Below are some frequently asked questions about the Rental Applicant Pool. If you do not see your question below, or if you would like additional information about the Rental Applicant Pool, please contact housing@cambridgema.gov or call 617/349-4622.
No, you do not have to be a Cambridge resident to apply to the Rental Applicant Pool, but Cambridge residents do receive preference.
Households must have an income of at least 50% but not more than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
For current income limits, click
here.
Applicants with mobile rental vouchers are not subject to the minimum income requirement. Household assets may not exceed $75,000. Assets in restricted retirement accounts will be considered at 60% of current value. Households in which all members are 62 or over, or where all members are disabled, may be eligible for a higher asset limit up to $150,000.
Yes, applicants with vouchers may apply and are not subject to minimum income requirements. All other program requirements apply.
City occupancy standards require that children of the same sex who are less than ten years apart in age share a bedroom. Children of the opposite sex may have separate bedrooms. You can choose to underhouse yourself by stating on your application that you would like to be considered for smaller units as well.
The child will be included in your household size if the birth is estimated within four months as documented by a medical professional. However, you can apply prior to that time and change your household size at a later date. Your application will be moved into the appropriate unit size group at that time.
You must inform us in writing of the change. To update your application, please download, complete and return the Application Update Form with copies of all required documentation to the Housing Division.
If the change affects your eligibility based on unit size or preference group, your application will be placed in the appropriate new group based on the date the application was received. This may result in either higher or lower placement than in the previous preference group.
Inclusionary units are located throughout the city in developments that are privately owned and managed. These units are made available to income-eligible applicants who apply through the Rental Applicant Pool.
The rent for a unit depends on the tenant. Tenants in the Inclusionary Rental Program pay 30% of their gross income for rent and utilities. Income is recertified on an annual basis and rents are recalculated accordingly.
It depends. Each development is privately owned and managed, with varying policies on rental deposits.
No, tenants sign a 12-month lease with the building’s private owner or manager. Tenants in affordable units also sign a lease addendum for the Inclusionary units. Tenants with housing vouchers will sign the documents provided by their subsidizing agency.
Most buildings provide parking with or without fee. If a fee is required, the City will calculate an affordable parking fee for the space.