Due to the large increase in the number of applications to our rental relief programs, our response time (not approval time) to contact applicants is currently taking approximately 48 hours. Please be sure your application and all documentation are complete.
For rental voucher holders who cannot pay
Are you unable to pay your current tenant share? If so, you may be eligible for a change in the tenant share you pay your property owner.
Click below or send an e-mail to Gateway@MetroHousingBoston.org. Be sure to include the name of the head of the household, current address, and the name of the voucher program that you participate in with Metro Housing (Section 8, MRVP, or COC). If you are not currently a participant in a voucher program with us and need rental assistance due to COVID-19, please see the information (to the right) about applying for RAFT assistance, or click HERE. Gateway can not assist with RAFT applications.
For landlords
Are your tenants unable to pay their rent? Are they paying the market rate? If so, you may be able to apply for rent relief on their behalf.
To get started with more information, click below and read about which households are eligible.
- At this time, the MA Emergency Housing payment Assistance Application is not accepting applications from homeowners. Homeowners in need of mortgage assistance or other housing assistance may apply for the new Homeowner Assistance Fund (MA HAF) Program. Please visit this link to learn more about HAF and to see if you may be eligible. To apply to Mass HAF, visit www.massmortgagehelp.org.
For market-rate renters who cannot pay
For individuals and families at risk of being displaced or forced to leave their homes due to COVID-19 employment loss, Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) or Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) may be the solution.
These programs provide financial assistance that can be used to help keep their housing, obtain new housing, pay their mortgage, or otherwise avoid becoming homeless regardless of source of income, lack of income, citizenship, or immigration status.
RAFT can provide eligible households up to $7,000 that can be used to help keep their housing, obtain new housing, or otherwise avoid becoming homeless, regardless of source of income, or lack of income. Citizenship or immigration status is not an issue for most of this funding.
RAFT applications may also be considered for the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP); no additional or separate application is required. ERAP includes benefits that can exceed $10,000 and include slightly different eligibility requirements, along with a preference for households who have been unemployed 90 days or more at the time of application or who have income below 50% of the Area Median Income. We will match you with the most appropriate program based on your needs and circumstances, and may ask additional questions beyond those in the application. (Click HERE to read this ERAP information in other languages.)
Begin the process by clicking below to start an application. These applications are submitted and processed completely electronically. If you have other questions or need further guidance, visit the Eviction Prevention page or contact the Housing Hub at 617.425.6700 or email ResourceLine@MetroHousingBoston.org.
At this time, the MA Emergency Housing payment Assistance Application is not accepting applications from homeowners. Homeowners in need of mortgage assistance or other housing assistance may apply for the new Homeowner Assistance Fund (MA HAF) Program. Please visit this link to learn more about HAF and to see if you may be eligible. To apply to Mass HAF, visit www.massmortgagehelp.org.
PLEASE NOTE: You will have to submit the following documentation. Your application will be processed faster if you include all of these documents.
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- ID for the head of household.
- Proof of housing crisis (for example an eviction notice or letter saying you’re behind on rent).
- Proof of housing (for example a lease).
- Proof of income (for example paystubs).
Click HERE to learn more about required documentation.
Eviction protections in Massachusetts are extended through April 2022
Eviction protections in Massachusetts are extended through April 2022. If you can’t pay rent because of COVID-19-related financial hardship AND have a pending application for rental assistance, you can’t be evicted. Use the declaration form to the right.
The Federal eviction moratorium will remain in effect until July 31, unless it is extended. On June 16, Governor Baker signed a bill that extended certain protections for renters facing potential eviction.
Until Jan. 1, 2023, Landlords are required to send a notice to quit for non-payment of rent. A Notice to Quit is NOT an eviction. You do not need to immediately leave your apartment. You are entitled to a legal proceeding in which you can defend against an eviction. ONLY a court order can force you to leave your apartment.
Until Jan. 1, 2023, a Notice to Quit must be accompanied by information about tenant’s rights and rental assistance options.
Fuel Assistance & Arrears Management Plans
If you are need of assistance with your utility bills, you may apply for Fuel Assistance. Click through the link on the right to find the Fuel Assistance program that serves your community.
Additionally, if you are behind on utilities, we would encourage you to reach out to your utility provider to form a repayment agreement, see if you are eligible for the low income discount rate and/or inquire if you may be eligible for an Arrears Management Plan (AMP).