Portland Housing Authority
Portland, Maine
Last Updated
1 hours ago
About Portland Housing Authority
Portland Housing Authority (PHA), PHA Code ME003, serves Portland, Cumberland County, Maine. PHA manages approximately 3,241 assisted housing units, which include 2,671 Section 8 vouchers and 570 Public Housing units.
Currently, the Portland Housing Authority is accepting applications for several housing programs. These include Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), LIHTC/Multi-Family, Multi-Family Housing, and Project-Based Voucher (PBV) programs. The LIHTC and PBV programs recently changed from an unknown status to open, indicating active waitlists.
For applicants, the very low-income limit for a family of four in the Portland, ME HUD Metro FMR Area is $64,900 per year. Potential applicants should review the specific requirements for each open program.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Apr 10, 2013
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The Maine Section 8/HCV Centralized Waiting List is a partnership of 20 Public Housing Authorities in Maine. Applicants submit one application to the system operated by AffordableHousing.com. Each PHA selects participants based on their local policy. Waiting lists are generally very long and could take years. Applicants should update their application anytime there is a change in family composition, address, phone, email, income or waiting list preferences.
View original notice — affordablehousing.comLow-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
In-person or Mail or Phone
Additional Notes
Applications are for specific Low Income Housing Tax Credit properties. Rentals are income-based, and eligibility guidelines are set by HUD.
LIHTC/Multi-Family Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Applications are open for Low Income Housing Tax Credit properties and Multi-Family properties.
Multi-Family Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
In-person or Mail or Phone
Additional Notes
Applications are for specific Multi-Family properties like 100 State Street. Rentals are income-based with eligibility set by HUD, and rental assistance may be provided.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
PBV waiting lists may be closed due to length, but currently, some are open; applicants must contact individual properties directly. Preferences may include elderly (62+), disabled, or families with minor dependents. Income guidelines and criminal background checks apply.
Other Programs
6 programsThese programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.
We are currently not accepting applications
The Public Housing Waitlist is currently closed and not accepting any new applications. Those already on the waitlist will remain.
We are currently not accepting applications
No explicit information on current waitlist status. Applications are available for Multi-Family properties with Portland Housing Authority.
This application is for 100 State Street apartments (one and two bedrooms), which offers income-based rentals with eligibility guidelines set by HUD. Rental assistance is unit-specific and does not transfer. Printed applications must be delivered to the Portland Housing Authority office, or can be requested by mail or phone.
No specific waiting list status (open/closed) found for Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) for Portland Housing Authority, ME.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Portland Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Go to Official SiteWARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Portland Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Portland Housing Authority currently has 5 open waiting lists (HCV, LIHTC, LIHTC/Multi-Family, Multi-Family Housing, PBV). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Portland Housing Authority, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $64,900/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official Portland Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Portland Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Portland Housing Authority manages approximately 3,241 assisted housing units (2,671 Section 8, 570 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Portland. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Portland Housing Authority
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Portland Housing Authority provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Portland. This program serves approximately 2,671 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
LIHTC open
The LIHTC program at Portland Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Portland. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
LIHTC/Multi-Family open
The LIHTC/Multi-Family program at Portland Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Portland. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Multi-Family Housing open
The Multi-Family Housing program at Portland Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Portland. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher open
Project-Based Vouchers at Portland Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Portland. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.
Federal Programs (Chatham Court) closed
The Federal Programs (Chatham Court) program at Portland Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Portland. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Public Housing Public Housing closed
Public Housing units at Portland Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Portland Housing Authority manages approximately 570 Public Housing units in Portland. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
State Program (Quarry Heights) closed
The State Program (Quarry Heights) program at Portland Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Portland. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Multi-Family closed
The Multi-Family program at Portland Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Portland. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other closed
The Other program at Portland Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Portland. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Portland Housing Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Portland maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Portland Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Portland Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Portland Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Portland Housing Authority?
Portland Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Portland Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Portland, ME HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $64,900. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.
| 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 |
What do these income limits mean?
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to Portland Housing Authority — including across state lines.