Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief Center
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief Center
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Massachusetts
These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on September 14, 2020.
For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in Massachusetts, we recommend that you visit the state's COVID-19 Updates and Information website, COVID-19 State of Emergency resources or MassTrac's list of bills related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Description of Program and Relief
Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) and Guidance Waiving Various Regulations and Policies in Response to COVID-19
The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) administers the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), which provides tenant-based or project-based vouchers for rental assistance to low-income families and persons. A tenant-based voucher, also known as a mobile voucher, is assigned to the participant and is valid for any housing unit that meets the standards of the state sanitary code. Project-based vouchers are assigned to a specific housing unit or development. Project-based tenants who move forfeit the subsidy.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, MRVP has issued a guidance waiving various MRVP regulations and policies. These policy changes will be in effect during the Governor’s declared State of Emergency, or until otherwise updated by further notice from DHCD.
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DCHD is extending voucher search time for those looking for housing units with tenant-based vouchers (i.e., mobile vouchers). This means that the clock will effectively be frozen for any vouchers issued prior to or during the State of Emergency.
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Until further notice, DHCD will not require evidence that a housing unit has passed inspection prior to occupancy. Housing units, however, are still required to be in compliance with the state building and sanitary codes.
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Any government stimulus payments made directly to an individual shall be excluded from gross income and there will be no requirements of individuals to notify administering agencies of receipt of such payments. Unemployment insurance payments, however, shall continue to be included in gross income.
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DHCD is suspending most subsidy terminations.
Government or Lead Agency
Department of Housing and Community Development
Bureau of State Rental Assistance
Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions
Applicants must have a household income that does not exceed 80% of area median income. The local housing agency will also submit applicants to a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check prior to admitting an applicant to the program.
Application Deadlines (If Applicable)
Not applicable
List of Additional Information
For general questions, please contact the Bureau of State Rental Assistance at (617) 573-1150.
© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.