Reading Housing Authority
Reading, Massachusetts
Last Updated
Yesterday
About Reading Housing Authority
Reading Housing Authority (HUD agency code MA075) is the public housing agency serving Reading, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It administers 128 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 7 waiting lists at this agency, covering Affordable, HCV, Mainstream, Other, PBV, Public Housing, RAD. As of Jun 9, 2026, all 7 tracked lists are closed to new applications.
Income eligibility is set by HUD for the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $82,700 per year, and as Low Income at or below $132,300 (HUD FY2025 limits). Most waiting lists at this agency apply the Very Low Income threshold.
Section 8 Waitlist has recorded 15 status changes at this agency, most recently on Aug 26, 2026. Always confirm current status with the agency directly before applying.
Other Programs
7 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.
No specific application details were found beyond the waiting list being closed.
Reading Housing Authority participates in the Massachusetts Section 8 Centralized Waiting List, which is currently not accepting applications for this authority.
The Mainstream waiting list is currently closed. There is no information about when it will reopen.
Additional programs administered by this housing authority that do not fall under a standard federal voucher or public housing category.
The Project-Based Voucher (PBV) waiting list is currently closed. There is no information about when it will reopen.
RHA uses a lottery system if applications exceed predicted unit availability and maintains lists by bedroom size. Preferences are applied after lottery selection.
The RAD waiting list is currently closed. There is no information about when it will reopen.
Status History
Official Application
Contact Reading Housing Authority directly to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Contact the housing authority directly for application information.
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 Reading Housing Authority
Check Current Status
All 7 waiting lists at Reading Housing Authority are currently closed. Lists typically open with short notice — sometimes as little as 48 hours. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Reading 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.
Submit Your Application
Contact Reading Housing Authority directly at to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Reading Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Reading Housing Authority manages approximately 128 assisted housing units (128 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Reading. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Reading Housing Authority
Affordable Affordable Housing closed
The Affordable Housing program at Reading Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Reading. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Reading 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 Reading. This program serves approximately 128 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed
Mainstream Vouchers at Reading Housing Authority are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.
Other Other Programs closed
The Other Programs program at Reading Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Reading. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher (PBV) closed
Project-Based Vouchers at Reading Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Reading. 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 closed
Public Housing units at Reading 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.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Reading Housing Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Reading maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Reading Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Reading Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Reading Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Reading Housing Authority?
Reading Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Reading 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 |
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 Reading Housing Authority — including across state lines.