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Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Chelmsford, Massachusetts
There are 57 open waiting lists in the Chelmsford area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Chelmsford, Massachusetts and updates statuses nightly. Below you will find every PHA in the area with current waitlist status, program types, and direct application links.
If no lists are currently open in Chelmsford, we recommend applying to nearby cities as well. There is no limit to the number of waiting lists you can join, and many housing authorities accept applications from non-residents.
Affordable Housing in Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Chelmsford, Massachusetts is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 57 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Chelmsford area. There are also 545 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Chelmsford include Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), RAD, Mainstream. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (2 open).
Latest Opening
Chelmsford Housing Authority opened its Other (Affordable Housing Lottery) waitlist on Apr 7, 2026. Applications close Jul 6, 2026 — apply early.
About Housing in Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Chelmsford, Massachusetts offers various affordable housing options managed by the Chelmsford Housing Authority and American Training by Chelmsford Housing. The area currently has approximately 941 assisted housing units available to residents.
For those seeking assistance, there are currently 21 open waiting lists across different programs. Available programs with open waitlists include Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), and general Affordable Housing. Additionally, specialized programs like Affordable Homeownership Resale, Unassisted Age-Restricted Housing, Unassisted Family Housing, and Affordable Unassisted Rental Housing also have open lists. Applicants may also find opportunities through the Affordable Rental Lottery for Acton, which serves this region. Keep in mind that 9 other waiting lists are currently closed.
Income eligibility is a key factor when applying; for instance, the very low-income limit for a family of four in the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area is $82,700 per year for FY2025. The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) oversees state housing efforts. It is advisable for all interested individuals to carefully review specific program requirements and apply to all eligible waitlists.
Housing Authorities in Chelmsford
American Training by Chelmsford Housing
Chelmsford, Massachusetts · MA883
Chelmsford Housing Authority
Chelmsford, Massachusetts · MA108
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How to Apply for Section 8 in Chelmsford
To apply for housing assistance in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Chelmsford area (listed above). Right now, 57 waiting lists are accepting applications — apply as soon as possible, as open enrollment periods can close with short notice. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Before applying, gather the following documents for all household members: government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements), and proof of current address. For a family of four in this area, income must be below $82,700/year (Very Low Income threshold) to qualify for most programs. Having these ready before a waitlist opens can be the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Housing programs available in Chelmsford include Affordable Unassisted, Unassisted Family Housing, Unassisted Age-Restricted Housing, Affordable Unassisted Units, Affordable Housing Resale, other, Public Housing, Specialized Housing, Affordable Homeownership Resale, Affordable Housing, Other (Affordable Housing), Other (Affordable Unassisted), Other (Affordable Housing Cobblestone Place), Affordable Housing (Unassisted), Homeownership Resale, Affordable Unassisted Age-Restricted, Homeownership, Affordable Housing Lottery, Affordable Homeownership, Other Affordable Housing, Other (McManus Manor Lottery), Other (Unassisted Age-Restricted), Other (Affordable Housing Resale), Affordable Rental Lottery (Acton), Affordable Housing (Cobblestone Place Lottery), Affordable Unassisted Housing, Unassisted Age-Restricted, Other (Affordable Unassisted Units), Other (Cobblestone Place), Affordable Housing Resale Program, Affordable Housing (Unassisted Family), Affordable Housing (Unassisted Age-Restricted), Affordable Unassisted Family, Affordable, Affordable Rental Lottery, Affordable Housing (Cobblestone Place), Other, Other (Affordable Rental Lottery - Acton), Other (Unassisted Family Housing), Other (Affordable Housing Lottery), Cobblestone Place, Affordable Unassisted (Cobblestone Place), Affordable Unassisted Rental Housing, Other (Affordable Unassisted Family Housing), Affordable Unassisted Age-Restricted Housing, Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program, Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Affordable Rental, Affordable Housing (Rental Lottery), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), MRVP, AHVP, Affordable Rental / Lottery Programs, Other (MRVP), Affordable Housing (McManus Manor Lottery), Other (Affordable Rental Housing), Other (Affordable Elderly Housing), Mainstream, RAD. Applying to multiple program types simultaneously improves your chances of receiving assistance. After submitting, you will be placed on the waiting list based on the date of your application and any applicable preferences (veterans, elderly, disabled, working families, or local residents).
Chelmsford, Massachusetts Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $82,700 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $160,900.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $34,750 | $57,900 | $92,650 |
| 2 Persons | $39,700 | $66,200 | $105,850 |
| 3 Persons | $44,650 | $74,450 | $119,100 |
| 4 Persons | $49,600 | $82,700 | $132,300 |
| 5 Persons | $53,600 | $89,350 | $142,900 |
| 6 Persons | $57,550 | $95,950 | $153,500 |
| 7 Persons | $61,550 | $102,550 | $164,100 |
| 8 Persons | $65,500 | $109,200 | $174,650 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Chelmsford use these income limits to determine who qualifies for rental assistance. Your total household income before taxes is compared against the limit for your household size.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — Most Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing programs require your income to be at or below this level. This is the primary eligibility threshold.
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households at this level often receive priority on waiting lists. By law, housing authorities must allocate a portion of vouchers to extremely low-income families.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and locally funded initiatives, accept applicants up to this threshold. Contact individual housing authorities below for their specific requirements.
Nearby Cities with Housing Authorities
Applying to nearby cities increases your chances of receiving assistance sooner. These cities are within 75 miles of Chelmsford and have active housing programs.