Begun in 2002 to assist working Islanders with high rental costs, Rental Assistance is funded annually through Community Preservation funds from the six Island towns. Residents making less than 80%* of area median income and able to pay a minimum of 50% of a year-round rental may be eligible.
Beginning in July of this year, Rental Assistance is now being offered at an additional tier of household incomes up to 100% of area median income with corresponding rent maximums.
Oak Bluffs currently offers a pilot Rental Assistance program for incomes and rents up to 120% of area median income which the Housing Authority administers.
- Monthly Rent
Rent provided by the State at 80% and 100% of area median income for Dukes County are used in determining the contract rents. The tenant’s portion of the rent is determined by household income and is paid directly to the property owners; the balance of the rent is paid to the property owners by the Housing Authority. - Security Deposit
Property owners may require a security deposit up to the amount of one month’s rent which must be held in an interest bearing account in accordance with MGL 186. Tenants are responsible for paying any security deposit and the Housing Authority is not able to subsidize this cost. - Tenant Screening & Selection
The Housing Authority can pre-screen potential tenants for the property owners’ selection by processing criminal background checks, income and bank account verification, and housing references. Applicant screening for suitability and final selection as a tenant are the property owner’s responsibility. - Unit Inspection
An inspection by the Housing Authority is scheduled prior to enactment of a new tenant/landlord lease-up and upon annual renewal. The landlord is responsible for satisfying any town requirements for apartment rental. - Documents
A lease is signed between the property owner and the tenant, and a Rental Assistance contract and addendum is signed between the property owner and the Housing Authority. Continuation of any agreements beyond the initial lease & Rental Assistance period are subject to funding as voted on at Annual Town Meetings. - Program Representatives
The Housing Authority prepares the rental assistance contract documents and remains the Landlord’s and Tenant’s contact regarding subsidy for as long as Rental Assistance is in effect for the tenancy. Community Preservation funding includes the annual administrative fees of $500.00 per new subsidy and $250.00 per existing subsidy that assist with the costs of document preparation, apartment inspection, tenant certification and program administration.