About Chelsea Housing Authority

The Chelsea Housing Authority (PHA Code: MA016) manages housing assistance programs in Chelsea, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. It oversees approximately 963 assisted housing units, comprising 609 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and 354 Public Housing units. While Public Housing is currently closed to new applications, the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program has recently opened.

Currently, the Chelsea Housing Authority is accepting applications for several programs. These include the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP), Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), Caritas Single Room Occupancy (SRO), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and various other state and general voucher programs. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit for this area is $82,700 per year. Applicants should note the specific program status when applying.

AHVP Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now
Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

The Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) is currently open for non-elderly individuals with disabilities, offering one-bedroom vouchers usable within Massachusetts. Preferences include local resident and veteran status.

AHVP (State Voucher Program) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

This mobile voucher program assists non-elderly individuals with disabilities and has preferences for veterans and domestic violence survivors.

Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

This state-funded rental voucher program provides one-bedroom vouchers for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. Preferences include veterans and survivors of domestic violence.

Caritas Single Room Occupancy Waitlist

Status

open

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

The Chelsea Housing Authority announced the opening of this waitlist.

MRVP Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

The Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) is currently open, providing state-administered rental subsidies for low-income families. The program offers both tenant-based and project-based rental assistance.

MRVP (State Voucher Program) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

This program provides tenant-based and project-based rental subsidies, and mobile vouchers allow participants to find housing anywhere in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

This state-administered program offers housing assistance to low-income families through tenant-based and project-based subsidies. Preferences include local resident and veteran.

Other Waitlist

Status

open

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

This includes the State Voucher Program – AHVP and MRVP. AHVP is for non-elderly with disabilities, with preferences for veterans and domestic violence survivors. MRVP is for low-income families and offers tenant-based and project-based subsidies.

Other (AHVP & MRVP) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

The State Voucher Program (Alternative Housing Voucher Program - AHVP and Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program - MRVP) waiting list is currently open. Applications can be made online via the Chelsea Housing Authority website, in-person at 54 Locke St, Chelsea, MA 02150, by mail, by fax (617-884-6...

SRO Waitlist

Status

open

Additional Notes

The wait list for Caritas Single Room Occupancy is open.

View original notice — chelseaha.com

State Voucher Program Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

Includes Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) and Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP). AHVP assists non-elderly persons with disabilities, with preferences for veterans and domestic violence survivors. MRVP offers tenant-based and project-based rental subsidies.

State Voucher Program (AHVP & MRVP) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

AHVP assists non-elderly individuals with disabilities, while MRVP offers tenant-based and project-based rental subsidies and mobile vouchers within Massachusetts. Preferences for AHVP include veterans and survivors of domestic violence.

State Voucher Program (AHVP and MRVP) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

AHVP is for non-elderly individuals with disabilities, offering one-bedroom vouchers with preferences for local residents and veterans. MRVP is a state-administered, federal program.

State Voucher Program (AHVP/MRVP) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

AHVP assists non-elderly individuals with disabilities, and MRVP is a state-funded rental voucher program. Preferences may be given to veterans and survivors of domestic violence.

State Voucher Program - AHVP Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

AHVP assists non-elderly individuals with disabilities; it is a mobile voucher with preferences for veterans and survivors of domestic violence.

State Voucher Program - MRVP Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

MRVP offers tenant-based and project-based rental subsidies for low-income families, with mobile vouchers allowing participants to find housing units anywhere in Massachusetts.

Voucher Program Waitlist

Status

open

Additional Notes

This includes the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) and the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP). AHVP is a state-funded rental voucher program for non-elderly individuals with disabilities, with preferences for local residents and veterans. MRVP is a state-administered program pr...

Voucher Program (AHVP) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

The Alternative Housing Voucher Program is a state-funded rental voucher program for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. Preferences are given to veterans and survivors of domestic violence.

Voucher Program (MRVP) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

The Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program is a state-administered program providing housing assistance, including tenant-based and project-based subsidies and mobile vouchers.

Other Programs

5 programs

These 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.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) is administered by the Chelsea Housing Authority.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Mainstream Voucher
Closed

The Mainstream Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program waitlist was open from January 2, 2025, to January 31, 2025, assisting non-elderly persons with disabilities. Applications were ranked by date and time of submission.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Official Portal
Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
Closed

The Project-Based Voucher waitlist for Caritas Single Room Occupancy was open from January 2, 2025, to January 31, 2025. Applications were ranked by date, time, and established preference categories.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Official Portal
Public Housing
Closed

The Chelsea Housing Authority has 8 developments with 818 units, including State and Federal sites for families and elderly/disabled residents.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
State Voucher Program - AHVP and MRVP
Pending

No current detailed information found regarding the waiting list status for the State Voucher Program (AHVP and MRVP) at the Chelsea Housing Authority.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.

Status History

PBV Closed 23 hours ago
PBV Opened 2 days ago
Public Housing Closed 3 days ago
HCV Closed 3 days ago
Public Housing Opened 3 days ago
PBV Closed 3 days ago
Public Housing Closed 3 days ago
Public Housing Opened 6 days ago
Public Housing Closed 6 days ago
PBV Opened 6 days ago
State Voucher Program (AHVP and MRVP) Opened Mar 31, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 26, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 26, 2026
HCV Opened Mar 26, 2026
HCV Closed Mar 24, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 22, 2026
HCV Opened Mar 22, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 21, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 21, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 20, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Chelsea Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Go to Official Site

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 54 Locke St
City Chelsea, MA 02150
PHA Code MA016
Section 8 Units 609
Public Housing Units 354

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.

How to Apply at Chelsea Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

Chelsea Housing Authority currently has 19 open waiting lists (AHVP, AHVP (State Voucher Program), Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP), Caritas Single Room Occupancy, MRVP, MRVP (State Voucher Program), Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), Other, Other (AHVP & MRVP), SRO, State Voucher Program, State Voucher Program (AHVP & MRVP), State Voucher Program (AHVP and MRVP), State Voucher Program (AHVP/MRVP), State Voucher Program - AHVP, State Voucher Program - MRVP, Voucher Program, Voucher Program (AHVP), Voucher Program (MRVP)). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Chelsea 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.

3

Submit Your Application

Apply directly through the official Chelsea 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.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Chelsea Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Chelsea Housing Authority manages approximately 963 assisted housing units (609 Section 8, 354 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Chelsea. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Chelsea Housing Authority

AHVP open

The AHVP program at Chelsea Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chelsea. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

AHVP (State Voucher Program) open

The AHVP (State Voucher Program) program at Chelsea Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chelsea. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) open

The Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) program at Chelsea Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chelsea. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Caritas Single Room Occupancy open

The Caritas Single Room Occupancy program at Chelsea Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chelsea. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

MRVP open

The MRVP program at Chelsea Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chelsea. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

MRVP (State Voucher Program) open

The MRVP (State Voucher Program) program at Chelsea Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chelsea. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) open

The Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) program at Chelsea Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chelsea. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Other open

The Other program at Chelsea Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chelsea. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Other (AHVP & MRVP) open

The Other (AHVP & MRVP) program at Chelsea Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chelsea. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

SRO open

The SRO program at Chelsea Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chelsea. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

State Voucher Program open

The State Voucher Program program at Chelsea Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chelsea. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

State Voucher Program (AHVP & MRVP) open

The State Voucher Program (AHVP & MRVP) program at Chelsea Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chelsea. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

State Voucher Program (AHVP and MRVP) open

The State Voucher Program (AHVP and MRVP) program at Chelsea Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chelsea. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

State Voucher Program (AHVP/MRVP) open

The State Voucher Program (AHVP/MRVP) program at Chelsea Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chelsea. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

State Voucher Program - AHVP open

The State Voucher Program - AHVP program at Chelsea Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chelsea. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

State Voucher Program - MRVP open

The State Voucher Program - MRVP program at Chelsea Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chelsea. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Voucher Program open

The Voucher Program program at Chelsea Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chelsea. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Voucher Program (AHVP) open

The Voucher Program (AHVP) program at Chelsea Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chelsea. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Voucher Program (MRVP) open

The Voucher Program (MRVP) program at Chelsea Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chelsea. 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 Chelsea 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 Chelsea. This program serves approximately 609 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 Chelsea 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.

PBV Project-Based Voucher closed

Project-Based Vouchers at Chelsea Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Chelsea. 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 closed

Public Housing units at Chelsea Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Chelsea Housing Authority manages approximately 354 Public Housing units in Chelsea. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

State Voucher Program - AHVP and MRVP closed

The State Voucher Program - AHVP and MRVP program at Chelsea Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chelsea. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Chelsea Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Chelsea Housing Authority administers 24 programs (AHVP, AHVP (State Voucher Program), Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP), Caritas Single Room Occupancy, MRVP, MRVP (State Voucher Program), Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), Other, Other (AHVP & MRVP), SRO, State Voucher Program, State Voucher Program (AHVP & MRVP), State Voucher Program (AHVP and MRVP), State Voucher Program (AHVP/MRVP), State Voucher Program - AHVP, State Voucher Program - MRVP, Voucher Program, Voucher Program (AHVP), Voucher Program (MRVP), HCV, Mainstream, PBV, Public Housing, State Voucher Program - AHVP and MRVP) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority's official portal or in person at their office at 54 Locke St, Chelsea, MA.
How long is the wait at Chelsea Housing Authority?
Wait times at Chelsea Housing Authority depend on demand in Chelsea, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 963 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on April 7, 2026 when the PBV list changed from "open" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Chelsea Housing Authority directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of Chelsea Housing Authority, including Revere Housing Authority (1 mi), Everett Housing Authority (1 mi), Malden Housing Authority (2 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Massachusetts and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Massachusetts.
How do I contact Chelsea Housing Authority?
You can reach Chelsea Housing Authority by phone at (617) 409-5321. Their office is located at 54 Locke St, Chelsea, MA 02150. You can also email them at pnowicki@chelseaha.com. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Chelsea Housing Authority?
Income limits for Chelsea Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area (currently $160,900). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $82,700. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

Chelsea Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Chelsea 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
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $160,900 Effective April 1, 2025
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.