Voucher-Friendly Housing in Boston

BHA serves the city of Boston, operating traditional public housing developments — such as Mary Ellen McCormack, Charlestown, and Mildred C. Hailey Apartments — along with the Housing Choice Voucher program. Rent in BHA public housing is income-based, set at roughly 30% of adjusted household income.

BHA maintains waitlists for public housing and the Housing Choice Voucher program. Waitlists open and close periodically depending on availability and funding. Applicants can list development preferences and are contacted as units become available. Check current waitlist status directly with BHA before applying.

Massachusetts protects renters from source-of-income discrimination statewide. Under Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c. 151B), landlords generally may not refuse to rent to you simply because you would pay with a Housing Choice Voucher or other rental assistance. If a landlord rejects your voucher, you may have a right to file a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination.

Apply through the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) at bostonhousing.org when waitlists are open. Rent is based on income (about 30% of adjusted household income); eligibility is generally limited to households at or below local income limits. Call BHA at (617) 988-4000 for current waitlist information.