What the Boston Housing Authority does

The Boston Housing Authority (BHA) is a public agency that owns and manages public housing in Boston and runs the city's Section 8 voucher program. It does not set housing policy for the city — that is the city's job — but it administers the actual properties and rental information that exist under state and federal law. If you live in a BHA property or hold a BHA Section 8 voucher, the BHA is your landlord or your voucher administrator.

The BHA operates roughly 1,400 public housing units across Boston and administers Section 8 vouchers that help low-income renters pay for private apartments. The agency also runs supportive housing programs for people experiencing homelessness and manages mixed-income developments. Most of what the BHA does is set by federal housing law, not by Boston alone, though the city and state can add their own rules on top.

Key Takeaways

  • The BHA manages public housing units and Section 8 vouchers; it is not the same as the city's housing department or the state's housing agency.
  • To reach the BHA about a maintenance issue, rent payment, or lease question, contact your property manager or the main office at 617-988-4000.
  • Section 8 voucher waitlists in Boston are typically closed, and the BHA opens them only when federal funding allows; you can ask to be notified when the list reopens.
  • If you have a dispute with the BHA over a lease violation or eviction, you have the right to a hearing before the agency can remove you.
  • The BHA's rules and policies are public; you can request them in writing or view them on the BHA website.

How to contact the Boston Housing Authority

The main BHA office is at 52 Chauncy Street, Boston, MA 02111. The phone number is 617-988-4000. If you live in a BHA property, your lease will list your property manager's direct number, and that is usually the fastest way to report a maintenance problem or ask about a lease rule.

The BHA also has a website at bostonhousing.org where you can find information about programs, view your lease, and look up your property manager's contact details. If you need to submit a formal request — such as a request for reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act or a written complaint about a maintenance issue — you can do that by mail to the main office address.

Public housing units and how they work

The BHA owns and manages public housing apartments in Boston. To live in one, you must meet income limits set by the federal government, which change each year. Income limits are based on the area median income for the Boston region and vary by household size. The BHA uses a waitlist system; when a unit becomes available, it goes to the next household on the list.

Once you are approved and move into a BHA unit, you pay rent based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income, though the exact amount depends on your lease and any deductions you may have access to for. The BHA is your landlord and is responsible for maintenance, repairs, and enforcing lease rules. If you have a maintenance problem, contact your property manager or the main office.

The BHA can evict you for lease violations — such as non-payment of rent, unauthorized occupants, or criminal activity — but must give you written notice and a chance to cure the violation or request a hearing. Massachusetts law gives tenants additional protections beyond federal housing law, including the right to a jury trial in eviction court.

Section 8 vouchers and the waitlist

The BHA administers Section 8 vouchers that help low-income renters afford private apartments. A voucher covers part of your rent; you pay the rest. The voucher amount is based on the fair market rent for your area and your household size, and you pay the difference between that amount and what your landlord charges.

The Section 8 waitlist in Boston is typically closed. The BHA opens it only when federal funding allows, which is not on a set schedule. If you want to know when the list might reopen, you can call 617-988-4000 and ask to be added to a notification list, or check the BHA website periodically. When the list does open, it usually closes again within days or weeks.

If you hold a Section 8 voucher, the BHA is not your landlord — your private landlord is — but the BHA is your voucher administrator. You must find a landlord willing to accept the voucher, and the unit must pass a BHA inspection. The BHA pays the landlord directly; you pay your share of the rent to the landlord each month.

Maintenance and repair requests

If you live in a BHA unit and have a maintenance problem — a leak, broken heat, pest infestation, or other repair — contact your property manager first. Most BHA properties have a property manager on-site or assigned to the building. Your lease will have their phone number. For emergencies (no heat in winter, flooding, gas smell), call 617-988-4000 and ask for emergency maintenance.

The BHA is required by law to maintain units in habitable condition. If a repair is not made within a reasonable time, you can file a complaint with the BHA or contact a tenant rights organization. In Massachusetts, tenants also have the right to repair-and-deduct in some cases, though this is complex and you should get legal information before using it.

Lease violations and eviction hearings

The BHA can evict you for violating your lease. Common violations include non-payment of rent, having unauthorized people living in the unit, criminal activity, or damage to the property. The BHA must give you written notice of the violation and a chance to fix it (called "cure") within a set time — usually 14 days for non-payment, longer for other violations.

If you do not cure the violation, the BHA can file for eviction in housing court. Before the court hearing, you have the right to a hearing before the BHA itself, where you can explain your side and challenge the violation. This is separate from the court hearing. If you lose the BHA hearing, you can still fight the eviction in court. Massachusetts law requires the BHA to prove the violation by clear and convincing evidence.

If you face eviction, contact a legal aid organization or tenant rights group when ready. Organizations like Greater Boston Legal Services and Community Advocates offer free or low-cost help. The earlier you get help, the more options you have.

Reasonable accommodations and fair housing

If you have a disability, you may be may have access to to a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act. This means the BHA must make an exception to its rules or provide a modification to help you use and enjoy your home. Examples include allowing a service animal even if the lease says no pets, installing grab bars in the bathroom, or allowing a live-in aide.

To request an accommodation, submit a written request to your property manager or the main BHA office. Include a description of your disability (you do not have to name it) and explain what accommodation you need and why. The BHA has 10 business days to respond. If they deny the request, you can appeal or file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a BHA apartment?

There is no set timeline. The BHA has a waitlist, and units are offered in order as they become available. Wait times vary by building and neighborhood; some buildings have longer waits than others. You can call 617-988-4000 to ask about your position on the list if you are already on it.

What if the BHA is not making repairs?

Contact your property manager in writing and keep a copy. If the repair is not made within a reasonable time (usually 14 days for urgent issues), file a written complaint with the BHA's main office. You can also contact a tenant rights organization or call the city's inspectional services department to report code violations.

Can I keep a pet in a BHA unit?

Most BHA leases restrict or prohibit pets. However, service animals are always allowed under federal law, and you may be able to request a reasonable accommodation to keep an emotional support animal. Submit a written request to your property manager with documentation from a doctor or mental health provider.

What happens if I cannot pay my rent?

Contact your property manager or the BHA when ready. Explain your situation and ask about payment plans or hardship programs. The BHA may work with you, but if you do not pay, they can begin eviction. You may also be able to access emergency rental information through the city; call 311 or visit boston.gov for information.

Is there a way to appeal a BHA decision?

Yes. If the BHA denies your request for housing, a reasonable accommodation, or a lease violation cure, you have the right to request a hearing. The BHA will explain the appeal process in writing. You can also file a complaint with HUD if you believe the BHA violated fair housing law.