Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Portland, Maine
There are 5 open waiting lists in the Portland area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Portland, Maine and updates statuses nightly. Below you will find every PHA in the area with current waitlist status, program types, and direct application links.
If no lists are currently open in Portland, we recommend applying to nearby cities as well. There is no limit to the number of waiting lists you can join, and many housing authorities accept applications from non-residents.
Affordable Housing in Portland, Maine
Portland, Maine is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 5 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Portland area. There are also 51 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Portland include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: PBV (1 open), HCV (1 open).
Latest Opening
Portland Housing Authority opened its HCV waitlist on Apr 10, 2013.
About Housing in Portland, Maine
Affordable housing options in Portland, Maine are primarily managed by the Portland Housing Authority (PHA). Currently, there are 5 open waiting lists and 3 closed lists for various housing assistance programs in the area. These programs aim to help individuals and families access safe and affordable housing by connecting them with available resources.
Among the programs with open waitlists are Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), LIHTC/Multi-Family, Multi-Family Housing, and Project-Based Voucher (PBV). Other programs, such as Federal Programs (Chatham Court), Public Housing, and State Program (Quarry Heights), currently have closed waitlists. The Portland area provides approximately 3,241 assisted housing units. For eligibility, a family of four may qualify as Very Low Income with an annual income up to $64,900, based on the Portland, ME HUD Metro FMR Area for FY2025. MaineHousing serves as the state's housing agency, overseeing various initiatives.
Applicants are encouraged to regularly check for updates on waitlist openings and to apply promptly when lists become available. It is important to carefully review all eligibility requirements for each program before submitting an application to ensure all necessary information is provided accurately and completely.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Portland
To apply for housing assistance in Portland, Maine, submit an application directly to Portland Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 5 waiting lists are accepting applications — apply as soon as possible, as open enrollment periods can close with short notice. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Before applying, gather the following documents for all household members: government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements), and proof of current address. For a family of four in this area, income must be below $64,900/year (Very Low Income threshold) to qualify for most programs. Having these ready before a waitlist opens can be the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Housing programs available in Portland include LIHTC/Multi-Family, Multi-Family Housing, LIHTC, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), State Program (Quarry Heights), Public Housing, Federal Programs (Chatham Court), Multi-Family, RAD, Other. Applying to multiple program types simultaneously improves your chances of receiving assistance. After submitting, you will be placed on the waiting list based on the date of your application and any applicable preferences (veterans, elderly, disabled, working families, or local residents).
Portland, Maine Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Portland, Maine, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Portland, ME HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $64,900 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $129,800.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $27,300 | $45,450 | $72,700 |
| 2 Persons | $31,200 | $51,950 | $83,100 |
| 3 Persons | $35,100 | $58,450 | $93,500 |
| 4 Persons | $38,950 | $64,900 | $103,850 |
| 5 Persons | $42,100 | $70,100 | $112,200 |
| 6 Persons | $45,200 | $75,300 | $120,500 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $80,500 | $128,800 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $85,700 | $137,100 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Portland use these income limits to determine who qualifies for rental assistance. Your total household income before taxes is compared against the limit for your household size.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — Most Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing programs require your income to be at or below this level. This is the primary eligibility threshold.
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households at this level often receive priority on waiting lists. By law, housing authorities must allocate a portion of vouchers to extremely low-income families.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and locally funded initiatives, accept applicants up to this threshold. Contact individual housing authorities below for their specific requirements.
Nearby Cities with Housing Authorities
Applying to nearby cities increases your chances of receiving assistance sooner. These cities are within 75 miles of Portland and have active housing programs.