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About Chelsea Housing Authority

The Chelsea Housing Authority (PHA Code: MA016) manages housing assistance programs in Chelsea, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. It oversees approximately 963 assisted housing units, comprising 609 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and 354 Public Housing units. While Public Housing is currently closed to new applications, the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program has recently opened.

Currently, the Chelsea Housing Authority is accepting applications for several programs. These include the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP), Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), Caritas Single Room Occupancy (SRO), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and various other state and general voucher programs. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit for this area is $82,700 per year. Applicants should note the specific program status when applying.

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Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Phone

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

Assists non-elderly individuals with disabilities through a mobile voucher program, with preference for veterans and survivors of domestic violence.

State Voucher

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

This state-funded rental voucher program is for non-elderly individuals with disabilities, with preferences for veterans and survivors of domestic violence.

Voucher

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

The Alternative Housing Voucher Program is a state-funded rental voucher program for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. Preferences are given to veterans and survivors of domestic violence.

Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Phone

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

Provides tenant-based and project-based rental subsidies, with mobile vouchers allowing participants to find housing throughout Massachusetts.

AHVP & MRVP

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

The State Voucher Program (Alternative Housing Voucher Program - AHVP and Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program - MRVP) waiting list is currently open. Applications can be made online via the Chelsea Housing Authority website, in-person at 54 Locke St, Chelsea, MA 02150, by mail, by fax (617-884-6...

State Voucher

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

AHVP assists non-elderly individuals with disabilities and is a mobile voucher, with preferences for veterans and survivors of domestic violence. MRVP provides housing assistance to low-income families and offers tenant-based and project-based rental subsidies.

Voucher

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

The Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program is a state-administered program providing housing assistance, including tenant-based and project-based subsidies and mobile vouchers.

Other Programs Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

State-administered Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program provides tenant-based and project-based rental subsidies, with mobile vouchers allowing participants to find housing anywhere in Massachusetts.

State Voucher

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

This includes the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) and Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP). AHVP assists non-elderly individuals with disabilities, and MRVP offers tenant-based and project-based rental subsidies.

Voucher

Status

open

Additional Notes

This includes the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) and the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP). AHVP is a state-funded rental voucher program for non-elderly individuals with disabilities, with preferences for local residents and veterans. MRVP is a state-administered program pr...

Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

Jun 3, 2024

How to Apply

Online

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

Offers one- or two-bedroom units only.

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

Nov 1, 2023

How to Apply

Online

Application deadline has passed
Deadline: Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Open Now

Additional Notes

Housing for single persons or families who meet income and age (18+) requirements.

Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Waitlist

Status

open

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

CHA announces the opening of the Caritas Single Room Occupancy wait list.

Other Programs

2 programs

These programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

Preferences include local resident, veteran, and victims of domestic abuse.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Mainstream Voucher
Closed

Assists non-elderly, disabled persons and households.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.

Status History

PBV Opened 9 hours ago
SRO Opened 3 days ago
HCV Closed 4 days ago
Public Housing Opened 4 days ago
PBV Closed 5 days ago
HCV Opened 5 days ago
HCV Closed Aug 23, 2026
Public Housing Closed Aug 23, 2026
Public Housing Opening Soon Aug 23, 2026
Public Housing Opened Aug 22, 2026
Public Housing Opening Soon Aug 22, 2026
Public Housing Closed Aug 22, 2026
HCV Opened Aug 20, 2026
Public Housing Opened Aug 17, 2026
Public Housing Closed Aug 17, 2026
HCV Closed Aug 16, 2026
PBV Opened Aug 11, 2026
HCV Opened Aug 11, 2026
SRO Closed Aug 7, 2026
Public Housing Opening Soon Aug 5, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Chelsea Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 54 Locke St
City Chelsea, MA 02150
PHA Code MA016
Section 8 Units 609
Public Housing Units 354

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.

How to Apply at Chelsea Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

Chelsea Housing Authority currently has 13 open waiting lists (Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP), Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), Other Programs, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, Single Room Occupancy (SRO)). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Chelsea Housing Authority, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $82,700/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.

3

Submit Your Application

Apply directly through the official Chelsea Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Chelsea Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Chelsea Housing Authority manages approximately 963 assisted housing units (609 Section 8, 354 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Chelsea. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Chelsea Housing Authority

AHVP Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) open

The Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) program at Chelsea Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chelsea. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

MRVP Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) open

The Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) program at Chelsea Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chelsea. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Other Other Programs open

The Other Programs program at Chelsea Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chelsea. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

PBV Project-Based Voucher (PBV) open

Project-Based Vouchers at Chelsea Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Chelsea. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.

Public Housing Public Housing open

Public Housing units at Chelsea Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Chelsea Housing Authority manages approximately 354 Public Housing units in Chelsea. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties. The application window closes on December 6, 2023.

SRO Single Room Occupancy (SRO) open

The Single Room Occupancy (SRO) program at Chelsea Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chelsea. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Chelsea Housing Authority provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Chelsea. This program serves approximately 609 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed

Mainstream Vouchers at Chelsea Housing Authority are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Chelsea Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Chelsea Housing Authority administers 8 programs (Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP), Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), Other Programs, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, Single Room Occupancy (SRO), Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream Voucher) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority's official portal or in person at their office at 54 Locke St, Chelsea, MA.
How long is the wait at Chelsea Housing Authority?
Wait times at Chelsea Housing Authority depend on demand in Chelsea, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 963 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on August 30, 2026 when the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) list changed from "closed" to "open." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Chelsea Housing Authority directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of Chelsea Housing Authority, including Revere Housing Authority (1 mi), Everett Housing Authority (1 mi), Malden Housing Authority (2 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Massachusetts and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Massachusetts.
How do I contact Chelsea Housing Authority?
You can reach Chelsea Housing Authority by phone at (617) 409-5321. Their office is located at 54 Locke St, Chelsea, MA 02150. You can also email them at pnowicki@chelseaha.com. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Chelsea Housing Authority?
Income limits for Chelsea Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area (currently $160,900). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $82,700. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

Chelsea Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Chelsea Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $82,700. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.

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
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $160,900 Effective April 1, 2025
What do these income limits mean?

Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.

Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.

Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.