Housing assistance in Massachusetts

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in Massachusetts

Key tenant laws in Massachusetts

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

At or before move-in, a landlord may collect no more than first month's rent, last month's rent, a security deposit equal to one month's rent, and the cost of a new lock and key. Since August 1, 2025, this limit also covers the landlord's agents (St. 2025, c. 9).

M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B(1)(b)

Deposit return deadline

Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit (with interest owed). Allowed deductions are unpaid rent or water charges, certain tax-escalation charges, and reasonable repair costs for damage beyond normal wear and tear. Damage deductions require a sworn, itemized list with estimates, bills or receipts given within the same 30 days. A landlord who violates the return rules can owe 3 times the deposit plus interest, costs and attorney's fees.

M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B(4), (6), (7)

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

14 days' written notice to quit for nonpayment. A tenant at will who has not had a nonpayment notice in the past 12 months can stop the termination by paying all rent due within 10 days of receiving the notice. A tenant with a lease can cure by paying all rent due, with interest and costs, by the day the answer is due in the eviction case.

M.G.L. c. 186, §§ 11, 12

Landlord entry notice

A lease may allow entry only to inspect, make repairs, or show the unit to prospective tenants, buyers or lenders. The landlord may also enter under a court order, if the unit appears abandoned, or to inspect for damage in the last 30 days of the tenancy. MassLegalHelp advises that the landlord must notify you first, even for repairs.

M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B(1)(a)

Rent increases and rent control

State law preempts local rent control. No city or town may enforce rent control except a narrow, voluntary form limited to owners with 10 or more units and paid for by the municipality. There is no statewide cap on increases, but a landlord must give proper notice and cannot raise the rent before a lease ends or in retaliation.

M.G.L. c. 40P, § 4

If the landlord won’t make repairs

Repair-and-deduct is allowed for code violations certified by the board of health, the local code agency or a court, after written notice to the owner. The owner must have failed to begin repairs within 5 days or to substantially complete them within 14 days. Deductions are capped at 4 months' rent in any 12 months. Tenants may also withhold rent over bad conditions the landlord knew about before the tenant fell behind, and raise them as a defense or counterclaim in an eviction case (G.L. c. 239, § 8A). MassLegalHelp advises keeping the withheld rent in a separate bank account.

M.G.L. c. 111, § 127L; c. 239, § 8A

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve Massachusetts

• Shelter, rent help, and local services211
• HUD-approved housing counseling800-569-4287
• Housing discrimination complaints (HUD)800-669-9777
• Energy assistance referral (LIHEAP)866-674-6327
• Veterans at risk of homelessness877-424-3838
• Domestic violence hotline800-799-7233

More local contacts: HUD’s Massachusetts resource page.

Next steps

1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

1. G.L. c. 186, § 15B Security deposits; entryThe General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (viewed via Internet Archive snapshot, Sept. 2026)
2. G.L. c. 186, § 11 Determination of lease for nonpayment of rentThe General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (viewed via Internet Archive snapshot, May 2026)
3. G.L. c. 186, § 12 Notice to determine estate at willThe General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (viewed via Internet Archive snapshot, Apr. 2026)
4. G.L. c. 40P, § 4 Rent control prohibitionThe General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (viewed via Internet Archive snapshot, Oct. 2026)
5. G.L. c. 239, § 8A Tenant defenses and counterclaimsThe General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (viewed via Internet Archive snapshot, May 2026)
6. G.L. c. 111, § 127L Repairs by tenantsThe General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (viewed via Internet Archive snapshot, Apr. 2026)
7. Getting a landlord to make repairsMassLegalHelp
8. Rent basicsMassLegalHelp
9. Understanding your lease as a tenantMassLegalHelp
10. MassLegalHelpMassLegalHelp
11. Apply for RAFT (emergency help for housing costs)Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (viewed via Internet Archive snapshot, Sept. 18, 2026)
12. Learn about Home Energy Assistance - HEAPExecutive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (viewed via Internet Archive snapshot, Oct. 2, 2026)
13. Boston Housing AuthorityBoston Housing Authority
14. Cambridge Housing AuthorityCambridge Housing Authority
15. Springfield Housing AuthoritySpringfield Housing Authority
16. Public Housing Authorities datasetU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development