For Landlords 

The RAFT application system requires both a tenant application and a landlord application for tenants who are requesting rental assistance. Landlords and property owners can (a) begin the RAFT application process for their tenants who may need to request financial assistance for overdue rent OR (b) complete the application once the tenant has submitted their application.

To begin the landlord/property owner application process, you must first register an account as a new user if you have not already done so here: User Registration (mass.gov)

***Your account must have info entered for the Payee, Properties, and Payment Methods sections on your profile before you can apply.

Once a landlord/property owner has an account, you can apply here: MA Emergency Housing Payment Assistance Portal (mass.gov) If your tenant has already completed their application at the time you are submitting the landlord application, be sure to include the Tenant Application Code that you received in your email. Note that the Tenant Application Code is different from their Case ID.

For more guidance on how to apply and create a landlord profile, please utilize this reference guide: Housing Assistance Application Reference Guide (mass.gov)

For a list of landlords’/property owners’ Frequently Asked Questions, visit: Landlord FAQs download (mass.gov)

For other resources, including recordings of webinars about Landlord/Property Owner RAFT Application Portal, visit: RAFT Public Resource and Training Portal | Mass.gov

Who qualifies for RAFT?

• A household’s income must be at or below 50 percent area median income (AMI).
• Households composed of any of the following: Individuals, families with older children, couples without children, unaccompanied youth, and households of any size.
• Household must provide documentation/proof that they are currently experiencing a housing crisis:
  • For households with rental arrears: For households applying to RAFT for assistance with rent arrears, a notice to quit or eviction notice/court summons is now required. Written documentation of rental arrears, demonstration of a financial hardship (reduction in revenue and/or increase in expenses) that caused the nonpayment of rent, and demonstration that payment of the arrears will allow the household to retain their housing.
  • For households facing eviction: Summary Process Summons and Complaint. Tenants who have a housing subsidy and are facing eviction due to non-payment of rent must also provide proof of financial hardship that explains cause for arrears in order to receive assistance.
  • For households leaving doubled-up housing: Letter from landlord or primary tenant explaining that the family must leave. This must also include the address, date, and contact name and info of person writing letter.  A copy of new lease or letter of intent to rent for new apartment.
  • For households leaving unsafe housing: Verification of unsafe housing conditions and copy of new lease/letter of intent to rent for new apartment.
  • For households facing foreclosure or mortgage arrears: Current mortgage statement and letter from lender indicating that family is at least 30 days in arrears and at risk of foreclosure.
  • For households facing utility shutoff: Utility shutoff notice and current bill.

Program funds can be used for housing-related expenses only. Appropriate uses of funds include, but are not limited to:

• Rental arrearages (A notice to quit or eviction notice/court summons is now required).
• Security deposits.
• First and last month’s rent.
• Utility arrearages (with utility shut off/termination notice).
• Moving expenses.