City of Somerville Affordability Toolkit

Housing

The following are a list of tools to help renters, first-time home buyers, and current property owners with affordable housing and financial hardship. 

Renters and First-Time Home Buyers: Get Help Finding Affordable Housing, Preventing Eviction, and Addressing Landlord-Tenant Issues

• Somerville’s Office of Housing Stability (OHS) can help you apply for affordable housing, conduct a housing search, and access rental assistance and eviction prevention resources.  
• Need help? Fill out their referral form or call 617-625-6600 Ext. 2581 (referral form is preferred). For resources and information on programs visit the OHS home page: https://www.somervillema.gov/departments/office-strategic-planning-and-community-development-ospcd/office-housing-stability 
• The Housing Navigator online application tool helps you to conduct your own search for affordable housing in Somerville.
• Renters and potential buyers looking for affordable housing opportunities are strongly encouraged to sign up for the Housing Division’s mailing list by filling out the sign up form.

Property Owners: Sign Up for Somerville’s Home Improvement Program (HIP)

• HIP helps property owners make building code and health and safety-related repairs in low- to moderate-income properties.
  • Interested property owners should complete the pre-screening and submit the Home Improvement Interest form.

Property Owners: Financial Assistance to Avoid Liens, Foreclosure 

• If you are experiencing financial hardship and are either facing foreclosure, or a lien for unpaid mortgage, taxes or related fees, contact OHS to see if financial assistance may be available to prevent a lien or foreclosure. 
• Apply for services here.   

Somerville Energy Efficiency Now (SEEN)

•  Sustainability is a priority in Somerville. Whether you are a property owner or renter, are living in a single-family or multi-unit home, affordable housing, or commercial space, there is a program for you.
• Check out Somervillema.gov/SEEN to review the roadmaps for renters, property owners, and landlords to help make their home energy efficient to help keep utility costs down and fight climate change.

Water and Sewer Bills

There are a number of options for both renters and owners to manage their water and sewer costs.

Property Owners: Opt-In for WaterScope

• WaterScope can help protect you from surprise spikes in water bills by warning you of potential leaks or the risk of your water pipes freezing. It’s free!

  • You or your landlord can sign up for WaterScope by filling out the Opt-In Form and then sending it to water@somervillema.gov. 
  • Please Note: Regardless of opt-in status, owners are solely responsible for monitoring their water usage.

Renters: Know Your Water Rights 

• New and returning renters in Somerville should be aware of the State’s laws regarding water bill responsibility. Landlords cannot bill tenants for water unless:
  • Your tenancy started on or after March 16, 2005
  • You have a written rental agreement
  • Submeters are installed (they must be installed by a licensed plumber)
  • The faucets, showers, and toilets are low-flow
  • Your landlord receives required approval

Water and Sewer Exemptions for Seniors and Others

• Mayor Ballantyne and the City Council have collaborated to approve a discount for water and sewer charges for seniors and others. The Discount Program allows income-eligible Somerville seniors, surviving spouses, and minors to receive a 25 percent discount on their water and sewer bills.
• Eligibility for the program is based on the same requirements used for two property tax exemptions available to qualifying seniors and others under Massachusetts State Law. 
• Somerville residents can apply through the City’s Assessor's Office starting July 1 of each year. Applications are due in early April the following spring. To learn more, please visit the Somerville Assessor’s Office webpage.

Energy Bills

Find a list of tips and tools for addressing energy costs in Somerville. 

Electric Bills: Somerville Community Choice Electricity 

• The City’s Somerville Community Choice Electricity negotiates bulk electricity options for Somerville residents that are usually lower cost than direct purchase and also include green energy options.
• Most Somerville residents are already enrolled in this program. Property owners can verify if they’re enrolled by checking if the supplier listed is Direct Energy City of Somerville.
• If Eversource is still listed as your supplier, you may complete the enrollment form to sign up for Somerville CCE. Please be aware that electricity scams are common. Use the official link above to adjust your account if needed.
• Participation in the Somerville CCE program is voluntary; you can leave the program at any time without fee or penalty.

Heating

Heating costs can be challenging. Find out how you can check if you are eligible for assistance with your heating costs below. 

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

• Low-income households may be eligible to receive help with winter heating costs through the Fuel Assistance Program. This program serves residents of Somerville and Cambridge.
• Participants receive assistance with their heating costs between November 1 and April 30.
• Learn more and apply: cambridgema.gov/IWantTo/ApplyForFuelAssistance

Utility Assistance

What to do if your utilities are shut off and need to be restored. 

• The City of Somerville may be able to provide financial assistance to prevent utility shut-offs or for assistance in getting utilities restored or to apply for discount rates based on income.
• Residents can contact the Somerville Department of Health and Human Services to learn more: HHS Online Contact

Transit

Both Somerville and the state of Massachusetts offer programs to reduce costs for public transit. Find out if you qualify below. 

MBTA Reduced Fare program:

• Somerville residents ages 18-64, participating in an accepted State or Federal benefit program that is not currently covered by existing MBTA reduced fare programs are eligible for the MBTA Reduced Fare Program.
• The MBTA accepts applications both online and in-person. The MBTA has offices in Boston and Malden where you can fill out applications. Check locations on their website. 
• If you need help accessing or completing the application, call Customer Service at 617-222-4200 or visit in-person application help locations. Email the MBTA team at publicengagement@mbta.com.

MBTA Passes for Parents/Guardians in the Somerville Public Schools (program ends June 30, 2025)

• In addition to providing a MBTA student pass to all students, Somerville Public Schools offers free Monthly LinkPasses for unlimited travel on the bus, T, Commuter Rail Zone 1A and Charlestown and East Boston ferries to qualifying, low-income parents and guardians. 
• Families can contact their school’s School-Based Family and Community Liaison to learn about eligibility and availability. 

MBTA Senior Charlie Card program for older adults

• People 65 and older are eligible for reduced MBTA fares with a Senior CharlieCard. These cards are valid for 8 years.
• Applications are accepted online and in-person. 

Bluebikes Income-Eligible monthly pass program

• Bluebikes, a bike sharing service, offers reduced cost memberships for qualifying residents.
• Massachusetts EBT Card holders and those who qualify based on income or participation in other assistance programs listed under requirements below, are eligible for a $50 annual or $5 monthly Bluebikes membership. Learn more and apply online. 

Additional Resources

Other resources are available for Somerville residents, including food, health, and other basic needs. 

• Somerville Hub Connect: This page offers the latest list of available resources including food access and more. Read more at connect.somervillehub.org