FAQ

I am having difficulty paying rent or mortgage. Can you help?

How do I initiate housing counseling services?

Please email hc@cmhaonline.org to initiate Housing Counseling services.

Are there RAFT application hours available?

The best way to apply is online. However, if you are unable to complete the application online, please email hc@cmhaonline.org or call 508-752-5519, extension 172. Our staff will call back to assist you in the order your message was received. Note that it will likely take 5 business days to hear back due to high volume.

  • Please email hc@cmhaonline.org to initiate Housing Counseling services.

  • We are available, in person, every Tuesday 9:30-11:30am and Wednesday 1:00-3:00pm for RAFT application assistance. Please come to our 6 Institute Road, Worcester, MA 01609 location for in person assistance.

How many rents can a Landlord ask for?

A Landlord can ask for first month’s rent, last month’s rent, security deposit and a key deposit

What is a 14 Day Notice? 

Tenant at Will: This notice terminates the tenancy for non-payment of rent. If the tenant is being evicted for non-payment of rent, the tenant may avoid the eviction by paying the rent due within 10 days business days of receiving the notice.

What is a 30 Day Notice?

Tenant At Will: This notice terminates the tenancy for any reason other then non-payment of rent, the tenant must be given written 30 days notice, or one full rental period in advance, whichever is longer.

How much can a Landlord increase rent?

A rental increase may be any amount that the landlord wishes to charge. Tenants at will may face a rent increase at any time, as long as a proper notice of at least one full rental period is received.

Can a landlord evict in the winter?

A landlord can bring an eviction against a tenant at any time, during any season. The important thing to remember is that the landlord must follow certain procedures before he or she can evict a tenant

My landlord is selling the building. Do I have to move out?

If you have a lease: Some courts in Massachusetts have found that the sale of a building does not end a lease before its expiration date. The law, however, is not clear.

If you do not have a lease: The tenancy will continue until the landlord gives the tenant a written 30-day notice to quit that tells the tenant that he or she is ending the tenancy.

If I am not a legal immigrant, will a public housing authority or subsidized owner report me to Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) if I apply?

State Housing: Anyone is eligible for state housing programs, regardless of immigration status. In addition, Massachusetts changed its state law in the 1990's to remove any reporting requirement for state-assisted benefits.

Federal Housing: For federal housing programs, you are eligible for housing as long as at least one member of the family is a citizen or person who has "eligible non-citizen" status. "Eligible non-citizen" includes people who are legal permanent residents or who have obtained refugee or asylum status, but does not necessarily include everyone who has work authorization.