Apply for Affordable Housing

The Community Development Department’s Housing Division oversees over 700 affordable rental units throughout the city through its Inclusionary Housing Program. All rental units in the program are privately owned and managed, and CDD maintains a pool of eligible applicants to fill affordable rental units when they become available. Applications are accepted on a rolling bases. Priority is given to Cambridge residents and families with children. 

Click Here to Learn More and Download an Application 

Click Here to Read the Rental Applicant Pool FAQ 

Print applications are available at the Community Development Department, 344 Broadway 3rd Floor.

CDD's Housing Division accepts applications to the Middle-Income Rental Program on a rolling basis. Middle-income rental apartments are located throughout the city in developments that are privately owned and managed. Eligible applicants earn between 80-120% of Area Median Income (AMI). View household AMI ranges.  

Learn more about the Middle-Income Rental Program and Download an Application. 

The Community Development Department (CDD) manages several affordable homeownership programs:

• The Homeownership Resale Pool is open to households earning between 50 - 100% Area Median Income (AMI), adjusted for household size. When a current owner decides to sell their unit, a new buyer is selected from the pool. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. 
  • Learn more about the Homeownership Resale Pool and download an application here.
  • Request a print copy of the application by calling CDD's Housing Division at 617/349-4622
  • Read the Homeownership Resale Pool FAQ

Newly developed units are not offered through the Resale Pool. Homebuyers for newly developed units are selected through separate application processes and resulting lotteries. Affordable Homeownership Lottery opportunities will be announced and promoted through CDD's website. If you would like to be notified of lottery opportunities as they become available, sign up for email notifications. 

• HomeBridge is a program that assists first-time homebuyers in purchasing a home in Cambridge. Eligible buyers receive financial assistance for a portion of the price of the home. In exchange, they enter into an affordable housing restriction. Eligible applicants must earn no more than 120% of AMI, adjusted for household size. The program provides 50% of the purchase price for a 3-bedroom unit and 45% of the purchase price for a 2-bedroom unit.
  • Learn more about Homebridge, program eligibility requirements, and download an application here. 

• Downpayment Assistance is offered to income-eligible, first-time homebuyers purchasing a home in Cambridge. Eligible buyers receive assistance of either up to 6% of the purchase price or $10,000 (whichever is greater). This assistance is in the form of a forgivable loan. 20% of the funding is forgiven each year over a 5-year period, provided the buyer uses the home as their residence. 
  • Learn about Downpayment Assistance Eligibility

Yes, there are many other affordable housing providers in Cambridge:

• Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) owns and manages public housing in the city. For more information on how to apply for public housing, visit CHA's website. 
  
  
• Non-Profit Affordable Housing includes local organizations like the CHA, Homeowner's Rehab, Inc.(HRI), and Just-A-Start. Each of these providers has a specific application process separate from the City's affordable housing programs. A full list of local affordable housing organizations and their contact information can be found here.
  
  
• Privately-owned Affordable Housing can be found throughout the city. Each building owner has its own application process. More information can be found here.