How the Brockton Housing Authority Works and What It Offers

What the Brockton Housing Authority does

The Brockton Housing Authority (BHA) is a public agency that owns and manages rental housing in Brockton, Massachusetts. It operates public housing developments where tenants pay rent based on their income, typically 30 percent of what they earn. The BHA also administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8), which lets people rent from private landlords while the program pays part of the rent directly to the owner.

The BHA is not a landlord you call for emergency help or a place that gives money to people behind on rent. It is a housing provider that manages long-term rental programs. If you live in a BHA property or hold a BHA voucher, you have a lease with the BHA or a private landlord, and the BHA enforces the terms of that lease.

Key Takeaways

The Brockton Housing Authority runs public housing developments and the Housing Choice Voucher program, both of which charge rent based on your income rather than market rate.
To get on a waiting list for either program, you must live or work in Brockton and meet income limits that vary by household size.
Waiting lists for both public housing and vouchers are typically closed or have years-long waits, so contact the BHA directly to learn the current status.
If you are already a BHA tenant or voucher holder, you report maintenance issues, lease violations, or rent disputes to your BHA case manager or the main office.
The BHA office is located at 515 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301, and you can reach them by phone at (508) 580-4700.

Public housing managed by the Brockton Housing Authority

The BHA owns and operates several public housing developments in Brockton where tenants live under a lease with the authority. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income, which means it changes if your income changes. You are responsible for utilities unless the lease states otherwise, and the BHA is responsible for maintaining the building and common areas.

To get on the waiting list for public housing, you must have a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median income. For Brockton, that limit varies by household size — a single person has a different limit than a family of four. You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, and you cannot have been evicted for cause within a certain period or have a criminal history that disqualifies you under federal rules.

The waiting list for public housing in Brockton is typically closed or has a long wait. Contact the BHA directly to find out whether the list is open and how long the wait is currently running. Even if the list is closed, you can ask to be notified when it reopens.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) through the BHA

The Housing Choice Voucher program lets you rent from a private landlord while the BHA pays a portion of your rent directly to the owner. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. The voucher amount is based on the fair market rent for your area and bedroom size, not on your income, though your income determines whether you can receive a voucher in the first place.

Income limits for the voucher program are the same as for public housing: your household income must be at or below 80 percent of area median income. You must also meet citizenship and background requirements. Once you receive a voucher, you have a set time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a landlord who will accept it. The landlord's property must pass a BHA inspection before you can move in.

The BHA's voucher waiting list is also typically closed or has a substantial wait. Call the BHA to ask about the current status and whether you can request notification when the list opens.

How to contact the Brockton Housing Authority

The main BHA office is at 515 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301. You can reach them by phone at (508) 580-4700 during business hours. The office handles applications, waiting list inquiries, lease questions, and maintenance requests.

If you are already a tenant or voucher holder, you may also have a case manager assigned to you. Your lease or voucher paperwork should list their contact information. For urgent maintenance issues in public housing, the BHA may have an after-hours emergency line — ask when you call the main number.

Income limits and household size

The BHA uses income limits to determine who can be on the waiting list. These limits are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and are updated yearly. They vary by household size and are based on area median income for the Brockton area.

Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, pensions, unemployment benefits, child support, and other regular sources of money. The BHA will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters to verify your income. If your income exceeds the limit when you explore, you will not be placed on the list, but you can reapply later if your income drops.

What happens if you are behind on rent or have a lease violation

If you are a BHA tenant or voucher holder and you fall behind on rent, contact your case manager or the BHA office when ready. Do not ignore a notice to pay or quit. The BHA can file for eviction in housing court, and an eviction judgment can make it much harder to find housing later.

If you have a lease violation — such as unauthorized occupants, damage to the unit, or a criminal incident — the BHA will send you a notice. You have the right to respond and request a hearing before the BHA can terminate your lease. Bring any evidence that supports your side, such as witness statements or repair receipts. If you lose the hearing, you can appeal to the state's administrative appeals board.

If you cannot pay rent because of a temporary hardship, ask your case manager about emergency rental information programs run by the city or state. These are separate from the BHA but may help you catch up.

Maintenance and repairs in BHA housing

If you live in a BHA public housing unit, the BHA is responsible for maintaining the building structure, roof, plumbing, electrical systems, and heating. You are responsible for keeping your unit clean and reporting damage you cause. Report maintenance issues to your case manager or call the main office. For emergencies like no heat in winter or a burst pipe, ask about the after-hours emergency number.

The BHA must respond to certain repairs within a set time frame — for example, no heat in winter must be fixed within 24 hours under Massachusetts law. If the BHA does not make repairs, you can contact the state's Office of the Tenancy Advocate or file a complaint with the local board of health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Brockton Housing Authority waiting list open right now?

The waiting lists for both public housing and vouchers are typically closed or have long waits. Call the BHA at (508) 580-4700 to ask about the current status. If the list is closed, ask to be notified when it opens.

What income do I need to be on the waiting list?

Your household income must be at or below 80 percent of the area median income for Brockton. The exact limit depends on your household size. Call the BHA to learn the current income limit for your situation.

Can I use a Housing Choice Voucher anywhere in Massachusetts?

No. A voucher issued by the Brockton Housing Authority can usually only be used in Brockton or nearby areas that the BHA has portability agreements with. If you want to move to a different city, you would need to contact that city's housing authority. Ask your BHA case manager about portability options.

What do I do if my landlord will not make repairs?

If you are in a BHA public housing unit, report the issue to your case manager or the main office. If you are a voucher holder renting from a private landlord, contact your case manager first — the BHA may inspect the unit and require repairs before continuing the voucher. You can also file a complaint with the city's board of health or contact the state's Office of the Tenancy Advocate.

Can I be evicted from a BHA unit?

Yes. The BHA can file for eviction if you do not pay rent, violate the lease, or engage in criminal activity. You have the right to receive notice and to request a hearing before eviction. If you receive a notice to pay or quit, respond when ready and contact your case manager to discuss your options.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.