About Mass Access

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) . CHAPA’s 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.

Are you an apartment owner or manager? Housing Providers Click Here

To notify Mass Access of an accessible or affordable vacancy . . .
Please fill out and return our online form.

Reporting a Vacancy Form

If you are searching for an apartment, please read on . . .

What information can I get from this website?

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 today’s very competitive housing market.
6. 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.
7. 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:

Search for an Apartment

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