Where Can I Get Rent Assistance or Eviction Help in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts Legal Help (masslegalhelp.org). This free website is run by Massachusetts legal aid programs. It has plain-language information on housing, apartments, and shelter, and can help you see if you qualify for free or low-cost legal help. It never charges you anything to use the site.

Court Service Centers (housing court). Court staff help you fill out and file court forms for free, even without a lawyer. There is no income or immigration status check. Call 646-828-7666, meeting ID 161 526 1140, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

This free helpline is available 24/7. It can help find options to pay your rent, bills for utilities (such as water, electric, and gas), or other housing costs. Dial 211 or call 877-211-6277.

Housing Specialist Department. Court staff called housing specialists work in mediation (a neutral person helps you and your landlord agree) on housing court cases. They also explain Massachusetts housing law to you. Each court division has its own number. For the Eastern division, call 617-788-6233.

Attorney General's Consumer Hotline. If you and your landlord both agree, the Attorney General's office offers a dispute resolution service. It tries to solve the problem before it becomes an eviction. You can also file a complaint online. Call the Consumer Hotline at 617-727-8400.

Housing Consumer Education Centers (HCEC). These regional centers answer questions about any housing problem. They help tenants, landlords, buyers, and homeowners. Their goal is to help you stay housed and avoid conflicts. Dial 211 to find the center for your area.

RAFT (Residential Assistance for Families in Transition). This state program gives short-term emergency money if you face eviction or another housing crisis. This includes losing your utilities (such as water, electric, and gas). It can pay up to $7,000 in a 12-month period for rent, utilities, moving costs, or your mortgage. Apply online, or call 211 for help finding assistance.

Tenancy Preservation Program (TPP). This program helps tenants, including families with children, who face eviction because of behavior related to a disability. TPP works with you and your landlord to find a way around the disability so you can stay in your home. Each court division has its own number. For the Eastern division, call 617-788-6211.