guide

How the Mayor’s Office of Housing Can Help

Last updated: 10/30/25

Everyone should have access to a home, regardless of their income or background. The Mayor's Office of Housing works to make sure that Boston renters and homeowners can find, maintain, and stay in their homes.

For Renters in Crisis

Renters in Crisis

Contact: Housing

Eviction Help

Legal help

Get free legal advice from the Office of Housing Stability and learn about how to contact lawyers that can help you.

Natural disaster icon inside a badge shape beside "911" in a circle

Fire or Flood Emergency

Know your rights as a tenant in case of an emergency.

For Renters (Non-Emergency)

Renters

Housing Search

For more housing search resources, check out the Affordable Housing Search section below.

Mold? Unresponsive landlord? Broken sink or refrigerator?

Contact the Inspectional Services Department for assistance.

Help for tenants

The Office of Housing Stability helps Bostonians find and maintain stable, safe, and affordable housing.

Broker Fees

Beginning on August 1, 2025, a new law in Massachusetts prohibits property owners from requiring renters to pay broker’s fees...

Top ten things tenants need to know

An overview of what to expect as a renter in Boston.

Guide to Renting in Boston

A more in-depth guide to renting in Boston.

Affordable housing search

Boston Metrolist

Providing access to income-restricted homes in Boston and the surrounding area.

MassHousing affordable housing property list

Find affordable housing properties in Massachusetts.

MassAccess Housing Registry

The registry highlights accessible homes for people with disabilities.

Metro Housing | Boston

Search through a list of affordable rental apartments in Greater Boston.

HUD low-rent apartment search

The federal government keeps a database of affordable Mass. apartments.

Action for Boston Community Development

The nonprofit holds regular "Housing 101" housing search workshops.

Homestart housing search

Homestart has walk-in hours once a week for housing search help.

For Landlords

Top tips for Landlords

What to expect as a landlord in Boston.

Landlord Counseling

We offer free counseling to landlords to support owner and tenant stabilization.

Renting to Low-Income Tenants

Find information about renting your property to low income tenants and the benefits you can receive.

Working with Problem Tenants

Tools are available to help landlords resolve conflicts with tenants.

Landlord Incentive Program

The City runs program to support landlords who rent to Boston households moving out of homelessness.

Brokers Fees

What to know about the new law in Massachusetts.

For First-time Homebuyers

Contact: Housing

HomeBuyer Financial Assistance

Homebuying 101 Classes

Types of Financial Assistance Programs

How to Apply for Financial Assistance

Income Limits

Housing Lotteries

How do I apply?

Homes Available Now

METROLIST

The Housing Lottery Process

Request a housing lottery application: Fill out a short form to request the housing application.
Lottery application: Complete the application. If the agent finds problems with your application you will have a chance to edit. Be sure to submit only one application for each development. Submitting more than one application could result in disqualification. You can use the AMI eligibility estimator to find out if you’re likely to qualify before you submit your application.
Application approval: After your lottery application has been successfully submitted you’ll be notified of the lottery date and time.
Lottery drawing: When the lottery drawing takes place you will receive your number within a week after the lottery is held. You are welcome to attend the lottery drawing in-person.
Ranking and sorting: Lottery agents will sort applicants into the unit types you applied for (for example, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom) and by affordability. They will then rank each of those pools of applicants per unit type by the preferences indicated on the application and then their lottery number. A preference may or may not be applied for the following types of applicants: Veterans, senior citizens, first time homebuyers, approved professional artists, Boston residents, etc.
Selection: Once the Boston Fair Housing Commission has approved the sorted list, applicants will be selected from the list to view units in the building.
Final Certification: If you’re happy with the unit you’ve viewed it’s time to submit complete financial information to officially certify your eligibility.
Waitlist: If you weren’t high enough on the list to view a unit initially you will then be included on the waitlist for units when they become available in the future. Keep the property manager notified of any changes in your contact details.

For Homeowners

Homeowners

The Boston Home Center helps Boston residents buy, improve, and keep their homes.

Foreclosure Prevention and Intervention

The Boston Home Center offers free foreclosure prevention and intervention counseling and home preservation services. Our...

Loan Management Documents

Check out our Administration and Finance team's resources for loan recipients.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Boston

Learn more about Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and how to build one in Boston.

Home Repair Loan Programs

We help income-eligible homeowners with loans and technical assistance to repair their homes. Some loans are forgivable.

For those experiencing homelessness

Services for those Experiencing Homelessness

If you are currently experiencing homelessness and need immediate shelter, please contact one of the shelter providers listed at the link to the left — you do not need a referral from our office to access shelter. The Office of Housing Stability can provide information and referrals for other housing resources, but we do not place individuals directly into shelter.

If you’re at immediate risk of becoming homeless, call the Office of Housing Stability at 617-635-4200 (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.).

For help outside these hours, please contact BOS:311. You can dial 3-1-1 or call 617-635-4500.