Waterfront views, a rooftop pool, and most importantly—an in-unit washer-dryer—are just some of the amenities at this luxe new Seaport apartment (completed in 2020) offering income-restricted rent in Boston. As part of a Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) that provides tax breaks to apartment buildings that include a select number of income-based units in the development, Seaport apartments like The Alyx are just some of the many properties across the city offering studio, 1-bedroom, and other units starting from $1300 a month.
Income-restricted housing in Boston vs. Section 8
Income-restricted housing is different than a Section 8 voucher.
A voucher is an application for assisted rent payments for those income-eligible and works at most housing units across the state. There is a waitlist for Section 8 vouchers, but you can apply and learn more here. With a voucher, the tenant is only responsible for a percentage of their monthly rent payments, and the voucher covers the remainder and is paid by the government to the landlord.
Income-restricted housing is part of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), which incentivizes apartment complexes in Boston and Greater Boston with tax breaks for reserving a percentage of units within a residential complex for applicants within a certain income range. This means lower rent payments for those with lower incomes in an effort to make housing more accessible. The tenant pays 100% of the rent, but the rent payment is lower than standard to accommodate the reduced income.
How to apply for income-restricted housing in Boston
There are dozens of apartments in Boston Proper and the rest of Massachusetts with income-restricted units. However, like any other apartment rental, the units are first-come, first-served for those who meet income requirements, meaning they go fast and often have waiting lists.
Income requirements are based on the neighborhood’s AMI—area median income– and vary by unit and neighborhood. Income ranges generally might be something like $55,000-$90,000, with minimum and maximum income thresholds to qualify for a unit with a monthly rent payment of $1,600. The income requirements and monthly rent payments vary by property, neighborhood, and unit size.
Below are the most reliable sources to apply for income-restricted housing in Boston and Greater Boston:
Listings change daily, with units in popular Boston neighborhoods like Fenway, Back Bay, Seaport, South Boston, and beyond. In addition to income-restricted rentals, for-sale properties are also available, although they are more limited.
