Additional Information for Tenants

Why should I enroll in the Energy Secure Homes Pilot Program?

In addition to the $500 bonus you will receive for participating in the program, there are a number of benefits to being in the program including but not limited to:

• Improved Tenant Comfort: After participating in Mass Save, you will have more control over the temperature and humidity of your building.

• Reduced Energy Costs: If you pay for your utility bills, Mass Save will help reduce your energy costs.

• Improved Health Outcomes: Adopting energy efficiency measures can reduce health problems such as asthma that are caused or exacerbated by living in energy-inefficient housing or through the combustion of fossil fuels.

Who is eligible to participate in the Pilot Program?

Tenants who:

• Are Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher holders; and 

• Live in a building with 1-4 units in which at least half of the units are rented out to Section 8 HCV tenants or other low-income residents

Preference will be given to landlords and tenants with buildings in Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan and that use oil and electric resistance heating.

What energy upgrades might be included?

No-cost upgrades will be identified after a MassSave assessment of your building and may include: 

• Insulation 

• Air sealing 

• New energy efficient windows 

• Electric stove or induction stove* 

• Heat pumps 

• Heat pump water heaters 

• Pre-weatherization or electrification barrier remediation (e.g. knob and tube wiring, vermiculite insulation, electrical upgrades) 

• Inefficient appliance replacement 

*Electric stoves may not be fully covered through the IMassSave ncome Eligible program. 

How can I participate in the program?

If you’re interested in participating, please complete this interest form. A BHA pilot program administrator will then reach out to you to conduct a brief phone screen to confirm eligibility. If you have questions about participation or eligibility, please email energysecurehomes@bostonhousing.org

Where can I learn more?

An info session for interested landlords is scheduled for April 17th at 11:00 AM via Zoom. Register here to attend. 
A second info session for interested tenants will be scheduled for mid-April/May. More details to come.