Apply for assistance with rent, mortgage, and utility payments.
On December 12, 2022, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) launched a new online application portal for tenants and landlords to submit RAFT applications and required documents. If you need assistance submitting an application or required documents through this portal, please refer to the corresponding document that is linked below.
Effective July 1, 2023, the RAFT program is once again accepting applications from eligible Massachusetts homeowners in need of mortgage and/or utility assistance, up to $7,000 per household in a 12-month period. If you are a Massachusetts homeowner in need of assistance, please submit an application through the link at the top of the page.
The City of Lynn and Mayor Jared C. Nicholson have prioritized housing stabilization through the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for Lynn homeowners in need of mortgage and/or utility assistance, up to $5,000 per household, in addition to the assistance available through the RAFT program. If you are a Lynn homeowner in need of assistance, please submit an ARPA application through the link below.
Discrimination by a landlord is prohibited
Landlords should be aware that Chapter 151B of the Massachusetts General Laws prohibits discrimination by a landlord against any tenant receiving federal, state, or local housing subsidies, including rental assistance or rental supplements, because the individual is such a recipient.
A landlord’s refusal to accept emergency rental assistance, that covers the entire amount owed to the landlord, may, in some circumstances, constitute a violation of Chapter 151B. Landlords should consult their own legal counsel for advice before declining rental assistance that covers all outstanding rent arrears.
The RAFT application system requires both a tenant application and a landlord application for tenants who are requesting rental assistance. Landlords and property owners can (a) begin the RAFT application process for their tenants who may need to request financial assistance for overdue rent OR (b) complete the application once the tenant has submitted their application.
To begin the landlord/property owner application process, you must first register an account as a new user if you have not already done so here: User Registration (mass.gov)
***Your account must have info entered for the Payee, Properties, and Payment Methods sections on your profile before you can apply.
Once a landlord/property owner has an account, you can apply here: MA Emergency Housing Payment Assistance Portal (mass.gov) If your tenant has already completed their application at the time you are submitting the landlord application, be sure to include the Tenant Application Code that you received in your email. Note that the Tenant Application Code is different from their Case ID.
For more guidance on how to apply and create a landlord profile, please utilize this reference guide: Housing Assistance Application Reference Guide (mass.gov)
For a list of landlords’/property owners’ Frequently Asked Questions, visit: Landlord FAQs download (mass.gov)
For other resources, including recordings of webinars about Landlord/Property Owner RAFT Application Portal, visit: RAFT Public Resource and Training Portal | Mass.gov
If you have already submitted an application, you can use this portal to upload additional documents and see which RAA is processing your application:
https://applyhousinghelp.mass.gov/
If you are unable to upload additional documents to the portal, you may also provide them in ONE of the following ways:
Please include the applicant’s name and Application ID# on all documents.
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