Last Updated

21 hours ago

About Melrose Housing Authority

Melrose Housing Authority (PHA Code: MA063) is situated in Melrose, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It oversees approximately 301 assisted housing units, primarily delivered through Housing Choice Vouchers.

The authority currently has open waitlists for several vital programs. These include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program, and Public Housing program. Other housing assistance opportunities may also be available.

Applicants should be aware of income restrictions. For a family of four, the current Very Low Income limit is set at $82,700 per year, aligning with the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area.

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

MHA is authorized to assist 301 households. Preferences are available to qualified veterans and/or applicants who currently work or reside in Melrose. Application can be done in person or online.

View original notice — melroseha.com

Other Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

Jan 27, 2022

How to Apply

Online

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

Melrose PBV – Levi Gould. The waiting list is not accepting applications at this time but you can subscribe to alerts and get notified when Melrose Housing Authority begins accepting applications.

Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

Preferences are given to Melrose residents and veterans; PBV Fuller House requires applicants to be at least age 62, unless disabled.

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

Additional Notes

The Melrose Housing Authority currently assists over 550 households through its Public Housing and Rental Assistance Programs.

View original notice — melroseha.com

other Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

The Melrose Affordable Housing Corporation (MAHC) bases eligibility on income, past housing history, and credit checks, granting preferences to those who reside or work in Melrose.

Other Programs

1 program

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.

MRVP
Pending

The Melrose Housing Authority manages 17 Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) vouchers. This is a state-funded program providing rental subsidies. No specific waiting list status or application details were found in the search results for this program.

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

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Melrose 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 910 Main St
City Melrose, MA 02176
PHA Code MA063
Section 8 Units 301

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 Melrose Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

Melrose Housing Authority currently has 5 open waiting lists (HCV, Other, PBV, Public Housing, other). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Melrose 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 Melrose 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 Melrose Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Melrose Housing Authority manages approximately 301 assisted housing units (301 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Melrose. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Melrose Housing Authority

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Melrose 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 Melrose. This program serves approximately 301 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Other open

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

PBV Project-Based Voucher open

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

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

other open

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

MRVP closed

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Melrose Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Melrose Housing Authority administers 6 programs (HCV, Other, PBV, Public Housing, other, 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 910 Main St, Melrose, MA.
How long is the wait at Melrose Housing Authority?
Wait times at Melrose Housing Authority depend on demand in Melrose, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 301 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Melrose 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 Melrose Housing Authority, including Saugus Housing Authority (2 mi), Malden Housing Authority (2 mi), Wakefield 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 Melrose Housing Authority?
You can reach Melrose Housing Authority by phone at (781) 665-1622. Their office is located at 910 Main St, Melrose, MA 02176. You can also email them at martin@melroseha.com. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Melrose Housing Authority?
Income limits for Melrose 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.

Melrose Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Melrose 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.