Mass. Gen. Laws c. 121B § 44A
Leasing of housing units in MHFA projects for replacement or relocation housing authorized
Operative Text
Section 44A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a housing authority, in addition to its other powers and for the purpose of replacing dwelling units or said other housing units subject to regulations promulgated by the department of community affairs not inconsistent with the standards required for dwelling units for persons and families of low income which will be eliminated through the demolition, clearance, sale or other disposition of low rent housing projects or to provide relocation housing for persons and families of low income and elderly persons of low income displaced thereby, may lease dwelling units or said other housing units in projects financed by the MHFA for a period not to exceed forty years from the completion of such MHFA project, as determined by the department. The requirements with respect to rentals and tenant selection for low rent housing projects shall apply to units leased by such housing authorities pursuant to this section, except that preference shall be given to displaced occupants of the low rent housing projects so demolished, cleared, sold or otherwise disposed of.
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 121B § 44A authorizes Massachusetts housing authorities to lease dwelling units in projects financed by the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) for up to forty years, when those units are needed to replace or provide relocation housing for low-income residents and elderly low-income persons displaced by the demolition, clearance, sale, or other disposition of existing low-rent housing projects. The standard rental and tenant-selection rules that govern low-rent housing projects continue to apply to units leased under this provision. However, the provision carves out a preference for displaced occupants of the affected low-rent projects, giving them priority over other eligible applicants.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Housing authorities operating under Mass. Gen. Laws c. 121B § 44A that enter into MHFA-financed lease arrangements generally ensure that the lease term does not exceed forty years from the completion of the MHFA project, as determined by the relevant department. Compliant operators apply the same rental and tenant-selection standards required for low-rent housing projects to all units leased under this section. They also maintain documented procedures that give priority placement to individuals and families who were displaced from the low-rent housing projects that triggered the need for replacement or relocation housing.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 121B § 44A establishes that low-income individuals and families — including elderly low-income persons — who are displaced by the demolition, clearance, sale, or other disposition of a low-rent housing project are entitled to preference when housing authorities lease replacement or relocation units in MHFA-financed projects. Tenants in this situation may have grounds to raise a violation of this preference right if they believe it was not honored during the selection process. Those who believe their rights under this provision were overlooked may consider contacting a local tenant-rights organization or the relevant housing authority to understand available complaint and review processes.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 30, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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