What the Lexington Housing Authority does

The Lexington Housing Authority (LHA) is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Lexington, Massachusetts. It operates public housing units and administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, which helps low-income residents pay rent at privately-owned apartments. The LHA does not build or own all the housing it oversees — it contracts with private landlords and manages the subsidy side of the arrangement.

The LHA serves residents whose income falls below certain thresholds set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Income limits change yearly and depend on household size. The agency prioritizes families, elderly residents, and people with disabilities, though specific preferences vary by program.

Key Takeaways

  • The Lexington Housing Authority runs public housing units and Section 8 vouchers, but you must meet income limits to be considered for either program.
  • Both programs have waiting lists that can be closed or open depending on current demand and funding.
  • Section 8 vouchers let you choose your own rental unit from participating landlords, while public housing units are owned and managed directly by the LHA.
  • You can contact the LHA directly by phone or visit their office to learn current waiting list status and what documents you will need.
  • The LHA's office is located in Lexington and handles all applications, recertifications, and tenant concerns in person or by mail.

Public housing units managed by the LHA

Public housing consists of apartments and family units owned by the Lexington Housing Authority itself. These units are scattered throughout Lexington and range from studios to multi-bedroom apartments. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household's adjusted gross income, so your payment changes if your income changes.

To live in public housing, your household income must fall below the HUD income limit for Lexington. The limit varies by household size — a single person has a different threshold than a family of four. These limits are updated annually and are available from the LHA office.

Public housing waiting lists can be open or closed. When closed, the LHA stops taking new applications until units become available or funding changes. You can call the LHA to ask whether the public housing list is currently accepting names.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

A Section 8 voucher is a subsidy that helps you rent an apartment from a private landlord. The voucher covers a portion of your rent; you pay the remainder out of pocket, typically 30 percent of your income. You choose the apartment and the landlord, as long as the unit meets HUD standards and the landlord is willing to participate in the program.

The LHA calculates how much it will pay toward your rent based on the local fair market rent for your area and your household income. If you find an apartment that rents for less than the voucher amount, you pay less. If it rents for more, you pay the difference — but the landlord cannot charge you more than the voucher allows.

Section 8 waiting lists in Lexington are typically closed to new applicants, meaning the LHA is not currently taking applications. Waiting lists reopen periodically when funding becomes available or when the current list shrinks. Contact the LHA to ask when the list might reopen and whether you can request notification when it does.

Income limits and household size

Both public housing and Section 8 vouchers have income limits that HUD sets each year. These limits depend on your household size and the area median income for the Boston metropolitan area. A household of one person has a lower limit than a household of five, for example.

Your income includes wages, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and other regular sources. The LHA will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters to verify what you earn. If your income exceeds the limit, you will not be considered for either program.

Current income limits for Lexington are available from the LHA office or on their website. Because limits change yearly, it is worth checking even if you were told you did not may have access to in a previous year.

How to contact the Lexington Housing Authority

The LHA office is located in Lexington and handles all inquiries by phone, mail, and in-person visits. You can call to ask about waiting list status, income limits for the current year, what documents you will need, and whether either program is currently accepting applications.

When you contact the LHA, have your household size and approximate annual income ready. This helps staff tell you quickly whether you might meet the income requirement. If you do, they will explain what documents to bring and whether a waiting list is open.

The LHA also handles recertifications for current residents — annual reviews of income and household composition to confirm continued may be able to access. If you are already in public housing or using a Section 8 voucher, the LHA will notify you when recertification is due.

Waiting lists and how they work

Both public housing and Section 8 have waiting lists. When a list is open, the LHA takes applications in the order received. When a unit or voucher becomes available, the agency contacts the next person on the list. Waiting times vary widely depending on how many people are ahead of you and how quickly units turn over.

If a waiting list is closed, you cannot explore until it reopens. The LHA does not maintain a separate "pre-process" list or notify people when a list opens again — you have to call and ask. Some residents recommend calling every few months to check status, especially if you have a changing life situation that might affect your priority.

Preferences for public housing or vouchers may explore to people over 62, people with disabilities, or residents already living in Lexington. Ask the LHA whether any preferences exist and whether you would may have access to for one.

What happens after you are approved

If you are approved for public housing, the LHA will offer you a unit when one becomes available. You sign a lease with the LHA as your landlord. Rent is 30 percent of your adjusted income, and the LHA handles maintenance and repairs.

If you are approved for a Section 8 voucher, you have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find an apartment. You work with the landlord to negotiate rent, then the LHA inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing standards. Once approved, the LHA pays its share directly to the landlord each month, and you pay your share.

Both programs require annual recertification. You will need to provide updated income information, proof of household composition, and any other documents the LHA requests. If your income rises above the limit, you may lose your subsidy, though some programs have income limits for new residents that differ from limits for current residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Lexington Housing Authority waiting list currently open?

Waiting list status changes throughout the year. Call the LHA office directly to ask whether public housing or Section 8 vouchers are currently accepting applications. If a list is closed, ask whether they maintain a notification system for when it reopens.

What documents do I need to bring when I explore?

You will need proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters), proof of identity, proof of residency, and information about your household members. The LHA can give you a complete list when you call. Having documents ready speeds up the process.

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 approved for one program before the other, you can accept it and remain on the other list, or decline and stay on the list only for the program you prefer. Ask the LHA about their policy when you explore.

What if my income is slightly above the limit?

Income limits are firm — if you exceed the threshold, you do not meet the requirement for that year. However, limits change annually, and your income may fluctuate. If you were over the limit this year, you can reapply next year if your circumstances change. Call the LHA to confirm the current year's limit for your household size.

How long does it take to get approved?

Processing time depends on how complete your process is and how busy the LHA office is. Expect several weeks to a few months. Once approved, the wait for an actual unit or voucher depends on the waiting list — this can range from months to years depending on demand.