About Medford Housing Authority

The Medford Housing Authority (PHA Code: MA015) serves Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. This authority manages a total of approximately 1,693 assisted housing units, which include 1,194 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and 499 Public Housing units.

The MHA is currently accepting applications for its Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), and Public Housing programs. Other programs managed by the authority include CHAMP - State Elderly/Disabled (currently closed for applications) and Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), for which the status is currently unknown.

For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit in the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area is $82,700 per year. Prospective applicants should verify their eligibility based on specific program requirements and current income guidelines.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online

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

Additional Notes

The Medford Housing Authority participates in the Massachusetts Section 8 Centralized Waiting List, which is open. However, the Medford Housing Authority has paused the issuance of Section 8 Vouchers. A local preference exists for applicants who currently live or work in Medford.

MRVP Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

Applications for the Massachusetts Rental Assistance Voucher Program (MRVP) are available by phone, mail, or in-person.

MRVP (Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Phone (request mail), Mail, In-person

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

Application can be requested by phone, printed from the website, or picked up in person.

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

Applicants are placed on a waitlist according to the date and time the application was received. Preferences may impact waitlist preference. Applicants from the top of the waitlist will be screened for eligibility when a unit becomes available.

View original notice — medfordhousing.org

Other Programs

2 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.

CHAMP - State Elderly/Disabled
Closed

The MHA is not qualifying applicants and has no available units for the state-aided Walkling Court development at this time. The Walkling Court development is in process of redevelopment. Please visit our open waitlists for family and elderly/disabled housing.

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

The Medford Housing Authority has Project-Based Section 8 units. However, specific waiting list information for the Medford Housing Authority's Project-Based Voucher program is not available. For Project-Based Vouchers, applicants are generally advised to contact local housing authorities or prop...

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

Status History

HCV Opened 3 days ago
HCV Closed 5 days ago
CHAMP - State Elderly/Disabled Closed Mar 12, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 12, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 11, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 11, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 10, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 10, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 9, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 9, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 8, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 8, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 7, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 7, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 6, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 6, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 5, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 5, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 4, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 4, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Medford 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 121 Riverside Ave
City Medford, MA 02155
PHA Code MA015
Section 8 Units 1,194
Public Housing Units 499

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 Medford Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

Medford Housing Authority currently has 4 open waiting lists (HCV, MRVP, MRVP (Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program), 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 Medford 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 Medford 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 Medford Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Medford Housing Authority manages approximately 1,693 assisted housing units (1,194 Section 8, 499 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Medford. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Medford Housing Authority

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Medford 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 Medford. This program serves approximately 1,194 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 Medford Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Medford. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

MRVP (Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program) open

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

Public Housing Public Housing open

Public Housing units at Medford Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Medford Housing Authority manages approximately 499 Public Housing units in Medford. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

CHAMP - State Elderly/Disabled closed

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

PBV Project-Based Voucher closed

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Medford Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Medford Housing Authority administers 6 programs (HCV, MRVP, MRVP (Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program), Public Housing, CHAMP - State Elderly/Disabled, PBV) — 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 121 Riverside Ave, Medford, MA.
How long is the wait at Medford Housing Authority?
Wait times at Medford Housing Authority depend on demand in Medford, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 1,693 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on April 4, 2026 when the HCV list changed from "closed" to "open." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Medford 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 Medford Housing Authority, including Somerville Housing Authority (1 mi), Arlington Housing Authority (2 mi), Everett Housing Authority (3 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 Medford Housing Authority?
You can reach Medford Housing Authority by phone at (781) 396-7200. Their office is located at 121 Riverside Ave, Medford, MA 02155. You can also email them at jdriscoll@medfordhousing.org. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Medford Housing Authority?
Income limits for Medford 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.

Medford Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Medford 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.