The information below describes different types of housing and how to apply. If you need help connecting with housing resources, please contact the Health & Human Services Department at 617-796-1420 and ask to speak with Social Services.

HOMELESS & UNHOUSED RESOURCES

If you are homeless, or about to be displaced, please click HERE for more resources.

HOUSING (RENTAL) OPTIONS

Generally, there are four rental options in Newton – private market, subsidized housing (aka “affordable housing”), public housing, and rental vouchers.

Private Market: To find units through the private market, you can use search engines such as Zillow and Trulia to find housing that is either listed by a realty company or landlord.

Subsidized Housing: This refers to units that are built, owned, and operated by a private corporation that receive assistance of some kind from the government. In exchange for the assistance, the private corporation must agree to provide some units for residents with lower incomes.

The following is general information about subsidized housing:

• An applicant's eligibility is based on annual gross income, household demographics (age, household size, disability status), and U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status.
• Rent may be a set amount which may be determined by a percentage of AMI*, or 30% of your income for rent (depending on the property).
• Often utilities are not included.
• Typically, you apply to each property management company separately.
• Units are distributed through a lottery system or first come first serve waitlist.

*Area Median Income (AMI) is the midpoint of a region’s income distribution. Half of families in a region earn more than the median and half earn less than the median.

For helpful links to subsidized housing resources, visit the Planning Department’s website.

For a full listing of affordable housing in Massachusetts, visit the Housing Navigator database.

Public Housing: This refers to housing that is built, owned, and operated by a government agency called a Housing Authority (HA). Most towns and cities have a housing authority and manage public housing developments.

The following is general information about public housing:

• HA's determine an applicant’s eligibility based on annual gross income and household demographics (age, household size, disability status).
• You generally pay 30% of your income for rent.
• Often utilities are included.
• Many units are only open to elders, persons with disabilities and families with children.
• You can apply to multiple Housing Authorities, including the Newton Housing Authority, through the CHAMP application.
• After applying, if you do not respond to HA mailings, your application will be removed from the wait list.

*US citizenship is not required for all types of public housing. Find more information about eligible immigration status HERE.

Rental Vouchers: This refers to rental subsidies (i.e., Section 8) administered by local Housing Authorities (HA). Qualified applicants apply to the Centralized Waitlist. When their application is at the top of the list and approved, they are certified, briefed on program requirements and are required to find their own housing in the private market. The voucher holder must locate suitable housing where the owner agrees to the terms of the program and where units meet minimum standards of health and safety.

The following is general information about housing vouchers:

• An applicant's eligibility is based on annual gross income, household demographics (age, household size, disability status), and U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status.
• Generally, the tenant pays 30% of their income for rent and the HA pays the difference.
• Any apartment is eligible if it passes a basic housing quality inspection and rent is within the HA's pre-set payment standard.
• You can apply to the Centralized Waitlist or reach out to your local HA (Newton Housing Authority).
• After applying, if you do not respond to HA mailings, your application will be removed from the wait list.

AFFORDABLE HOMEOWNERSHIP

To qualify for an affordable homeownership opportunity you must first take a First Time Homebuyer Course. You can view available courses HERE.

The City of Newton's Planning Department website lists affordable homeownership opportunities available in Newton specifically. 

You can view other affordable opportunities at MyMassHome.org. 

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

After you find a new home, Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) may be able to help you pay for first month, last month, security deposit, and additional moving costs. Eligible residents must be at or below 80% area median income (AMI) and be able to show proof of housing crisis. For more information, please visit Metro Housing Boston.