What Taunton Housing Authority Does

Taunton Housing Authority (THA) is a public agency that runs public housing and the Section 8 voucher program in Taunton, Massachusetts. The authority owns and manages apartment buildings where residents pay rent based on their income, and it distributes federal vouchers that let people rent from private landlords while the government pays part of the rent. THA also manages waiting lists for both programs and handles lease enforcement, maintenance requests, and tenant disputes.

THA is separate from the City of Taunton government, though it receives federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If you live in Taunton and need affordable housing, THA is the body that determines whether you meet income and background requirements, how long you wait, and what your rent obligation will be.

Key Takeaways

  • Taunton Housing Authority manages public housing apartments and Section 8 vouchers; you explore to THA directly, not to the city.
  • Both programs have waiting lists, and Section 8 waiting lists in Massachusetts often close when they reach capacity and reopen months or years later.
  • You will need proof of income, a Social Security number, and a background check; THA will contact previous landlords and run criminal history.
  • Contact THA by phone or in person at their office to ask whether waiting lists are open and what documents to bring to explore.

How to Reach Taunton Housing Authority

Taunton Housing Authority's main office is located at 50 Winthrop Street, Taunton, MA 02780. You can reach them by phone at (508) 822-1843. Office hours and phone availability vary, so calling ahead is the fastest way to confirm when staff can meet with you or answer questions about current waiting list status.

When you call, have your name, current address, and phone number ready. Ask whether the public housing waiting list and Section 8 waiting list are currently open. If either list is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen or whether there is a way to be notified when applications resume.

Public Housing Through Taunton Housing Authority

Public housing means THA owns the building and you rent directly from the authority. Your rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, so it changes if your income changes. THA owns several apartment complexes in Taunton; the specific buildings and unit sizes available depend on current vacancies.

To be considered for public housing, you must meet income limits (which vary by household size and change yearly), have a valid Social Security number, and pass a background check. THA will review your rental history, criminal record, and credit. You will also need to provide proof of income, such as recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer or benefits program.

The public housing waiting list moves based on the date you explore and your priority status. Some applicants receive priority—for example, people experiencing homelessness or those with disabilities. Once you are offered a unit, you will sign a lease and move in. If you are denied, THA will tell you the reason and explain your right to request a hearing.

Section 8 Vouchers in Taunton

A Section 8 voucher is a federal subsidy that pays a portion of your rent when you rent from a private landlord. You find your own apartment, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and the Housing Authority pays the landlord directly. Your share of the rent is typically 30 percent of your income, and the voucher covers the rest up to a limit set by HUD.

Section 8 waiting lists in Massachusetts frequently close because demand far exceeds available vouchers. When THA's Section 8 list is open, you can explore in person at their office. When it is closed, you cannot explore until it reopens. Call THA to find out the current status; they will tell you whether the list is open, closed, or expected to reopen at a specific date.

Income limits for Section 8 are the same as for public housing and are based on area median income. You must provide the same documentation: proof of income, Social Security number, and consent for a background check. The process typically takes several weeks to several months from process to receiving a voucher, depending on how many people are ahead of you on the waiting list.

Documents You Will Need to Bring

Bring original documents or certified copies to your appointment at THA. You will need a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security card or a letter from Social Security, and proof of current income. Proof of income can be recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), a letter from your employer, tax returns from the past two years, or a benefits award letter if you receive unemployment, disability, or other information.

If you have a co-applicant or dependents, bring their Social Security numbers and birth certificates. If you are currently renting, bring a copy of your lease and contact information for your current landlord. THA will contact them as part of the background review. If you own property or have other assets, bring documentation of those as well, since THA counts assets toward income in some cases.

What Happens After You explore

After you submit your process, THA will verify your income by contacting your employer or benefits program directly. They will run a criminal background check through state and federal databases. They will also contact your current and previous landlords to ask about your payment history, whether you kept the unit in good condition, and whether you followed lease terms.

THA will notify you of their decision in writing. If you are approved, you will receive a letter telling you where you stand on the waiting list and what to expect next. If you are denied, the letter will explain the reason—for example, income too high, criminal history, or poor rental history—and will tell you how to request a hearing to dispute the decision.

Do not assume silence means approval. If you have not heard from THA within the timeframe they gave you, call to check on your status. Waiting list positions can take months or years to reach, depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many units become available.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for public housing in Taunton?

Wait times vary based on how many people are on the list and how many units become available. Call THA at (508) 822-1843 and ask them to estimate how long it typically takes to reach the top of the list. Some applicants with priority status move faster than others.

Can I be denied for a criminal record?

THA can deny you based on criminal history, but they must follow federal rules. Certain crimes—especially drug-related offenses and violent crimes—are grounds for denial. Other factors matter too, like how long ago the crime occurred and whether you have shown rehabilitation. If denied, you have the right to a hearing where you can explain your situation.

What if my income is too high for public housing?

Income limits change yearly. If you are over the limit now, you may fall back under it if your income decreases. You can reapply when your circumstances change. Call THA to ask what the current income limit is for your household size.

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 unit through one program before the other, you can accept it and ask THA to remove you from the other list, or stay on both lists if you prefer to keep your options open.

What if I need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability?

THA must provide reasonable accommodations under the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact THA and explain what accommodation you need—for example, a ground-floor unit, accessible parking, or a modified process process. Ask to speak with their disability coordinator or fair housing officer.