Last Updated
19 hours ago
About Portsmouth Housing Authority
The Portsmouth Housing Authority, located in Portsmouth, Newport County, Rhode Island, administers housing assistance programs for eligible low-income individuals and families. It currently manages both the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and Public Housing.
Both the Housing Choice Voucher program and Public Housing waitlists are currently open for applications. This represents a recent change, as both programs were previously listed as unknown. For applicants, an example of the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Providence-Fall River, RI-MA HUD Metro FMR Area is $57,150 per year. Applicants must meet specific income guidelines to be eligible for assistance.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 6, 2019
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Eligibility is based on annual gross income, age or disability status, and US citizenship or eligible immigration status. To apply, submit an application directly to the housing authority during an open enrollment period.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Includes properties like Quaker Manor for persons aged 62+ and/or disabled, and Quaker Estates for persons aged 62+. Eligibility is based on income, age, disability, and citizenship/immigration status. To apply, call or visit to request an application.
Status History
Official Application
Contact Portsmouth Housing Authority directly at (401) 683-3173 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 (HCV, 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 $57,150/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 (401) 683-3173 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. Wait times vary from 6 months to over 5 years depending on local demand and funding. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Portsmouth Housing Authority
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open
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. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
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. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
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 Providence-Fall River, RI-MA HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $57,150. 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 | $24,050 | $40,050 | $64,050 |
| 2 Persons | $27,450 | $45,750 | $73,200 |
| 3 Persons | $30,900 | $51,450 | $82,350 |
| 4 Persons | $34,300 | $57,150 | $91,450 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $61,750 | $98,800 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $66,300 | $106,100 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $70,900 | $113,400 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $75,450 | $120,750 |
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.