The Mass Accessible Housing Registry is a free
program that helps people with disabilities find rental housing in
Massachusetts, primarily accessible and barrier-free housing. The Mass Access
database keeps track of accessible and affordable apartments throughout the
state and maintains information about their availability.
People with
disabilities can search this information to identify housing opportunities that
suit their needs. A contact person and phone number is provided, and if you are
interested in applying to a particular apartment, you should call them
directly.
The program is based at Citizens Housing and Planning Association
(CHAPA) . CHAPAs core task on the Mass Access program is working with
housing managers to maintain up-to-date housing and vacancy information.
The Mass Access program was started in 1995. For
the first five years, people searching for an apartment needed to contact an
Independent Living Center (ILC) to learn about available apartments. Today,
this information is available via the Internet though this website as well as
through the ILCs.
Mass Access maintains a database of accessible and
affordable apartments. This database catalogs the following information:
- Location of housing
- Rent level
- Number of bedrooms
- Particular adaptable or accessible features
- Vacancy status
- Development amenities
- Neighborhood features
This website is designed for people who simply need a list of
units that meet their housing search criteria. Many people searching for
housing need additional information and assistance. If you have questions about
housing or the application process, we strongly recommend that you contact an
Independent Living Center. ILCs are multi-service agencies for people with
disabilities. Housing information and referral and skills training are some of
the many services they provide.
The Massachusetts Independent Living Centers
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Understanding the Information in the Database:
The Mass Accessible Housing Registry is pleased to be able to
provide you with this information. We hope that Mass Access assists you in
finding suitable housing.
Please note:
- Mass Access was designed to make the housing search process
easier for people with disabilities. You, as a prospective tenant, are your own
best advocate. The more effort you put into your search the more likely your
success. Independent Living Centers are here to assist you. Please
contact an ILC should you require additional assistance in your housing
search.
- We cannot recommend specific units or developments; it is
impossible for us to determine how well any given site will meet your needs.
Information in this database is provided as a service. This information is
intended to provide referral only; no endorsement by this agency should be
inferred.
- You are encouraged to confirm information with the housing
manager. Even if a unit is listed as accessible, this does not necessarily mean
it meets a particular standard. It might be useful to ask the contact person
specific questions about accessibility. It is important to make sure the
property is accessible to you.
- You should get on as many waiting lists as possible in
order to maximize your housing opportunities. The most persistent applicant
will eventually get housing.
- Occasionally, it may be necessary to make a second call if
the contact person has changed or the site is in a different location than the
main number. While additional calls may be frustrating, it is important to
remember that persistence is necessary in order to succeed in todays very
competitive housing market.
- Please keep in mind that contact names and other data may
change, and other resources may become available. If you find that some of the
information we have provided is incorrect or incomplete, please let us know.
Any information you can provide to improve this housing database would be
appreciated. Please email massaccess@chapa.org or call us at
Phone/TTY: (617) 742-0820 . We appreciate your help.
- Your privacy is important to us. Please note that we do not
request your name, your email address, or any personal information about you.
We have no capacity to track information about website users. The service is
entirely anonymous.
If you have read
and understand the information on this page, and would like to search the
database for housing, click below to continue:
When you find housing:
Because this is an anonymous service, we need to know from you
when Mass Access is successful.
If you
find an apartment using our system, please answer a few quick questions
online or call us at (800) 466-3111. Please take a moment to notify us. It
will help us maintain support for this important program.
If you have questions or need further assistance, please
contact
us.
Funded by:
The Massachusetts
Rehabilitation Commission with support for Web development from the
Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities
Council