What the Waltham Housing Authority does

The Waltham Housing Authority is a public agency that owns and manages rental housing in Waltham, Massachusetts. It operates public housing units and administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, which helps low-income residents pay rent at privately owned apartments. The Authority does not set city housing policy — it runs specific programs and properties.

The Authority manages approximately 600 public housing units across multiple developments in the city. It also distributes Section 8 vouchers to may be able to access households, allowing them to rent from private landlords while the program subsidizes a portion of the rent. Both programs serve households at or below 80 percent of the area median income, though public housing typically serves lower-income residents.

Key Takeaways

  • The Waltham Housing Authority runs public housing developments and the Section 8 voucher program, but both have waiting lists that are currently closed or very long.
  • Public housing rent is based on 30 percent of your household income, while Section 8 vouchers let you choose a private apartment and the program pays the landlord directly.
  • You can contact the Authority directly at 781-314-3250 or visit their office at 70 School Street, Waltham, to ask about waiting list status and what documents you will need.
  • The Authority also manages emergency repairs in public housing units and handles lease enforcement for both public housing and voucher holders.
  • If you are experiencing a housing crisis, your city's Department of Housing and Community Development or a 211 referral can point you toward emergency rental funds or other when ready resources.

Public housing units and how rent works

Public housing in Waltham consists of apartment complexes owned and operated by the Authority. Rent is calculated as 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income, which is significantly lower than market rent in the area. The Authority covers utilities, maintenance, and building operations from the rent you pay and federal subsidies.

Public housing units range from studios to three-bedroom apartments. The Authority prioritizes households with the greatest need, including families with children, elderly residents, and people with disabilities. Once you are housed, you have the right to remain as long as you follow your lease, pay rent on time, and maintain the unit in livable condition.

The waiting list for public housing in Waltham is currently closed. You can contact the Authority to ask when it will reopen and whether you can be placed on a future list. The wait time from process to move-in typically ranges from one to three years, depending on unit availability and your household composition.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

A Section 8 voucher gives you money to help pay rent at a privately owned apartment of your choice. The program pays your landlord directly, and you pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. Your share is capped at 30 percent of your household income.

To use a voucher, you must find a landlord willing to accept it. Not all landlords participate, and some charge rent above what the voucher will cover. Once you find an apartment, the Authority inspects it to may support it meets housing quality standards. The inspection covers things like working plumbing, heat, electrical systems, and structural safety.

The Section 8 waiting list in Waltham is also closed. The Authority opens it periodically, usually for a limited time. You can call to ask about the current status and whether you can register for notification when applications reopen.

How to contact the Waltham Housing Authority

The Authority's main office is located at 70 School Street, Waltham, MA 02451. You can reach them by phone at 781-314-3250 during business hours. The office handles inquiries about waiting lists, lease questions, maintenance requests, and program information.

When you call or visit, have your identification and any documents related to your housing situation ready. If you are asking about waiting list status, the staff can tell you whether lists are open and what documents you will need to submit. If you are a current resident with a maintenance issue, report it in writing or by phone so there is a record of the request.

The Authority also has a website where you can find general information about programs and policies. However, the phone line is the fastest way to get answers about your specific situation, especially regarding waiting list status.

Income limits and household requirements

Both public housing and Section 8 vouchers are limited to households earning at or below 80 percent of the area median income. For Waltham, this threshold changes annually. In 2024, the limit for a family of four was approximately $75,000 gross annual income, but you should confirm the current year's limits with the Authority.

Household composition matters for both programs. Larger families may have priority for bigger units, and the Authority considers family size when calculating rent and voucher amounts. If your household size changes — through birth, adoption, or a family member moving in or out — you must report it to the Authority.

The Authority also conducts background checks and reviews rental history. Certain criminal convictions and patterns of lease violations can disqualify you, though the Authority considers the nature and timing of the offense. If you have concerns about your background, ask the Authority directly what their policy is before you submit an process.

Maintenance and lease enforcement

If you live in public housing and have a maintenance problem — broken heat, plumbing issues, electrical hazards — you can report it to the Authority's maintenance department. Call 781-314-3250 and describe the problem. The Authority is required to make repairs within a reasonable timeframe, typically 24 hours for emergencies like no heat in winter.

If the Authority does not make repairs, you have the right to file a complaint with the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development. You can also contact a legal aid organization like Community Legal Aid to understand your rights as a public housing resident.

The Authority enforces lease terms for both public housing residents and Section 8 voucher holders. If you violate your lease — by not paying rent, causing damage, or violating house rules — the Authority can begin eviction proceedings. You have the right to a hearing before eviction, and you can bring evidence or a representative to defend yourself.

When the waiting list is closed: other options

Because the Waltham Housing Authority's waiting lists are often closed, you may need to explore other resources. The city's Department of Housing and Community Development can tell you about other affordable housing programs, including affordable homeownership opportunities and rental information funds.

If you are facing an when ready housing crisis — eviction, homelessness, or unsafe conditions — call 211 or contact Waltham's emergency services. The city has emergency rental funds and temporary housing programs that operate separately from the Housing Authority. These programs move faster than waiting lists and may help you while you wait for Authority housing to become available.

You can also look for affordable housing through nonprofits like Waltham Community Housing and other developers that build or manage affordable units in the city. These organizations sometimes have shorter waiting lists than the Authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get public housing or a Section 8 voucher?

Wait times vary depending on unit availability and your household type. Public housing typically takes one to three years from process to move-in. Section 8 wait times can be longer in some areas. The Authority can give you a more specific estimate based on current demand and your household size.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher anywhere in Massachusetts?

No. A Waltham voucher is portable within the Waltham Housing Authority's jurisdiction, which is Waltham itself. If you want to move to another city, you must contact that city's housing authority to see if they will accept a transfer. Some authorities accept transfers; others do not.

What happens if my landlord refuses to accept a Section 8 voucher?

Landlords cannot legally refuse a voucher based solely on the source of income in Massachusetts. However, they can decline for other reasons — credit history, income level, or criminal background. If you believe you were discriminated against because of the voucher itself, you can file a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination.

Do I have to move out of public housing if my income increases?

Not when ready. Public housing allows income to rise above the limit for a period of time before you must leave. The Authority will tell you the specific timeline when your income increases. You can also request a hearing to discuss your situation.

What should I do if the Authority is not making repairs in my unit?

Document the problem in writing and send it to the Authority by email or certified mail so you have proof of the request. If repairs are not made within a reasonable time, contact Community Legal Aid or the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development to file a complaint.