Portland Housing Authority
Portland, Maine
Last Updated
15 hours ago
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 in Maine. Applicants submit one application to the system operated by AffordableHousing.com. Each PHA selects participants according to their local policy.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Applications for Low Income Housing Tax Credit properties are open and can be requested by mail or picked up in-person. Eligibility requires meeting low-income guidelines, specific criminal background criteria, and citizenship/refugee/asylee status for at least one family member.
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.
Multi-Family Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Applications for Multi-Family properties are open and can be requested by mail or picked up in-person. Eligibility requires meeting low-income guidelines.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
This program is part of PHA's Housing Choice Voucher program. Families who have applied for PBVs are selected according to Chapter 17 of the HCV Administrative Plan.
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.
We are currently not accepting applications
The Public Housing Waitlist is currently closed and not accepting any new applications. Those already on the waitlist will remain.
We are currently not accepting applications
No specific current waiting list status was found for Multi-Family housing.
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.
Go to Official SiteWARNING: 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
Before applying, verify that the waiting list is currently open. Housing authorities only accept applications during designated open periods, which can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.
Gather Required Documents
Most PHAs require: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all household members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. 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 anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list, keep your contact information updated with the PHA. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Wait times vary from 6 months to over 5 years depending on demand. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs Offered at Portland Housing Authority
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
The Housing Choice Voucher program 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 your area. Vouchers are portable, meaning you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
LIHTC
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Portland Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
LIHTC/Multi-Family
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Portland Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Multi-Family Housing
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Portland Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher
Project-Based Vouchers are attached to specific apartment complexes or units. 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.
Federal Programs (Chatham Court)
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Portland Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Public Housing Public Housing
Public Housing units are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Units range from apartments to townhomes and are maintained by the PHA. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
State Program (Quarry Heights)
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Portland Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Multi-Family
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Portland Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
RAD
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Portland Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
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?
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.