What the Somerville Housing Authority Does

The Somerville Housing Authority (SHA) is a public agency that owns and manages public housing in Somerville, Massachusetts, and administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program for the city. It does not create housing or vouchers — it manages existing units and distributes federal funding to help low-income households pay rent. SHA operates independently from the city government, though it receives federal money through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

SHA runs two main programs: public housing (apartments SHA owns directly) and Section 8 vouchers (rent subsidies you use at a private landlord's property). Both serve households below certain income limits. SHA also manages waiting lists, conducts income verification, and inspects units to make sure they meet housing standards. If you live in a SHA unit or hold a SHA voucher, SHA is the body you contact for rent issues, maintenance requests, or questions about your lease.

The Authority is located in Somerville and serves only Somerville residents. If you live outside Somerville, you would work with your own local housing authority instead. SHA's office handles applications, lease signings, and ongoing tenant services for both programs.

Key Takeaways

  • SHA manages public housing units it owns and Section 8 vouchers that work at private landlords' properties throughout Somerville.
  • Both programs require your household income to fall below HUD's income limits for Somerville, which change yearly and depend on household size.
  • SHA maintains waiting lists for both public housing and Section 8 vouchers; waiting times vary and can be years long depending on the program.
  • You contact SHA directly to report maintenance problems, ask about lease terms, or request a transfer to a different unit.
  • SHA conducts annual income recertification to confirm you still meet income limits; if your income rises above the limit, your information may end.

Public Housing Units Managed by SHA

SHA owns and operates public housing apartments throughout Somerville. These are units where SHA is the landlord. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household's adjusted gross income, meaning the lower your income, the lower your rent. You sign a lease with SHA, and SHA is responsible for maintenance, repairs, and building upkeep.

To live in SHA public housing, your household income must be at or below 80 percent of the area median income (AMI) for the Boston region. HUD sets this limit yearly; for a family of four in 2024, the limit is roughly $80,000 (this figure changes annually and by household size). SHA verifies your income through tax returns, pay stubs, and other documents before you move in and again each year.

SHA maintains a waiting list for public housing. The wait time depends on unit availability and demand; in Somerville, waits can range from months to several years. SHA prioritizes households in certain situations — such as those experiencing homelessness or living in substandard housing — though the exact priority rules are set by SHA's admissions policy. You can contact SHA to ask where you stand on the list.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

A Section 8 voucher is a rent subsidy that lets you live in a private landlord's apartment instead of a SHA-owned unit. SHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent (usually 70 to 80 percent), and you pay the rest (usually 20 to 30 percent). You choose the apartment, and the landlord must agree to accept the voucher. SHA inspects the unit to confirm it meets housing standards before you move in.

Income limits for Section 8 are the same as for public housing: your household income must be at or below 80 percent of AMI. SHA recertifies your income annually. If your income rises above the limit, you may lose the voucher, though some households are allowed to stay if they were already in the program when their income increased.

SHA also maintains a waiting list for Section 8 vouchers. This list is often longer than the public housing list because vouchers are more flexible — you can live anywhere in Somerville (and sometimes in nearby cities, depending on SHA's portability rules). Wait times in Somerville have historically been several years. SHA occasionally opens the waiting list for new applicants when funding allows; you can contact SHA to ask when the list will reopen.

How to Contact SHA and What Documents You Need

The Somerville Housing Authority office is located at 30 Memorial Road, Somerville, MA 02145. You can reach them by phone at (617) 625-6600 during business hours. SHA's website also lists office hours and may have process forms available for read.

Before you contact SHA about public housing or Section 8, gather these documents: a photo ID, proof of residency in Somerville (utility bill or lease), recent pay stubs or tax returns showing household income, and a list of all household members and their ages. If you are explore for Section 8, you will also need to identify potential landlords or apartments you are interested in, though you do not need to have a specific unit lined up before you explore.

SHA staff can tell you whether the waiting list is open, how long the current wait is, and what the next steps are. They can also answer questions about income limits, lease terms, and what happens if your income changes. If you are already a SHA tenant or voucher holder, you can contact SHA to report maintenance issues, request a lease modification, or ask about transferring to a different unit.

Income Limits and Annual Recertification

SHA uses HUD's income limits, which are set by household size and updated each year. These limits determine who can enter the program and who must leave if their income rises too high. For Somerville, the 80 percent AMI limit (the maximum for both public housing and Section 8) is roughly $80,000 for a family of four, but this varies by year and household composition.

Once you are in a SHA program, you must recertify your income every 12 months. You provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or other proof of income. If your income has risen above the limit, SHA will notify you that you no longer meet the income requirement. Some households are allowed to stay under "income limits" rules, but this depends on when you entered the program and SHA's specific policy. Contact SHA to understand your situation.

If your income drops, your rent may decrease (in public housing) or your voucher subsidy may increase (in Section 8). Report income changes to SHA as soon as they happen so your rent is calculated correctly.

Maintenance, Repairs, and Tenant Rights

If you live in a SHA public housing unit, SHA is responsible for maintaining the building and making repairs. Report maintenance problems by calling SHA's office or submitting a work order request. SHA aims to respond to urgent issues (no heat, no water, electrical hazards) within 24 hours and routine repairs within a reasonable timeframe. If SHA does not respond, you have the right to contact the local board of health or file a complaint with HUD.

If you hold a Section 8 voucher, your landlord is responsible for repairs, but SHA inspects the unit annually to may support it meets housing quality standards. If the unit fails inspection, the landlord must make repairs before SHA continues paying the subsidy. If your landlord refuses to make repairs, contact SHA; they can help mediate or, in some cases, terminate the voucher and help you find a different unit.

As a SHA tenant or voucher holder, you have rights under federal housing law and Massachusetts state law. You cannot be evicted without cause or proper notice. You have the right to a lease, to privacy, and to safe and sanitary housing. If you believe SHA or your landlord has violated your rights, you can file a complaint with HUD or contact a local legal aid organization.

Waiting Lists, Transfers, and Changes to Your Housing

SHA maintains separate waiting lists for public housing and Section 8 vouchers. When you explore, SHA adds you to the appropriate list. The list is typically managed on a first-come, first-served basis, though SHA may prioritize certain households (such as those experiencing homelessness or living in unsafe conditions). You can ask SHA where you are on the list and what the estimated wait time is.

If you are already in a SHA program and want to move to a different unit, you can request a transfer. Transfers are subject to availability and SHA's transfer policy. Public housing transfers may be faster than waiting for a new voucher, but they depend on units becoming available. Section 8 voucher holders can search for a new apartment and request a new unit inspection; SHA will process the move if the new unit passes inspection.

If your household size changes (a child is born, a family member moves out), notify SHA when ready. Your income limit and rent may change. If you have too many people for your current unit, SHA may offer you a larger unit or help you find one through Section 8.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher from SHA?

Wait times depend on how many people are ahead of you on the list and how many vouchers SHA has available. In Somerville, waits have historically been several years. Contact SHA to ask for the current wait time. The list is sometimes closed to new applicants when it is very long; SHA will tell you when it reopens.

What happens if my income goes above the limit while I am in a SHA program?

SHA will notify you during your annual recertification. Depending on when you entered the program, you may be allowed to stay under income-limits rules, or you may have a grace period to find other housing. Contact SHA to understand your specific situation and timeline.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher outside of Somerville?

SHA vouchers are primarily for use in Somerville. Some housing authorities have portability agreements with neighboring cities, which means you may be able to use your voucher in those areas. Contact SHA to ask whether portability is available and what the process is.

What do I do if my landlord is not making repairs?

If you hold a Section 8 voucher, contact SHA and describe the problem. SHA can inspect the unit and require the landlord to make repairs. If you live in SHA public housing, submit a work order to SHA's office. If SHA does not respond within a reasonable time, you can contact the local board of health or file a complaint with HUD.

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 offered a public housing unit first, you can accept it and remain on the Section 8 list, or you can decline and wait for a voucher. Contact SHA to understand how being on both lists works and what your options are if you are offered a unit.