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Portland Housing Authority
Portland, Maine
Last Updated
9 hours ago
About Portland Housing Authority
Portland Housing Authority (PHA), PHA Code ME003, serves Portland, Cumberland County, Maine. PHA manages approximately 3,241 assisted housing units, which include 2,671 Section 8 vouchers and 570 Public Housing units.
Currently, the Portland Housing Authority is accepting applications for several housing programs. These include Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), LIHTC/Multi-Family, Multi-Family Housing, and Project-Based Voucher (PBV) programs. The LIHTC and PBV programs recently changed from an unknown status to open, indicating active waitlists.
For applicants, the very low-income limit for a family of four in the Portland, ME HUD Metro FMR Area is $64,900 per year. Potential applicants should review the specific requirements for each open program.
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Affordable Rental Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Additional Notes
Applications are accepted for various properties including Bayside Anchor, Solterra, Washington Gardens, Harbor Terrace, Front Street, Riverton Park, Sagamore Village, 155 Anderson St., 43 Hammond St., 81/87 Salem St., Dermot Court, and Equality Commons. Some units may have capped/affordable rents or market rate units.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Apr 10, 2013
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The Maine Section 8/HCV Centralized Waiting List is a partnership of 20 Public Housing Authorities. Applications are accepted indefinitely. Each PHA selects participants according to their local policy. Preferences may be established by each PHA.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Applications for low-income tax credit housing are accepted by downloading the packet and delivering it to the office, or by requesting an application by mail.
LIHTC (Affordable Rental Housing) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online, In-person, or Mail
Additional Notes
Portland Housing Authority is currently accepting new applications for the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Waitlist.
LIHTC/Affordable Rental Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Applications are open for Low Income Housing Tax Credit properties and Multi-Family Housing.
LIHTC/Multi-Family Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Applications are open for Low Income Housing Tax Credit properties and Multi-Family properties.
LIHTC/Multi-Family Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Applications are open for Low Income Housing Tax Credit properties and Multi-Family Housing. These applications are for specific properties such as Bayside Anchor, Solterra, Washington Gardens, and 100 State Street, with rentals being income-based according to HUD guidelines.
Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
In-person or Mail
Additional Notes
Applications for LIHTC housing are currently being accepted. These properties may include units tied to Project Based Vouchers, have capped/affordable rents, or market rate units.
Multi-Family Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Additional Notes
Applications are accepted for 100 State Street, an affordable housing community. Rentals are income-based and eligibility guidelines are set by HUD.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
May 1, 2019
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The Section 8 Project-Based Voucher waiting list is open. Selection is made according to Chapter 17 of the Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan, and applicants can contact PHA or the property owner directly.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Additional Notes
Applications are accepted for Franklin Towers, Bayside East, Bayside Terrace, and Kennedy Park. The website asks 'Is there a waiting list for public housing?' and 'What happens when my name comes to the top of the waiting list?', implying an open waitlist.
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.
Federal Programs (Chatham Court) are currently not accepting applications. [9]
The State Program at Quarry Heights is currently not accepting applications. [4, 9]
No explicit information on current waitlist status. Applications are available for Multi-Family properties with Portland Housing Authority.
This application is for 100 State Street apartments (one and two bedrooms), which offers income-based rentals with eligibility guidelines set by HUD. Rental assistance is unit-specific and does not transfer. Printed applications must be delivered to the Portland Housing Authority office, or can be requested by mail or phone.
No specific waiting list status (open/closed) found for Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) for Portland Housing Authority, ME.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Portland Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
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 Portland Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Portland Housing Authority currently has 11 open waiting lists (Affordable Rental Housing, HCV, LIHTC, LIHTC (Affordable Rental Housing), LIHTC/Affordable Rental Housing, LIHTC/Multi-Family, LIHTC/Multi-Family Housing, Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), Multi-Family Housing, PBV, Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Portland 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 $64,900/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
Apply directly through the official Portland Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Portland Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Portland Housing Authority manages approximately 3,241 assisted housing units (2,671 Section 8, 570 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Portland. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Portland Housing Authority
Affordable Rental Housing open
The Affordable Rental Housing program at Portland Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Portland. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Portland 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 Portland. This program serves approximately 2,671 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
LIHTC open
The LIHTC program at Portland Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Portland. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
LIHTC (Affordable Rental Housing) open
The LIHTC (Affordable Rental Housing) program at Portland Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Portland. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
LIHTC/Affordable Rental Housing open
The LIHTC/Affordable Rental Housing program at Portland Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Portland. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
LIHTC/Multi-Family open
The LIHTC/Multi-Family program at Portland Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Portland. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
LIHTC/Multi-Family Housing open
The LIHTC/Multi-Family Housing program at Portland Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Portland. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) open
The Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program at Portland Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Portland. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Multi-Family Housing open
The Multi-Family Housing program at Portland Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Portland. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher open
Project-Based Vouchers at Portland Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Portland. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at Portland Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Portland Housing Authority manages approximately 570 Public Housing units in Portland. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Federal Programs (Chatham Court) closed
The Federal Programs (Chatham Court) program at Portland Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Portland. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
State Program (Quarry Heights) closed
The State Program (Quarry Heights) program at Portland Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Portland. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Multi-Family closed
The Multi-Family program at Portland Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Portland. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other closed
The Other program at Portland Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Portland. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Portland Housing Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Portland maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Portland Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Portland Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Portland Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Portland Housing Authority?
Portland Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Portland Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Portland, ME HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $64,900. 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 | $27,300 | $45,450 | $72,700 |
| 2 Persons | $31,200 | $51,950 | $83,100 |
| 3 Persons | $35,100 | $58,450 | $93,500 |
| 4 Persons | $38,950 | $64,900 | $103,850 |
| 5 Persons | $42,100 | $70,100 | $112,200 |
| 6 Persons | $45,200 | $75,300 | $120,500 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $80,500 | $128,800 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $85,700 | $137,100 |
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 Portland Housing Authority — including across state lines.