Seal

82 Lincoln Street
Newton Highlands, MA 02461
Phone: (617) 552-5501
FAX: (617) 964-8387
TTY: (617) 332-3802

Frequently Asked Questions

01. How do I apply for housing?
Call our office to have an application mailed to you or stop by to pick one up. An application must be completely filled out and returned with the required application.
02. What are the current income guidelines?
Due to the fact that income guidelines are reviewed every year and at different times, current information can be requested from our office.
03. Where are your developments located, and is it possible to see them?
See the "Properties" page for a list of developments. Appointments to see an apartment can only be made once an offer for housing has been received by the applicant.
04. What programs are currently open to receive applications?
We are accepting applications to our waiting lists for family, senior and disabled public housing. We also run a limited section 8 set aside program for domestic violence victims and a project based section eight program at the YMCA for homeless men.
05. How long is the wait?
The time it takes to receive housing from the Newton Housing Authority varies by program. The family public housing waiting list is running about 7-10 years for standard applicants and about 2-5 for emergency cases. Senior and disabled programs are an estimated 3-5 year wait. Due to the small size of the domestic violence and project based section programs, the waiting list is very lengthy.
06. Can I select the location where I wish to live?
No, offers are made based on what becomes vacant when an applicant reaches the top of the waiting list.
07. What are the sizes of your apartments?
The senior and disabled developments are mostly one-bedroom apartments. There are a limited number two-bedroom and handicapped modified units available but they are running on a very long waiting list.
08. How much will my rent be?
Tenants living in the Newton Housing Authority units can expect to pay between 25%-30% of their income toward rent.
09. Do I have to be a Newton resident to apply?
No.
10. Does the NHA have provisions for disabled individuals & families?
Yes. The Newton Housing Authority has housing opportunities. Housing opportunities are subject to availability of appropriate units for individuals and families with physical disabilities.
11. May a disabled individual have a personal care attendant reside with them?
A disabled individual may have a personal care attendant reside with them subject to the Newton Housing Authority receiving satisfactory documentation evidencing the medical necessity and subject to the availability of an appropriate sized unit and approval of the Newton Housing Authority. All supporting documents must conform to the requirements of the Newton Housing Authority.
12. What happens if I should become disabled while a tenant of the NHA?
The Newton Housing Authority will work with care providers to determine how the Newton Housing Authority can be of help. Modifications to units such as grab bars require that the occupant follow Newton Housing Authority safety procedures in order to produce a satisfactory outcome.
13. Can you transfer from an upper floor to a 1st floor due to declining health?
The Newton Housing Authority can transfer from an upper floor unit to a 1st floor unit subject to the availability of such a unit and proper documentation of medical necessity.