Housing

Who we are

We're a queer- and trans-affirming intentional community in Malden. We collectively manage two houses, which are intended to become the founding properties of MALT. We choose to live with others who value and prioritize community living, group projects, and political activism.

Who we're looking for

We are open to applicants from any background, as long as they can center our community's values and follow our community agreements. However, we are currently emphasizing potential anchor members who can help us incorporate as a Community Land Trust and responsibly steward our land and buildings. You may be a good fit if a few of these apply:

• Previously lived in a co-op or intentional community
• Plan to stay for multiple years, or already have ties to the area
• Skilled in home improvement, accounting, or project management
• Experienced with corporate or non-profit governance (minutes, documentation, budgets)
• Strong ties to local activist groups and other causes
• Organizer of social events (dinner parties, dance/show host, conference organizer/MC)

Rental expectations

Rooms at MALT properties are currently rentals, with flexible move-in and lease terms. The basics of living here aren't too different from other rentals.

Everyone living here is expected to maintain a minimum level of cleanliness that includes a tidy kitchen and refrigerator, doing your share of the dishes, keeping personal belongings and messes out of common areas, cleaning up after your pets, and so on.

Community members and their guests are also expected to follow community agreements on topics such as noise levels, pets, substance use, and COVID safety. Additionally, all community members and their guests are expected to follow our public Code of Conduct.

We aim to offer affordable, predictable, and stable rent for the area. However, members are expected to pay both rent and shared expenses (groceries, utilities, etc.) in a timely manner. We expect everyone living here to actively communicate if they have any concerns about expenses or their ability to pay.

Community participation

MALT differs from for-profit rentals in how decisions are made and how we interact with each other.

In addition to regular chores and tasks, our community members are expected to be active participants and to spend an average of five to ten hours per week on community responsibilities such as:

• participating in meal planning and grocery shopping
• organizing and attending community meals
• attending in-person House Meetings and Community Meetings
• weighing in on major decisions like new members or yearly rent
• timely responses to discussions in Signal and our community Discord server
• using organizing tools like Google Calendar, spreadsheets, and chore charts
• planning and attending social events like parties, game nights, potlucks

Our community members play an active role in operating MALT properties including interviewing new members, keeping houses maintained, and drafting community agreements. We have a high bar for financial transparency, including how financing is obtained and how collected rent money is spent. Allocation of capital to repairs and improvements is a collective decision, and we embrace DIY culture by dedicating funding for tools and supplies.

Our community expectations include social responsibilities to each other and to the wider community. It's a goal for us to see each other often in person, and to have many guests at events like movie screenings, poetry readings, and live music. Community members aren't expected to attend every event, but you may not be a good fit if you will be frequently away from home, plan to keep to your own room, or feel uncomfortable having visitors in common areas.

Application Process

The first step to applying is to join our mailing list. This is how to hear about housing openings and guest opportunities. You'll also hear about public events, which are a great way to check out the lifestyle here.

To be considered for a room, please fill out our application form online. Currently open rooms include:

• $875 - "House #1", 3F, 174 sq ft - September
• $750 - "House #1", 3F, 153.7 sq ft - September
• $800 - "House #1", 3F, 140 sq ft - October?
• $1000 - "House #2", 1F, 220 sq ft - November?

Last updated August 16th 2025. Room availability is subject to change at any point. Listed rent does not include shared expenses such as utilities or groceries. Rent is adjusted on a yearly schedule every January.

We will review your answers as a group, which typically takes about a week. If we think you could be a good fit, we will schedule you for an interview. We may also ask you to attend a community meal, answer additional questions, or provide references from prior housemates. We prefer meeting in person if possible, but remote applicants are still encouraged to apply.