Where Boston's affordable housing programs are run

Boston's affordable housing is managed by three main bodies: the Boston Housing Authority (BHA), which runs public housing and voucher programs; the Department of Neighborhood Development (DND), which oversees inclusionary development and city-funded programs; and nonprofit developers who build and manage deed-restricted affordable units across the city. No single office handles all affordable housing, so where you start depends on what type of housing you're looking for and your income level.

The BHA operates from its main office in Roxbury and manages roughly 14,000 public housing units plus Section 8 vouchers. DND works from City Hall and maintains a searchable database of affordable apartments available through various programs. Nonprofits like Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation and Boston Residential Properties manage hundreds of units and often have their own waiting lists. Understanding which organization controls the housing you're interested in saves time — you'll be calling the right place on the first try.

Key Takeaways

  • Boston Housing Authority runs public housing and Section 8 vouchers; DND maintains a searchable list of other affordable apartments on its website.
  • Income limits vary by program and building, ranging from 30% to 80% of area median income, and are based on household size, not just individual earnings.
  • Public housing and Section 8 have long waiting lists (often years), while deed-restricted apartments through nonprofits may have shorter waits but turn over less frequently.
  • Most programs require proof of income, a valid ID, and a housing history or references; some require a credit check or background screening.
  • The DND affordable housing database lets you search by neighborhood and income level, and lists contact information for each building's management.

Boston Housing Authority programs and wait times

The BHA operates two main programs: public housing and the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. Public housing consists of BHA-owned buildings where you pay rent based on 30% of your household income, capped at the actual unit rent. Section 8 vouchers let you rent from a private landlord and pay 30% of your income while the voucher covers the rest, up to a set amount. Both programs have income limits — currently around 50% of area median income for initial entry — but the waiting lists are the real barrier.

The BHA's public housing waiting list is currently closed to new applications, meaning you cannot add your name at this moment. The Section 8 waiting list is also closed. When either list reopens, the wait is typically measured in years, not months. The BHA publishes notices on its website when applications reopen, usually for a limited window. If you want to be ready, check the BHA website regularly or call 617-534-5395 to ask when the next opening might occur and what documents you'll need.

While you wait, or if the lists remain closed, explore deed-restricted affordable apartments through DND's database or contact nonprofits directly. These buildings often have shorter waits and may reopen applications more frequently than the BHA does.

Deed-restricted affordable apartments and nonprofit developers

Deed-restricted units are apartments where the affordability is locked into the building's deed, usually for 30 years or longer. A nonprofit or for-profit developer owns the building but agrees to keep a percentage of units affordable to households below a certain income level. These units rent for less than market rate and are often managed by the developer or a property management company. Boston has thousands of deed-restricted units scattered across neighborhoods, and they turn over regularly as tenants move.

The DND maintains an online database at boston.gov/affordable-housing where you can search by neighborhood, income level, and bedroom count. Each listing shows the building address, the income limit, the rent amount, and contact information for the leasing office. Some buildings accept applications year-round; others open applications only when a unit becomes available. Call or visit the leasing office to ask about current openings and the process process. Many nonprofits prioritize Boston residents or people with ties to the neighborhood, so ask whether that affects your standing.

Deed-restricted buildings typically require proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), a valid ID, and sometimes a credit check or background screening. Income limits vary widely — some buildings serve households at 30% of area median income (roughly $25,000 for a single person), while others go up to 80% of median (roughly $65,000 for a single person). Make sure the building's income limit matches your household's actual income before you explore.

Income limits and how they're calculated

Every affordable housing program in Boston uses area median income (AMI) as its benchmark. AMI is the midpoint income for a family of four in the Boston area, set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development each year. Programs then set their income limits as a percentage of AMI — 30%, 50%, 60%, or 80% — and adjust those limits based on household size.

A household at 50% AMI means your total household income cannot exceed 50% of the area median. If you're a single person, the limit is lower than if you're a family of four, even though the percentage is the same. The DND database shows the specific income limit for each building, listed by household size. Before you explore anywhere, add up all household income (wages, Social Security, child support, disability payments, and other regular income) and compare it to the building's limit. If you're over the limit, you won't be able to move in, no matter how strong your process otherwise is.

Income limits change each year when HUD updates AMI figures, usually in April. Buildings update their limits accordingly, so a building you were ineligible for last year might accept you this year if your income stayed flat. Check the DND database in spring to see whether any buildings have raised their limits.

What documents you need to explore

Most Boston affordable housing programs require the same core documents: a completed process form (provided by the building), proof of income, a valid photo ID, and proof of residency (a utility bill or lease in your name). Proof of income usually means recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days) or, if self-employed or on benefits, recent tax returns or benefit statements. Some programs ask for two years of tax returns to verify income stability.

Many buildings also run a background check and credit check, though some affordable housing programs limit what they can consider. A criminal record or eviction history may disqualify you from some buildings but not others — policies vary. Ask the leasing office upfront what their screening criteria are before you submit an process. Some nonprofits specialize in housing people with barriers to traditional housing and may be more flexible; others follow stricter underwriting rules.

A few programs ask for references from previous landlords or employers. If you've been homeless or have no rental history, ask whether the building will accept references from social workers, case managers, or community organizations instead. Many will, especially if you're working with a housing counselor or nonprofit advocate.

How to search the DND affordable housing database

The Department of Neighborhood Development's affordable housing database is the fastest way to find available units across Boston. Go to boston.gov/affordable-housing and use the search filters to narrow by neighborhood, number of bedrooms, and income level. The database shows the building name, address, current rent, income limit, and a contact phone number or email for the leasing office.

Each listing also shows whether the building is currently accepting applications or has a waiting list. Some buildings accept applications only when a unit is vacant, so you may need to call to ask when the next opening is expected. Others accept applications year-round and maintain a pool of may have access to applicants. The database is updated regularly, but it's not real-time, so call the building directly to confirm a unit is still available before you travel there.

If you're not sure which neighborhood to search or what income limit applies to you, the DND website also has a guide to understanding income limits and a list of housing counselors who can help you navigate the search for free. Many nonprofits offer housing counseling services, and some can help you prepare your process and advocate with landlords on your behalf.

Nonprofits and community organizations that help

Several Boston-based nonprofits specialize in affordable housing and can guide you through the process. Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation, Boston Residential Properties, and Nuestra Comunidad Development Corporation all manage affordable buildings and offer housing counseling. The Community Development Trust and the Boston Housing Court Help Center provide free legal information and tenant advocacy. If you're facing eviction or have a housing dispute, these organizations can often intervene before the situation reaches court.

The Boston Housing Authority also offers a Family Self-Sufficiency program that pairs public housing residents with case managers to help them increase income and eventually move to private housing. If you're already in BHA housing or on the waiting list, ask whether you're may be able to access for this program.

Many of these organizations also help with rental information if you're behind on rent, security deposit information if you need help moving into a new place, and rapid rehousing if you're currently homeless. Call 211 (a free helpline) to be connected to housing resources in your area, or search online for "Boston housing counselor" to find organizations near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is area median income and how does it affect which buildings I can explore to?

Area median income is the midpoint income for families in the Boston area, set by the federal government each year. Affordable housing programs use it to set income limits — for example, a building serving households at 60% AMI will only accept people whose total household income is below that threshold. If your income exceeds the limit, you cannot move in, even if you're otherwise may have access to. The DND database shows each building's specific limit by household size.

Can I explore to multiple buildings at the same time?

Yes. There's no rule against explore to several affordable buildings simultaneously. In fact, it's a smart strategy because each building has its own waiting list and approval timeline. explore to three or four buildings increases your chances of getting housed sooner. Just be prepared to provide the same documents (income verification, ID, references) to each building, and be ready to move quickly if you're approved — some buildings have short windows to accept or decline an offer.

What happens if my income goes up after I move into an affordable apartment?

Most deed-restricted apartments allow your income to rise without penalty for a set period, often five to ten years. After that, your rent may increase or you may be asked to move. Public housing and Section 8 vouchers recalculate your rent annually based on current income, so if you earn more, you'll pay more (though still capped at 30% of your income). Ask the building or program what their income recertification policy is before you sign a lease.

Is there affordable housing available in every Boston neighborhood?

Affordable housing is concentrated in some neighborhoods more than others. Roxbury, Dorchester, and East Boston have more affordable units than Back Bay or Beacon Hill. Use the DND database to search by neighborhood and see what's available in your preferred area. If nothing comes up, expand your search to nearby neighborhoods or ask a housing counselor whether new buildings are planned for your area.

What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?

Policies vary by building. Some affordable housing programs are specifically designed for people with barriers to housing and may overlook a record or eviction if enough time has passed. Others follow stricter screening. Ask the leasing office about their specific policies before you explore. If you're turned down, ask whether you can appeal or provide additional context (for example, if the eviction was due to domestic violence or a landlord's failure to maintain the unit). A housing counselor or legal advocate can help you make your case.