Berlin, NH

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Berlin, New Hampshire

There are 4 open waiting lists in the Berlin area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 3 housing authorities serving Berlin, New Hampshire 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 Berlin, 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.

3
Agencies
4
Open Now
7
Closed

Affordable Housing in Berlin, New Hampshire

Berlin, New Hampshire is served by 3 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 4 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Berlin area.

Housing programs available in Berlin include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: HCV (2 open), Public Housing (2 open).

Latest Opening

Northumberland Housing Authority opened its HCV waitlist .

About Housing in Berlin, New Hampshire

Affordable housing assistance for residents of Berlin, New Hampshire is primarily administered by three housing authorities: Berlin Housing Authority, Lancaster Housing Authority, and Northumberland Housing Authority. These agencies manage various programs designed to help individuals and families secure stable housing options within the area.

Across these authorities, there are currently 4 waiting lists open for housing programs, with 5 lists presently closed. Programs offered include Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), with 2 open lists out of 3, and Public Housing, also with 2 open lists out of 3. Other programs like Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and RAD are available but currently have no open waiting lists in this area. In total, there are approximately 433 assisted housing units available across the Berlin region. For a family of four in Coos County, the very low-income limit for FY2025 is $55,250 per year.

Prospective applicants should contact the individual housing authorities directly for specific application details and to inquire about open waiting lists. The New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority serves as the state's housing agency and can also be a resource for general information. It is advisable to apply to all programs for which you may be eligible and to keep your contact information updated with each housing authority.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Berlin

To apply for housing assistance in Berlin, New Hampshire, submit an application directly to one of the 3 housing authorities serving the Berlin area (listed above). Right now, 4 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 $55,250/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 Berlin include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), 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).

Berlin, New Hampshire Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Berlin, New Hampshire, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Coos County, NH area. A family of four must earn less than $55,250 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $88,800.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $23,250 $38,700 $61,900
2 Persons $26,550 $44,200 $70,750
3 Persons $29,850 $49,750 $79,600
4 Persons $33,150 $55,250 $88,400
5 Persons $37,650 $59,700 $95,500
6 Persons $43,150 $64,100 $102,550
7 Persons $48,650 $68,550 $109,650
8 Persons $54,150 $72,950 $116,700
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $88,800 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Berlin 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there open Section 8 waiting lists in Berlin?
Yes — there are currently 4 open waiting lists in Berlin, New Hampshire. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Berlin if I don't live there?
In most cases, yes. While some PHAs give preference to local residents, there is no federal rule requiring you to live in a city to apply for its waiting list. Many applicants apply to housing authorities in multiple cities and states simultaneously to increase their chances of receiving assistance.
How long is the wait for Section 8 in Berlin?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Berlin wait times depend on the specific housing authority and program type. Contact the PHA directly for current estimates, and consider applying to multiple PHAs to improve your chances.
All housing authorities in New Hampshire