Housing Division

Mission

The mission of the Mayor's Office of Strategic Planning & Community Development's Housing Division is to deliver resources and services that promote an affordable, sustainable and livable community for all residents of Somerville. This Division secures and administers funds for the development and maintenance of affordable housing in the City. Through its programs, this Division provides various housing services to improve the quality of the City's housing stock and to meet the housing needs of Somerville residents.

Overview

The Housing Division promotes an affordable, sustainable and livable community by coordinating a number of functions, including: providing financing for the development of affordable housing for renters and owners, in partnership with for-profit and nonprofit developers; and administering the homeowner rehabilitation and lead hazard abatement programs. This Division also manages the Inclusionary Housing Program, and provides administrative support to the Condominium Review Board, Fair Housing Commission, Affordable Housing Trust Fund, Homelessness Prevention & Rapid Rehousing Program, and the HUD McKinney-Vento Continuum of Care Program. The Housing Division monitors foreclosures and its effects on existing homeowners and tenants and offers referrals to local non-profit agencies to address these concerns.

Affordable Housing Trust Fund
The Somerville Affordable Housing Trust Fund (SAHTF) was created in 1989, by a city ordinance, and its first programs began in 1991.  Its purpose is to preserve and create affordable rental and homeownership units in Somerville and carry out programs to directly assist homeowners and renters.  All of its activities must benefit low and moderate-income households (with incomes at or below 110% of area median income) with a preference for residents who live and/or work in the community. For more information on the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, follow the link above.

Special Affordable Housing Opportunities
Through the Inclusionary Housing Program, the City, in collaboration with private and non-profit developers, occasionally markets affordable opportunities for ownership of units in Somerville for income-eligible households.  The special affordable housing opportunities are typically made available to first-time homebuyers only. Follow the link above to learn more about these affordable housing opportunities.

Closing Cost/Down Payment Assistance Programs
The Housing Division and Somerville Affordable Housing Trust Fund offer three programs to assist first-time homebuyers purchasing a home in Somerville.  Each program is different and has unique requirements and benefits.  Preference for all programs will be given to current Somerville residents. 

Lead Hazard Abatement Program
The Lead Abatement Program offers 0% interest forgivable loans for owner-occupied properties and investor-owned properties to assist in the abatement of lead hazardous materials. The program is designed to provide an incentive for property owners to comply with state and federal lead laws, create safe living environment for children and families and create or maintain affordable rental units. The amount of assistance is based on the number of eligible units and types of repairs. These funds benefit low to moderate-income households. The use of these funds requires that rental units be made affordable.

Housing Rehabilitation Program
This program is designed to provide an incentive for property owners to improve the existing housing stock and to create and maintain affordable homeownership and rental units. Funding is offered in the form of 0% interest, deferred payment loans, payable when the property is sold or transferred. The program can assist property owners with a wide range of repairs & improvements, both on the interior and exterior of properties that at completion meet or exceed HUD's Housing Quality Standards. The Housing Division strongly encourages incorporating "Green Building Designs" and applying "Universal Design" elements to the properties where practical.

Heating System Replacement Program
The City of Somerville offers forgivable loans to income eligible homeowners to replace heating systems. Maximum loans of $4,500 are available to replace deficient heating systems.  There are specific income guidelines and conditions associated with our funding sources.  Funds for our programs are limited and will be available on a first come - first served basis. The Housing Division also strongly encourages homeowners to meet high-energy efficiency standards and incorporate Energy Star products in the home. The Menotomy Weatherization Program of Arlington services the needs of Somerville residents who are at or below 200% of the poverty level by offering free energy audits and other energy efficiency services such as insulation, window replacements, etc. Follow the link below to learn more about this program.

Condominium Conversion Review Board
The Condominium Review Board has the power and the duty to enforce the provisions of Ordinance 1985-9, which pertains to condominium conversion and the removal of rental units from the market. The Board also carries out the provisions of the Ordinance and it promulgates policies, rules and regulations as may be necessary. The Housing Division provides administrative support to the Board by accepting applications and documentation for conversions of rental units and prepares agendas to conduct public hearings on a monthly basis. For more information on the condominium conversion review process, follow the link above.