The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health Rental Subsidy Program (DMHRSP) is a state funded program that helps address the housing needs of DMH clients across Massachusetts. DMHRSP is a program administered jointly by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and the Department of Mental Health (DMH). DHCD creates and promulgates the regulations and guidance for administering the rental subsidy vouchers. DMH is responsible for selecting Service Providers and Clients to participate in the program, and provides guidance on the required community residential support and case manager services. There are two types of participation available in this program, Sponsor Based and Tenant Based. For Sponsor based participation, a Service Provider selected by DMH is awarded a voucher and enters into a lease for a unit directly with the Property Owner as the Sponsor. The Service Provider selects DMH Client(s) to reside in the Unit. The Client(s) must meet DHCD eligibility requirements and receive DMH services from the Sponsor. For Tenant based participation, a Client with DMH Case Management services receives the voucher and the Client directly enters into a lease with the Property Owner. All rental assistance funds must be used for units located within Massachusetts.
Persons with disabilities; Current client of the Department of Mental Health; Must pass background check
Required for income (general), zero, self-employed, or non-traditional income, photo ID. Self-attestation permitted as last resort.
Department(s) of health, mental or behavioral health, &/or social services
Program covers rent above 30% of tenants' adjusted income, up to payment standard based on local Fair Market Rent
Criminal history; Eviction/rent payment history
Persons with mental illness