What the Revere Housing Authority does

The Revere Housing Authority (RHA) is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Revere, Massachusetts. It owns and operates public housing developments and administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program for the city. The RHA answers to a Board of Commissioners and is funded through federal grants, tenant rent payments, and state appropriations.

The agency serves as the landlord for public housing residents and as the voucher administrator for Section 8 participants. If you live in an RHA property, the RHA is your landlord. If you hold an RHA Section 8 voucher, the RHA pays a portion of your rent to a private landlord of your choice, and you pay the rest.

The RHA's main office is located in Revere and handles applications, lease signings, rent collection, maintenance requests, and voucher payments. You can reach them by phone, mail, or in person during business hours to ask about housing programs, report maintenance issues, or update your account information.

Key Takeaways

  • The Revere Housing Authority manages public housing apartments and Section 8 vouchers for low-income residents of Revere.
  • Public housing residents pay rent directly to the RHA, while Section 8 voucher holders rent from private landlords and the RHA pays a portion of the rent.
  • Both public housing and Section 8 have waiting lists, and the time to reach the top varies depending on program demand and your household circumstances.
  • Maintenance requests for public housing should be reported to the RHA, which is responsible for repairs and upkeep of its properties.
  • The RHA office in Revere is the point of contact for all account matters, lease questions, and program information.

Public housing managed by the Revere Housing Authority

The RHA owns and operates several public housing developments throughout Revere. These are apartment buildings where the RHA is the landlord. Rent is based on your household income and is typically 30 percent of your adjusted gross income, though the RHA sets the exact formula. You sign a lease with the RHA and pay rent to them each month.

Public housing is intended for households with low to moderate incomes. Income limits change yearly and depend on family size. The RHA maintains the buildings, handles repairs, and is responsible for common areas. Tenants are responsible for keeping their units clean and reporting maintenance problems promptly.

To live in RHA public housing, you must be on the waiting list. The waiting list is typically closed when demand is high, and the RHA reopens it periodically. Wait times can range from months to several years depending on the development and your household size. You can contact the RHA to ask whether the list is currently open and what the estimated wait time is for your situation.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers administered by the RHA

The Section 8 program allows low-income households to rent from private landlords while the RHA subsidizes a portion of the rent. You find your own apartment, the landlord agrees to participate in Section 8, and the RHA pays the landlord directly. You pay the difference between the RHA's payment and the actual rent, usually 30 percent of your income.

Section 8 vouchers give you more choice in where you live compared to public housing, since you can rent any apartment from any willing landlord (within the RHA's payment limits). However, not all landlords accept Section 8, and some neighborhoods have fewer participating properties. The RHA can provide a list of landlords who have worked with the program before.

The Section 8 waiting list is also typically closed and reopens on the RHA's schedule. Wait times are often longer than for public housing. Once you receive a voucher, you have a limited time to find an apartment and have it inspected by the RHA before the voucher expires. The RHA staff can explain the timeline and what inspections involve.

How to contact the Revere Housing Authority

The RHA's main office is in Revere and handles all inquiries about public housing, Section 8, waiting lists, and account matters. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask questions about programs, check on your process status, or report a maintenance issue. The phone number and office hours are available on the RHA's official website or by calling directory information.

You can also visit the office in person to submit documents, sign leases, or speak with a staff member face-to-face. Bring identification and any documents related to your inquiry. If you prefer to communicate by mail, you can send letters to the RHA's mailing address, though phone or in-person contact is usually faster.

The RHA website may have additional information about current programs, waiting list status, and how the process works. Check the official site for the most current contact details and office hours, as these can change.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Both public housing and Section 8 have separate waiting lists managed by the RHA. The lists are not first-come, first-served in all cases. The RHA uses a system that may prioritize households with certain circumstances, such as homelessness, disability, or extremely low income. Ask the RHA how their prioritization system works when you inquire about the list.

Wait times vary widely. Some developments may have shorter waits, while others may have waits of several years. The RHA can tell you the current estimated wait time for the specific program or development you are interested in. Keep in mind that wait times change as people move in and out of housing, so the estimate may shift over time.

While you are on the waiting list, your circumstances may change—your income may increase, your family size may change, or you may move out of Revere. If any major change happens, notify the RHA so they can update your file. Some changes may affect your priority or your may be able to access.

Maintenance and tenant responsibilities in RHA housing

If you live in RHA public housing, the RHA is responsible for structural repairs, roof and foundation work, heating systems, plumbing, and electrical systems. You are responsible for keeping your unit clean, not damaging walls or fixtures beyond normal wear, and reporting problems to the RHA promptly. Damage you cause beyond normal use may result in charges.

To report a maintenance problem, contact the RHA's maintenance department by phone or in person. Describe the issue clearly—for example, "the kitchen sink is leaking" or "the bathroom window won't close." The RHA will schedule a repair visit. Emergency issues like no heat in winter or a burst pipe should be reported when ready and marked as urgent.

The RHA aims to complete routine repairs within a set timeframe, though the exact timeline depends on the type of repair and current workload. If a repair is not completed within a reasonable time, follow up with the RHA in writing and keep a record of your request.

Income limits and rent calculations

The RHA sets income limits for public housing and Section 8 based on federal guidelines. These limits change each year and depend on family size. A household of one person has a lower limit than a household of four. The RHA publishes current income limits on its website or can provide them over the phone.

Rent in RHA public housing is calculated as 30 percent of your adjusted gross income in most cases, though the RHA may have specific rules. Adjusted gross income includes wages, Social Security, child support, and other regular income, but excludes certain deductions. The RHA will review your income when you explore and annually thereafter to recalculate your rent.

If your income increases, your rent will increase at your next lease renewal. If your income decreases, you can request a rent reduction. Report any major income changes to the RHA as soon as they happen so your rent reflects your current situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Revere Housing Authority waiting list currently open?

The waiting list status changes based on demand and the RHA's capacity. Contact the RHA directly by phone or visit their office to ask whether the public housing or Section 8 list is open right now. They can also tell you the current estimated wait time if the list is open.

What documents do I need to explore for RHA housing?

You will typically need a photo ID, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), proof of residency in Revere, and information about your household members. The RHA will provide a complete list of required documents when you explore. Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies may not be accepted.

Can I transfer to a different RHA development if I am already a tenant?

Transfer policies vary. Contact the RHA to ask about moving to a different public housing development. You may need to be on a transfer list, and availability depends on open units. The RHA can explain the process and any fees or requirements involved.

What happens if I cannot pay my rent?

Contact the RHA when ready if you are having trouble paying rent. Do not ignore the bill. The RHA may have programs or payment plans to help, or they can refer you to local information programs. Unpaid rent can lead to eviction, so reaching out early is important.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher outside of Revere?

Some RHA Section 8 vouchers may be portable, meaning you can use them in other cities. However, portability rules vary and depend on the RHA's policies and the receiving housing authority's capacity. Ask the RHA whether your voucher is portable and what steps you need to take if you want to move.