What the Haverhill Housing Authority does

The Haverhill Housing Authority is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Haverhill, Massachusetts. It owns and operates apartment complexes throughout the city and sets rent based on tenant income rather than market rates. If you live in one of their properties, your rent is typically capped at 30 percent of your gross household income.

The Authority also administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program in Haverhill, which means it distributes vouchers that help low-income renters afford private apartments. The voucher covers part of your rent; you pay the difference. The Authority is not a landlord for Section 8 tenants — it is the middleman between you and a private property owner who agrees to accept the voucher.

Beyond housing, the Authority manages community programs, maintains its properties, and handles tenant services like maintenance requests and lease questions. It is funded through federal grants, tenant rent payments, and state appropriations.

Key Takeaways

  • Haverhill Housing Authority owns and rents apartments at affordable rates based on your income, separate from its Section 8 voucher program.
  • Section 8 vouchers through the Authority let you rent from private landlords who accept the program, with the Authority paying part of your rent directly to the owner.
  • You must meet income limits to live in Authority housing or receive a voucher, and limits vary by family size.
  • The Section 8 waiting list in Haverhill is typically closed to new applicants, so you will need to check the Authority's website or call to learn when it reopens.
  • Maintenance requests and lease issues are handled through the Authority's tenant services office during business hours.

How to contact the Haverhill Housing Authority

The main office is located at 80 Washington Street, Haverhill, MA 01830. You can reach them by phone at (978) 373-8333 during business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Authority's website has information about current programs, waiting lists, and tenant resources.

If you are a current tenant, you can submit maintenance requests through the tenant portal or by calling the maintenance line. Emergency repairs (heat loss, no water, electrical hazards) should be reported when ready; non-emergency requests are usually scheduled within a few days depending on the workload.

For questions about Section 8 vouchers or Authority housing, the leasing office can direct you to the right department. If you are calling about a specific unit or lease issue, have your lease number or address ready.

Income limits and who can live in Authority housing

The Haverhill Housing Authority sets income limits based on the federal poverty guidelines, adjusted for family size. A single person's limit is different from a family of four. These limits change annually, usually in April, so the current year's limits may differ from last year's.

To live in an Authority apartment, your household income must fall at or below the limit for your family size. If your income rises after you move in, you may still stay, but your rent will increase gradually to reflect the higher income. The Authority does not evict tenants for earning more money; it adjusts rent over time.

You must also pass a background check and credit review. The Authority looks at eviction history, criminal convictions, and outstanding debt. A prior eviction or felony does not automatically disqualify you, but the Authority considers the nature and timing of the issue.

Section 8 vouchers and the waiting list

The Section 8 program through Haverhill Housing Authority gives you a voucher that covers a portion of rent at a private apartment. You find the apartment yourself, the landlord must agree to accept Section 8, and the Authority pays the landlord directly. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent.

The Section 8 waiting list in Haverhill is frequently closed because demand exceeds available vouchers. When it is open, applications are taken for a limited time — sometimes a few weeks or a few months — and then the list closes again. Check the Authority's website or call (978) 373-8333 to learn the current status. You can also ask to be notified when the list reopens.

If you are on the waiting list, the wait time varies. Some applicants are called within a year; others wait several years. The Authority prioritizes based on date of process and sometimes gives preference to people experiencing homelessness or other vulnerable situations, depending on the program rules in effect.

Rent calculation and income recertification

Your rent in an Authority apartment is calculated as 30 percent of your gross household income, or the Authority's minimum rent, whichever is higher. Gross income includes wages, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and other regular income sources. It does not include one-time payments or tax refunds.

Every year, you must recertify your income by providing recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements. If your income has changed, your rent adjusts accordingly. If you lose a job or your income drops, report it to the Authority — your rent will be recalculated based on the new income.

If you do not recertify on time, the Authority may charge you a higher rent or take lease violation action. Recertification notices are usually sent 30 to 60 days before your anniversary date, so watch for mail from the Authority.

Maintenance and repairs in Authority housing

Routine maintenance — plumbing leaks, broken appliances, heating issues, paint — is the Authority's responsibility. You report the problem through the tenant portal, by phone, or in person at the office. Non-emergency requests are typically scheduled within a few business days. Emergency repairs (no heat in winter, no water, electrical hazards) should be reported when ready and are prioritized the same day or next morning.

If the Authority does not respond to a maintenance request within a reasonable time, document the request (keep a copy of your report or note the date and time you called) and follow up in writing. Serious unresolved issues can be reported to the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, which oversees housing authorities.

You are responsible for keeping the apartment clean and not causing damage beyond normal wear and tear. If you damage the unit, the Authority may charge you for repairs. Damage caused by neglect or misuse is your financial responsibility.

Lease terms and tenant rights

Your lease with the Haverhill Housing Authority outlines your rights and responsibilities. You have the right to a safe, habitable apartment; the Authority must maintain heat, water, electricity, and structural integrity. You have the right to privacy — the Authority must give notice before entering your apartment except in emergencies.

You are responsible for paying rent on time, keeping the apartment in good condition, and following community rules. Lease violations — late rent, property damage, criminal activity, or lease violations — can result in a warning, fine, or eviction. The Authority must follow Massachusetts eviction law, which requires notice and an opportunity to cure the violation before filing in court.

If you receive a notice to quit or eviction notice, contact the Authority's tenant services office or a local legal aid organization when ready. Massachusetts law gives tenants certain protections, and legal aid can help you understand your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved for an Authority apartment?

Once you submit an process, the Authority typically takes two to four weeks to process it, conduct a background check, and verify income. If you are approved, you may be offered an available unit or placed on an internal waiting list for your preferred building. The total time from process to move-in can be one to three months depending on unit availability.

What happens if I cannot pay my rent?

Contact the Authority's office when ready. If you are facing a temporary hardship, you may be able to work out a payment plan. If you do not pay rent, the Authority can file for eviction, but Massachusetts law requires them to give you notice and time to respond. Local emergency information programs may also help with rent if you are experiencing a sudden loss of income.

Can I be evicted from an Authority apartment?

Yes, but only for lease violations and only after the Authority follows Massachusetts eviction law. Common reasons include non-payment of rent, property damage, or criminal activity. The Authority must give you written notice and a chance to fix the problem before filing in court. If you receive an eviction notice, seek legal help when ready — many violations can be resolved without losing your home.

What if I disagree with my rent calculation?

Ask the Authority to review your income documentation. Bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters to the office. If you believe an error was made, request a written explanation of how your rent was calculated. If you still disagree, you can request a hearing before a hearing officer who is independent of the Authority.

Is there a waiting list for Authority apartments?

Yes, the Haverhill Housing Authority maintains a waiting list for its apartments. The wait time varies by building and unit type. Call (978) 373-8333 or visit the website to learn current wait times and how to add your name to the list.