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South Portland Housing Authority
South Portland, Maine
Last Updated
12 hours ago
About South Portland Housing Authority
The South Portland Housing Authority (PHA Code: ME020) serves South Portland, Cumberland County, Maine. This authority manages approximately 740 assisted housing units, specifically 740 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Currently, the "Other" program type is open for applications. Several programs are closed to new applicants, including the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program, Public Housing, and RAD programs. Recent activity indicates that both the RAD program and the PBV program have changed from an open to a closed status.
For applicants, the income limit for a Very Low Income family of four in the Portland, ME HUD Metro FMR Area is $64,900 per year. Applicants should directly verify specific program requirements and eligibility criteria for the currently open "Other" program type.
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Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The South Portland Housing Authority utilizes the Maine Centralized Section 8/HCV Waiting List, where preferences may include persons with disabilities, veterans, or homeless persons.
Other Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
SPHA lists several properties under 'SPHA Housing Waiting Lists' that are currently accepting applications, including Mill Cove Apartments (for elderly 62+/handicapped/disabled), Adam Court (handicapped, 2-bedroom), Ridgeland Estates (55+), Ridgeland Gardens (55+), Betsy Ross House, Betsy Ross Crossing (new 55+ community), and Landry Woods (new building 55+). Most SPHA properties have preferences for South Portland residency (live/work), veterans, and victims of federally declared natural disasters.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 1, 2026
How to Apply
In-person, Mail
Additional Notes
Application effective January 1, 2026. General preferences include residency (live or work in South Portland), veterans, and victims of federally declared natural disasters. Specific property preferences apply for elderly (55+, 62+), disabled, families, or those on Section 8/Public Housing waitlists.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
In-person, Mail, Phone
Additional Notes
The waiting list typically opens twice a year. Preferences include residency in South Portland, veterans, victims of natural disasters, and age/disability for specific properties.
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 1, 2026
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
General preferences for SPHA properties may apply, including residency, veterans, and federally declared disaster victims.
SPHA Housing Properties Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 1, 2026
Closing Date
Dec 31, 2026
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
This pre-application covers various SPHA housing developments and programs, including affordable housing and project-based vouchers; preferences often include South Portland residency, veterans, victims of natural disasters, and specific age/disability criteria for certain properties.
Other Programs
1 programThese 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.
Mainstream Vouchers provide rental assistance specifically for non-elderly persons with disabilities. The program helps individuals transition out of institutional settings or avoid institutionalization by subsidizing housing costs in the private market.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official South 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 South Portland Housing Authority
Check Current Status
South Portland Housing Authority currently has 6 open waiting lists (HCV, Other, PBV, Public Housing, RAD, SPHA Housing Properties). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at South 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 South Portland Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at South Portland Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. South Portland Housing Authority manages approximately 740 assisted housing units (740 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in South Portland. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at South Portland Housing Authority
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open
The Housing Choice Voucher program at South 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 South Portland. This program serves approximately 740 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Other open
The Other program at South Portland Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in South Portland. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher open
Project-Based Vouchers at South Portland Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in South 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 South Portland 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.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration open
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at South Portland Housing Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in South Portland maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
SPHA Housing Properties open
The SPHA Housing Properties program at South Portland Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in South Portland. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements. The application window closes on December 31, 2026.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed
Mainstream Vouchers at South Portland Housing Authority are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at South Portland Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at South Portland Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact South Portland Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for South Portland Housing Authority?
South Portland Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the South 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 South Portland Housing Authority — including across state lines.