Leased Housing (Section 8)
The housing choice voucher program is the federal government’s major program of assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments.
The participant is free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and is not limited to units located in subsidized housing projects.
Housing choice vouchers are administered locally by public housing agencies (PHAs). The PHAs receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer the voucher program.
A family that is issued a housing voucher is responsible for finding a suitable housing unit of the family’s choice where the owner agrees to rent under the program. This unit may include the family’s present residence. Rental units must meet minimum standards of health and safety, as determined by the PHA.
A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by the PHA on behalf of the participating family. The family then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program.
Useful Resources for Section 8 Participants
View information including address, hours, contacts, forms, applying for Section 8, family self-sufficiancy program, reasonable accommodation, apartment listings and inspections below.
Apply for Section 8 Housing
Click here to access the applicant online login page or to check your current status on the list. Reminder: Only ONE application per family will be accepted. There is no need to go to more than one participating agency to submit an application.
Read MoreSection 8 Guide to Inspections
There are several situations in which a Section 8 owner may be subject to an inspection. During the approval process, properties are inspected before a Public Housing Authority agrees to allow the landlord to participate in the program.
Read MoreHousing Choice Voucher Program Administrative Plan
This downloadable PDF contains information about the FHA and its programs with emphasis on the HCV program. It also contains information about the purpose, intent and use of the plan and guide.
Read MoreRent Increase Policy
All Leases, Lease amendments and rent increase notice/offers must be signed by both the owner and tenant before submitting to the Framingham Housing Authority for review and approval.
Read MoreSection 8 Housing Choice Voucher Centralized Waiting List
The Section 8 housing choice voucher program is the federal government’s major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market.
Housing Availability
The Massachusetts Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program Centralized Waiting List opened on January 6, 2003 in accordance with provisions contained in the United States Housing Act of 1937, as amended. Ninety-Eight (98) Massachusetts housing authorities utilize this one computerized list; all applicant information entered onto this list can be accessed and updated by any and all participating housing authorities. Waiting list information is secure and accessed only by authorized housing authority staff with special login codes.
The Waiting List is updated at least every two (2) years. For more info, go to Waiting List Update.
Participating Housing Authorities are accepting applications for the Centralized Waiting List at each location. Applicants need apply to only one of the participating housing authorities. (Click here to see how to apply for preliminary application.)
The housing authorities have not been issued any additional Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers; vouchers will be issued based on turnover. For more information on the housing choice voucher program, visit the U.S. Department of HUD’s web site.
By completing the one application, the applicant is included on the Centralized Waiting List and considered by ALL participating housing authorities.
Completed applications may be delivered in person or mailed to any participating housing authority. Copies, facsimiles or emails of completed applications will not be accepted. No documentation is needed at time of application. Applications will be accepted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, familial status or disability.
