Finding Home

You can start by making a list of the cities and towns you would want to live in. Begin with the places you most want to live, and then list the places that you find less desirable but still okay. You’ll use this list throughout your housing search!

You can use this worksheet to keep track of the cities and towns you would want to live in.

• Cities and Towns I Want to Live In (pdf)

This map can help you figure out city and town names:

• Map of Massachusetts (pdf)

After you make your list, look up the maximum Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each city and town and write it on the line next to the city or town name. You will use this amount later on, to hep figure out your housing costs.

• Find the Fair Market Rent
  Use FY[year] FMRs, select Massachusetts from the state list, then select the city or town that you want to look up – write the FMR for a one bedroom on the line next to the city town

Next think about other aspects of the location that may be important to you. For example, you may want to live near family or friends, or near public transit. You may also prefer to live in a big city or in a small town.

You can use this worksheet to keep track of other location aspects that are important to you. Check off how important each thing is for you. You may also add your own things to the list.

• My Housing Location Preferences (pdf)

Once you finish with this, go back to your list of cities and towns and move down or remove any that do not have the aspects you’re looking for. If you’re not sure about a city or town, you can use Google to find out more about it.

Next think about the other preferences you have. This could include having a yard or off-street parking, or wanting to live in a house instead of an apartment building.

You can use this worksheet to keep track of your other housing-related preferences. You may also add your own things to the list.

• Other Housing Preferences (pdf)

It takes a lot of different skills to live successfully on your own. Take some time to think about what skills you currently have, what skills you can build, and what skills you’ll need help with. If you will need help in a lot of areas, consider a supportive housing option. Supportive housing is housing with services that help you stay in your home and live as independently as possible. You can read more about supportive housing further on in this guide.

You can use this worksheet as a starting place. For any skills you will need help with, think about who can help you with it. This could include a person you know, like a family member or friend. It could also be a program or service.

• Skills and Supports (pdf)

It’s important to know how much you can afford to pay for your new home each month. This information will help you decide what type of housing you should apply for, if living with roommates would be a good option, or if can afford to live on your own.

You can use this worksheet to estimate how much you can spend on housing each month. 

• How Much I Can Spend on Housing (pdf)

Once you have figured out the amount left for housing, compare that to your city and towns list and the fair market rent that you looked up for each location on the list. Ask yourself…

• Is the amount you have left for housing more than the fair market rent for your preferred locations? If yes, you’re a step closer to finding your new home! 
• Is the amount you have left for housing less than the fair market rent for your preferred locations? Is it a little less? Think about ways you can cut back on other expenses or look for some neighboring cities and towns where the fair market rent is lower.
• Is the amount you have left for housing less than the fair market rent for your preferred locations? Is it a lot less? You’ll need to start thinking about less expensive housing options – like moving in with roommates, getting a single room occupancy, or applying for public housing or a housing subsidy.

Having a roommate can be a great way to save on housing costs, split cleaning duties, and have built-in company. Before you decide to move in with someone, it’s smart to learn more about them and the housing situation you’ll be moving into.

Here’s a worksheet to get you started!

• Questions for Roommates (pdf)

There’s a few major types of housing  that you may want to apply for – read below to learn about each of these. Know that sometimes your ideal housing situation will not be available to you right away. The more types and opportunities you are open to, the more successful you’re going to be with your search.

You can use this worksheet to keep track of the types of housing you want to apply for.

• Deciding What Type of Housing to Look For (pdf)

Market rate rental housing is housing that has a cost in line with similar housing in the same area. There typically are no restrictions on who can rent it. Market rate housing can include houses, multi-family homes, and apartments. It will be hard to afford market rate housing on your own if your income is limited, but finding a roommate or renting a room in someone’s home could be an option.

Affordable housing is housing that rents for less than other properties in the area. It is usually restricted to people who have low or moderate income, though the amount of rent you pay typically does not change if your income does. Many affordable housing opportunities begin with lotteries. Rooming housing can also be a source of affordable housing. Some affordable housing is especially for older adults or people with disabilities, while other options are for anyone who is meets income eligibility rules.

Subsidized housing is private housing where the renter has a subsidy to help pay for rent. Housing vouchers are a major kind of housing subsidy. With a housing voucher, people with low to moderate income pay a part of that income each month towards rent. The remainder of the rent is paid by a local housing authority or regional administrating agency.

Public housing is housing that is owned by the local housing authority or regional administrating agency. Like subsidized housing, public housing is limited to people with low and moderate income who pay part of that income to rent each month.

Supportive housing is housing that comes with services that help a person stay in their home and live as independently as possible. Supportive housing is usually restricted to people with disabilities or older adults.

Before you start your search, take some time to gather needed information and documents. This includes a photo ID, information about your income and rental history, and a list of people who can vouch for your ability to be a good tenant.

You can use this worksheet to make sure you have everything you need!

• Getting Ready for My Housing Search (pdf)

Your credit history probably be checked during the housing search process. Housing authorities, landlords, and other housing providers may use your credit history to help determine if you’ll be a reliable tenant. Because of this, it’s good to check your credit report and credit score, and work to resolve any issues that you discover. You can use the links below to learn more.

• Credit, Loans, and Debt
• Credit Reports and Scores

It’s also likely that your criminal record will be checked during your housing search. Information that prospective landlords will have access to includes offenses that you’ve been charged with and have not yet been resolved, and may include offenses that you have been convicted of (depending on when the conviction happened and the nature of the offense). If you think you may have criminal charges, it’s a good idea to get a copy of your Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI). If you have past charges on your record, you can explore sealing or expunging your record. You can use the links below to learn more..

• CORI Frequently Asked Questions
• Seal Your Criminal Record
• How to Expunge Your Criminal Record
• additional Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI)

Market rate rental housing is housing that has a cost in line with similar housing in the same area. There typically are no restrictions on who can rent it. Market rate housing can include houses, multi-family homes, and apartments. It will be hard to afford market rate housing on your own if your income is limited, but finding a roommate or renting a room in someone’s home could be an option.

Affordable housing is housing that rents for less than other properties in the area. It is usually restricted to people who have low or moderate income, though the amount of rent you pay typically does not change if your income does. Many affordable housing opportunities begin with lotteries. Rooming housing can also be a source of affordable housing. Some affordable housing is especially for older adults or people with disabilities, while other options are for anyone who meets income eligibility rules. Know that each affordable housing opportunity has its own application process.

Subsidized housing is private housing where the renter has a subsidy to help pay for rent. Housing vouchers are a major kind of housing subsidy. With a housing voucher, people with low to moderate income pay a part of that income each month towards rent. The remainder of the rent is paid by a local housing authority, regional administrating agency, or other organization.

Some vouchers are mobile, meaning the voucher holder is the renter and it can follow the person when they move as long as they remain eligible. Other vouchers are project-based, meaning the property owner is the voucher holder and the voucher stays with the unit when the person moves.

State Housing Vouchers

Massachusetts offers two main housing voucher programs – the Alternative Housing Voucher Program and the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program.

Federal Housing Vouchers

There are several federal housing voucher programs.

Other Subsidized Housing

Aside from housing vouchers, there are several other types of project-based housing subsidy programs.

Public housing is housing that is owned by a local housing authority or regional administrating agency. Like subsidized housing, public housing is limited to people with low and moderate income who pay part of that income to rent each month. Some public housing opportunities are funded by the state, and others are funded by the federal government. There are public housing opportunities especially for older adults or people with disabilities, and some that are for anyone who meets income eligibility rules.

State Public Housing

Federal Public Housing

Supportive housing is housing that comes with services that help a person stay in their home and live as independently as possible. Supportive housing is usually restricted to people with disabilities or older adults. Supportive housing can be “bundled,” meaning the support and housing are overseen by the same department or agency and eligibility is determined together. It can also be “unbundled,” meaning the housing and support are overseen by different departments or agencies and eligibility for the housing or support are not dependent on each other. With unbundled supportive housing, a person may have market rate, affordable, subsidized, or public housing.

There are several state and federal laws that work together to protect people against housing discrimination. In most cases, it is illegal for a landlord, their employee, or a real estate broker to discriminate against you because of your:

• disability (including a mental health diagnosis)
• race
• color
• national origin
• ancestry
• gender
• gender identity
• sexual orientation
• marital status
• religion
• age (if you are 18 or over) – except in housing designated for people aged 55 and older

It is also illegal to discriminate against you because you:

• are a current or former member of the military
• are pregnant or have a child
• get a federal, state, or local rental assistance or a housing subsidy
• get public assistance or benefits like SSDI, SSI, or EAEDC

This means that the landlord cannot refuse to rent to you or require different conditions of you simply because you are a member of one of the groups listed above.

If you have a disability, you have a right to ask for reasonable accommodations and modifications that could help you find or keep housing.

A disability is a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Major life activities can include caring for yourself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working.

Before you move into your new home, you may be asked to sign a lease. A lease is a written agreement between you and your new landlord. It generally includes how long you agree to rent your home for, how much you will pay for rent, who will pay for utilities, and rules you must follow to stay in good standing with your landlord.

If you’re not asked to sign a lease, you are considered a “tenant at will.” This is a less-formal arrangement between you and your landlord. You may still be asked to sign a rental agreement, or there may be just a verbal agreement between you and your landlord.

If you’re given a lease or rental agreement, make sure you read it carefully before signing. Ask your landlord about anything you don’t understand. You can also ask a trusted person for help with understanding what you’re agreeing to.

Make sure you also understand important information about your new home including how to pay your rent, what to do with trash, and who to call when there’s an issue. This information may be included in your lease or rental agreement, but make sure to ask your landlord if it’s not.

You can use this worksheet to document the questions you want to ask your landlord.

• Questions to Ask My Landlord (pdf)

Before you move in, make sure to ask your new landlord about utilities. Some utilities may be included in your monthly rent, while others you may have to pay out of pocket. Some utilities are essential, while others you can decide if you want or not. For some utilities, like gas and electricity, there may be only one option for who provides it. For other utilities, like cable or telephone, you may be able to choose who provides it.

For any utility that is not paid for by your landlord, you can also use the internet to find out what companies serve your area and what their prices are. Many utility companies offer special rates or packages for people with limited income. If possible, research utility options before you move in and arrange to have them set up before or shortly after your move-in date.

The links below can help you find utility providers and discount services in your area. You can use this worksheet to keep track of what you find.

• Thinking About Utilities (pdf)

Moving into a new home can come with a lot of expenses. You may need to buy furniture, appliances, linens, other household necessities. Some of these things you will need right away, while others you will be able to obtain over time.

You may also have to pay a security deposit, first and last month’s rent, or for new locks and keys. The security deposit covers repairs for damage that you may make to your new home in the future. The last month’s rent helps ensure that the landlord gets paid if you move out without giving notice or have unpaid back rent. Both the security deposit and last month’s rent will be paid back to you when you move out, if they are not used. If you’re having trouble paying these expenses, you can ask your landlord if they would be willing to set up a payment plan. Make sure to get a receipt from your landlord for any expenses you pay before moving in.

Learn about paying a security deposit

Here are some other ways to get help with your moving related costs…

• If you get support from Department of Mental Health (DMH), contingency funds may be available to help. Contingency funds can be used for incidental expenses that support your wellness and safety. Ask your Adult Community Clinical Services (ACCS) or Program of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) team leader about this.
• If you are enrolled in a MassHealth Accountable Care Organization (ACO), you may be eligible for the Flexible Services Program. Flexible Services can help people cover health-related nutrition and housing supports for members, including first and lasts month payments. To be eligible, you must have a behavioral health condition or complex physical health condition and need assistance with one or more daily activities and have at least one risk factor like being homeless, being at risk of homelessness or being at risk for nutritional deficiency.
• Your local Community Action Program (CAP) may have funds to help with one-time emergency needs. You can reach out to your local CAP to ask. Find your local CAP.
• You can also contact Mass 2-1-1. This is an information and referral service that helps people find resources to meet their basic needs. They may be able to help you find other resources to cover moving-related costs. You can call Mass 2-1-1 to get started. Learn more about 2-1-1.

You can use this worksheet to help plan for moving costs, and who can help with these costs.

• Planning for Moving Costs (pdf)

Buying groceries can be a big ongoing expense. The Food Source Hotline can help people find food pantries, community meals, and other food-related resources in their community. The Food Source Hotline can also screen callers for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility. The Food Source Hotline can help you get started.

• Food Source Hotline
• SNAP benefits

You can use this worksheet to keep track of the food-related resources that you find.

• Finding Food Resources (pdf)

If your new home is a far distance from where you lived before, you may want to change the places you were getting health care and other essential supports. Think about each of the places you get care now, how often you get health care there, and how easy it will be to get there from your new home. Also start thinking about options for finding new care, and who can help you with this. You can use this worksheet to help you think through this.

• Finding Health Care and Other Essential Supports (pdf)

Within the context of the mental health system, peer support means getting support from and giving support to others who have experienced mental health symptoms, have been diagnosed with a mental health condition, have received mental health services, or have similar “lived experience” with the aim of connection, healing, and mutual growth. There’s a lot of different options for getting peer support! You can use this worksheet to keep track of the options you want to try.

• Peer Support Options (pdf)

Here are a few peer support options you may want to check out:

• Getting involved with your local Recovery Learning Community (RLC) is a great way to get connected with peer support. RLCs are communities of people who come together to support one another. RLCs offer peer support groups, one-on-one support, wellness-based workshops, and more. They are free, open to all who want to join, and no insurance is needed. Find your local Recovery Learning Community
• If you’re a young person, you can check out the Young Adult Access Center in your area for support by and for young people like you. Each center helps young adults build skills for independent living, learning, and employment, and offers opportunities for peer support and mentoring. Find your local Young Adult Access Center
• Other options for getting peer support include NAMI Connection support groups and NAMI Peer-to-Peer classes, Depression Bipolar Support Alliance groups, and more. Find other peer support options
• If you are someone who deals with substance use or addiction, you can join your local Peer Recovery Support Center for mutual support opportunities. They offer support groups, one-on-one support, and more. They are free, open to all who want to join, and no insurance is needed. Find your local Peer Recovery Support Center

Beyond peer support, there are a lot of different ways to meet people who are near your new home. You can use this worksheet to keep track of the things you want to try!

• Meeting New People (pdf)

Here are some ideas you may want to check out…

• Volunteer! Volunteering is a great way to meet people and give back! Try Volunteer Match to find volunteer opportunities near you.
• Take a class! Local community colleges, and sometimes local high schools or vocational schools, offer low-cost classes on any number of topics. This can be a fun way to learn a new skill while meeting others. Local craft stores like Michael’s and Joanne Fabrics also offer low-cost classes on activities like quilting, knitting, scrap booking, or flower arranging.
• Try sports! If you like to play sports, you can try an amateur sports team in your area! Use League Lineup to find team near you.
• Take an exercise class! Exercise classes are a fun way to meet people and keep healthy at the same time! Try ClassPass to find classes near you.
• Try a house of worship! Houses of worship can be a good place to start building community.
• Find a group on MeetUp! Meetup is also a great tool! MeetUp is website that you can use to find other people with the same interest in your area.
• Other options for meeting new people include local clubs, game stores, group bike rides, and more. Google can be helpful for finding activities such in your area!

You may not know how to be a “good tenant,” especially if you’ve never lived in your own home before. You can use this worksheet as a starting place. It includes things you can do to help keep a good relationship with your landlord and neighbors. For any skills you will need help with, think about who can help you with it. This could include a person you know, like a family member or friend. It could also be a program or service.

• Being A Good Tenant (pdf)

If you have a disability, you have a right to ask for reasonable accommodations and modifications that could help you find or keep housing.

A disability is a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Major life activities can include caring for yourself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working.

Additional Resources:

Eviction Information

Tenancy Preservation Program