Services for Bedford Residents
Bedford Rent Relief Program
The Bedford Rent Relief Program (BRRP) provides temporary monthly rental assistance in the form of a grant to eligible households, for up to a six-month period. The BRRP is funded through the Bedford's Municipal Housing Trust. Monthly assistance will be calculated as the amount necessary to reduce housing costs to 30% of current gross income (before taxes), but shall be at a minimum, the amounts listed below (not to exceed tenant rent):
| 1 Bedroom | 2 Bedroom | 3 Bedroom | 4 Bedroom |
| $300 | $450 | $600 | $750 |
*Utility and rental arrears payments are also allowable. Payments are made directly to the landlord.*
The program will operate on a first come, first serve basis as long as funding is available. For more information regarding program guidelines and to access the application, click here:
Bedford residents who meet the income guidelines below may apply:
| Effective: 5/16/2023 | AMI Income Limits | |||||
| Household Size | 1 person | 2 person | 3 person | 4 person | 5 person | 6 person |
| 80% Income Limit | $82,950 | $94,800 | $106,650 | $118,450 | $127,950 | $137,450 |
| 30% Income Limit | $31,150 | $35,600 | $40,050 | $44,500 | $48,100 | $51,650 |
The maximum rent to be considered for benefit is:
| 1 Bedroom | 2 Bedroom | 3 Bedroom | 4 Bedroom |
| $2,377 | $2,827 | $3,418 | $3,765 |
The Regional Housing Services Office (RHSO) will administer the BRRP program on behalf of the Town of Bedford. Please also contact the RHSO with questions or to receive an application – JenP@RHSOhousing.org.
Bedford Initial Rental Assistance Program
The Bedford Initial Rental Assistance (IRA) offers low income households (60% AMI or less) assistance in paying security deposits and first month’s rent in their new apartments. For program application, click here.
The program operates on a first come, first served basis as long as funding is available and is designed to meet all Federal HOME requirements. For more information see program guidelines, click here.
Bedford households who meet the income guidelines below may apply:
Household Size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
60% AMI | $62,340 | $71,280 | $80,160 | $89,040 | $96,180 | $103,320 |
Unit Approval: All units must be approved by the Town of Bedford before signing a lease, and rents must not exceed the following (including utilities):
Unit Size | 1 Bed | 2 Bed | 3 Bed | 4 Bed |
Bedford Payment Standard | $2,377 | $2,827 | $3,418 | $3,765 |
The Regional Housing Services Office (RHSO) will administer the IRA program on behalf of the Town of Bedford. Please also contact the RHSO with questions or to receive an application – info@RHSOhousing.org.
Energy Assistance
The Fuel Assistance Program provides a benefit for home heating for Bedford residents of all ages who meet income guidelines. Limited to full benefits are available depending on actual documented income. More information is available from the following:
- Town of Bedford website - http://www.bedfordma.gov/council-on-aging/pages/fuel-assistance
- For residents 60 years of age or older, please contact the Bedford Council on Aging at 781-275-6825.
- For residents under age 60, please contact Bedford Youth and Family Services at 781-275-7727.
Financial Assistance
The Small Grants Program is designed to provide assistance to Bedford residents to make repairs and alterations to their homes for safety and health reasons. The Bedford Municipal Affordable Housing Trust accepts applications for the Small Grants Program once per year - the deadline is April 30th and grants are awarded by June 30th.
Funds awarded from the program can be used for: minor plumbing or electrical work; slight carpentry; doorbell switch; window repairs; broken or clogged gutters or downspouts; door repairs or replacements; step or porch repairs; lock repair or replacement; cement work or masonry repairs; tiling; plaster patching and wallpapering; sheet-rock repairs; touch-up painting; smoke/CO2 detectors; weather stripping; bathroom grab bars; interior painting or wallpapering and more. Please click on the flyer and application for more information.
Personal Real Estate Tax Exemptions
As used in the context of real estate taxes, a personal exemption is a release from the obligation to pay all or a portion of the taxes assessed on a parcel of property. Exemptions are conferred by the state legislature (Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 59, Section 5) on particular categories of persons or property. The categories of persons on whom exemptions are conferred, for their primary domicile and subject to certain qualifications, can be obtained on the Town of Bedford’s Website, together with an explanation of the eligibility requirements for each. Exemptions are not abatements in that they do not affect the valuation of the property, but simply reduce the taxes owed.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
 Bedford IRA Program Guidelines | 70.32 KB |
| bedford_rrp_application_final_with_new_2023_ami.pdf | 456.43 KB |
| ira_program_guidelines_bedford-7.11.23.pdf | 505.26 KB |
| application_packet_for_bedford_ira_updated_7.11.23_jp.pdf | 1.13 MB |