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Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV) / Section 8
Current Program Participants
Our Housing Choice Voucher program offers participants greater flexibility in choosing where they live. We can administer Housing Choice Vouchers throughout Massachusetts, giving eligible participants the opportunity to search for housing in communities across the state.
For example, if you receive a voucher through Dedham Housing Authority but want to live in Springfield, our agency may be able to continue administering your voucher while you live in that community.
Managing Your Housing Assistance
Access the tenant portal and securely access account information, stay up to date and mange your housing assistance.
Find recertification applications, household change forms, rental increase forms, and relocation documents.
Learn how voucher portability works and what steps may be required when transferring assistance between housing authorities.
Find information about applicable review, hearing, and grievance procedures.
Understanding the Two Types of Housing Choice Vouchers
The Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly known as Section 8, helps eligible households afford housing in the private rental market. The program offers two types of assistance: tenant-based vouchers, which generally allow participants to choose eligible rental housing, and project-based vouchers, which are tied to specific housing units.
Understanding which type of voucher you have can help you understand your housing options, program requirements, and responsibilities as a participant. The following sections explain how each voucher type works and highlight the key differences between them.
Tenant Based
Voucher Program
Tenant-based assistance is generally tied to the eligible participant rather than a specific housing unit. Eligible participants may be able to use their voucher in another community through portability, subject to program requirements and approval. Participants may choose private rental housing, such as single-family homes, apartments, or townhouses, provided the unit meets applicable HUD health and safety standards and local payment limits.
Participants typically contribute approximately 30% of their adjusted monthly income toward rent and utilities, with the Public Housing Agency (PHA) paying the remaining approved subsidy directly to the landlord.
Tenant Based Voucher
Repair or Maintenance Service
Section 8 Housing Choice Tenant Based Voucher participants are responsible for contacting their landlord or property manager directly to report maintenance concerns and request necessary repairs to their rental unit.
The landlord is responsible for addressing maintenance issues and ensuring the unit continues to meet applicable Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and program requirements. Participants should communicate repair needs promptly and keep a record of their requests and any follow-up correspondence.
Project Based
Voucher Program
Project-based Section 8 assistance is linked to a specific apartment or housing property rather than the household. Eligible families receive rental assistance while living in an approved unit, but the subsidy does not move with them if they relocate to another property or community.
After one year of project-based assistance, eligible families may request to move with tenant-based assistance under 24 CFR 983.261, subject to program requirements and the availability of assistance. This requires a separate process; the project-based subsidy itself does not become portable.
Project Based Voucher
Repair or Maintenance Service
Call 1-781-329-5380
All routine requests must be called into the number above. This line is monitored 24 hours a day by an answering service when the office is closed, which will, in an emergency, dispatch an on-call maintenance staff person after hours.
Please report problems as soon as they arise, so that we may take corrective action. We will try to handle your request as promptly as possible. Daytime work order calls can be numerous, so please be patient.
View Maintenance Policy.
HCV Program
Forms and Documents
Tenant Based Housing Vouchers Only
Project Based Housing Vouchers Only
Tenant and Project Based Housing Vouchers
Section 8 Utility Allowances and Payment Schedule
Utility Allowances
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Payment Standards Schedule
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Programs and Community Resources
DHA's housing resources extend beyond voucher administration. Explore the programs, protections, and support services that may be available to you.
Moving and Portability
Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) portability allows eligible families to move to another community and continue receiving rental assistance through the voucher program, subject to program requirements. DHA does not accept incoming portability transfers from other Massachusetts PHAs.
Dedham Housing Authority Section 8 Administrative Plan
The Dedham Housing Authority Section 8 Program Administrative Plan outlines the policies and procedures governing the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program. It covers eligibility, waiting list administration, rental assistance, participant responsibilities, housing inspections, and program compliance while ensuring fair housing, equal opportunity, reasonable accommodations, and adherence to HUD regulations.