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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] or 617.859.0400.

Additional Agencies Related to Affordable Housing

City of Boston

  • Mayor's Office of Housing: The Mayor's Office of Housing is responsible for developing affordable housing, housing the homeless, and managing the City’s real estate. The agency also works to ensure that renters and homeowners can find, maintain, and stay in their homes. 617.635.3880

Community Development Corporations