What the Taunton Housing Authority does

The Taunton Housing Authority (THA) is a public agency that owns and manages affordable rental housing in Taunton, Massachusetts. It does not build or finance housing for the broader market — it runs public housing developments where rent is set based on what residents earn, typically 30 percent of household income. If you live in Taunton and need affordable rental housing, THA is one of the main paths to it, but it is not the only one, and getting a unit involves a waiting list that can be years long.

THA operates under state and federal law, which means its rules about who can live there, how much you pay, and what happens if you break the lease are set partly by THA itself and partly by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Understanding which rules come from where matters when you have a complaint or need to know your rights.

Key Takeaways

  • The Taunton Housing Authority manages public housing developments where rent is based on your income, usually 30 percent of what you earn.
  • To get on the waiting list, you must explore directly to THA; there is no central state or federal process that covers all housing authorities.
  • Waiting lists are long and often closed — you can call THA to ask whether they are currently taking new names or when they expect to reopen.
  • THA must follow both state tenant law and federal public housing rules, so your rights include both Massachusetts protections and HUD protections.
  • If you have a complaint about maintenance, discrimination, or lease violations, you can file with THA first, then with the state or HUD if THA does not respond.

How to contact the Taunton Housing Authority

The Taunton Housing Authority's main office is located at 60 Cohannet Street, Taunton, MA 02780. You can reach them by phone at (508) 822-1843. They are open during standard business hours, Monday through Friday.

When you call, ask whether the waiting list is currently open. Many housing authorities, including THA, close their lists when demand is very high and reopen them periodically. If the list is closed, ask when they expect to reopen it — this information changes and is worth checking back on every few months.

You can also visit their office in person to ask questions about the process process, current openings, or your rights as a resident. Bring a photo ID and any documents related to your housing situation.

Income limits and rent calculation

THA housing is reserved for households below a certain income level. The exact limit depends on household size and changes yearly based on the area median income set by HUD. For a single person, the limit is typically around 50 to 60 percent of the area median income; for a family of four, it is higher. Call THA or visit their office to learn the current limits for your household size.

Once you are a resident, your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly income, with some exceptions. If your income rises, your rent rises. If your income falls, your rent can fall. THA will ask you to report income changes — usually annually, but sometimes more often if your situation changes significantly. Failing to report changes can result in back rent owed or lease violations.

Some residents pay a minimum rent even if 30 percent of their income would be lower. The minimum rent amount varies and is set by THA in compliance with HUD rules. Ask THA what the current minimum is when you explore.

The waiting list and how long it takes

If THA's waiting list is open, you will fill out an process and be placed on the list in the order applications were received — this is called "first-come, first-served." THA may give priority to people in certain situations, such as those experiencing homelessness or those with disabilities, but the rules about priority vary. Ask THA whether any priorities explore to you.

Waiting times are long. In some cases, people wait three to five years or longer before being offered a unit. During that time, your process may expire or THA may ask you to update your information to confirm you still want housing. Respond promptly when THA contacts you, because failure to do so can remove you from the list.

When a unit becomes available, THA will contact you. You will be shown the unit and given time to decide whether to accept it. If you refuse, you may lose your place on the list or be moved to the bottom, depending on THA's policy. Ask about this policy when you explore so you understand the consequence.

Your rights as a THA resident

As a resident of THA housing, you have rights under Massachusetts tenant law and under federal public housing law. Massachusetts law requires that your unit be habitable — meaning it has working heat, hot water, plumbing, and a roof that does not leak. THA must make repairs within a reasonable time, usually interpreted as 14 days for non-emergency issues and when ready for emergencies like no heat in winter.

Federal law requires that THA follow fair housing rules, meaning it cannot discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. If you believe THA has discriminated against you, you can file a complaint with HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.

You also have the right to a lease that clearly states the rules you must follow, the rent you will pay, and what happens if you violate the lease. THA must give you written notice and a chance to respond before evicting you for a lease violation, except in cases of when ready danger.

What to do if you have a maintenance problem

If your unit needs repairs, contact THA's maintenance department. You can call the main office or submit a work order in person. Describe the problem clearly — for example, "the kitchen faucet leaks" rather than "plumbing issue" — so maintenance knows what to expect.

THA must respond within a reasonable time. If they do not, or if the repair is not done properly, you can file a complaint with the Massachusetts Board of Certification of Housing Authorities or contact a local legal aid organization. In some cases, you may be able to withhold rent or repair the problem yourself and deduct the cost from rent, but this is complicated and you should get legal information first.

Keep records of all maintenance requests — dates, what you reported, and when THA responded. If you end up in a dispute, these records are evidence of what happened.

What to do if you face eviction or a lease violation

If THA says you have violated your lease — for example, by not paying rent, having an unauthorized occupant, or breaking house rules — they must give you written notice. The notice will state what you did wrong and how long you have to fix it, usually 14 days. This is called a "cure notice."

If you fix the problem within that time, the violation is resolved. If you do not, THA can file for eviction in District Court. You have the right to appear in court and defend yourself. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you can contact a legal aid organization in Massachusetts to see whether they can represent you.

If THA is evicting you for non-payment of rent, you may be able to stop the eviction by paying the full amount owed plus court costs before the court date. If you are struggling to pay, contact THA when ready to discuss a payment plan or to learn about emergency rental information programs in Taunton.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a THA apartment after I explore?

Waiting times vary widely depending on unit availability and demand. Some people wait one to two years; others wait five years or longer. Call THA to ask about current wait times for your household size. They may be able to give you a rough estimate based on how many people are ahead of you on the list.

What if my income goes up after I move in?

Your rent will increase to 30 percent of your new income. THA will recalculate your rent at your annual recertification or when you report the income change. You are required to report increases within 30 days. Failing to report can result in back rent owed.

Can THA evict me without going to court?

No. THA must follow the eviction process, which includes giving you written notice of the violation, time to fix it, and then filing in court if you do not. You have the right to appear in court and present your side. Contact a legal aid organization if you cannot afford a lawyer.

What if I think THA is discriminating against me?

You can file a complaint with HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. You can also contact the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD). Both agencies investigate housing discrimination complaints. You generally have one year from the date of the alleged discrimination to file.

Is there other affordable housing in Taunton besides THA?

Yes. Taunton has other affordable housing programs, including Section 8 vouchers (which help you rent from private landlords), tax-credit developments, and non-profit housing. Your local housing authority or a 211 referral can tell you about other options while you wait for THA housing.