For more information, click on the questions below:

What is private affordable housing?

Private affordable housing is low rent housing for people with limited incomes, including families, elders, and people with disabilities. The housing is owned and managed privately, not by government agencies. The government gives grants, tax credits, or other types of funding to private non-profit or for-profit housing developers. In return, the housing developers charge lower rents to eligible households.

Am I eligible?

To be eligible for private affordable housing, you must meet income guidelines. Your past history as a tenant and your criminal record must show that you will be a good tenant.

Eligibility Check

The Rental Assistance Eligibility Check is an easy way for you to find out if you are likely to qualify for private affordable housing by answering online questions about your family, your income, and your expenses. You will see the results of the eligibility check right away, on your computer screen.

What rent will I pay?

There are several types of private affordable housing. In some, your rent will be a percentage of your income. In others, your rent will be lower than market rents, but will not depend on your income. If you live in an apartment with a project-based Section 8 subsidy or Massachusetts rental voucher (MRVP), you will pay about 30% of your income for rent.

How do I apply?

For many private affordable housing developments, you must go directly to the housing management office where you wish to apply. For others, you must apply at your local housing agency or regional DHCD housing agency.

To find affordable apartments in your city or town, you can use:

• HUD Affordable Apartment Search 
• MassAccess Affordable Housing Search (CHAPA)
• MassHousing's Rental Housing List

Your local housing agency and regional DHCD housing agency will also have information about affordable housing in your community. There is usually a waiting list for affordable apartments.

Useful links

Links to other web sites with information about privately owned affordable housing.

Privately Owned Affordable Housing section last updated on 4/24/10