Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Portland, Tennessee
All waiting lists in Portland are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Portland, Tennessee 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 Portland, 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 Portland, Tennessee
Portland, Tennessee is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Portland are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 33 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Portland include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Portland right now, there are 33 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 Portland, Tennessee
Affordable housing options in Portland, Tennessee are primarily administered by the Portland Housing Authority. Currently, all four of their waiting lists are closed, with no open lists for new applications. Programs available through the Portland Housing Authority include Federal Programs such as Chatham Court, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Public Housing, and a State Program known as Quarry Heights. These programs collectively provide approximately 120 assisted housing units in the Portland area.
To qualify for most affordable housing programs, applicants must meet specific income limits based on family size and area median income. For instance, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN HUD Metro FMR Area is $57,400 per year for FY2025. It's important to remember that these limits can vary by program and are subject to change annually. The Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) serves as the state housing agency and can offer additional resources or information on state-level programs. Given that waitlists are currently closed, individuals seeking housing assistance in Portland should directly contact the Portland Housing Authority for updates on when applications might reopen and to understand specific eligibility requirements.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Portland
To apply for housing assistance in Portland, Tennessee, submit an application directly to Portland Housing Authority, 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 $57,400/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 Portland include Federal Programs (Chatham Court), State Program (Quarry Heights), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing. 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).
Portland, Tennessee Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Portland, Tennessee, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $57,400 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $114,800.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $24,150 | $40,200 | $64,300 |
| 2 Persons | $27,600 | $45,950 | $73,500 |
| 3 Persons | $31,050 | $51,700 | $82,700 |
| 4 Persons | $34,450 | $57,400 | $91,850 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $62,000 | $99,200 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $66,600 | $106,550 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $71,200 | $113,900 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $75,800 | $121,250 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Portland 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 Portland and have active housing programs.