About Lawrence Housing Authority

The Lawrence Housing Authority (LHA), located in Lawrence, Essex County, Massachusetts, manages approximately 2,087 assisted housing units. These units include 1,031 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and 1,056 Public Housing units.

Currently, LHA is accepting applications for several programs. These include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), Moderate Rehabilitation SRO, Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy, and Public Housing. Both the HCV and Public Housing programs recently changed from closed to open for applications. For a family of four classified as Very Low Income in the Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area, the current income limit is $70,650 per year.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

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

Additional Notes

Applicants with residency or employment in Lawrence, MA, and those who are working, elderly, or disabled may receive preference.

MRVP Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

The waitlist for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) is currently open and administered by the EOHLC. Applicants are selected based on priorities, preferences, and application date.

Moderate Rehabilitation SRO Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

In-person

Additional Notes

Applicants must pick up an application at the Admission & Occupancy Office.

Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

In-person

Additional Notes

Applicants interested in applying should pick up an application at the Admission & Occupancy Office.

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

This program is managed by the state-run CHAMP system for applications.

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.

Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
Closed

The Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program is not currently accepting applications.

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

The Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy (SRO) program is not currently accepting applications.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Mass Rental Voucher Program
Pending

No waitlist information currently available for this program.

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

No specific preferences or restrictions found for LHA's MRVP.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Official Portal
Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)
Pending

No waitlist information currently available for this program.

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

Status History

HCV Opened 5 days ago
Public Housing Opened 6 days ago
SRO Closed Mar 29, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 29, 2026
HCV Closed Mar 29, 2026
Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy Opened Mar 23, 2026
SRO Opened Mar 22, 2026
MRVP Opened Mar 10, 2026
HCV Opened Mar 10, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 9, 2026
Public Housing Closed Feb 28, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 28, 2026
HCV Opened Feb 26, 2026
Public Housing Opened Feb 25, 2026
SRO Closed Feb 23, 2026
PBV Closed Feb 23, 2026
Public Housing Closed Feb 21, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 21, 2026
Public Housing Opened Feb 20, 2026
Public Housing unknown Feb 19, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Lawrence 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 353 Elm St
City Lawrence, MA 01841
PHA Code MA010
Section 8 Units 1,031
Public Housing Units 1,056

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 Lawrence Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

Lawrence Housing Authority currently has 5 open waiting lists (HCV, MRVP, Moderate Rehabilitation SRO, Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy, Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Lawrence 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 $70,650/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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Lawrence Housing Authority manages approximately 2,087 assisted housing units (1,031 Section 8, 1,056 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Lawrence. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Lawrence Housing Authority

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Lawrence 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 Lawrence. This program serves approximately 1,031 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

MRVP open

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

Moderate Rehabilitation SRO open

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

Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy open

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

Public Housing Public Housing open

Public Housing units at Lawrence Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Lawrence Housing Authority manages approximately 1,056 Public Housing units in Lawrence. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

PBV Project-Based Voucher closed

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

SRO closed

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

Mass Rental Voucher Program closed

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

Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program closed

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Lawrence Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Lawrence Housing Authority administers 10 programs (HCV, MRVP, Moderate Rehabilitation SRO, Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy, Public Housing, PBV, SRO, Mass Rental Voucher Program, Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program, Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (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 353 Elm St, Lawrence, MA.
How long is the wait at Lawrence Housing Authority?
Wait times at Lawrence Housing Authority depend on demand in Lawrence, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 2,087 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on April 2, 2026 when the HCV list changed from "closed" to "open." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Lawrence 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 Lawrence Housing Authority, including North Andover Housing Authority (2 mi), Methuen Housing Authority (3 mi), Andover Housing Authority (4 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 Lawrence Housing Authority?
You can reach Lawrence Housing Authority by phone at (978) 685-3811. Their office is located at 353 Elm St, Lawrence, MA 01841. You can also email them at lhamail@lawrencehousing.org. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Lawrence Housing Authority?
Income limits for Lawrence Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area (currently $141,300). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $70,650. 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.

Lawrence Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Lawrence Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $70,650. 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 $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
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $141,300 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.