The Boston Housing Authority (BHA) administers the federal Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program and the state Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP). Landlords must pass HUD Housing Quality Standards inspection and execute a HAP contract before BHA will subsidize rent.
BHA inspects each prospective unit against HUD Housing Quality Standards covering heat, plumbing, electrical safety, structural integrity, and lead paint compliance for units built before 1978. After passing, the landlord signs a Housing Assistance Payments contract specifying contract rent (subject to BHA reasonableness review against comparable units), the tenant share, and the BHA share. Annual reinspections continue throughout tenancy. MA also runs the MRVP and Alternative Housing Voucher Program, both protected from source-of-income discrimination under Ch. 151B. Mobile vouchers move with the tenant; project-based vouchers attach to the unit.
Charging the voucher tenant more than the approved tenant share, side payments, or unauthorized lease addenda violate the HAP contract and federal law.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Boston, MA
Boston has no general ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statues, or yard decorations on private residential property. Decorations must stay within proper...
Boston, MA
Boston has no specific ordinance regulating inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Inflatables must not encroach on sidewalks, block pu...
Boston, MA
Boston does not have a dedicated ordinance regulating holiday lighting on private residential property. General nuisance, electrical safety, and historic dis...
Boston, MA
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Boston require Inspectional Services Department permits when they include gas, plumbing, electrical, or structural work. Built-...
Boston, MA
Boston treats smokers and solid-fuel grills (wood, pellet, charcoal) the same as charcoal grills under Massachusetts Fire Code 527 CMR 1.00. Use on balconies...
Boston, MA
Boston's Fire Prevention Code (527 CMR 1.00, Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code) prohibits the use or storage of LP-gas grills and propane cylinder...
See how Boston's section 8 voucher acceptance rules stack up against other locations.
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