Affordable Housing FAQ
Bowdoin Apartments offers income-restricted and subsidized housing programs in Malden, Massachusetts. Eligibility, rent, and application requirements vary by program and apartment. Contact the leasing office for current information about availability, waitlists, and the requirements for a specific home.
Is Bowdoin Apartments an affordable housing community?
Bowdoin offers income-restricted and subsidized housing programs. The requirements and rent may differ between programs and apartments.
What apartment sizes are available?
Bowdoin offers one- and two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom townhomes. Availability varies.
Who can apply?
Eligibility depends on household size, income, and the requirements of the specific housing program. Contact the leasing office to ask which programs may fit your household.
Are income limits the same for every apartment?
No. Income limits can vary by program, apartment size, and household size. Contact the leasing office for current requirements before applying.
How much is the rent?
Rent varies by apartment and program. Some subsidized rents are calculated based on household income, while other affordable rents follow program guidelines. Contact the leasing office for current rent information.
Are the waiting lists open?
Waitlist status can differ by program, bedroom size, and accessible-apartment preference, and may change. Call the leasing office to ask which waitlists are currently accepting applications.
How do I apply?
Call the leasing office at (781) 322-0305 to ask about current openings, waitlists, application forms, and required documents. Applying to one waitlist may not automatically place you on another.
What documents might I need?
Applicants may be asked to provide information about household members, income, assets, and other eligibility details. The leasing office can provide the current document checklist for the program you are applying to.
Section 8 and Mobile Voucher FAQ
Does Bowdoin Apartments accept mobile Section 8 vouchers?
Yes. Bowdoin Apartments accepts eligible mobile Housing Choice Vouchers, commonly called tenant-based or “mobile” Section 8 vouchers. Voucher holders are welcome to contact the leasing office about available apartments and the application process.
What does “mobile voucher” mean?
A mobile voucher is attached to the household rather than to a specific apartment. If you already have a voucher, you may be able to use it at Bowdoin, subject to your housing authority’s portability rules and approval of the apartment.
I have a voucher from another city or state. Can I use it at Bowdoin?
Possibly. Contact the housing authority that currently administers your voucher and ask about “porting” it to Malden. The issuing authority can explain your portability eligibility and coordinate with the agency serving the new location.
What steps should I take if I want to use my voucher at Bowdoin?
- Contact the Bowdoin leasing office at (781) 322-0305 to ask about available apartments and the application process.
- Contact your current housing authority to confirm portability rules, voucher bedroom size, payment standard, and required paperwork.
- Ask your housing authority to submit the Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) and explain its inspection process.
- Complete Bowdoin’s application and any required income, household, and eligibility review.
Does having a Section 8 voucher guarantee an apartment?
No. Applicants must meet Bowdoin’s applicable program and screening requirements, and an apartment must be available and approved by the housing authority. Voucher size, rent limits, utility allowances, inspection requirements, and other program rules may affect whether a particular apartment can be approved.
Is a mobile voucher the same as a project-based voucher?
No. A mobile voucher is attached to the household and may move with the household under program rules. A project-based subsidy is attached to a specific apartment and is generally accessed through that apartment’s own program and waitlist. Ask the leasing office which application or waitlist applies to the apartment you are interested in.
Where can I ask questions about my voucher?
Start with the housing authority or agency that currently administers your voucher. If your voucher is administered by Metro Housing|Boston, call its Leased Housing Gateway at (617) 425-6611 for general Section 8 questions. Metro Housing|Boston lists hcvleasing@metrohousingboston.org for voucher moves and RFTA submissions.
Nearby housing authorities
These agencies can provide information about their own programs and waitlists. Waitlist status and voucher availability vary. If you already have a voucher, contact the agency currently administering it for portability instructions.
Metro Housing|Boston also administers Housing Choice Voucher programs in Malden and many surrounding communities. Call (617) 859-0400 for general information or (617) 425-6611 for the Leased Housing Gateway.
Community and Location
What amenities does Bowdoin offer?
Community features include a playground, community room, garden, picnic and grilling areas, laundry, and on-site maintenance. Some apartments have private patios. Contact the leasing office to confirm which features apply to a particular home.
Is public transportation nearby?
Bowdoin is near public transportation, including the #105 bus route to Malden Center. Contact the leasing office for current route information.
Are pets allowed?
The property website currently says pets are not allowed. Contact the leasing office to confirm the current policy and ask about reasonable accommodations for assistance animals.
Where is the leasing office, and when is it open?
The leasing office is located at 22-1 Bowdoin Street, Malden, MA 02148. Office visits are by appointment Monday through Friday. Call (781) 322-0305 to schedule.