About This Property
Emerson Commons offers 39 low-income units in Portland, Maine, serving families with a mix of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments. The property has been in service since 2010 and receives funding through HOME and TCAP programs. The development utilizes 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and is managed to provide affordable rental housing options in Cumberland County.
Waitlist Information
Waitlist managed by Portland Housing Authority
Applications are 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.
The Maine Section 8/HCV Centralized Waiting List is a partnership of 20 Public Housing Authorities in Maine. Applications are accepted indefinitely. Each PHA selects participants according to their local policy. Preferences may be established by each PHA.
Waitlist data provided by section8waitlist.org
Updated June 19, 2026
Property Details
Fair Market Rent - Cumberland County, ME
FMR represents the estimated amount needed to cover rent and utilities for a moderately-priced unit in this area.
| Bedrooms | FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio/Efficiency | $1,035 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,162 |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,527 |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,904 |
| 4 Bedroom | $2,251 |
Income Limits - Cumberland County, ME
Annual income limits by household size used to determine eligibility for affordable housing programs.
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $16,500
- Very Low (50%)
- $27,500
- Low (80%)
- $44,000
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $18,850
- Very Low (50%)
- $31,400
- Low (80%)
- $50,250
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $21,960
- Very Low (50%)
- $35,350
- Low (80%)
- $56,550
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $26,500
- Very Low (50%)
- $39,250
- Low (80%)
- $62,800
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $31,040
- Very Low (50%)
- $42,400
- Low (80%)
- $67,850
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $35,580
- Very Low (50%)
- $45,550
- Low (80%)
- $72,850
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $40,120
- Very Low (50%)
- $48,700
- Low (80%)
- $77,900
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $44,660
- Very Low (50%)
- $51,850
- Low (80%)
- $82,900
| Household | Extremely Low (30%) | Very Low (50%) | Low (80%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $16,500 | $27,500 | $44,000 |
| 2 Persons | $18,850 | $31,400 | $50,250 |
| 3 Persons | $21,960 | $35,350 | $56,550 |
| 4 Persons | $26,500 | $39,250 | $62,800 |
| 5 Persons | $31,040 | $42,400 | $67,850 |
| 6 Persons | $35,580 | $45,550 | $72,850 |
| 7 Persons | $40,120 | $48,700 | $77,900 |
| 8 Persons | $44,660 | $51,850 | $82,900 |
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Tax Credit Program Details
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average rent for affordable housing in Portland, ME?+
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for Cumberland County, ME is: $1035 (Studio), $1162 (1BR), $1527 (2BR), $1904 (3BR), $2251 (4BR). Actual rent at subsidized properties like Emerson Commons is typically 30% of household income or less.
What size apartments are available at Emerson Commons?+
Emerson Commons offers the following unit types: 1 Studio, 10 One-Bedroom, 20 Two-Bedroom, 8 Three-Bedroom units, for a total of 39 units.
Is there a waitlist for Emerson Commons?+
Public Housing waitlist is currently Open. Section 8 (HCV) waitlist is currently Open. Waitlist status can change frequently, so check back regularly or contact the housing authority directly for the most up-to-date information.
Who is eligible to live at Emerson Commons?+
Emerson Commons primarily serves families. All applicants must also meet income eligibility requirements for the area. Contact the property for specific eligibility criteria.
What is the price range for apartments in Portland, ME?+
Based on Fair Market Rent for Cumberland County, the estimated price range is: 1-bedroom: $1162, 2-bedroom: $1527, 3-bedroom: $1904. Actual rent at Emerson Commons may be lower for income-eligible households.
Who manages Emerson Commons?+
Emerson Commons is managed by . You can reach them at . Visit their website for more information.
How do I apply for housing at Emerson Commons?+
Emerson Commons is a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) property. To apply, you can start by calling , or visiting their website, or contacting the property management office. Contact the property to learn about availability and application requirements. Eligibility is based on income limits set for the area.
What are the income limits for affordable housing in Cumberland County, ME?+
For a 4-person household in Cumberland County, ME, the income limits are: Extremely Low Income (30% AMI): $26,500, Very Low Income (50% AMI): $39,250, Low Income (80% AMI): $62,800. These limits are set by HUD and updated annually.
Contact Information
Walk Score
Very Walkable
Nearby Schools
Ratings provided by GreatSchools.org. Ratings are on a 1-10 scale.
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