How Rent is Set
How rent is set depends on a number of factors. The specific program in which a resident lives determines how the rent is set for that program.
In family state public housing, rent is set at 32% of adjusted income (income after deductions and exclusions). In elderly/disabled state public housing, rent is set at 30% of adjusted income. In federal public housing, rent is set at 30% of adjusted income (or 10% of total income, if this is higher). Both state and federal public housing have certain exclusions and deductions that are used to determine the adjusted income, but the deductions are not the same for all programs.
There is also a “flat rent” option for federal public housing, and families with at least one member who is not a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen could have a higher “pro-rated” rent due to immigration status. Some federal public housing tenants in mixed finance developments also pay utilities, and this affects the rent because they receive a “utility allowance.”
Annual and Interim Rent Recertification
Complete your annual recertification online.
Residents are required to participate in rent recertification process where BHA conducts an annual review of your household’s income and household composition and in order to set and/or revise your rent. The process begins about three to four months prior to the anniversary of when you first moved into Boston Housing Authority (BHA) public housing. BHA staff conduct the recertification three to four months in advance of the move-in anniversary because income sources must be verified with employers and banks. BHA is responsible to provide a 30-day advance notice of any rent increase.
Rent Recertification is required by both state and federal law. If you don’t complete your annual recertification, BHA can start an eviction process against you.
In order to begin the Rent Recertification process, BHA will send you a list of the information you should bring with you to your appointment. This includes information about employment income for any adult household member (ages 18 and older), public assistance received for any family member (TAFDC, EAEDC, Social Security or SSI), unemployment, workers' compensation, child support and any others. You will also need to provide information about any income earned on assets (interest on bank accounts, etc.). You must also sign releases so BHA can verify your income.
During Rent Recertification, you should let BHA know about any changes to your household composition. This includes any minors (children under 18 years old) added to the household or family members who may have moved out since the last report. You should also report any members over 18 years of age that are full time students. BHA will ask for verification of the full-time student status.
If you have child-care expenses for children under the age of 13, or medical/dental expenses (including medical premiums, prescription drug costs, co-pays or other costs), you should report this to BHA.
Reporting these changes in household composition may help you to lower your rent. Make sure to report any changes during Rent Recertification!