Housing Consumer Education Center

Provided with good information, people will make good decisions about purchasing a home, renting an apartment, or managing a rental property. HRA offers a wealth of information about local, state and federal programs that are available to Franklin County and North Quabbin residents. HRA provides housing education for tenants, landlords, prospective homebuyers, and homeowners that will help them maximize housing stability, strengthen investments, and minimize disputes.

Gain information on the rights and responsibilities tailored to help renters function independently in the private, non-subsidized housing market including:

• Information on security deposits, leases, and fair housing
• Access to information on lead hazards and other code violations
• Housing search strategies

HRA provides basic home ownership education to first-time buyers to help them find and finance a home, including:

• Information on low-interest mortgages and eligibility guidelines
• Special training for the purchase of multifamily homes, including rental property management and financial planning
• Basic information about section 8 home ownership

Maintaining a home and dealing with unforeseen emergencies can easily stretch the budgets of many homeowners. HRA offers:

• Post-purchase education to address problems which may lead to mortgage default, foreclosure, or loss of a home
• Information about programs available for home repair and weatherization

HRA's housing education services offers rental property owners and managers valuable information on landlord rights and responsibilities to maximize their investment including:

• Information on addressing lead hazards and other code violations
• Written materials such as the Property Management Manual for Massachusetts Rental Owners and sample forms are available

Contact HRA office at (413) 863-9781 x150.