Preferences - Boston Redevelopment Authority

Listed and defined below are the potential preferences that may apply to an affordable unit. Certain preferences have more weight than others. Please see the Ordering of Preferences below to see the overall prioritization of preferences.

Urban Renewal Displacee shall mean persons displaced from the specific property and/or displaced from the relevant Urban Renewal Plan Area by clearance and redevelopment activities carried out by the Boston Redevelopment Authority.

Required Documentation: 
Proof of displacement by the Boston Redevelopment Authority from the 
relevant Urban Renewal Area during the official Urban Renewal Period  (displacement notice and proof 
of residency during the Urban Renewal Period in the form of utility bills, voting record, bank 
statement, record of birth or any other official documents).

Boston resident shall mean any individual whose principal residence, where he or she normally eats, sleeps and maintains his or her normal personal and household effects, is in the City of Boston.

  Required Documentation: 
  Two (2) utility bills dated within 90 days of submission from 
  any ONE of the following utilities: electric, gas, cable, or telephone.

Household shall mean all persons who intend to occupy the housing unit as their primary residence, whether or not they are on the deed or lease. Legally married couples shall both be considered part of the household, even if separated. Children shall be considered part of the household if they spend more than 50% of the year (183 days, including partial days) in the residence. Everyone included on the deed or lease, whether or not they intend to occupy the unit, shall also considered part of the household.

First-time homebuyer shall mean a Buyer who has never previously owned a residential property. The Director of the Boston Redevelopment Authority may, at his/her discretion and on a case-by-case basis, make exceptions for Buyers. Buyers wishing an exemption should submit their requests to the Deputy Director of Community Development and Housing explaining the unique circumstances and include documentation verifying their claim.

BRA certified Artist shall mean an individual who has received a BRA Artist Certification letter. (For a full description of the artist certification process, please request the BRA Artist Certification Guidelines /Application Form from Heidi Burbidge at (617) 918-4306 or Heidi.Burbidge.BRA@cityofboston.gov.)

  Required Documentation: 
  BRA Artist Certification Letter

Household income shall mean the estimated gross income for all household members 18 years of age or older, over the next twelve (12) months, based on the current annualized gross amounts of income from any source, both taxable income and non-taxable income, including, but not limited to: earnings, overtime, IRA distributions, part-time employment, bonuses, dividends, interest, annuities, pensions, Veterans Administration Compensation, gross rental or lease income, commissions, deferred income, welfare payments, social security benefits, disability payments, alimony, support payments, public assistance, sick pay, unemployment compensation, and income received from trusts, business activities, and investments.

  Required documentation: 
  Two most recent income tax returns and at least two pay stubs for 
  pay periods ending within 90 days of BRA income certification for 
  all household members 18 years of age or older, plus any additional 
  information the BRA may require to certify household income.