617-923-3950

Section 8 General Information

The Watertown Housing Authority participates in the Massachusetts NAHRO Centralized Section 8 Waiting List.
Applicants can apply to the Centralized Section 8 Waiting List by requesting an application through any of the participating housing authorities or by applying online at gosection8.com/masscwl. Due to the high interest in this program, the wait time for this program is 10 or more years. For more information on the HUD Section 8 Voucher Program please visit the link: hud.gov/topics/housing_choice_voucher_program_section_8

For the online application, detailed information and FAQs about the Section 8 Centralized Waiting List, click on link here: gosection8.com/masscwl

Tenant-Based Vouchers

This type of assistance allows program participants to choose a privately owned apartment, and the Public Housing Authority (PHA) pays a portion of the monthly rent to the property owner. Tenant-based vouchers may be used anywhere in the United States and its territories where there is a PHA operating a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.

Project-Based Vouchers

Use of this type of assistance is restricted to specifically designated apartment complexes. The Voucher assistance must be used by the participant in a unit designated as project-based. PHAs are only allowed to utilize up to 20% of their Voucher program funding for project-based voucher assistance.

Landlord Information

In recent times of uncertainty and turmoil, you might have asked yourself, “How can I help to make a difference in these challenging times?” Together with the Watertown Housing Authority, YOU can help enhance the quality of life for families of low-income here in the town of Watertown. The Watertown Housing Authority (WHA) provides federally-funded rental subsidy programs to families and individuals of low-income within the town of Watertown and the greater Boston area.

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program at the Watertown Housing Authority is funded to assist 156 families of low income. The greatest obstacle for families who receive a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher is locating an owner who is educated about the benefits of the program and also willing to rent to a family of low income. As a property owner in Watertown, you hold the key to improving the lives of your neighbors who may currently struggle to make ends meet. You have the ability to offer a hand-up in a society that too often looks the other way.

Interested property owners can reach out to Watertown Housing Authority and provide information about their units to be shared with Section 8 participants searching for housing. You may also list your property here: gosection8.com/ll/benefits.aspx?benefittype=landlord.

2023 – HCV SECTION 8
PAYMENT STANDARD (110% FMR)

Unit Size – All Utilities

 

EFFICIENCY – $2,227

1 BEDROOM – $2,417

2 BEDROOM – $2,898

3 BEDROOM – $3,527

4 BEDROOM – $3,894

5 BEDROOM – $4,478

Read our Utility Allowance Summary below:

2023 Payment Standards

2024 Payment Standards

2023 Utility Allowance Schedule

2023– SECTION 8
Federal Income Limits

 

Based on Household Size
(Effective 5/15/23, Extremely Low Income)

1 person – $31,150

2 persons – $35,600

3 persons – $40,050

4 persons – $44,500

5 persons – $48,100

6 persons – $51,650

Watertown Housing Authority

55 Waverley Avenue
Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: 617-923-3950
Fax: 617-923-2466

Emergency Service Number:
617-923-3950 (24/7)

Office Hours:

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 
8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Monday and Friday: by appointment

Maintenance: 24/7

Summer Hours:

Summer hours begin in late May and end in early September.

Monday – Thursday 7:30 am – 4:30 pm. Friday 8:30 am - 12:00 pm.