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Emily86 Asked December 20, 2023

I am 86 and my landlord has decided to renovate my apartment so he can get more money for it. Where can I find low income ($300) rentals?

I am looking for a 1 bedroom apartment in, or around, Northampton or Greenfield in Franklin County, Massachusetts. I am on Social Security, have Mass Health insurance, and eligible for Section 8 housing. I need to find low income housing or Assisted Living for under $500 per month. Also pet friendly for 2 very special cats.

AliBoBali Dec 31, 2023
What about HUD senior housing? Have you checked there?

If you haven't, then I'd say you should put yourself on every individual place's waiting list in whatever radius-area you're comfortable with and even beyond that area. They take pets.

I don't think HUD applications are the same as Section 8. When I applied on behalf of my father, I applied to individual locations with his information and then waited to hear back.

The age restrictions for HUD senior facilities make them a more open opportunity in my limited experience, and likely much more suitable for your stage in life because it's 62 yo and above.

I hope you can find something suitable.

Jean1808 Dec 30, 2023
Hi Emily,

I tremendously sympathize with you, and I can't imagine how terrifying this is, of all times in the New England winter.

Do you have a car? If you needed to commute to another area how could you get there?

I hope someone here is in your area with a room or unit to rent. I'm wary of Craigs List., etc. Too many weirdos. There are online groups like roomie match but they may also be unsafe. Don't know.

I am about 2 months from homeless myself. California, especially, Los Angeles, is working to get folks housed but with minimal success.

Our Section 8 here is very tight.

States like Ohio, Iowa and Tennessee are cheaper. It will be very hard picking up and moving in winter.

Please keep us all posted.

God bless you

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Emily86 Dec 30, 2023
Done...nothing available.
AlvaDeer Dec 30, 2023
Emily, did you go to the tenants rights or rental board in your town?
PeggySue2020 Dec 29, 2023
Practical advice for the op.
1. Do not move because the landlord has served notice. The onus is on them to take you to court spending time and money or to pay you to leave. Negotiate.

2. Adjust your expectations. The median rent in your area is over 1200 for a one bedroom, and S8 is almost like winning the senior Lottery.

AlvaDeer Dec 28, 2023
Emily,
Concerned for you.
Have you any update for us?

JoAnn29 Dec 28, 2023
First, your landlord cannot raise your rent until a new lease, unless ur month to month. Looks like Mass. does not have rent control.

Contact your Office of Aging. Since we are caregivers from all over the US and other countries, we cannot really help u.
cwillie Dec 28, 2023
It sounds like a renoviction JoAnn, I'm not sure if there is any defence against this.
Geaton777 Dec 28, 2023
Contact social services (Dept of Health and Human Services) for your county, or your local area's Agency on Aging.
Emily86 Dec 30, 2023
Been done. Thanks for your reply.
cwillie Dec 28, 2023
I'm so sorry Emily, perhaps your area agency on aging can help.

PeggySue2020 Dec 28, 2023
You are not getting a 1br apartment for 300, or assisted living for 500.
JoAnn29 Dec 28, 2023
She will if she is Section 8 for an apt. My nephew pays 300 a month.
Llamalover47 Dec 27, 2023
Emily86: Per Google - "https://affordablehousingonline.com/housing-search/Massachusetts/Franklin-County"

Disclaimer: Not my authoring.
Emily86 Dec 30, 2023
Have used this website several times, ending up going in the same unproductive circle every time. Frustrating!
KNance72 Dec 20, 2023
Contact Northampton housing authority . I believe They Have many apartments for persons in Your situation and there Is an online application . If you Can Go Directly To Their Housing authority Office Immediately and set Up a appointment . They will Take 30 % of your Income . They usually Need your Birth Certificate and social security benefits statement .Then apply for fuel assistance and SNAP benefits . Have your primary care Physician assign you a social worker to Navigate the system such as a CNA ( certified Nurse assistant ) A Food Pantry , elder services to get some one to help you clean and do grocery shopping and get meals on wheels once you find a apartment and they can help you get rides to Doctor appointments .
Emily86 Dec 30, 2023
Thank you for this information. I am in the midst of doing most of the things you suggest, however vacancies in this area seem nonexistent.
AlvaDeer Dec 20, 2023
We are just a bunch of caregivers and ex-caregivers, and we don't really have any more access to information on housing in your own area than you do.

I would say that first of all you need to check on the landlord-tenant rules and laws for your own city and country. That's very important. In my own area, you cannot simply tell someone with long term tenancy to move because you are going to be working on the building. You have to have PROOF that said work is being done, you have to pay for move, help with move, and allow the tenant to reoccupy when the work is done. There are rules and laws. In order to find out what they are in your area start here:
www.mass.gov/guide/the-attorney-generals-guide-to-landlord-tenant-rights.

They also have a hotline at 617 727 8400.

Talk to other tenants in your building. Are they also being vacated. Do know that they have to legally serve you to get out of the building. A simple letter isn't enough. So stay put and call that number.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Emily86 Dec 30, 2023
Been to court twice on this... I MUST be out by June 1. A reentry would cost me over 3times what I am paying now.. Besides, they have tenants already in mind for it.
Thanks for your reply.
MeDolly Dec 20, 2023
Check into section 8, low income housing for seniors.

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