Local Help for Boston Renters
This page lists organizations that help renters in Boston. Use it if you face eviction, cannot pay rent, or need help with housing problems. Each entry says what the organization does and how to contact it. Most services are free.
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Office of Housing Stability (City of Boston). This city office helps you find and keep stable, safe, and affordable housing. Its case coordinators can help you during an eviction. They can also connect you to legal and financial help. Call 617-635-4200, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The office is at 26 Court Street, Boston, MA 02108.
✓ Details checked August 23, 2026
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RAFT emergency rental assistance (State of Massachusetts). RAFT stands for Residential Assistance for Families in Transition. The state program gives short-term emergency money for housing crises. It can pay up to $7,000 per 12-month period for rent, utilities, and moving costs. Apply online through the state's Housing Help Hub. You can also dial 211 for help with your application.
✓ Details checked August 23, 2026
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Metro Housing Boston. This nonprofit housing agency serves the Boston region. It takes RAFT financial assistance appointments and runs rental voucher programs, including Section 8. Call 617-859-0400 or toll-free 800-272-0990. The office is at 1411 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02120.
✓ Details checked August 23, 2026
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Greater Boston Legal Services. GBLS gives free legal help to low-income people in Boston. Its housing unit defends renters in eviction cases. Call 617-371-1234 or toll-free 800-323-3205. The main office is at 197 Friend Street, Boston, MA 02114.
✓ Details checked August 23, 2026
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Volunteer Lawyers Project. VLP gives free civil legal help to low-income people in Greater Boston. Its volunteer lawyers help renters with eviction cases. VLP also runs a free Lawyer for the Day service at the Eastern Housing Court. Call 617-603-1700 to ask for legal help.
✓ Details checked August 23, 2026
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City Life/Vida Urbana. This tenant organizing group helps you organize with other renters to fight evictions and large rent increases. It holds weekly meetings in Jamaica Plain and East Boston, in English and Spanish. Call 617-524-3541.
✓ Details checked August 23, 2026
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Massachusetts Housing Court. The Housing Court hears eviction cases for Boston. You can get free help at the court. Housing specialists are court staff who help you and your landlord reach an agreement. The Lawyer for the Day program gives free legal advice if you have no lawyer. Court Service Centers help you fill out and file court forms for free.
✓ Details checked August 23, 2026
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Massachusetts Attorney General. The Attorney General publishes a free guide to landlord and tenant rights. The office also offers a service to settle landlord and tenant disputes before they become evictions. You can file a consumer complaint online. Call the Consumer Hotline at 617-727-8400.
✓ Details checked August 23, 2026
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Boston Housing Authority. The BHA runs public housing and the Section 8 voucher program in Boston. It serves low-income families and individuals. You can apply for housing online at bostonhousing.org.
✓ Details checked August 23, 2026
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HomeStart. This Boston nonprofit works to prevent evictions and helps people find housing. If you owe back rent and want to stay in your apartment, its staff may help. Call the Eviction Prevention Hotline at 857-415-2900. For general questions, call 617-542-0338.
✓ Details checked August 23, 2026
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Mass 211. This free statewide helpline is a program of the United Way. It connects you to programs that pay rent, utility bills, and other housing costs. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Dial 211 or call 877-211-6277.
✓ Details checked August 23, 2026
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MassLegalHelp. This free website is run by Massachusetts legal aid programs. It explains your rights in plain language, including eviction, bad housing conditions, and utilities. It has court forms and can help you find a lawyer. The site never charges you anything.
✓ Details checked August 23, 2026
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HUD housing counseling. HUD is the United States housing department. Its counseling program connects you to a local housing expert for free or low-cost help. Call 800-569-4287 to find a HUD-approved housing counselor near you.
✓ Details checked August 23, 2026
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