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Our mission is to engage with community stakeholders to expand housing access for everyone in Somerville by:

  • Creating and preserving safe, affordable, and sustainable housing that strengthens our community.
  • Partnering with community organizations, developers and across City departments to deliver housing that reflects Somerville’s values of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Providing residents with transparent and accessible programs that help them to rent, own, or improve their homes.
  • Advancing bold policies and investments that respond to evolving needs within the city and that protect affordability for future generations.

Together with our community, we strive to ensure that all who call Somerville home are empowered to do so with dignity, and self-determination.

 

Contact Information

Contact Information
Lisa Davidson
Director of Housing

Monday - Wednesday
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Thursday
8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Friday
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Email
ldavidson@somervillema.gov

Employee Directory

Jump To:

Most Requested Services
Programs & Commissions
Resources
Data & Reports
FAQs

Finding Affordable Housing 

Tenant Support

Programs & Commissions

Affordable Housing Trust

The Trust Fund was formed to preserve and create affordable rental and homeownership units in Somerville, and to carry out programs to directly assist homeowners and renters. 

Condominium Review Board

The Condo Review Board oversees and enforces condo conversion laws in the City. They aim to protect tenants who live in rentals that are being converted to condos or removed from the market. The Housing Division works with the Board to manage applications and documentation for conversions. They also conduct public hearings each month. To learn more about

Fair Housing Commission

The Somerville Fair Housing Commission receives complaints about possible fair housing violations and works to prevent the same.

Home Improvement Program

The City of Somerville’s Home Improvement Program (HIP) helps provide safe, sustainable, and affordable housing for Somerville’s low- and moderate-income residents. The program focuses on building code and health and safety-related repairs in low to moderate-income properties.

Inclusionary Housing Program

The Inclusionary Housing Program helps create long-term affordable homes for people with low to moderate incomes. Since 1990, Somerville’s Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance has required that a portion of new housing developments include homes reserved for income-eligible renters and buyers. These homes remain affordable permanently, protecting opportunities for current and future residents.

Housing Data Dashboard

Coming soon - stay tuned for updates!

Opportunities for Renters and Buyers

We have an array of programs and resources for renters and first-time homebuyers, too! Some of these opportunities include:

  • Down payment assistance
  • First-time homebuyer classes
  • Tenant rent stabilization
  • Fuel assistance and weatherization

Learn more about our programs for renters and first-time buyers here.

Homelessness Prevention

This guide is an extensive list of resources for homeless people and those who are at risk of becoming homeless. You’ll find contact information for local shelters, transitional housing, food services, emergency funding, and more. You can read the guide here. If you need additional help, including help finding an emergency shelter, call us at (617) 625-6600 ext. 2577.

The following resources are designed to help landlords and tenants understand their rights:

For more help with landlord/tenant rights, mediation, and Fair Housing laws, contact us at (617) 625-6600 ext. 2577.

Resources for addressing lead paint abatement

Affordable Housing

Affordable homeownership opportunities for first-time buyers: The Housing Division and the Affordable Housing Trust Fund offer three programs to help first-time homebuyers in the City. Visit our Affordable Housing page for more information. 

Resources for Non-Profits and Developers 

HOME Layering Guideline

The City can use HOME funds to help developers create affordable housing. However, the project must fall within certain financial guidelines to receive funding. You can learn more about HOME funds and program guidelines here.

Energy Efficiency Mortgage Guide

Energy efficient mortgages allow you to borrow more money to help pay for upgrades to new or existing homes. They’re rolled into your main mortgage so that you don’t have to make more than one payment per month. You can learn more about “Green Mortgages” here.

Planning and Zoning Resources:

Does the Housing Division teach first-time homebuyer training classes?

No, the Housing Division of the City of Somerville does not teach first-time homebuyer training classes. Visit the Citizens Housing and Planning Association’s website to view all area first time homebuyer training classes, in addition to other classes they offer. The Somerville Community Corporation also teaches a first-time homebuyer class. Please go to their website for more information.

Does the Housing Division of the City of Somerville handle Section 8 Vouchers and Public Housing?

No, the Somerville Housing Authority handles those programs, and you can reach them at 617- 625-1152 or view their website here.

Does the City of Somerville have affordable homeownership and rental opportunities?

Yes. The City offers affordable rental and homeownership opportunities.

Homes are offered through a lottery system, and income limits apply. The City has one combined waitlist for rental housing. For affordable condos, you must apply separately for each opportunity you are interested in.

How can I receive alerts when affordable rental or homeownership units become available?

Anyone interested in getting on the Inclusionary Housing Listserv can sign up with an email address. 

Who can I call for help with an affordable housing search?

You can contact these organizations for help with your housing search:

  • Office of Housing Stability: Call (617) 625-6600 ext 2581 or fill out their intake form here.
  • Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS): Call 617-623-7370 or visit their website here.
  • Somerville Homeless Coalition at 617-623-6111 or visit their website here.

In addition, Housing Navigator MA and My Mass Home help people to find affordable rental and homeownership opportunities in Massachusetts.

I believe I was discriminated against in my search for housing. Who can I contact for help?

If you think you were treated unfairly while looking for housing, please visit our Resources page to find organizations that can help and explain your options.

Who can help me stabilize my rental housing?

The Somerville Homeless Coalition, offers programs to help renters stay housed.

  • The PASS Program assists with a temporary (up to 2 years) housing subsidy and provides case management.
  • The Rapid Response Program offers case management support for those in crisis and provides financial assistance with back rent, start-up costs, and utility payments.

For more information and eligibility details, call 617-623-6111 or visit their website.

I am having trouble with my landlord/tenant, who can I call for help?

You can contact the Office of Housing Stability at (617) 625-6600 ext 2581 or fill out their intake form here. You can also contact the Just a Start Mediation for Results Program at 617-918-7518 or visit their website.

In addition, please view the landlord/tenant handbook helper here. You can also view the Attorney General's Guide to Landlord/Tenant Rights.

Who should I contact if I am a homeowner looking to take advantage of the Home Improvement program?

Any homeowner interested in the Home Improvement Program can contact the Housing Intake Specialist at kplocharczyk@somervillema.gov or 617-625-6600 x2584. The program manager is Russell Koty, who may be contacted at rkoty@somervillema.gov or x2568.

What is the Massachusetts lead law?

The law requires deleading or interim control of lead hazards in homes built before 1978 where children under six live. Owners are responsible for compliance and financing. This includes rental properties. Please visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website for more information.

How often should my child be tested for lead, and where?

Children residing in Somerville should be tested through age four. Parents or guardians may contact the following organizations for additional testing information and resources:

Programs & Initiatives

Home Improvement Program

Home Improvement Program

This program offers an incentive for property owners to improve the existing housing stock and to create and maintain affordable homeownership...
Somerville Road to Net Zero (R2NZ)

Somerville Road to Net Zero (R2NZ)

SEEN is making sustainability a priority to help create cleaner, safer housing environments.
Welcoming and Inclusive Neighborhoods Somerville (WINS)

Welcoming and Inclusive Neighborhoods Somerville (WINS)

With your help, the City is analyzing challenges to fair housing choice and addressing barriers in our community.
View All City Programs & Initiatives
Contact Information
Lisa Davidson
Director of Housing

Monday - Wednesday
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Thursday
8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Friday
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Email
ldavidson@somervillema.gov

Employee Directory

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