Office of Housing Stability
We help residents find and maintain stable, safe, and affordable housing.
NOTE: The Office of Housing Stability is located at 43 Hawkins Street.
Our goal is to put residents on the path to housing stability. We help tenants in housing crisis due to fire, natural disaster, eviction, or condemnation. Email housingstability@boston.gov or call 617-635-4200 to contact us. We also have information on emergency resources for tenants.
-
43 Hawkins Street
Boston, MA 02114 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Eviction Help
Eviction HelpThe Office of Housing Stability's Housing Crisis Case Coordinators can help you deal with the eviction process. They may also be able to help you get legal, financial, or other help. Call 617-635-4200 or email housingstability@boston.gov
If you’re able to, you should pay your rent. If you need help paying your past and future rent, apply for rental assistance today. Applying for rental assistance may “stop the clock” on the eviction process if you have a case in Housing Court.
Talk to your landlord. Try working with them to create a repayment plan for unpaid rent and resolve any issues related to your lease.
Keep copies of important documents like your lease agreement, rent receipts, security deposit receipts, and any written communications with your landlord.
The eviction process begins when a landlord serves you a legal document called a Notice to Quit (Eviction Notice). For more detailed information on how to legally respond to an eviction notice, and the possible court proceedings, visit our eviction process overview page.
Get Legal Help
Each week, the Office of Housing Stability hosts a virtual legal clinic for small landlords and tenants.
Free civil legal aid to low-income people in Boston.
Legal services program for those with low incomes in the Boston area.
Get practical information about your legal rights in Massachusetts.
Get lawyer referral services and information at Housing Court.
They offer eviction help for tenants and owner-occupied landlords.
Upcoming events
EventsLandlord resources
The act requires landlords planning to end a tenancy to provide tenants with a Notice of Rights and Resources.
We offer free counseling to landlords to support owner and tenant stabilization.
Landlords in the private market can lease their apartments to families in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.
The City supports landlords who rent to Boston residents moving out of homelessness.
The ordinance requires landlords planning to convert a property to secure a Plan and Permit.
If you're becoming a landlord for the first time, this guide can give you an overview of what to expect.
Internship opportunities
The Office of Housing Stability (OHS) is constantly looking for new ways to partner with undergraduate and graduate students.
OHS is looking for students who share an interest in:
- housing affordability
- housing justice, and
- eviction prevention.
Interns with OHS will have the opportunity to learn from staff who are knowledgeable about housing resources for tenants and landlords. They'll work with Boston residents who are at risk of housing instability.
Interns may also have the opportunity to support the:
- research
- development, and
- implementation of new programs and policies that the office is exploring.
