Resources

ABCD Fuel Assistance - Fuel subsidy payments for eligible low income tenants

ABCD Weatherization Program - Provides house inspection and weatherization services

ABCD Housing Department - Housing search, placement and stabilization for low income families and individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness

Attorney General's Office - For complaints about unfair Realtor practices

Boston Fair Housing Commission - Investigates and can file charges in cases of discrimination because of race, gender, marital status, or because a potential tenant has children

Boston Housing Authority - Manages public housing, section 8 certificates, MRVP rental subsidy programs

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program - Performs screening tests for lead poisoning, inspection services and information and referral about tenant's rights and low interest funds for lead abatement

Department of Neighborhood Development - Offers financial and technical assistance to low and moderate income landlords and developers of multiunit dwellings

Division of Housing and Community Development - Administers nonprofit Regional Housing Authorities throughout the state. Provides information and referral about tenant and landlord rights

Greater Boston Legal Services - Provides legal assistance and referral to low income eligible clients in landlord/tenant disputes and evictions

Housing and Urban Development - Provides federal subsidies for rental housing

Inspectional Services Department - Will make home inspections for suspected violations of the State Sanitary Code, including no heat. Can write up violations, and summon landlord to court

Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless - Provides information and referral on resources for homeless people. Also provides furniture (by referral) for formerly homeless people moving into housing

Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination - Deals with discrimination cases for Massachusetts residents. (Boston residents should call the Boston Fair Housing Commission)

Massachusetts Housing and Finance Agency - A state agency that provides funding for multifamily housing, low-interest mortgage loans for qualified buyers

Massachusetts Law Reform Institute - Provides information on pro bono lawyers for low-income tenants

Rental Housing Resource Center - Information, mediation and advocacy for tenants, especially those who were formerly housed in rent controlled apartments

Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association - Assists low income, elderly, disabled residents of the Boston area with civil legal matters

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**Mayor's Hotline for 24 Hour Constituent Services - Information, referral and advocacy for tenants who have no heat as a result of landlord negligence - 617.635.4500**