Lawrence Housing Authority
Lawrence, Massachusetts
Last Updated
23 hours ago
About Lawrence Housing Authority
Lawrence Housing Authority (HUD agency code MA010) is the public housing agency serving Lawrence, Essex County, Massachusetts. It administers 1,056 public housing units and 1,031 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 7 waiting lists at this agency, covering HCV, Mod Rehab, MRVP, Public Housing, SRO, PBV, Other. As of Feb 18, 2026, 5 are open and 1 is closed. Status is unconfirmed for 1 further list.
Income eligibility is set by HUD for the Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $70,650 per year, and as Low Income at or below $104,200 (HUD FY2025 limits). Most waiting lists at this agency apply the Very Low Income threshold.
Section 8 Waitlist has recorded 46 status changes at this agency, most recently on Sep 13, 2026. Always confirm current status with the agency directly before applying.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Applicants are placed on the waitlist by date and timestamp of application, with preferences impacting placement; the average wait time is between 12-13 years.
Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Eligible families are placed on a separate SRO Program waitlist by date and timestamp, with rental assistance tied to the unit and tenants paying no more than 30% of their adjusted income for rent, including utilities.
Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Phone, In-person
Additional Notes
The waitlist is currently open for this state-funded subsidy program, which offers both tenant-based and project-based rental assistance. Eligibility requires household net income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Nov 3, 2018
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The waitlist for 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom units is open indefinitely. Applicants are placed on the waitlist by date and time, with local preference for residents or workers in Lawrence, MA, and veteran preference impacting placement.
Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
In-person
Additional Notes
Applicants for the Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy program can pick up an application at the Admission & Occupancy Office at 353 Elm Street, Lawrence, MA 01841.
Other Programs
2 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.
There are no active waitlist openings for Project-Based Vouchers at this time.
Additional programs administered by this housing authority that do not fall under a standard federal voucher or public housing category.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Lawrence 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 Lawrence Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Lawrence Housing Authority currently has 5 open waiting lists (Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab), Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), Public Housing, Single Room Occupancy (SRO)). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
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.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official Lawrence Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.
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 Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) 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.
Mod Rehab Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab) open
The Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab) 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.
MRVP Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) open
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.
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.
SRO Single Room Occupancy (SRO) open
The Single Room Occupancy (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.
PBV Project-Based Voucher (PBV) 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.
Other Other Programs closed
The Other Programs 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?
How long is the wait at Lawrence Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Lawrence Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Lawrence Housing Authority?
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 |
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 Lawrence Housing Authority — including across state lines.