; eligible applicants must meet income limits (80% of AMI) and a $75,000 asset limit, with an exception for Windemere Estates.
Other (Affordable Rental Lottery - Acton) Waitlist
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.
Other (Unassisted Age-Restricted) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Additional Notes
This program is for age-restricted units for seniors (age 55+) and elderly (age 62+), subject to income and asset limits.
Other (Unassisted Family Housing) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Additional Notes
Applications are for general family housing units, which are not directly subsidized but have income restrictions; applicants without rental assistance must have a minimum annual income of at least $46,230.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Additional Notes
Eligibility for age-restricted properties requires all household members to be over 62. Income may not exceed published amounts based on household size, such as 30% or 50% AMI, and applicants cannot be a single full-time student under 24 without dependents, unless a veteran or disabled.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online, Mail
Additional Notes
Preferences are given to local Chelmsford residents and veterans. Elderly housing applicants must be at least 60 years old. Income limits apply for eligibility.
Unassisted Age-Restricted Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Additional Notes
This program is for age-restricted units for seniors (age 55+) and elderly (age 62+), subject to income and asset limits.
Unassisted Family Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Additional Notes
Applications are for general family housing units, which are not directly subsidized but have income restrictions.
other Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Additional Notes
The Chelmsford Housing Authority is currently accepting applications for its Affordable Housing Resale program for first-time homebuyers. Eligible applicants must meet income limits (80% of AMI) and a $75,000 asset limit, with an exception for Windemere Estates.
Other Programs
7 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.
The Chelmsford Housing Authority uses the Massachusetts Section 8 Centralized Waiting List. Applicants must be at or below 50% of AMI.
This program is fully leased, and the waiting list last accepted applications between July 1, 2020, and July 10, 2020.
The MRVP 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 for June 2024 are provided.
This is for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (a state program, not HUD Section 8) Project-Based assistance.
The Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (a state program) is fully leased and its waiting list is currently closed.
This refers to the 'Unassisted Age-Restricted Application - Senior (age 55+) and Elderly (age 62+)' available on the Chelmsford Housing Authority website. No specific waiting list status (open/closed) or open/close dates were found. The application method is presumed to be mail, as it is a downlo...
Applications for Unassisted Family Housing, Preliminary Affordable Unassisted Units, and Unassisted Age-Restricted units are available, but the current open/close status of these waiting lists is not specified.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Chelmsford Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Go to Official SiteWARNING: 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 17 open waiting lists (Affordable Homeownership Resale, Affordable Housing Resale, Affordable Housing Resale Program, Affordable Rental Lottery (Acton), Affordable Unassisted Rental Housing, Affordable Unassisted Units, Homeownership, Other, Other (Affordable Housing Resale), Other (Affordable Rental Lottery - Acton), Other (Unassisted Age-Restricted), Other (Unassisted Family Housing), PBV, Public Housing, Unassisted Age-Restricted, Unassisted Family Housing, other). 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 anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.
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 Homeownership Resale open
The Affordable Homeownership Resale 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.
Affordable Housing Resale open
The Affordable Housing Resale 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.
Affordable Housing Resale Program open
The Affordable Housing Resale Program 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.
Affordable Rental Lottery (Acton) open
The Affordable Rental Lottery (Acton) 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. The application window closes on April 5, 2026.
Affordable Unassisted Rental Housing open
The Affordable Unassisted Rental 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.
Affordable Unassisted Units open
The Affordable Unassisted Units 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 open
The Homeownership 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 open
The Other 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 (Affordable Housing Resale) open
The Other (Affordable Housing Resale) 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 (Affordable Rental Lottery - Acton) open
The Other (Affordable Rental Lottery - Acton) 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. The application window closes on April 5, 2026.
Other (Unassisted Age-Restricted) open
The Other (Unassisted Age-Restricted) 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 (Unassisted Family Housing) open
The Other (Unassisted Family 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.
PBV Project-Based Voucher open
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.
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.
Unassisted Age-Restricted open
The Unassisted Age-Restricted 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.
Unassisted Family Housing open
The Unassisted Family 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.
other open
The other 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 Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) 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.
MRVP closed
The 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.
Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program closed
The Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program 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.
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.
Other (MRVP) closed
The Other (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.
Affordable Housing closed
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.
Other Affordable Housing closed
The Other 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.
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.