What the Somerville Housing Authority does

The Somerville Housing Authority (SHA) is a public agency that owns and manages affordable rental housing in Somerville, Massachusetts. It operates public housing developments, administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (formerly Section 8), and runs other affordable housing programs. SHA does not set local housing policy — that is the city's job — but it carries out the day-to-day work of maintaining buildings, collecting rent, and determining who can move into its properties.

SHA serves people whose income falls below certain limits set by the federal government. Those limits change each year and depend on household size. The agency is independent from the city government, though it works closely with the city and must follow state and federal housing law.

Key Takeaways

  • SHA manages public housing units and Housing Choice Vouchers, which are two separate programs with different process processes and waitlists.
  • Income limits for SHA housing vary by family size and are set annually by the federal government; you can ask SHA directly what the current limits are.
  • SHA's public housing waitlist is typically closed, and the Housing Choice Voucher waitlist can have a wait of several years depending on when it opens.
  • You can contact SHA by phone, in person at their office, or through their website to ask about current openings and how to be added to a waitlist.
  • SHA tenants pay rent based on 30 percent of their income, with SHA covering the rest of the cost; this is called income-based rent.

Public housing versus Housing Choice Vouchers

SHA runs two main programs, and they work very differently. Public housing means SHA owns the building and you rent directly from SHA. SHA sets the rent at 30 percent of your household income. Public housing units are located in Somerville developments that SHA owns and maintains.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) work differently: SHA gives you a voucher that covers part of the rent, and you find your own apartment in the private market. The landlord must accept the voucher, and you pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. Both programs have separate waitlists, and both typically have long waits or are closed.

Public housing is usually faster to move into once you are on the list, because SHA controls the units. Vouchers give you more choice about where to live, but landlords are not required to accept them, which can make finding an apartment harder.

Income limits and who can live in SHA housing

To be considered for SHA housing, your household income must be at or below the limit for your family size. These limits are set by the federal government and change each year. For example, the limit might be around $50,000 for a family of three, but this number changes annually and varies slightly depending on the program.

SHA also checks your rental history, criminal background, and whether you owe money to other housing programs. You will need to provide proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), identification, and a Social Security number for each household member. If you have been evicted or have unpaid rent from a previous tenancy, SHA may deny your process, though each case is reviewed individually.

To find out the current income limits and what documents you need, contact SHA directly. They can tell you whether your household income qualifies and what the next steps are.

How to contact Somerville Housing Authority

SHA's main office is located at 30 Memorial Road, Somerville, MA 02145. You can reach them by phone at (617) 625-6600. They are open Monday through Friday during business hours. You can also visit their website or stop by the office in person to ask about current waitlist status, income limits, and how to submit information.

When you call or visit, have your household size and approximate income ready so SHA can tell you whether you may be within the income limits. If you are, they will explain what documents to bring and whether the waitlist is open. If the waitlist is closed, ask when it typically reopens or whether there is a way to be notified when it does.

Waitlist status and how long it takes

SHA's public housing waitlist is usually closed to new applications. When it is open, the wait to be housed can be several years, depending on the number of people on the list and how many units become available. The Housing Choice Voucher waitlist also has a long wait, sometimes five years or more, and it too opens and closes depending on funding.

You can ask SHA whether either waitlist is currently open. If it is closed, ask whether you can be placed on a waiting list to be notified when it reopens. Some people choose to look for other affordable housing options in the meantime, such as private landlords who accept vouchers, nonprofit housing programs, or other local resources.

Income-based rent and how much you pay

If you live in SHA public housing, your rent is set at 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income. This means the amount you pay changes if your income changes. For example, if your household income is $2,000 per month, your rent would be $600. SHA covers the rest of the cost of maintaining the unit.

You are required to report changes in income to SHA. If your income goes up, your rent goes up. If your income goes down, your rent goes down. This is different from private rental housing, where the landlord sets the rent and it does not change based on what you earn.

Housing Choice Voucher rent works differently. SHA pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord, and you pay the rest. The amount SHA pays depends on the voucher amount for your area and family size. You pay the difference between that amount and what the landlord charges.

What happens after you are housed

Once you move into SHA housing, you sign a lease and become a tenant. SHA can evict you for lease violations, such as non-payment of rent, damage to the unit, or criminal activity. You have the right to a hearing before eviction, and SHA must follow Massachusetts eviction law. If you have a problem with your unit — such as a repair that is not being made — you can file a complaint with SHA's maintenance department or contact a tenant rights organization.

SHA tenants have the same rights as private tenants under Massachusetts law, including the right to a habitable unit, the right to privacy, and protection against retaliation. If you believe SHA is violating your rights, you can contact a legal aid organization or the Massachusetts Attorney General's office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Somerville Housing Authority waitlist open right now?

Waitlist status changes, so you need to contact SHA directly to find out. Call (617) 625-6600 or visit their office at 30 Memorial Road. They can tell you whether public housing or Housing Choice Voucher applications are being taken and what the current wait time is.

What if my income is slightly above the limit?

Income limits are firm — if you are above the limit, you do not meet the requirement for that program. However, limits change each year, so you may become may be able to access in the future if your income drops or the limit rises. You can ask SHA to check your income against the current year's limit and ask to be contacted if the limit changes.

Can I explore to both public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers at the same time?

Yes. They are separate programs with separate waitlists, so you can be on both lists. If you are offered housing through one program, you can accept it and remain on the other list, or you can decline and stay on both. Ask SHA about the process for being on multiple lists.

What if I have a criminal record or past eviction?

SHA reviews each process individually. A criminal record or past eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but SHA will consider the details. The best approach is to contact SHA, explain your situation, and ask what documents or information they need to make a decision. Being honest upfront is better than having an process denied later.

Does SHA help with deposits or moving costs?

SHA does not typically provide moving information or security deposit help. However, other organizations in Somerville and the surrounding area may offer this support. Contact SHA or a local nonprofit housing organization to ask about other resources that might be available to you.