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 where residents pay rent based on their income, typically 30 percent of what they earn. The Authority also administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8), which allows people to rent from private landlords while the program subsidizes part of the rent.

SHA is separate from the city government, though it receives some public funding. It answers to a Board of Commissioners and is overseen by the state Department of Housing and Community Development. If you live in SHA housing or hold an SHA voucher, you deal directly with the Authority for lease questions, maintenance requests, rent calculations, and program rules.

Key Takeaways

  • The Somerville Housing Authority runs public housing developments and administers Housing Choice Vouchers for people who meet income limits.
  • Rent in SHA housing is calculated as 30 percent of your household income, not a fixed amount.
  • The Authority maintains a waiting list for both public housing and vouchers; wait times are typically several years.
  • You can contact SHA directly at their main office to ask about current openings, waiting list status, or maintenance issues in your unit.
  • SHA has specific lease rules, income recertification requirements, and policies on who can live in the unit with you.

Public housing developments SHA manages

SHA owns and operates several public housing communities across Somerville. These include family developments, senior housing, and mixed communities. Each development has its own management office, though all follow the same rent and income rules set by SHA headquarters.

If you live in an SHA development, your lease is with the Authority, not a private landlord. This means SHA sets the terms, handles maintenance through its own staff or contractors, and can enforce lease violations through SHA's own process. Rent is recalculated each year based on your current income, and you must report changes in household composition or earnings.

Housing Choice Vouchers and the waiting list

SHA administers Housing Choice Vouchers, commonly called Section 8. A voucher allows you to rent from a private landlord of your choice, and the program pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord. You pay the difference, which is typically 30 percent of your income. The landlord's unit must pass an inspection and meet program standards, but you have more choice than in public housing.

Both public housing and vouchers operate under waiting lists. The waiting list for SHA is typically closed to new applicants, meaning you cannot add your name when the list is full. When the list reopens, SHA announces it through local media and on its website. Wait times from the day you are added to the day you receive a voucher or unit can be several years, depending on the size of the list and how many units become available.

Income limits and rent calculations

To live in SHA housing or receive a voucher, your household income must fall below the limit set by the federal government for the Boston area. These limits change each year and depend on household size. A family of four, for example, might have a limit around $70,000 to $80,000 annually, but the exact figure varies year to year.

Rent in SHA housing is always 30 percent of your gross monthly income, rounded to the nearest dollar. If your income is $2,000 per month, your rent is $600. If it drops to $1,500, your rent drops to $450. You must report income changes to SHA, and the Authority recertifies your income at least once per year. If you fail to report changes or provide required documents, SHA can terminate your lease.

How to contact the Somerville Housing Authority

SHA's main office is located in Somerville and handles applications, waiting list inquiries, and general questions. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about waiting list status, current openings, or how the process works if the list is open. The Authority's website lists the phone number, office address, and hours.

If you are already an SHA resident or voucher holder, you can also contact your development's management office directly for maintenance requests, lease questions, or rent disputes. Each development has its own office staff who handle day-to-day issues. For serious complaints or disputes, SHA has a grievance process outlined in your lease.

Lease rules and what SHA can require

Your SHA lease covers who can live in the unit, how the unit must be maintained, and what happens if you break the rules. SHA can require that all household members be listed on the lease and that you report any new occupants. Unauthorized occupants can be grounds for eviction. The lease also sets standards for unit cleanliness and prohibits damage beyond normal wear and tear.

SHA can evict you for non-payment of rent, lease violations, or criminal activity. The Authority must follow state eviction law, which means providing notice and an opportunity to cure the violation before filing in court. If you receive an eviction notice from SHA, you have the right to a hearing before the Authority's hearing officer, and you can contest the eviction in court.

Maintenance and repairs in SHA housing

SHA is responsible for maintaining the building structure, common areas, and major systems like heat, water, and electrical. You are responsible for keeping your unit clean and reporting damage promptly. If your heat stops working or a pipe bursts, you contact your development's maintenance office, and SHA must respond within a set timeframe depending on the urgency.

Emergency repairs like no heat in winter or no water are typically handled within 24 hours. Non-emergency repairs may take longer. If SHA fails to make repairs, you have the right to file a complaint with the state or, in some cases, to withhold rent or repair-and-deduct (though this is complex and requires following specific steps). Always document the problem in writing and keep records of your requests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get on the Somerville Housing Authority waiting list?

You must wait for SHA to open its waiting list, which happens when the current list is full or when the Authority decides to accept new applications. When the list opens, SHA announces it through local media and its website. You can then visit the main office or call to request an process. You will need proof of income, identification, and Social Security numbers for all household members.

What happens if my income goes up while I live in SHA housing?

Your rent will increase to 30 percent of your new income at your next recertification. If your income exceeds the program limit for your household size, you may be required to move out within a set timeframe, typically one to two years. SHA will notify you in writing if this happens and explain your options.

Can SHA evict me without going to court?

No. SHA must provide written notice of the lease violation, give you time to fix it (usually 14 days), and then file an eviction case in court if you do not cure the problem. You have the right to a hearing before SHA's hearing officer and the right to defend yourself in court. You can also request a stay of eviction if you have a valid reason.

What if I need a reasonable accommodation due to a disability?

SHA must consider requests for reasonable accommodations under the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. This might include a service animal, modifications to your unit, or flexibility with lease rules. Submit your request in writing to your development's management office and provide documentation from a healthcare provider if needed. SHA must respond within a reasonable timeframe.

How long does it usually take to get a Housing Choice Voucher from SHA?

Wait times vary widely depending on how many people are on the list and how many vouchers become available each year. In Somerville, wait times can range from several years to over a decade. You can call SHA to ask about the current average wait time and your position on the list if you are already on it.