The Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), provides a permanent improvement in the lives of low-income families and individuals by offering both tenant- and project-based rental subsidies. The tenant-based voucher, which is known as Mobile, is assigned to the Participant and is valid for any housing unit that meets the standards of the state sanitary code. Project Based vouchers are assigned to a specific housing unit or development. The owner rents these units to a program eligible tenant, and Project Based tenants who move forfeit the subsidy. In both cases, a regional non-profit housing agency or a local housing authority administers the program locally.

There are currently 8 regional non-profit housing agencies and 112 local housing authorities that administer the MRVP throughout the Commonwealth to approximately 5,100 households under lease as of January, 2013 (2,100 Mobile, 3,000 Project Based). Through the assistance of this program, thousands of Massachusetts’ families and individuals benefit from the long-term stabilization of their often uncertain housing and financial situation.

DHCD’s Division of Public Housing and Rental Assistance, which administers this program, has the responsibility for regulatory and administrative oversight of all state public housing programs which address the needs of low-income families, the elderly and persons with disabilities.

Eligibility

An applicant whose household income does not exceed 80% of Area Median Income. The local housing agency will also screen for CORI prior to admitting an applicant to the program.

Applying

You need to determine if you are applying for a mobile voucher, a project based voucher or both.  With a mobile voucher you need to find a housing unit on the private market.  A project based voucher is tied to one housing unit and can only be used at that address.  

Mobile HCVP/Section 8: This is the Federal Section 8 program.  You apply at the Regional Administering Agency that serves the town you live in.  That agency can be located here: Service Providers.  You can also apply at Mass NAHRO. 

Project based HCVP/Section 8 or project based MRVP: These vouchers are tied to specific private housing developments and cannot change location.  You need to apply separately to each development.  These sites provide listings and links to individual developments Mass Access and in the Boston area Boston Metrolist

Mobile MRVP and AHVP vouchers:  For MRVP, apply at the local housing authority in the town you live in. You can locate your Local Housing Authority here Service Providers. AHVP is a program for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These are state funded rental voucher programs.  Local Housing Authorities that administer AHVP

VASH:  This is a federal voucher program for eligible Veterans.   Apply at your local Veteran’s Administration Hospital.  You can find more information by calling 1-877-4AID-VET or their website.

EHV: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded a limited number of Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) to DHCD.  EHV assistance is limited to families and individuals who are homeless; at risk of homelessness; fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking; or recently homeless and for whom providing rental assistance will prevent the household’s homelessness or having high risk of housing instability.  DHCD’s EHV program is managed through a direct referral process with local Continuums of Care (CoC) across Massachusetts, and DHCD can only receive applications from our referral partners.  If you believe you may be eligible for assistance or have questions about potential eligibility, please contact your local CoC to determine eligibility for a voucher or placement on the waiting list.

DHCD Rental Assistance Division Contact

Call DHCD Rental Assistance Division Contact at 617-573-1250

M-F 8:45am – 5:00pm