Acton Offering Rental Assistance for Residents Impacted By COVID

ACTON, MA — The Town of Acton is now providing an Emergency Rental Assistance Program for residents facing hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of Wednesday, applications are being accepted for Acton residents who are at or below 80% of the area median income.

Town Manager John Mangiaratti and Community Services Coordinator Laura Ducharme say applications will be approved on a first come first served basis through Oct. 15, 2021.

Grants issued through the program are to help with two months of rent, are based on unit size, and can be up to:

• $1,000 for 1 bedroom units
• $1,500 for 2 bedroom units
• $2,000 for 3 bedroom units
• $2,500 for 4 bedroom units

The program is funded through the town's proceeds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Applicants can also receive help on past-due rents if they provide documentation from their landlords saying they are in rental arrears.

Acton's median income is $101,050 for a family of four.

Income limits for the program are based on household size, for example:

• Individual: $70,750
• Family of two: $80,850
• Family of three: $90,950
• Family of four: $101,050
• Family of five: $109,150
• Family of 6: $123,350
• Family of 7: $133,400

In order to apply, you must live in Acton and show that their household income has been drastically reduced due to circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and demonstrate they spend more than 30% of their gross annual income on rent and utilities.

If you own real estate or get assistance from other local, state, or federal programs, you are not eligible.

The program is a one-time award, as the funds are paid directly to the applicant's landlord in one lump sum.

Grants will not be provided if rental units are not in satisfactory condition, and maximum rent limits apply. Rent limits are based on unit size:

• $1,826 for 1 bedroom units
• $2,205 for 2 bedroom units
• $2,726 for 3 bedroom units
• $2,990 for 4 bedroom units

The Regional Housing Services Offices will provide administrative support.

For more information on the program, or to learn about other resources available for those in need, please contact the Acton Community Services Office at 978-929-6651 or email Ducharme at lducharme@actonma.gov.

To view or download an application for the program, click here.