There are two categories of subsidized housing programs: Public Housing Programs where the Housing Authority, like the CHA, is the landlord, and Leased Housing or Rental Voucher Programs (like MRVP) where private individuals, companies or corporations are the landlord.

Public Housing (PH) is intended to provide safe and sanitary rental housing for eligible low-income families, elderly, and persons with disabilities. In its broadest definition public housing includes apartments owned and managed by housing authorities. PH comes in all sizes and types, from scattered single family houses to high-rise apartments. In Massachusetts further public housing aid is provided to local housing authorities by EOHLC (formerly known as DHCD).

The CHA is responsible for the management of its public housing and voucher programs. Ongoing functions: Lease compliance, unit inspections, annual/interim household income redetermination, and maintenance of apartments and property.

Apartments managed by the CHA are under the Public Housing Program. These apartments provide safe and sanitary rental housing for eligible low-income families, elderly & persons with disabilities. CHA is the landlord, with accompanying responsibilities of administration, maintenance and management of all apartments. These apartments are supported by funding from the Massachusetts EOHLC regulating eligibility and other requirements for each property.

Rental Voucher Programs (like Section 8 or MRVP) use rental vouchers to subsidize a qualified family household rent paid to private landlords. This allows eligible low-income individuals, families, elderly, and persons with disabilities, the opportunity to afford private rental apartments. The CHA is an issuing agency for only the MRVP and performs the duties as outlined by MRVP regulations for the eligibility and other requirements of the specific Housing Voucher Program.

There are two categories of subsidized housing programs: Public Housing Programs where the Housing Authority, like the Chatham Housing Authority, is the landlord, and Leased Housing or Rental Voucher Programs (like MRVP) where private individuals, companies or corporations are the landlord.

The CHA program is intended for low-income elderly (aged 60+) or non-elderly disabled individuals and families. Eligibility is based on household income. References and CORI's are used to verify tenancy. Income limits are set by EOHLC for eligibility purposes for all programs. Please call us (508) 945-0478 to determine program eligibility.

Please call (508) 945-0478 for applications, apply online at https://publichousingapplication.ocd.state.ma.us or refer to the "Resource" tab under "Documents" and "CHAMP" to print the public housing application. If you are online savvy, please refer to the "resource" tab, "Links".

Monday - Thursday – 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday by appointment only. We are closed all State and Federal holidays.

A completed and signed CHAMP Application. You may apply directly online at https://publichousingapplication.ocd.state.ma.us/

Once your CHAMP application is signed and completed, you may bring to our offices for us to upload to CHAMP (or you may apply directly online at https://publichousingapplication.ocd.state.ma.us). Your application is then "time and date stamped" to hold your place in line. CHAMP has a "Priority and Preference" categorization-please call with further questions (508)945-0478. Documents may be uploaded online through your CHAMP account if you are computer savvy.

The names, sex, date of birth, & relationship to the head of household; present address and telephone number; household income including benefit letters. State issued ID's, birth certs and SS card copies are required before approval. Current and previous landlord info for verification. Additional documents may be necessary as each household is unique.

No. There is no reason for CHA to visit. If, however, you have been issued an MRVP, prior to any subsidy received, all units must pass a "Safe and Sanitary" Inspection (even if you are wanting to apply the Voucher toward your current apartment rent). The Contract Rent must also fall within the program requirements. Your landlord will need to pay any fees incurred for the inspection and repair any findings.

At the time of submitting your CHAMP Application, it is not necessary. You are always welcome to upload your household ID's, Birth Certs, SS cards, paystubs or benefit letters regarding the household. This information will be necessary prior to housing or vouchers offered.

Once your CHAMP Application has been submitted online or entered by CHA, your application is then "time and date-stamped" to hold your place on the waitlist. If you have claimed any "Priorities or Preferences", The State will review and may request supporting documents. You will be granted/denied for any "Priorities/Preferences" requested, and notified via email or letter. You will be placed on the respective program waiting list(s) per your application details.

If you are ineligible, the State or CHA will send you written notification stating the reason. You may request an informal hearing to discuss the circumstances of the Housing Authority's decision.

Yes, once an applicant has accepted an offer from CHA, you must sign a lease.

Yes. For PH, you will sign a lease with the Housing Authority. For the MRVP, you will sign a Lease with your landlord and a Program Participation Agreement with Housing Authority, the issuing agency for your MRVP.

Yes, there are Priorities and Preferences, along with a time and date stamp of your original application submission, according to the CHAMP Application. The State verifies preferences such as: Displacement by Natural Forces, Urban Renewal, Sanitary Code Violations, Homeless, Severe Medical Emergency, or Abusive Situation. Priority may also include Veteran Status or Local Preference.

PH rent is based on your household gross annual income. Deductions and exclusions may apply by household and program. Applicable deductions may include: An elderly family member, disabled individual, paid medical receipts, or prescription costs, but can vary by program.

PH household rent varies from program to program. PH Anchorage and Congregate rent is approx. 30% of household income. Family PH housing is approx. 27% of your household income as families are responsible for electric use. The MRVP has different rules. The tenant portion is roughly 30%-40% of household income and the voucher pays the remainder (provided all program regs are met). Our PH has a minimum rent if the household has "no income".

Yes, parking is provided at all CHA developments. Availability of parking for apartments under the Leased Housing Voucher Program varies from apartment to apartment.

In general, you may stay in public housing or retain your voucher as long as you comply with the lease or terms of the voucher contract. You must also meet the income eligibility requirements of that program. It is always possible to lose your housing if you do not comply with all rules and regulations set by the State and Housing Authority.