Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Rochester, New Hampshire
All waiting lists in Rochester are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Rochester, 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 Rochester, 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 Rochester, New Hampshire
Rochester, New Hampshire is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Rochester are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 76 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Rochester include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Rochester right now, there are 76 open lists within 50 miles. Most housing authorities accept applications from non-residents, so applying in neighboring cities is a practical strategy. Scroll down to "Nearby Cities" below for options.
About Housing in Rochester, New Hampshire
Rochester, New Hampshire, is served by one primary housing authority: the Housing Authority of the City of Rochester. This agency provides various forms of affordable housing assistance. Currently, there are 0 open waiting lists for housing programs in Rochester, with 2 lists reported as closed.
Programs available through the Housing Authority of the City of Rochester include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program (1 list, currently closed), Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program (1 list, currently closed), and Public Housing (1 list, currently closed). Across the Rochester area, there are approximately 422 assisted housing units available. For those seeking assistance, the income limit for a very low-income family of four is $70,250 per year, based on the FY2025 income limits for the Portsmouth-Rochester, NH HUD Metro FMR Area.
The New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority is the state housing agency. Prospective applicants in Rochester should monitor the Housing Authority of the City of Rochester for any future announcements regarding waiting list openings. It is advisable to review eligibility criteria carefully and prepare necessary documentation in advance to be ready when applications are accepted again.
Housing Authorities in Rochester
How to Apply for Section 8 in Rochester
To apply for housing assistance in Rochester, New Hampshire, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of the City of Rochester, the housing authority serving this area. All waitlists are currently closed, but openings happen with as little as 48 hours 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 $70,250/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 Rochester include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). 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).
Rochester, New Hampshire Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Rochester, New Hampshire, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Portsmouth-Rochester, NH HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $70,250 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $140,500.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $29,550 | $49,200 | $72,950 |
| 2 Persons | $33,750 | $56,200 | $83,400 |
| 3 Persons | $37,950 | $63,250 | $93,800 |
| 4 Persons | $42,150 | $70,250 | $104,200 |
| 5 Persons | $45,550 | $75,900 | $112,550 |
| 6 Persons | $48,900 | $81,500 | $120,900 |
| 7 Persons | $52,300 | $87,150 | $129,250 |
| 8 Persons | $55,650 | $92,750 | $137,550 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Rochester 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 Rochester and have active housing programs.