Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Lawrence, Massachusetts
There are 5 open waiting lists in the Lawrence area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Lawrence, 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 Lawrence, 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 Lawrence, Massachusetts
Lawrence, Massachusetts is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 5 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Lawrence area. There are also 369 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Lawrence include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: HCV (1 open), Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Lawrence Housing Authority opened its Moderate Rehabilitation SRO waitlist .
About Housing in Lawrence, Massachusetts
Affordable housing opportunities in Lawrence, Massachusetts are primarily managed by the Lawrence Housing Authority. The city offers approximately 2,087 assisted housing units to support residents. Currently, there are 5 open waiting lists for housing programs and 2 closed lists available for prospective tenants.
For those seeking assistance, the Lawrence Housing Authority is currently accepting applications for programs including the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy, and Public Housing. These programs aim to provide essential housing support to eligible individuals and families in the area.
Eligibility for these programs depends on various factors, including income. For instance, a family of four applying for very low income housing in the Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area may have an income limit of $70,650 per year for FY2025. It is advisable for applicants to check specific program requirements and apply promptly when waiting lists are open through the Lawrence Housing Authority. The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) oversees state-level housing initiatives.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Lawrence
To apply for housing assistance in Lawrence, Massachusetts, submit an application directly to Lawrence Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 5 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 $70,650/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 Lawrence include MRVP, Moderate Rehabilitation SRO, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy, Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), SRO, Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program, Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), Mass Rental Voucher Program. 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).
Lawrence, Massachusetts Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Lawrence, Massachusetts, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $70,650 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $141,300.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $29,700 | $49,500 | $72,950 |
| 2 Persons | $33,950 | $56,550 | $83,400 |
| 3 Persons | $38,200 | $63,600 | $93,800 |
| 4 Persons | $42,400 | $70,650 | $104,200 |
| 5 Persons | $45,800 | $76,350 | $112,550 |
| 6 Persons | $49,200 | $82,000 | $120,900 |
| 7 Persons | $52,600 | $87,650 | $129,250 |
| 8 Persons | $56,000 | $93,300 | $137,550 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Lawrence 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 Lawrence and have active housing programs.