Housing 101: How to Obtain Affordable Housing

Public vs. Subsidized Housing: 2

Public Housing: 3
Federal Public Housing: 3
State Public Housing: 3
Vouchers: 4
Types of Vouchers: MRVP and AHVP: 4
Section 8: 4
Applying: 5
How to Apply: 5
Documents Needed For Application Process: 5
Eligibility: 6
Priorities and Preferences: 7
What to Expect After Applying: 8
Waiting Lists: 9
Tenant Screening: 10
CORI Reports: 10
Credit Reports: 10
Previous Residency: 11
Challenging a Denial of Housing: 11
Turning Around a Denial and the Appeal: 12
Immigrants and Housing: 13
Reasonable Accommodations: 13
Frequently Asked Questions: 14
Samples and Useful Information: 15
Affordable Housing Acronyms: 15
Useful Phone Numbers: 16
Useful Websites: 17
Housing Search Log: 18
Change of Address Sample Form: 19
Verification of Disability for Reasonable Accommodation: 20
Physician's Verification of Severe Medical Emergency: 23
Declaration of Residency: 24
Housing Search Form: 25
MRVP Income Limits: 26
Massachusetts Housing Authorities and Wait List Availability: Attached
MassHousing Privately Subsidized Buildings: Attached

Public vs. Subsidized Housing

Public Housing
In public housing, the housing authority owns the building and is also the landlord. Housing
authorities are businesses established by the state to provide affordable housing to low-income families.
In general, each city or town has its own housing authority that is in charge of housing in that area.
There is a list of all of the housing authorities, with contact information and their average waiting list
time attached to your packet. In Massachusetts, there at 237 housing authorities and 130 of them have
Section 8 vouchers. Once you are given an apartment, if you choose to move the subsidy does not
continue. In general, you pay about 30% of your income for rent.
Subsidized Housing
For subsidized housing, it is owned and operated by private owners, not the housing authorities.
These private owners or landlords receive subsidies or grants in exchange for renting to low-income
people. There are a few different ways to get subsidized housing, such as through voucher programs.
These different types of subsidized housing and vouchers will be explained in detail in the Vouchers
section on page 4. One similarity between public and subsidized housing is that to be eligible for either,
household income must be below a certain income level. This income level is set by the government
every year and is determined by the average income level of the community. The income levels for
Massachusetts 2013 are attached to your packet. Once admitted to subsidized housing, you must find
the apartment on your own in the private market. If you choose to move, you take the voucher with you
and the subsidy continues. In general, you pay up to 40% of income for rent. However, if members of
your family are undocumented immigrants, that percentage will be a higher percentage for federally
funded programs.

Public Housing
Federal Public Housing
Federal public housing is funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development or
HUD. For family public housing, the number and gender of the members of your family determine how
many bedrooms you are eligible for. For example, if you and your spouse have two sons you would be
eligible for a two bedroom. However, if you and your spouse have a son and a daughter you would be
eligible for a three bedroom. Elderly and disabled federal public housing is available to people where
the head of household or their spouse is at least 62 years old or has a disability.
State Public Housing
State public housing is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community
Development or DHCD. The different types of housing are separated in to different chapters and have
different qualifications needed. Chapter 200 housing is open to people of all ages, including single
people, people with disabilities and families, these apartments are usually located in large
developments. Chapter 705 housing is also open to all people; these apartments are usually located in
smaller buildings that are scattered throughout a city or town. Chapter 667 housing is for seniors and
people with disabilities; these are either studios or one-bedroom apartments. Chapter 689 housing is for
adults with special needs usually focusing on group homes for people with mental disabilities. Chapter
167 housing is for people with chronic mental illnesses that are leaving state mental health hospitals.

Vouchers
Types of Vouchers
Vouchers are a type of subsidy that allows housing authorities to pay part of your rent but you
have to find the apartment on your own.
The Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program or MRVP is a voucher program funded by the state.
It can be tenant-based which is mobile meaning that you can take the subsidy with you if you move.
Programs can also be project-based which is non-mobile meaning that you cannot take the voucher
with you if you move. These vouchers cannot be taken outside of the state. This is different from the
Section 8 voucher that can be taken outside of the state after a certain period of time. There is an
allotted search period for how long you have to find an apartment with your MRVP. This search period
is generally 60 days however can be extended by the housing authority.
The Alternative Housing Voucher Program or AHVP is a voucher program also funded by the
state, specifically for people who are under 60 and are currently on waiting lists for state public
elderly/disabled housing. If you have an AHVP voucher, you must keep your name on the waiting lists
for elderly/disabled housing. If housing becomes available, you will lose the voucher.
Section 8
Section 8 vouchers are the largest federally funded voucher program and the most desired
vouchers. With a Section 8 voucher, you can live anywhere in Massachusetts and take the voucher with
you if you move. After one year, you are allowed to take your Section 8 voucher to another state.
However, you are not given a specific apartment, you have to find the location. This search is generally
around 60 days; extensions may be given by the housing authorities for certain cases. By keeping track
of all of the locations you applied to, it will be easier to receive an extension as well as help you stay
organized during your search.
One of the requirements for a Section 8 voucher is that the apartment found has a pricing under
the Fair Market Rents. Fair Market Rents or FMR are amounts set by the HUD that a housing property
cannot exceed in an area. A list of the 2013 FMR are attached to your packet. After you find an
affordable apartment and a landlord who is willing to rent, a request for tenancy approval must be
submitted to the housing authority. There is a sample attached to your packet. Remember, it is illegal
for a landlord to discriminate against you for having a Section 8 voucher. The housing authority will
then decide to approve or reject the application, then inspect the apartment and make sure that it is
livable.

Applying for Affordable Housing

How to Apply
To begin your search for affordable housing, first contact the Massachusetts Department of
Housing and Community Development or DHCD and ask for a copy of How to Obtain Housing
Assistance in Massachusetts. Their phone number is list in Samples and Useful Information section on
page 16. This booklet contains information about programs and important phone numbers to help you
with your housing search. It gives you a step by step way to apply for affordable housing and a lot of
information to help understand the process.
For public housing, you must decide which communities you wish to live in and then apply to
those specific housing authorities. In most cases, local residents get priority. For a voucher, you need to
only find out which housing authorities are accepting applications for vouchers and apply there.
MassAccess Housing Registry has a list of accessible and affordable housing locations for people with
disabilities. They also have information about public, subsidized and non-subsidized housing.
Remember that you do not need to be receiving welfare to get housing search assistance.
For vouchers such as Section 8 or MRVP, there is a standard application that can be submitted
to the Section 8 Centralized Waiting list or a local housing authority. There is a sample application
attached to your packet. However, when applying for government funded housing, you have to request
an application from each individual housing agency since there is no standard application. To get an
application, call or write to the housing authority of interest and ask for all of the programs they are
accepting applications for. A list of the housing authorities, their phone numbers, addresses and wait list
availability is attached to your packet. When filling out the application make sure to apply for all of the
different preferences possible. This could help you spend less time on the wait list, anything possible
could help. Always request a written receipt from the housing authority or landlord stating the date the
application was submitted. By keeping a copy for your records, it is much easier to track your status on
the waiting list.
Documents Needed When Applying
Proof of Income
Proof of Citizenship
Current Residence Documents
Landlord References
List of Past Housing For Last Five Years
Credit Report and CORI Report (not submitted with the application but are very important for
you to have)
If you are applying for certain preferences or priorities such as disability, documentation will be
needed. For example, if you have a substance abuse disability, letters from counselors or proof from a
rehab facility program will work. Also, a positive testimonial from a friend or neighbor about your
efforts towards recovery would be great. As well, you will need documents showing either
confirmation of receiving SSI or SSDI or a note from a doctor. If you have questions about specifically
what kind of documentation you will need to prove your disability, contact the housing authority.
Housing authorities and landlords will also check credit scores and criminal offender record
information or CORI forms for background information. It is best to get a personal copy of your credit
and CORI reports to check for errors. Also be prepared with proof of positive improvement and efforts
towards change. This could include a letter from a parole officer stating how you have made beneficial
life changes. Remember, you are allowed to receive three free copies of your credit report a year so it is
always useful to obtain a copy. You can do this by calling one of the three major credit unions; their
numbers are listed on page 16. Even if your credit score is not ideal, by making small payments that are
5

affordable shows that you are making effort towards improving your situation. You, personally, receive
a different copy of your CORI report than the housing authority do. Your copy shows cases that have
been closed, so never bring up anything to a housing authority that they would not necessarily see in
their copy. It is illegal for housing authorities or landlords to ask for your personal copy of your CORI
report.
Generally, you will be asked to give a list of every place you have lived in the past five years. It
is very important to list everywhere and do not leave gaps. It does not matter where you were living; it
matters to include all places during the time period.
While going through the application process, it is important and helpful to keep a log sheet of
all of the places you applied and are on the waiting list for. There is a sample log sheet available in the
Samples and Useful Information section on page 18. As well, it is especially important to alert all of the
housing authorities and landlords of address changes. About once a year, they contact everyone on their
wait list to check if they are still interested in staying on the wait list for the upcoming year. If you do
not respond to this letter, you will be taken off the waiting list. If there is a member of your family who
does not move frequently, use their address and have them tell you when they get these letters. Do not
forget to alert the housing authorities of your address change. These letters must be answered as soon
as possible, so as soon as you receive them say that you still wish to stay on the waiting list.
Once you are accepted off the waiting list, you must accept the apartment given unless it is
either inappropriate or will cause hardship.
Eligibility
To be eligible for public or subsidized housing, your yearly income must be below a certain
income level. This amount is usually determined by comparing your income to the average income of
the area. Copies of the area median incomes for 2013 are attached to your packet.
For the different types of housing, there are different income level requirements. For public
housing, AHVP vouchers and project-based Section 8, household income can be no more than 80% of
the area median income. For Section 8 vouchers, household income can be no greater than 50% to up to
80% of the area median income. For MRVP, household income can be no greater than 200% of the
federal poverty line. Federal housing programs base eligibility on gross yearly income or the amount
that you make before taxes are taken out. State housing programs base eligibility on net yearly income
or the amount you make after taxes are taken out.
When determining the eligibility of immigration status, remember that state funded programs do
not require information about immigration status. Federal programs require that at least one member of
your family is a citizen or has legal immigration status.
To be eligible for federal or state Chapter 667 public housing for seniors or people with
disabilities, the housing authorities have certain requirements. The head of household or spouse must
be at least 62 for federal programs and 60 for state programs or have a disability. Some federal
locations allow people considered nearly-elderly to apply early. Since most apartments are onebedrooms or studios, larger families will not be able to apply. Your income level must be below 80% of
the area median income. For state housing, they do not need immigration status but for federal housing
at least one member must be a citizen or a certain type of legal immigrant.
To be eligible for federal or state Chapter 200 public housing for families the housing
authorities have certain requirements. A family is considered one or more adults with or without
children. The housing authorities use family size to determine what bedroom size a family is eligible
for. If a family member has a disability, generally the family is eligible for family public housing and
sometimes there is a preference for people with disabilities. Your income level must be below 80% of
the area median income. For state housing, they do not need immigration status but for federal housing
at least one member must be a citizen or a certain type of legal immigrant.
6

To be eligible for a Section 8 voucher, housing authorities have certain requirements. Any
family size is allowed to apply. Income must fall below 50% of the area median income but in some
places the limit may be higher, up to 80%. As well, at least one member of the family must be a US
citizen or have a certain type of legal immigration status.
Although only certain housing authorities offer it, to be eligible for AHVP, housing authorities
have certain requirements. You must be under age 60 and have a disability that makes you eligible to
live in state public housing for elders and people with disabilities. Your yearly income must be below
80% of the area median income. There is no immigration status required.
To be eligible for MRVP, housing authorities have certain requirements. Any family size is
allowed to apply. Net yearly income must be less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Line. There is no
immigration status required.
There is also a law in Massachusetts for victims of domestic violence who are applying for
certain federally assisted housing to have a priority. Being a victim of domestic violence, dating
violence or stalking cannot be a reason to be denied federal public housing, it is illegal.
Priorities and Preferences
For state housing programs, there are priorities to see who gets housing first off of the waiting
list. Within these priorities there are preferences that determine who gets housing first within a priority.
For federal housing, there are usually just preferences. If you fit into a preference category, at some
point documentation will be needed. It might not be until you reach the top of the waiting list, so it is
best to always be prepared. As well, if your situation changes and you now qualify for a preference
while you are on the waiting list, make sure to notify the housing authorities, it could improve your
chances of getting housing. At every housing authority you apply to, ask for a written list of
preferences and priorities. Every location will have a slightly different list even if they are very similar.
Housing authorities must give you certain documents if requested including, Admissions and
Continued Occupancy Policy or ACOP, Emergency Case Plan, Section 8 Administrative Plan and
Tenant Selective Plan. If you have any questions about requesting documents or priorities and
preferences, be sure to ask the housing authority. As well, people who commonly receive preference
include local residents, people facing domestic violence, working people, people who are homeless or
who will become homeless due to no-fault eviction, people with disabilities, veterans and elderly or
nearly-elderly. Housing authorities must give priorities to someone who is homeless due to fire, natural
disaster or condemnation by the Board of Health, having a housing emergency such as domestic
violence, has an AHVP, need to relocate or already live in public housing and need to transfer for good
cause. If you qualify for any of these priorities and preferences, make sure you have documentation
proving it. Having your documents ready at the beginning of the housing process will help the housing
authorities process your location on the waiting list faster.
Owners of subsidized developments who receive state or federal funds through MassHousing
must give priority to someone if they have been displaced by public action or natural disaster, domestic
violence or have at least one child under the age of 18. However, federally funded multifamily housing
that is not MassHousing is not required to have any preferences or priorities but, it is illegal to
discriminate. If you feel that you are being discriminated against, contact the Massachusetts
Commission Against Discrimination, their phone number is listed on page 16.
If you get denied a preference or priority, you have the option to appeal the denial. This can be
done by writing to the housing authorities and requesting a conference to appeal. There will be a
deadline for a time when this must be done by. Before your conference make sure to collect evidence
stating why you meet the requirements of the priorities, along with all of the documents and witnesses
necessary.

What to Expect After Applying

After you submit your application, wait for confirmation from the housing authority that your
application has been accepted onto the waiting list. The wait time for confirmation of your application
can be anywhere from 1 week to 9 months. Although the wait can be very long to even just get on the
waiting list, it is important to stay patient and aware of the situation. When submitting your application
ask the housing authority for the average wait time to be accepted onto the waiting list so you know
around when you should hear back by. By staying organized and keeping track of all of your
application, you will be able to know which places you are already on the list for and where you are
waiting to hear back from. For example using the housing log will help you know who you talked to,
when, and allow you to keep track of exactly when you application was submitted so you can predict
around when you should hear confirmation. This sample log is listed in the Samples and Useful
Information section on page 18.

Waiting Lists
When applying for affordable housing it is important to remember that waiting lists are very
long. Apply for as many different housing programs as possible, since there is no definite amount of
time you will spend on the wait list the more places you apply the better your chances are of getting an
apartment. However, only apply to communities where you would actually be happy living in, if you
get accepted to housing you are required to accept it. See if there are any preferences or priorities that
fit your current situation because they can improve your chances of getting to the top of the list.
Request a written receipt for all applications submitted. Keeping a copy of all documents helps keep
your records more accurate and reliable. Also keep track of applications and all of the places where you
submitted applications, there is a sample log sheet in the Samples and Useful Information section on
page 18. Notify all places where you applied of a new address when moving, this is especially
important to maintain your spot on the wait list.
One way to find out which waiting lists are open for public housing and vouchers is using
websites like HousingWorks and MassNAHRO. These websites and phone numbers are listed in the
Samples and Useful Information section on page 16. Waiting lists are either organized by date and time
of application or by random lottery. Recently, many housing authorities have been encouraged to use
the lottery system out of fairness. If you find out that a certain wait list is closed, find out if it is open to
people with certain preferences or emergencies. Some lists such as the Section 8 Centralized Waiting
List are always open. There is a list of housing authorities with open waiting lists and average wait
times attached to your packet.
As your name gets closer to the top of the waiting list, the housing authority will start checking
references, credit reports and doing a criminal background check for members of the household that are
over 17 years old. Remember to be prepared with documents to counter any negative information they
may find. By keeping good records and checking up on your wait list status, it will allow you to get to
the top of the wait list as fast as possible.

Tenant Screening
According to housing authorities and landlords, a good tenant is considered someone who: pays
the rent on time, complies with the lease, keeps the apartment in good condition, does not disturb
neighbors or damage property, does not engage in criminal activity, including the use of illegal drugs,
provides information necessary to evaluate the application and has not committed fraud in other
subsidized housing programs or in the current application.
CORI Reports
If the housing authorities find information that would make you not an ideal tenant, be prepared
with information to counteract it. Be prepared for what they might find. If you are unsure what
ultimately happened with a criminal charge or what the conviction status was, it is best to say that you
are unsure as opposed to bringing up something that may have been waived. If you have ever made a
criminal appearance in state court whether or not you were found guilty means you have a CORI. The
CORI report that an individual receives may be different from the CORI report that the housing
authority gets. Although, the housing authorities are not supposed to get a report listing cases that
ended in not guilty or dismissal, sometimes it gets included by mistake. Never give a personal copy
to the housing authority; they must request their own copy from the Criminal History Systems Board or
CHSB. The housing authority is allowed to request a CORI for any member of the family who is over
17 or under 17 who has been convicted as an adult. If they request a copy of your CORI, they must
notify you in writing first. Even if you are not convicted of a crime, it is still possible that you could get
denied housing for engaging in illegal activity and therefore not being considered an ideal tenant.
If you or someone in your family has defaulted in a case such as failing to appear in court, this
will appear on the CORI report as an open case and the housing authorities will see it. It is best to try to
clear up any of these cases before coming to the top of the waiting list. This is an easy way to show that
you are trying to improve your situation. If there is a default warrant issued for your arrest, be sure to
seek legal help from a criminal attorney. By getting these types of cases closed, it will show effort
towards clearing your record.
Before you come to the top of the waiting list, it is important to obtain your personal copy of the
CORI report and check for errors. This can be done by submitting a CORI request form to the CHSB or
the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services, both numbers can be found in the Samples
and Useful Information Section on page 16. If there are errors, fill out a complaint form and try to get
everything corrected as quickly as possible. If you are denied housing for a negative criminal record or
a history of substance abuse, by providing the housing authority with evidence that these activities will
not continue will help the appeal. If you are denied by a housing authority, they must give you
information about why your application was denied. Remember to always appeal a denial.
Credit Reports
Housing authorities and landlords also get copies of your credit report to assure that you will
pay your rent on time. Credit reports state information about ability to pay rent, how much money you
previously borrowed, repaid and how much money you owe or your amount of debt. All Massachusetts
residents are entitled to three free credit reports, it is very important to obtain a personal copy to ensure
that all of the information is correct. You can get a copy of your credit report by contacting one of the
three major credit unions; their numbers are listed on page 16. As well, housing programs base the
amount of rent on the household's income and a family could be charged with fraud for failing to report
income.
Information about your accounts can be reported from as far back as 7 years ago. However,
bankruptcies can stay on your credit report for up to 10 years. Any criminal convictions are always
recorded as well. Someone should not be denied housing based on bad credit but if you are it is
10

important to have documentation to prove that you will always pay your rent on time. By offering to
make minimal payments to repay debts shows effort toward reducing them. Another option is having
someone with better credit co-sign on the lease to assure the landlord or housing authority that the rent
will be paid on time. As well, no credit history is the same as bad credit history. To access a personal
copy of your credit report, call one of the three major credit unions. Their numbers and more
information are listed in the Samples and Useful Information section on page 16.
Previous Residency
Most housing authorities get information from previous or current landlords to determine if
someone would be a favorable tenant. You should list all of your previous landlords from the time
period requested with contact information and addresses. Failing to do this could result in your
application being denied so it is important to list all of your landlords. Be sure to explain if there are
any gaps in your rental history such as time spent at a shelter. If you do not explain these gaps they
could be considered fraud and your application will be denied. As well, you will most likely need to
provide documentation for where you were during your housing gaps, so be prepared with that.
The housing agency may send a form to prior landlords asking them for references. If they
return this form it will be enough proof of residence. It is best to alert your previous landlords ahead of
time that the housing authorities will be requesting a reference. It may also give you time to counteract
potential negative information if the landlord felt you were not an ideal tenant.
Challenging a Denial of Housing
If you receive a denial letter for housing, there are many different ways to appeal this decision.
Read the letter very carefully and see what the reasons for denial are. State housing and federal housing
have different rules and laws for why someone could be denied. If you are unsure about why you have
been denied contact the housing authority with your questions. Always appeal your denial of housing
and be prepared with documents.
Reasoning for Federal Denial: If applying for federal public housing, the housing authority must deny
someone if they find out certain information. This includes if a household member is currently
engaging in the use of illegal drugs. If there is reasonable cause to believe that a household member's
pattern of abuse may threaten the health and safety of other residents. As well if any member of the
household is a sex offender or has been convicted with the production of methamphetamine.
Reasoning for State Denial: If applying for state public housing, the housing authority must deny
someone if they find out certain information. This includes if there has been prior property damage that
if repeated would have a serious effect on the new place of residence. If any member of the household
has engaged in criminal activity that if repeated would threaten the rights of other tenants. If any
member of the household has a history of nonpayment of rent. If you have failed to provide information
necessary for the housing authority to process your application or have provided false information on
the application. As well if any member of the household is a current illegal user of controlled
substances.
Reasoning for Section 8 Voucher Denial: If applying for a Section 8 voucher, the housing authority
must deny someone if they find out certain information. This includes if any member of the household
has been evicted for a serious lease violation. If any member of the household has not submitted
information about their immigration status. If an individual is a non-disabled, non-veteran student
under 24 years old at a place of higher education and does not have a dependent child, they are not
eligible for the voucher. If any member of the household is a sex offender. As well if any member of the
household currently engages in or has a history of illegal drug or alcohol use.
11

Turning Around a Denial and the Appeal

To request a hearing and challenge a denial, an individual must submit, in writing, a request for
an appeal before the deadline noted in the denial letter. As soon as possible, contact the housing
authority and obtain the application, make copies of the files and double check that there are not any
errors. Letters of support and recommendation from current employers, probation officers, counselors
or anyone who can assure that your circumstances have changed will make a positive impression.
Consider getting affidavits because they have more weight in an appeal than just signed letters. Also,
keep copies of everything for your personal records just in case anything gets lost. Remember to obtain
letters that appeal specifically to the reason for your denial.
If after the appeal, a person is denied again, they can request a reconsideration of this decision
in writing and request any new relevant information. There will not be a second hearing and this
decision will only look at the new information presented.
The purpose of challenging a denial is to have there be a reconsideration of the housing
authority's decision. It is an opportunity to address concerns raised, show and correct wrong
information and explain why you would be a good tenant. Keep records and copies of all of the files
sent and received from the housing authorities and gather as much information as possible. Remember
to always appeal a denial, regardless of the situation.

12

Immigrants and Housings

For federal public housing programs, if some but not all of your household members are
citizens or have immigration status, your individual portion of rent will be higher than average. In
Massachusetts, no state housing programs have citizenship requirements. Without a green card or
lawful permanent residence, a person cannot apply for certain federal housing programs and a work
authorization does not count. However, if a member of the household is a victim of domestic abuse but
is not a US citizen, they may qualify for certain special immigration protection.
Eligible citizens and noncitizens include: an individual born in the United States, naturalized
citizen, lawful permanent resident, and registry immigrant admitted for permanent residence by the
U.S. Attorney General and eligible for citizenship, refugee, conditional entrant, parolee, withholding
grantee, person granted 1986 amnesty status, resident of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau or
Guam or victim of trafficking and their relatives.
If a household is a mixed household meaning that some members are US citizens and some
are not, the rent will be prorated or raised possibly above the amount that you can afford. If you or
someone in your family is unsure about their immigration status or is having trouble getting documents
to prove their status, contact an immigration attorney before contacting the immigration authorities. If
you need help from an attorney, the International Institute of Boston has a weekly Immigration Legal
Clinic and provides legal consultation. If you are unsure of your immigration status, only apply for
state funded housing programs because they do not require immigration status. Immigrants who do not
have a social security number should apply to the IRS for an Individual Taxpayer Identification
Number which allows income and taxes to be reported without risk of deportation. Failing to report any
forms of income is considered fraud.
After submitting your immigration documents, they will be verified by the Department of
Homeland Security who can ask an individual to provide documentation. Federally funded housing
authorities do not have to report someone to the immigration authorities if applying for or live in public
or subsidized housing. You would only be reported to immigration if you state that you do have eligible
immigration status and are then found to be unlawfully present. If you falsify claims to be a citizen, the
immigration authorities can deny an immigration application and refuse then to enter, return or become
a legal resident. If members of your household are not proficient in English, have an interpreter at
important meetings and take steps to translate important documents.

Reasonable Accommodations
If you have a disability, you may be entitled to get a reasonable accommodation which means
that the housing authorities make certain adjustments to the rules to give you full use of the home. A
person with a disability who is entitled to a reasonable accommodation is someone with a physical or
mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. A physical or mental impairment can
be any kind of mental or physical illness or disorder, such as depression, cancer, learning disorders or
deafness. Current users of illegal drugs are not considered disabled, however a person with a previous
history of drug abuse can be considered to have a disability if the proper help was found. Reasonable
accommodations can include changing the no pet policy to allow a service dog. Mass Accessible
Housing Registry or Mass Access has a registry for accessible and adaptable housing for rent.

13

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a rental agreement?
It is an agreement between the landlord and you saying that the landlord agrees to rent you a
unit and you agree to pay the rent but there is no set time frame for the agreement to end. Make sure
that this is in writing.
What is a lease?
It is a written agreement between the landlord and you with a fixed time frame to begin and end
of when you will rent the unit and pay rent.
What is the difference between project-based and tenant-based Section 8 vouchers?
With Section 8 tenant-based vouchers, you can pick an apartment of your choice and when you
move out the apartment, you can take the rental assistance to another apartment of your choice. With
Section 8 project-based vouchers, the rental assistance is tied to a specific apartment, it you move you
do not take the subsidy with you but you may be eligible for a tenant-based voucher if one becomes
available.
What if I am already on a Section 8 waiting list?
If you are already on the DHCD tenant-based waiting list, applying for project-based
apartments will not affect your position on the list
Why is the subsidy waiting list so long?
The demand for Section 8 and other subsidy programs is much larger than the available number
of vouchers and available apartments, this result in very long waiting lists. Because of this some
housing authorities have chosen to close their waiting lists due to high demand.
Why do some landlords ask for a security deposit?
A security deposit is used by the landlord in case a family moves out and leaves damages to the
property or unpaid rent. If there are no damages to the property you will get the money back.
What type of notice do I need to give if I want to move?
If you have a tenancy at will you need to tell you landlord in writing of your plan to move with
30 days notice.

14

Affordable Housing Acronyms

- AHVP: Alternative Housing Voucher Program
- BMIR: Below Market Interest Rate
- CBP: United States Customs and Border Patrol
- CHAPA: Citizens Housing and Planning Association
- CHSB: Criminal History Systems Board
- CORI: Criminal Offender Record Information
- DHCD: Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development
- DHS: Department of Homeland Security
- DTA: Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance
- EAEDC: Emergency Aid to Elderly, Disabled and Children
- FMR: Fair Market Rents
- HAP: Housing Assistance Payment
- HUD: United States Department of Housing and Urban Development
- ITIN: Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
- LIHTC: Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Database
- MassNAHRO: Massachusetts Chapter of National Association of Housing and Redevelopment
Officials
- MBHP: Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership
- MCAD: Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination
- MCH: Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless
- MRVP: Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program
- RAB: Resident Advisory Board
- RAP: Rental Assistance Program
- RAFT: Residential Assistance for Families in Transition
- SSDI: Social Security Disability Insurance
- SSI: Supplemental Security Income
- SSN: Social Security Number
- TAFDC: Traditional Assistance for Families with Dependent Children
- TRO: Temporary Restraining Order
- USCIS: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services

15

Useful Phone Numbers

- Aging Service Access Point (ASAP): 1-800-AGE-INFO
- Annual Credit Report Request Service: 877-322-8228
- Equifax Customer Information Service Center: 800-685-1111
- Experian National Consumer Assistance Center: 888-397-3742
- TransUnion Corporation: 877-888-4213
- Casa Myrna Vazquez: 800-992-2600
- Committee for Public Counsel Services: 617-482-6212 or 800-882-2095
- Citizens Housing and Planning Association: 617-742-0820
- CORI Project at Legal Advocacy Resource Center: 617-603-1700
- Criminal History Systems Board: 617-660-4600
- Department of Justice ADA: 800-514-0301
- DTA Family Housing (Homeless Unit): 617-989-6100
- First Advantage SafeRent: 800-811-3495
- Housing Counseling Agency: 800-569-4287
- Housing Consumer Education Center: 617-425-6700
- HUDVET National Hotline: 800-998-9999
- International Institute of Boston: 617-695-9990
- IRS: 800-TAX-FORMS
- Legal Advocacy and Resource Center: 617-603-1700
- Massachusetts Bureau of Housing Management: 617-573-1150
- Massachusetts Child Poisoning Prevention Program: 800-532-9571
- Massachusetts Coalition For the Homeless: 781-595-7570
- Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination: 667-999-6000
- Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services: 617-727-5608
- Massachusetts Department of Elder Affairs: 617-727-7750
- Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development: 617-573-1100
- Massachusetts Department of Mental Health: 617-626-8000
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health: 617-624-6000
- Community Sanitation Program: 617-624-5757
- Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities: 617-305-3531
- Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance: 617-348-8500
- Massachusetts Immigrant and Refuge Advocacy Coalition: 617-350-5480
- Massachusetts Law Reform Institute: 617-357-0700
- Massachusetts Nonprofit Housing Association: 617-367-3330
- Massachusetts Union of Public Housing Tenants: 617-825-9750
- MassHousing: 617-854-1000
- MBHP Property Owner Services Manager: 617-425-6656
- National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: 877-424-3838
- Office of the Attorney General: 617-727-2200
- Safelink: 877-785-2020
- Sealed Records Division of the Commissioner of Probation: 617-727-5300 ext. 261
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: 800-375-5283
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): 617-994-8200 or 800-955-2232
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Discrimination Hotline: 800-669-9777
- U.S. Department of Justice: 202-514-4713
16

Useful Websites
- Massachusetts Legal Help for CORI Assistance and Credit Reports:
http://www.masslegalhelp.org/housing/tenant-screening/cori-assistance
- Fair Market Rent Rates for 2013:
http://www.huduser.org/portal/datasets/fmr/fmrs/docsys.html&data=fmr13
- Section 8 Voucher Preapplication: http://massnahro.org/media/preapp.pdf
- Massachusetts Income Limits: http://www.huduser.org/portal/datasets/il/il13/ma.pdf
- Mass Access Housing Fact Sheets:
http://www.massaccesshousingregistry.org/content/?housing-fact-sheets,75
- Mass.gov How to Obtain Housing Assistance:
http://www.mass.gov/hed/economic/eohed/dhcd/how-to-obtain-housing-assistance.html
- HousingWorks:
http://www.housingworks.com/
- HousingWorks Search for Open Waitlists:
http://www.housingworks.net/cgibin/WebObjects/housingworks.woa/2/wo/tSAuvRyPYgKrsLT0gEzqCM/0.2.2#open
- HousingWorks Housing-Related Resources:
http://www.housingworks.net/static/stateinfoMA.html
- DHCD Emergency Application for State-Aided Housing:
http://www.mass.gov/hed/docs/dhcd/ph/publichousingapplications/emergapp.pdf
- Regional Administering Authorities by Town:
http://www.mass.gov/hed/docs/dhcd/ph/rentalapplications/raalist.pdf
- Allowances for Tenant-Furnished Utilities for Lynn:
http://www.mass.gov/hed/docs/dhcd/ph/rentalapplications/utilityallowance/2013s8ua/4alynnsingle.pdf
- LIHTC Database Access: http://lihtc.huduser.org/
- 800AgeInfo: https://www.800ageinfo.com/learncenter.asp?id=178412
- Annual Credit Report: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp
- Casa Myrna Vazquez: http://www.casamyrna.org/
- Citizens' Housing and Planning Association: http://www.chapa.org/

17

Housing Search Log

Name of housing agency/subsidized landlord: __________________________
Address: _________________________________________________________________
Phone: __________________________________________________________________
Program

Date Application
Requested

Date Application
Submitted

Control Number

Federal public housing

State public housing
Emergency application
Section 8 voucher
Other

Date

18

Whom
Spoke To

Letter, Call or Visit?

What Happened/
Was Said

Next Steps

Sample Change of Address Form

Date
Anytown Housing Authority
123 Any Street
Anytown, MA 12345
To Whom It May Concern:
I am an applicant on your ___________________ waiting list and am writing to inform you of a
change in my address. My previous address was:
Address
City, State, Zip Code
My new address is:
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Thank You.
Sincerely,

Name
Control Number (if known)

19

Verification of Disability by Physician or Other Professional

for Reasonable Accommodation/Modification Request
Name of Physician or other professional: ____________________________________

Profession: ________________________________________

Address
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Date_____________________
Applicant/Resident Name ____________________________________
Applicant/Resident Address _______________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

I hereby authorize release of the following information: _______________________ (Applicant/Resident

Signature)

A local housing authority (LHA) may request verification that an applicant/resident has a disability to determine
whether the applicant/resident needs a reasonable accommodation in the LHA's rules, policies, practices or
services, or needs a reasonable modification of the leased premises or public or common use areas, in order to
have equal opportunity to use and enjoy the leased premises or the public or common use areas, or to participate
fully in the LHAs programs, activities, or services. The above-named applicant/resident has authorized your
release of the requested information. We would appreciate your prompt response to the questions on the reverse
side of this letter. If you have questions, please contact our office. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.

Sincerely,

___________________________________________

Executive Director and/or Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator

20

The following proposed reasonable accommodation(s)/reasonable modification(s) to provide the applicant/resident equal
opportunity to use and enjoy the LHAs housing, programs, etc. is (are) under consideration by the LHA:
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________

THE FOLLOWING TO BE COMPLETED BY PHYSICIAN (OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL):

1. Based upon your knowledge, does the above-named applicant/resident have a physical or mental impairment which
substantially limits one or more major life activities,* or, do you have a record(s) of such an impairment for the abovenamed applicant/resident? Circle the appropriate answer:
Yes / No
*Note: Determination of whether a physical or mental impairment substantially limits a major life activity is to be made
without regard to the ameliorative effects of mitigating measures (e.g., assess substantial limitation of a major life activity,
including the operation of a major bodily function, without considering the benefit of medication, assistive devices, etc., to
the individual). Furthermore, an impairment that is episodic or in remission is a disability if it would substantially limit a
major life activity when active.

2. Does the applicant/resident have a disability-related need for the above mentioned reasonable accommodation(s)/
reasonable modification(s) based on the physical or mental impairment? Please explain* your response.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________

*Note: please only provide information that demonstrates there is a relationship between a disability verified by a yes
response to question 1 above and the need for the proposed reasonable accommodation/modification. Please do not
otherwise provide information as to the nature or severity of the disability.

3. Other comments (please do not provide information that is not directly relevant to the reasonable
accommodation(s)/reasonable modification(s)):
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
CERTIFICATION: I certify that the information provided above represents my professional judgment and is true and
correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

______________________________
Signature of Physician or Professional

Name:___________________________

Date:_____________________

Address:__________________________________________
Telephone #: _____________________

21

Name of Physician_____________________________________
Physicians Address____________________________________
____________________________________
Date___________________
PHYSICIANS VERIFICATION OF SEVERE MEDICAL EMERGENCY
_____________________________________
Applicants Name

Control No._____________

_____________________________________
Applicants Address

I hereby authorize release

of the requested information.
________________________
Applicants Signature

_____________________________________
Dear Dr. _____________________:

The above named applicant is seeking state-aided housing with this Authority and has indicated that
he/she is being displaced or has been displaced from his/her current housing because of a severe
medical emergency.
In order to determine whether to grant priority status for this applicant, we must secure verification of a
qualifying severe medical emergency. Therefore, we would appreciate your completing the verification
on the reverse and returning this form directly to the Housing Authority. A representative of the
Authority may contact you at a later date to confirm the information.
Sincerely,
_________________________________________
Executive Director or Tenant Selection Coordinator

22

1.

Is the applicant or member of the applicants household suffering from an illness or injury
which poses a severe and medically documented threat to life or safety? (circle one)
YES

NO

NO OPINION

If YES, please explain:______________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___
2.

Is the applicants current housing situation a cause of the illness or injury or is it a

substantial impediment to treatment or recovery from this illness or injury? (circle one)
YES

NO

NO OPINION

If YES, please explain:________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___
3.

How long has the applicant or household member been your patient? ____________________

4.

For what are you currently treating the patient?_______________________________________

PHYSICIANS CERTIFICATION
I certify that the information provided above represents my professional judgment and is true and
correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
___________________________________,MD
Signature

______________________
Date

Name:_____________________________
Address:____________________________
_____________________________

Telephone: (____)_____________________

23

Applicant's Declaration of Residency and Authorization to Release Information

Control No._____________
APPLICANTS DECLARATION OF RESIDENCY AND AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE
INFORMATION
I hereby declare that I am homeless as defined by the state regulations, and that I am
a resident of ___________________________ the City/Town:
(check one)
______ from which I was displaced through no fault of my own.
______ in which I am temporarily housed.
I certify that I have not declared myself a resident in any other city or town for the purpose
of obtaining local resident preference, and I hereby authorize other local housing
authorities and nonprofit agencies to release information to the Housing Authority to verify
this certification. If my temporary address changes, and I need to change my declaration
of local residency, I will immediately notify the Housing Authority, and I authorize other
local housing authorities and nonprofit agencies to immediately notify the Housing
Authority of the change.
Signed under the pains and penalties of perjury.
Dated:_________________________________________________________
Signature of Applicant: ____________________________________________

24

Housing Search Form

I, ___________________________________ declare that I have made reasonable efforts to locate
alternative housing in order to address my critical need for housing. These efforts, are documented
below:
Type of Contact (Tel/Visit/Etc.):
___________________________________________________________________
Contact Person/ Address /Telephone Number:
________________________________________________________
Bedrooms: ________________________________________________________________________
Rent: ________________________________________________________________________
Reason Unavailable: ________________________________________________________________________
Type of Contact (Tel/Visit/Etc.):
___________________________________________________________________
Contact Person/ Address /Telephone Number:
________________________________________________________
Bedrooms: ________________________________________________________________________
Rent:________________________________________________________________________
Reason Unavailable: ________________________________________________________________________
Type of Contact (Tel/Visit/Etc.):
___________________________________________________________________
Contact Person/ Address /Telephone Number:
________________________________________________________
Bedrooms: ________________________________________________________________________
Rent: ________________________________________________________________________
Reason Unavailable: ________________________________________________________________________
Type of Contact (Tel/Visit/Etc.):
___________________________________________________________________
Contact Person/ Address /Telephone Number:
________________________________________________________
Bedrooms: ________________________________________________________________________
Rent: ________________________________________________________________________
Reason Unavailable: ________________________________________________________________________

I understand that any false statement or misrepresentation may result in the denial of emergency case
status. Signed under the pains and penalties of perjury.
Signature:______________________________ Date:_________________

25

Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program Eligibility/Income Limits

Number of Household Members
1

$22,980

$31,020

$39,060

$47,100

$55,140

$63,180

$71,220

$79,260

Over 8

26

200% of Federally Established Poverty Level

Standard for MA

Add $8,040 for each additional household

member