Lowell Housing Authority
Lowell, Massachusetts
Last Updated
14 hours ago
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Applications for state-aided public housing are accepted through the CHAMP (Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Programs) website, or by downloading a paper application to mail or submit in person. Eligibility requires an income at or below 80% of the area median income, and preferences may include veteran status and living or working in the community.
Other Programs
4 programsThese 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.
The waiting list for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program at Lowell Housing Authority last accepted applications in November 2018. Preferences included involuntary displacement, working families, elderly, disabled, living/working/attending school locally, victim of domestic violence, or veterans, with selection by random lottery based on preferences.
The Mainstream Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting list was last accepted from January 22, 2024, until January 26, 2024. There is no notice of when this waiting list will reopen. Applications were accepted by printing a paper application or in person at the Mercier Center.
The Lowell Rental Assistance Fund Program (LRAP) waiting list is currently closed. It was last open for four days in November 2018. During the opening period, applications could be downloaded and printed online, picked up at the LHA office, or completed at the LHA office.
The waiting list for Section 8 Project-Based Vouchers last accepted applications for 2, 3, and 4-bedroom apartments from January 22, 2024, until January 26, 2024. Application methods included printing a paper application, in-person submission at the Mercier Center, or mailing/dropping off the completed application to the Lowell Housing Authority. Preferences included involuntary displacement from Lowell due to natural disaster, fire, unwarranted landlord action, or government action (including LHA capital programs), and working head of household or spouse.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Lowell Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Go to Official SiteWARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Lowell Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Before applying, verify that the waiting list is currently open. Housing authorities only accept applications during designated open periods, which can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.
Gather Required Documents
Most PHAs require: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all household members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official Lowell Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list, keep your contact information updated with the PHA. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Wait times vary from 6 months to over 5 years depending on demand. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs Offered at Lowell Housing Authority
Public Housing Public Housing
Public Housing units are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Units range from apartments to townhomes and are maintained by the PHA. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
The Housing Choice Voucher program 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 your area. Vouchers are portable, meaning you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Mainstream
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Lowell Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other (LRAP)
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Lowell Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher
Project-Based Vouchers are attached to specific apartment complexes or units. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Lowell Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Lowell Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Lowell Housing Authority?
Lowell Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Lowell 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 |
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.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to Lowell Housing Authority — including across state lines.