What the Beverly Housing Authority does and who runs it

The Beverly Housing Authority is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Beverly, Massachusetts. It operates public housing units and administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) for may be able to access residents in the city. The authority answers to a board of commissioners and is funded through a combination of federal grants, tenant rent payments, and state funding.

The Beverly Housing Authority is separate from the City of Beverly's government, though it works within state and federal housing law. If you live in Beverly and need affordable housing information, the authority is the local body that handles applications, lease questions, and maintenance issues for its properties.

Key Takeaways

  • The Beverly Housing Authority manages public housing units and Section 8 vouchers for Beverly residents, and you contact them directly for housing programs in the city.
  • To reach the authority, call their main office or visit in person; their phone number and address are listed on their official website or through the City of Beverly's website.
  • If you are interested in public housing or a Section 8 voucher, the authority maintains a waiting list and can tell you the current status and timeline for your area.
  • Maintenance requests, lease questions, and rent payment issues go directly to the Beverly Housing Authority, not to the city government.
  • The authority's policies on income limits, rent calculations, and lease terms follow Massachusetts state law and federal housing regulations.

How to contact the Beverly Housing Authority

The Beverly Housing Authority's main office is located in Beverly. The most direct way to reach them is by phone during business hours. You can also visit their office in person to ask questions, request forms, or discuss housing programs.

To find their current phone number and office address, visit the City of Beverly's official website or search for "Beverly Housing Authority" online. The authority's contact information may also be listed on the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development website, which oversees all housing authorities in the state.

If you cannot reach the authority by phone, you can also contact the City of Beverly's main office and ask for a referral to the housing authority's administrative staff. Email addresses and office hours are typically posted on their website.

Public housing and waiting lists in Beverly

The Beverly Housing Authority owns and operates public housing apartments throughout the city. These units are rented to households that meet income limits set by federal law. To live in public housing, your household income must fall below a certain threshold, which varies by family size and changes yearly.

The authority maintains a waiting list for public housing. The length of the wait depends on how many units are available and how many people are on the list ahead of you. When you contact the authority, they can tell you whether the list is open, how long the current wait is, and what documents you need to submit to be added to the list.

Once you are on the waiting list, the authority will contact you when a unit becomes available that matches your family size. You will then be offered a lease and move-in details. The authority does not charge an process fee to be added to the waiting list.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers in Beverly

The Beverly Housing Authority also runs the Section 8 program, which provides vouchers that help low-income households rent apartments from private landlords. With a voucher, you find your own apartment and the program pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord. You pay the difference.

Like public housing, Section 8 has income limits and a waiting list. The authority can tell you the current status of the Section 8 waiting list and whether new applications are being taken. In some years, the list closes when it reaches a certain size and reopens later when vouchers become available.

If you receive a Section 8 voucher, you work with the authority to find an apartment that meets program standards. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and the unit must pass a housing inspection. The authority then signs a contract with the landlord and begins making payments on your behalf.

Maintenance and lease issues for current residents

If you live in a Beverly Housing Authority property and have a maintenance problem — a broken heating system, plumbing leak, or other repair — contact the authority's maintenance department directly. Most authorities have an emergency line for urgent issues like no heat in winter or a gas leak, and a regular phone line for non-emergency repairs.

Maintenance requests are usually logged by phone or in person, and the authority will schedule a repair visit. Keep a record of the date you reported the problem and the name of the person who took your request. If the repair is not completed within a reasonable time, follow up with the maintenance supervisor.

For lease questions — rent payment schedules, lease renewal, or disputes with management — contact the authority's residential services or lease administration office. They can explain your rights and responsibilities as a tenant in public housing, which are governed by your lease and Massachusetts law.

Income limits and rent calculations

Both public housing and Section 8 have income limits that determine who can participate. These limits are based on the area median income for the Boston metropolitan area and are adjusted yearly. A household of one person has a lower limit than a household of four, for example.

Rent in public housing is typically calculated as 30 percent of your household's adjusted gross income, though the authority may have a minimum rent. In Section 8, you pay 30 percent of income and the voucher covers the rest of the approved rent, up to a program limit.

When your income changes, you must report it to the authority. If your income rises above the limit, you may lose your housing or voucher. If your income falls, your rent payment may decrease. The authority will recalculate your rent at your annual recertification or when you report a change.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for public housing in Beverly?

The waiting list length changes based on how many units are available and how many people are ahead of you. Call the Beverly Housing Authority directly — they can tell you the current wait time and whether the list is open to new applications.

Can I explore for both public housing and Section 8 at the same time?

Yes. You can be on both waiting lists simultaneously. If you are offered a unit or voucher from one program, you can accept it and remain on the other list, or you can decline and stay on both lists. The authority will explain your options when you explore.

What happens if I do not report a change in income?

Failing to report income changes can result in overpayment of rent information, which the authority may ask you to repay. It can also lead to lease violations or removal from the program. Always notify the authority within 30 days of a significant income change.

Do I need a Social Security number to explore for public housing or Section 8?

Yes. All household members must have a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You will need to provide these numbers when you explore. If you do not have one, the authority can direct you to resources to obtain one.

What if my landlord will not accept my Section 8 voucher?

A landlord cannot legally refuse a Section 8 voucher based on the program itself, though they can reject you for other reasons like credit history or rental references. If you believe you have been discriminated against, you can file a complaint with the Beverly Housing Authority or the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination.