Portsmouth Housing Authority
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Last Updated
18 hours ago
About Portsmouth Housing Authority
The Portsmouth Housing Authority (PHA Code: NH004) is located in Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire. This authority oversees approximately 913 assisted housing units, which include 492 Section 8 tenant-based vouchers and 421 Public Housing units.
Currently, waitlists are open for two of the PHA's programs: the "Other" program and its Public Housing offerings.
Prospective applicants should note the income limits; for a family of four, the Very Low Income limit is $70,650 per year, applicable to the Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area. It is advisable for applicants to verify the current status of waitlists and program availability directly with the housing authority.
Other Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
This 2-bedroom program for 80% AMI is for individuals or families of 2 or more, any age, and has preferences for wheelchair users or households needing no-steps.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 20, 2025
How to Apply
In-person, Mail
Additional Notes
Preferences include Elderly, Live, Work, or Attend School Locally, Veterans, and Disabled applicants. Income must be less than 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Separate applications are required for Betty's Dream Rainbow Apartments, reserved for physically handicapped individuals. The waiting time can range from 1 to 3 years.
Opening Soon
1 upcomingSection 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Current Status
Currently Closed — Opens May 1, 2026
Details
The online application portal is currently closed for software conversion, but a new online portal is announced to open in May 2026.
Other Programs
5 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.
This waitlist for 1 & 2-bedroom units is currently closed and not accepting applications.
This waitlist for 1-bedroom units is currently closed and not accepting applications.
This waitlist for 1-bedroom units is currently closed and not accepting applications.
This property is reserved for physically handicapped individuals and has a separate application process; contact Property Managers at bettysdream@nh-pha.com or 603-436-4310 ext. 133.
This property is reserved for physically handicapped individuals and has its own separate application process not covered by the preliminary application.
Status History
Official Application
Contact Portsmouth Housing Authority directly at (603) 436-4310 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Contact the housing authority directly for application information.
WARNING: 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 Portsmouth Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Portsmouth Housing Authority currently has 2 open waiting lists (Other, Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Portsmouth 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 $70,650/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
Contact Portsmouth Housing Authority directly at (603) 436-4310 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Portsmouth Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Portsmouth Housing Authority manages approximately 913 assisted housing units (492 Section 8, 421 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Portsmouth. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Portsmouth Housing Authority
Other open
The Other program at Portsmouth Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Portsmouth. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements. The application window closes on December 26, 2030.
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at Portsmouth Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Portsmouth Housing Authority manages approximately 421 Public Housing units in Portsmouth. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Atlantic Heights closed
The Atlantic Heights program at Portsmouth Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Portsmouth. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Connors Cottage closed
The Connors Cottage program at Portsmouth Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Portsmouth. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth. This program serves approximately 492 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Lafayette School closed
The Lafayette School program at Portsmouth Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Portsmouth. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Betty's Dream Rainbow Apartments closed
The Betty's Dream Rainbow Apartments program at Portsmouth Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Portsmouth. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other (Betty's Dream Rainbow Apartments) closed
The Other (Betty's Dream Rainbow Apartments) program at Portsmouth Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Portsmouth. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Portsmouth Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Portsmouth Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Portsmouth Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Portsmouth Housing Authority?
Portsmouth Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Portsmouth Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $70,650. 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 | $29,700 | $49,500 | $72,950 |
| 2 Persons | $33,950 | $56,550 | $83,400 |
| 3 Persons | $38,200 | $63,600 | $93,800 |
| 4 Persons | $42,400 | $70,650 | $104,200 |
| 5 Persons | $45,800 | $76,350 | $112,550 |
| 6 Persons | $49,200 | $82,000 | $120,900 |
| 7 Persons | $52,600 | $87,650 | $129,250 |
| 8 Persons | $56,000 | $93,300 | $137,550 |
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 Portsmouth Housing Authority — including across state lines.