What the Medford Housing Authority does

The Medford Housing Authority is a public agency that runs housing programs in Medford, Massachusetts. It administers Section 8 vouchers (which help you pay rent in the private market), manages public housing properties, and handles waiting lists for both programs. The Authority does not make decisions about who gets help based on factors outside its control — it follows state and federal rules about income, family size, and citizenship status.

The Authority's main job is to hold the federal money that funds these programs and decide how to distribute it. When you contact them, you are reaching the organization that actually controls whether your name goes on a waiting list, not a referral service or a third party. This matters because they can tell you directly whether a program is open to new people, how long the wait typically is, and what documents you need to bring.

Key Takeaways

  • The Medford Housing Authority runs Section 8 vouchers and public housing in Medford; you contact them directly, not a state or federal office.
  • Both Section 8 and public housing have waiting lists that open and close based on how many people are already waiting; you must call or visit in person to learn the current status.
  • Income limits exist for both programs and vary by family size; the Authority will tell you the exact limit for your household when you contact them.
  • You will need proof of income, citizenship or immigration status, and identification to start the process; the Authority provides a full document list once you confirm you want to explore.
  • The waiting list does not mean you are enrolled — it means you are waiting for an opening, which can take months or years depending on the program.

How to contact the Medford Housing Authority

The Medford Housing Authority is located at 4 Medford Street, Medford, MA 02155. You can reach them by phone at (781) 391-6200. Call during business hours to ask whether Section 8 or public housing waiting lists are currently open. If you reach a voicemail, leave your name, phone number, and which program you are asking about; staff typically return calls within one business day.

You can also visit in person during office hours. Bring a photo ID and be prepared to answer basic questions about your household size and income range. Staff can tell you when ready whether you meet the income threshold and whether the waiting list is accepting new names. If it is, they will give you a packet of forms to complete and a list of documents to gather.

Section 8 vouchers through Medford Housing Authority

A Section 8 voucher is a federal subsidy that pays a portion of your rent directly to your landlord. You find your own apartment in the private market, and the voucher covers roughly 70 percent of the rent (the exact amount depends on your income and the local rent standard). You pay the rest out of pocket. The voucher is tied to you, not to a specific apartment, so you can move and take it with you as long as you stay in the Medford area or a neighboring jurisdiction that honors it.

The Medford Housing Authority maintains a waiting list for Section 8. When an opening occurs, they contact people on the list in order. The wait time varies — it can be months or several years depending on how many people are ahead of you and how quickly vouchers become available. Once you are selected, you have a limited time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find an apartment that meets program standards and have the landlord agree to participate. If you cannot find a place in that window, you may lose your turn.

Public housing managed by Medford Housing Authority

Public housing means apartments owned and operated directly by the Medford Housing Authority. You pay rent based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income, though the Authority sets the exact formula. The Authority maintains the building, handles repairs, and enforces lease terms. Public housing is not temporary; you can stay as long as you follow the lease and remain income-may be able to access (though income limits are higher for continued occupancy than for initial placement).

Public housing also has a waiting list. The wait is often longer than Section 8 because there are fewer public units available. Once selected, you will be offered a specific apartment. You can decline it, but doing so may move you to the back of the list or remove you entirely, depending on Authority policy. Ask about this when you explore so you understand the consequences of turning down an offer.

Income limits and household size rules

Both Section 8 and public housing have income limits. These limits change yearly and depend on your household size. A single person has a lower limit than a family of four. The Medford Housing Authority uses the Area Median Income (AMI) for the Boston metropolitan area as the baseline. Most programs set the limit at 50 to 80 percent of AMI, though the exact percentage varies by program.

Income includes wages, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and unemployment benefits. It does not include one-time payments like tax refunds or gifts. The Authority will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters to verify your income. If your income is above the limit, you will not be placed on the waiting list. If it is below the limit, you move forward. Call the Authority to ask what the current income limit is for your household size — do not guess based on information from another year or another city.

Documents you will need to bring

The exact list varies slightly, but the Medford Housing Authority typically requires: a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return), proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters), proof of citizenship or immigration status (birth certificate, passport, green card, or work permit), and proof of residency in Medford (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency). If you have a co-applicant (a spouse or partner), bring the same documents for them.

Bring originals or certified copies. The Authority will not accept photocopies of some documents. If you do not have a document — for example, you have never had a Social Security number — ask the Authority what alternative proof they will accept. Do not delay explore because you are missing one item; call first and ask what you can substitute or how to obtain it.

What happens after you are placed on the waiting list

Once your process is approved and you are on the waiting list, the Authority will contact you when an opening occurs. For Section 8, they will tell you that a voucher is available and give you a important date to find an apartment. For public housing, they will offer you a specific unit. You will have a set number of days to accept or decline. If you accept, you move into the lease-signing and move-in process. If you decline, you may be removed from the list or moved to a lower priority, depending on how many times you have declined.

The waiting list does not expire automatically, but the Authority may ask you to confirm your interest periodically (usually once a year). If you move out of Medford or your contact information changes, tell the Authority when ready so they can reach you when your turn comes. If you do not respond when contacted, you will be removed from the list.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for Section 8 in Medford?

The wait time changes based on how many people are ahead of you and how many vouchers become available. It can range from several months to several years. Call the Medford Housing Authority at (781) 391-6200 to ask the current average wait time. They can also tell you roughly where you would fall on the list based on your household size and circumstances.

Can I be on both the Section 8 waiting list and the public housing waiting list at the same time?

Yes. You can explore to both programs simultaneously. Some people do this because the wait times and availability differ. If you are offered one program before the other, you can accept it and ask to remain on the other list, or you can decline and stay on both. Ask the Authority about their policy on this when you explore.

What if my income goes up after I am placed on the waiting list?

Tell the Medford Housing Authority when ready. If your income rises above the limit before you are selected, you may be removed from the list. If you are already in Section 8 or public housing, a higher income does not force you out, but your rent will increase because it is based on your income. The Authority will recalculate your rent annually.

Do I have to live in Medford to explore?

You must be living in Medford or have a strong connection to the city (such as employment there) to explore. Some housing authorities prioritize current residents. Call the Authority to confirm their residency requirement before you gather documents.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

A past eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but the Authority will review it. They look at when it happened, why, and whether you have stable housing now. Be honest about it when you explore. Some programs are more flexible than others. Ask the Authority directly whether a past eviction will affect your chances.