The Frequently Asked Questions listed below are intended as a start in addressing general inquires. Please contact the Housing Authority directly so that we may discuss your specific situation with you.
Do you have seasonal or summer rentals?
The Housing Authority offers year-round rentals and rental assistance.
I have very low income. How can you help me with housing?
Absent any additional subsidy you may have access to, rentals and rental assistance through the Housing Authority generally require a gross annual income of $25,000 to $100,000 depending on household size and apartment needs (2025/26 Income Chart).
Applications to other housing organizations managing apartments on the Island may also help. Please see our Housing Contacts page for contact information.
What if my only income is SSI or SSDI?
A combination of a housing voucher or local rental assistance and the right landlord may be of help with SSI or SSDI income. Otherwise, application to Island Elderly Housing‘s Hillside Apartments may be of help.
I have a Section 8 Voucher. Can you help me?
Yes, as a landlord. Please complete a DCRHA application and list your subsidy under income so that we can place you on our rental waitlist. Rental voucher administration is provided for the Cape and Islands by Housing Assistance (HAC). You will need to alert HAC to any plans to transfer use of your voucher to the Cape and Islands.
Are your waitlists for family housing open?
Yes, DCRHA waitlists are always open. As most of our rental units do not have the ongoing subsidy typical of Public Housing Authorities, factors such as the date your application is received, household income and size, and apartment availability, will help determine when a DCRHA rental may address your housing needs.
See How Tenants Are Selected for an overview of the DCRHA’s tenant selection process.
I am homeless. Is there a shelter on the Vineyard?
There are cold weather overnight shelter options and some funding for winter-season motel vouchers available through Harbor Homes of Martha’s Vineyard (774-563-3687). Additional shelters and services are available through Housing Assistance and St. Joseph’s (508-997-3202) in Hyannis.
The home I’ve been renting has just been sold and I can’t find a rental. How can you help me?
The Housing Authority’s rental waitlist is open: learn more and apply.
Please also see Housing Contacts for other housing organizations serving the Island.
On-island support is otherwise limited to increasingly rarely advertised rentals and personal or social media networking.
What do you require for a down-payment with an apartment?
The Housing Authority requires the first month’s rent and a security deposit.
Do you offer one-time assistance with rent or utilities?
Some organizations offering short-term financial assistance are listed here.
Do you manage all affordable apartment rentals on Martha’s Vineyard?
No, there are a number of additional affordable rental properties managed by other housing organizations. See Housing Contacts for details.
Where can I find legal help with my island rental situation?
Please contact South Coastal Counties Legal Services.
I am considering doing a year-round rental on my property. Who do I speak with?
Island landlords have successfully used the Housing Authority’s Rental Assistance program since 2002. Please contact the Housing Authority for more information on Rental Assistance.
How do I find out about affordable home sales, youth lots or resident homesites?
Currently, the focus of the Island’s affordable housing development is on year-round rentals at a widening range of incomes, occasional “turn-key” affordable or community home sales and resales, and infrequent “you-build” lot offers. Please complete and return the Homebuyer Clearinghouse form to be notified about ownership opportunities.
It may also be helpful to contact town zoning and planning administrators to inquire about any particular allowances for affordable or community home ownership opportunities. These vary widely from island town to town but may include special permits or variances for homesite subdivision, substandard lot use, multi-family clustering, etc.