Finding Housing

Learn About Boston's Many Affordable Housing Resources

The BPDA's Inclusionary Development Program creates income-restricted/affordable housing opportunities for primarily middle-income households. You can learn about qualifying incomes on the Income, Rent, and Price Limits page.

If your income does not qualify you for a BPDA affordable unit, or if you are interested in learning more about other affordable housing opportunities in Boston, please review the information below.

Available Affordable Units

  • Metrolist: All affordable housing developments in Boston must list available units with Metrolist. Please contact their office to find currently available units at metrolist@cityofboston.gov or 617.635.3321.
  • CHAPA Lotteries and Resales Listings: The Citizens' Housing and Planning Association lists lotteries and resales on affordable ownership opportunities.
  • MassAccess Housing Registry: This database lists available units across Eastern Massachusetts, and highlights accessible/barrier-free homes for persons with disabilities.
  • MBHP Apartment Listings: Metro Housing|Boston affordable rental apartments. 
  • MassHousing: MassHousing helps create affordable housing in Boston and keeps a list of available affordable ownership and rental units.

Low-Income and Public Units

  • Boston Housing Authority: The Boston Housing Authority provides subsidized housing opportunities to low-income residents and administers the Section 8 voucher program for Boston. Contact the BHA at 617.988.4200.
  • HUD Low Rent Apartment Search: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development keeps a searchable database of low-rent units nationwide.

Eviction Prevention/Landlord Disputes

If you are at risk of losing your housing, please contact:

Emergency Shelter

If you have lost your housing, and need help finding emergency or transitional housing, please contact:
  • Emergency Shelter Commission: The Emergency Shelter Commission at the Boston Public Health Commission helps with referrals to emergency housing services.
  • The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community a Development has a guide to homelessness resources. Click on your town or city to get links to local resources. 

Housing for People with Disabilities

General Affordable Housing Counseling

  • Metro Housing|Boston: Metro Housing|Boston's Housing Portal is the agency's "Front Door". The portal offers information and referrals, brief counseling, education and workshops, and emergency financial assistance. Metro Housing|Boston also administer's the State Section 8 voucher program. Contact them at info@metrohousingboston.org or 617.859.0400.

Additional Agencies Related to Affordable Housing

City of Boston

  • Neighborhood Housing Development: The Neighborhood Housing Development program of the City of Boston's Department of Neighborhood Development works with non-profit and for-profit partners to develop and preserve affordable housing. 617.635.3880
  • Boston Home Center: The Boston Home Center of the City of Boston's Department of Neighborhood Development helps Boston residents purchase, improve, and keep their homes. They offer training and financial help to first-time homebuyers; guidance and funding for homeowners for home improvements; and counseling to help families avoid foreclosure. 617.635.HOME (617.635.4663)

Community Development Corporations

  • Boston Planning & Development Agency
  • One City Hall Square, Boston, MA 02201
  • Tel: 617.722.4300  Fax: 617.248.1937
  • © 2020 Boston Planning & Development Agency