Kenmore Abbey — Project-Based Section 8 in Boston

490 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA, 02215

Income-based rent · about 30% of income · 199 units · Managed by POAH Communities LLC

About this apartment

Kenmore Abbey is a Project-Based Section 8 building at 490 Commonwealth Ave, Boston with 199 apartments (198 subsidized). Rent is income-based, about 30% of household income. Apply directly to the building — call 617-437-1531.

The subsidy is attached to this building, not to you. You do not need your own Section 8 voucher to apply here — qualifying households pay about 30% of adjusted income as rent and the federal subsidy covers the rest.

About Kenmore Abbey

Kenmore Abbey is a Project-Based Section 8 property at 490 Commonwealth Ave, Boston 02215. It has 199 apartments, 198 of which are subsidized (170 one-bedroom, 28 two-bedroom). Most current residents are 62 or older.

Who can apply

This program serves low-income families and individuals who meet HUD income limits for the Massachusetts area (generally at or below 50% of area median income; many buildings prioritize 30%).

How to apply

1. Call the building at 617-437-1531 (managed by POAH Communities LLC) and ask whether the waiting list is open and how to get an application.
2. Most buildings keep their own waiting list — this is separate from the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) Section 8 voucher list.
3. Submit proof of income, ID for every household member, and Social Security numbers where available.
4. When your name comes up, the management office verifies eligibility and offers a unit.

Your rights

Massachusetts MGL c.151B (source of income, including rental assistance/vouchers, protected statewide)

Nearby

See all subsidized housing and voucher-friendly options on the Boston page and read how to apply for Section 8 in Boston.

Source: HUD Multifamily Assisted Properties database (Nov 2026). Unit counts and contacts come from HUD and may lag reality — always confirm by phone. This is not an availability listing.