What the Cambridge Housing Authority does

The Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) is a public agency that owns and manages affordable rental housing in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It does not run a waiting list for the general public to request housing — instead, it owns specific apartment buildings throughout the city and rents units to households that meet income limits. If you live in a CHA building, you pay rent based on 30 percent of your household income, with the Authority covering the difference between that amount and the actual operating cost.

The Authority also administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) in Cambridge, which works differently: vouchers are portable subsidies that let you rent from any private landlord who accepts them, rather than living in an Authority-owned building. Both programs serve low- and moderate-income households, but the process process and waiting lists are separate.

Key Takeaways

  • The Cambridge Housing Authority owns and operates public housing buildings where rent is set at 30 percent of your household income.
  • The Housing Choice Voucher program is a separate subsidy that works with private landlords and has its own waiting list.
  • Both programs have income limits that vary by household size, and you must meet those limits to be considered.
  • You can contact the Authority directly by phone, mail, or in person at their office to learn about current openings and how to request information.
  • Waiting lists for both programs are typically closed, but you can ask to be notified when they reopen.

How public housing rent works in Cambridge

In CHA buildings, your monthly rent is calculated as 30 percent of your gross household income. This means if your household earns $2,000 per month, your rent would be $600. The Authority covers the remaining cost to operate the building. This formula protects you from sudden rent increases tied to market conditions — your rent rises only if your income rises.

When you move into a CHA apartment, you sign a lease that includes this rent structure. You are responsible for utilities unless the lease states otherwise, and you must maintain the unit in good condition. If your income changes, you report it during your annual recertification, and your rent adjusts accordingly. Some households pay more than 30 percent of income if they have very high income relative to the area median, but the Authority sets a ceiling on how much you can be charged.

Public housing buildings and neighborhoods

The Cambridge Housing Authority owns approximately 1,400 public housing units spread across multiple buildings in different Cambridge neighborhoods. These include family developments, elderly housing, and mixed-income communities. The specific buildings available and their locations change as units turn over, so the Authority's website and office can tell you which developments currently have openings or upcoming availability.

Public housing in Cambridge is not concentrated in one area — buildings are located throughout the city, including near public transportation, schools, and services. When a unit becomes available, the Authority typically offers it to the next household on the waiting list who meets the income and other requirements for that particular development.

Housing Choice Vouchers and how they differ from public housing

The Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) is a federal subsidy that works with private landlords, not Authority-owned buildings. When you hold a voucher, you find your own apartment in the private market, and the voucher covers a portion of the rent. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent, which is typically 30 percent of your income. The landlord must accept the voucher and agree to rent at or below the program's payment standard for your area.

Vouchers give you more choice in where you live than public housing does, because you can rent from any participating landlord. However, finding a landlord who accepts vouchers can be harder in tight markets, and some landlords refuse them. The Cambridge Housing Authority administers the voucher program for the city and maintains its own waiting list separate from the public housing list.

Income limits and who can live in CHA housing

Both public housing and vouchers have income limits based on the area median income (AMI) for the Boston metropolitan area. These limits change annually and vary by household size. For example, a household of one might have a different limit than a household of four. The Authority publishes current income limits on its website and can provide them by phone.

Beyond income, the Authority screens for other factors including criminal history, eviction history, and references from previous landlords. Each applicant is reviewed individually, and the Authority has policies about what disqualifies someone or requires additional review. If you have concerns about your history, you can contact the Authority to ask how it evaluates applications.

How to request information about waiting lists

The Cambridge Housing Authority's main office is located at 362 Green Street, Cambridge, MA 02139. You can reach them by phone at (617) 499-7500 during business hours. You can also visit in person to ask about current waiting list status, income limits, and how to request notification if a list reopens.

Most waiting lists for both public housing and vouchers are currently closed, meaning the Authority is not accepting new applications. However, you can ask to be added to a notification list so that you are informed if and when applications reopen. The Authority will tell you the timeline for reopening, which varies depending on funding and turnover. Some people wait months or years for notification, so it is worth checking back periodically or asking how often you should follow up.

What happens after you request information

If a waiting list reopens and you submit a request, the Authority will contact you with next steps. This typically includes providing proof of income, identification, Social Security numbers for all household members, and references. You may also be asked about your housing history and any criminal or eviction records. The Authority reviews applications and places households on the active waiting list based on date of request and other factors such as preference categories (for example, homelessness or displacement).

Once you are on an active waiting list, the Authority contacts you when a unit matching your household size and needs becomes available. You then have a limited time to view the unit and decide whether to accept it. If you accept, you sign a lease and move in. If you decline, you remain on the list for the next available unit, though declining multiple times may affect your position.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to explore for CHA housing or vouchers?

No. The Cambridge Housing Authority does not charge an process fee. Be cautious of any person or organization claiming to charge money to help you get on a waiting list or to move up a list — that is a scam. Contact the Authority directly to confirm any information about costs.

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

Yes. The two programs have separate waiting lists, and you can request notification for both. Being on one list does not affect your status on the other. If you are offered housing through one program, you can decline the other or accept both if you choose.

What if I have an eviction or criminal record?

The Authority reviews each process individually and does not automatically disqualify people with eviction or criminal history. However, these factors are considered as part of the screening process. You can contact the Authority to discuss your specific situation and ask what documentation or explanation might be helpful in your case.

How long does it usually take to get housing after I am on the waiting list?

Wait times vary widely depending on the program, your household size, and current turnover. Some people wait months; others wait years. The Authority can give you a general sense of wait times when you request information, but it cannot predict exactly when a unit will be available for you.

What if I need help understanding the process process?

The Cambridge Housing Authority staff can answer questions about the process by phone or in person. You can also contact local nonprofits like the Cambridge Community Development Department or housing counseling agencies for general information about affordable housing options in the city.