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: The Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership Lists 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.

Veteran Housing Assistance

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

  • Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership: The MBHP's Housing Consumer Education Center is the agency's "Front Door". The Education Center offers information and referrals, brief counseling, education and workshops, and emergency financial assistance. The MBHP also administer's the State Section 8 voucher program. Contact them at ResourceLine@mbhp.org or 617.425.6700.

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