Section 8 Voucher Rental Assistance
Eligibility Factors
In most cases Section 8 voucher families pay 30% to 40% of their total income toward rent.
There are several factors that determine if someone is eligible for Section 8: your income, criminal history, and immigration status are all considered. Eligibility details are contained in the MHA’s Administrative Plan, which is based on state and federal regulations.
There are two types of Section 8 Housing programs – you can find your own apartment using the tenant-based Voucher program or you can receive rental assistance for specific properties through the Project Based Voucher (PBV) program.
Tenant Based
The Section 8 Tenant Based Voucher - Find Your Own Apartment:
Tenant-based voucher programs, also called mobile vouchers, allow participants in the program to rent an apartment or house in the private market anywhere in Massachusetts (or other community in the United States or its territories). Residents pay approximately 30% to 40% of their income toward rent, and the MHA pays the rest directly to the landlord.
There are three tenant-based voucher programs:
- Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program: This program provides rental assistance through subsidies for eligible low-income families.
- Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP): This voucher program is overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). Currently closed to new applicants.
Project Based
Project Based Section 8 - Rental Assistance for Specific Properties:
Project-based voucher programs provide rental subsidy to specific properties.
There are two project-based voucher programs:
- The Project-Based Voucher Program (PVB): PBV provides rental assistance for specific apartments. Residents pay 30% of their income toward rent