What the Attleboro Housing Authority does

The Attleboro Housing Authority is a local public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Attleboro, Massachusetts. It operates public housing units and administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, which helps low-income residents pay rent in privately owned apartments. The Authority also manages some state-funded housing programs. Unlike a private landlord, the Authority answers to a board of commissioners and follows state and federal housing rules.

The Authority owns and maintains its own properties, and it also works with private landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers. If you live in an Authority-managed building, your lease is with the Authority itself. If you hold a Section 8 voucher and rent from a private owner, your lease is with that owner, but the Authority pays a portion of your rent directly to them.

Key Takeaways

  • The Attleboro Housing Authority manages public housing units and Section 8 vouchers for low-income residents in Attleboro.
  • Public housing applicants and Section 8 voucher applicants are on separate waiting lists, and both lists are typically closed or have long wait times.
  • You can contact the Authority directly at their office to ask about current waiting list status and what documents you will need to provide.
  • If you receive a voucher, you choose your own rental unit from private landlords who accept Section 8, and the Authority pays the landlord a portion of the rent.
  • The Authority can help you understand rent calculations, lease requirements, and your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.

How to contact the Attleboro Housing Authority

The Attleboro Housing Authority office is located at 100 Weir Street, Attleboro, MA 02703. You can reach them by phone at (508) 222-0882 during business hours. The office staff can answer questions about waiting lists, current programs, and what documents you need to bring if you want to explore.

When you call or visit, have your identification ready and be prepared to provide basic information about your household size and income. The staff can tell you whether the waiting list for public housing or Section 8 vouchers is currently open and, if it is closed, when it might reopen. They can also explain the difference between the two programs and which one might fit your situation.

Public housing vs. Section 8 vouchers

The Authority manages two separate programs. Public housing means you rent a unit that the Authority owns and operates. You pay rent based on your income, typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income. The Authority maintains the building, handles repairs, and enforces lease terms. Public housing units are scattered throughout Attleboro.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers work differently. The Authority gives you a voucher that you use to rent from a private landlord who accepts Section 8. You find your own apartment, the landlord agrees to participate, and the Authority pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the rest, usually 30 percent of your income. You have more choice in where you live, but you must find a landlord willing to accept the voucher.

Both programs have income limits. The Authority sets these limits based on area median income, and they vary by household size. Call the office to learn the current limits for your situation.

Waiting lists and how they work

Both public housing and Section 8 vouchers operate on separate waiting lists. The lists are often closed because demand far exceeds available units. When a list is closed, you cannot add your name. When it reopens, there is usually a limited window — sometimes just a few weeks — to explore.

If you are on the waiting list, the Authority contacts you when a unit or voucher becomes available. The wait time varies widely and can be several years, depending on your priority and the number of people ahead of you. The Authority prioritizes certain situations, such as homelessness or living in substandard housing, which can move you higher on the list.

Call the Authority to ask whether the waiting lists are currently open. If they are closed, ask when they last reopened and whether there is a way to be notified when they open again. Some housing authorities maintain an interest list for people who want to explore as soon as the list reopens.

What you need to bring when you explore

The Authority will ask for proof of identity, proof of income, and information about your household. Bring a government-issued ID, recent pay stubs or tax returns, and a list of everyone who will live with you. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of benefits or other income sources. If you receive child support or alimony, bring proof of those payments.

You will also need to provide information about your rental history, including the names and contact information for previous landlords. The Authority will verify your background and may conduct a home visit if you currently rent. They check for criminal history and eviction records, though not all records automatically disqualify you — the Authority considers the circumstances and how long ago events occurred.

Bring original documents or certified copies. The staff can tell you exactly what they need when you call to ask about the process process.

How rent is calculated in Authority housing

In public housing, you pay 30 percent of your gross monthly household income as rent, or the minimum rent set by the Authority, whichever is higher. The minimum rent is typically around $50 to $100 per month, depending on the Authority's policy. If your income changes, you report it, and your rent adjusts accordingly.

In Section 8 vouchers, the same 30 percent rule applies to your portion. The Authority pays the landlord the difference between your 30 percent and the actual rent, up to a limit called the payment standard. If the apartment costs more than the payment standard, you pay the difference on top of your 30 percent. If it costs less, you pay less.

The Authority recertifies your income annually. You will be asked to provide updated pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements so they can recalculate your rent. Report any changes in income or household size right away, because they affect your rent and your continued may be able to access.

Your rights and responsibilities as a tenant

Whether you live in public housing or hold a Section 8 voucher, you have rights under federal housing law and Massachusetts state law. The Authority must maintain units in safe, habitable condition and make repairs within a reasonable time. You have the right to privacy and the right to file a complaint if the Authority or landlord violates the lease or housing code.

You are responsible for paying your rent on time, keeping the unit clean and undamaged, and following lease rules. If you fall behind on rent or violate the lease, the Authority or landlord can start eviction proceedings. If you hold a Section 8 voucher and lose it because of an eviction, you lose the subsidy and must pay full market rent or move.

If you have a problem with your housing, contact the Authority's office first. They can explain your options and may be able to mediate between you and the landlord or help you understand your lease.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it usually take to get a Section 8 voucher or public housing unit?

Wait times vary widely and can be several years. The Authority prioritizes certain situations, such as homelessness or living in unsafe conditions, which can shorten the wait. Call the office to ask about current wait times for your priority level.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher to rent anywhere in Attleboro?

You can rent from any private landlord who accepts Section 8 vouchers. Not all landlords participate. The Authority can provide a list of landlords who have worked with the program, or you can search for apartments and ask the landlord whether they accept vouchers. The unit must meet housing quality standards, and the Authority will inspect it before you move in.

What happens if my income increases while I am in public housing or on a Section 8 voucher?

You must report income changes to the Authority. Your rent will increase, but you will not lose your housing. If your income rises above the program limit, you may eventually be asked to leave, but the Authority typically gives you time to transition. Ask the office about the specific income limits and what happens if you exceed them.

Can I be evicted from public housing or lose my Section 8 voucher?

Yes. If you do not pay rent, violate the lease, or engage in illegal activity, the Authority or landlord can evict you. If you hold a Section 8 voucher and are evicted, you lose the voucher. The Authority must follow legal eviction procedures and give you notice, but eviction is possible.

What should I do if the waiting list is closed?

Call the Authority and ask when the list last opened and whether they expect it to reopen soon. Ask if there is an interest list you can join. Check back periodically or ask to be contacted when the list reopens. Some people explore as soon as a list opens, so being ready with your documents helps.