New Hampshire Section 8 Housing
/New Hampshire’s affordable housing crisis is severe, with only 35 affordable rental homes available for every 100 extremely low-income households. Median rents exceed $1,400 per month, leaving many residents unable to secure stable housing. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is a critical resource, helping low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities access safe, affordable housing in the private market.
This guide outlines New Hampshire’s 2025 Section 8 program, including updated income limits, application procedures, and Fair Market Rents (FMRs). Understanding these details is essential to addressing the state’s growing housing challenges.
Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing in New Hampshire?
The Section 8 housing program in New Hampshire is intended for low-income individuals and families who need assistance in affording decent, safe, and sanitary housing. To be eligible for Section 8 housing in New Hampshire, applicants must meet certain requirements, including:
Income Limits: The applicant's household income must be below a certain limit, which is based on the area median income (AMI) for the region where they live. Income limits vary depending on the size of the household, with larger households having higher income limits.
Citizen Status: At least one member of the household must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status.
Background Checks: Applicants must pass a criminal background check and a screening for drug and alcohol use.
Rent History: Applicants must have a good rental history, with no outstanding debts or evictions.
In addition to these requirements, certain priority categories may be eligible for expedited processing of their Section 8 housing application. These categories include:
Homeless households
Households with children
Households that are paying more than 50% of their income on rent
Households that are living in substandard housing conditions
Ultimately, the Section 8 housing program in New Hampshire is designed to prioritize those with the greatest need for affordable housing.
What is the Maximum Amount of Rent That Section 8 Will Pay in New Hampshire?
HUD determines Fair Market Rents (FMRs) annually to establish the maximum subsidy amounts for Section 8 housing. Tenants typically pay 30% of their adjusted income toward rent, with Section 8 vouchers covering the remainder up to the FMR. If a unit’s rent exceeds the FMR, tenants must pay the difference.
Income Limits for Section 8 Housing in New Hampshire
To be eligible for the Section 8 housing program in New Hampshire, applicants must have a household income that is below a certain limit, which is determined by the area median income (AMI) for the region where they live. The income limits for Section 8 housing in New Hampshire vary based on the size of the household and the region where they live.
Income for Section 8 housing eligibility is calculated based on the gross income of all members of the household. This includes income from all sources, such as wages, salaries, tips, self-employment income, and any other income sources.
The following table shows the current income limits for affordable housing in New Hampshire.
Its worth noting that adjustments for family size and other factors are made when calculating income for Section 8 housing eligibility. For example, deductions may be made for dependents, elderly or disabled members of the household, or high medical expenses.
Fair Market Rents for Section 8 Housing in New Hampshire
Fair market rent (FMR) is the amount of rent that would be expected for a similar rental unit in a given area. For the Section 8 housing program in New Hampshire, FMR is used to determine the maximum amount of rent that the voucher will cover.
FMR is calculated annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is based on the average rental prices for similar units in the area. FMR is determined for each metropolitan area and non-metropolitan county in the United States, and it takes into account the size of the rental unit and the number of bedrooms.
In New Hampshire, FMR varies depending on the region of the state. The following list shows general Fair Market rents in New Hampshire.
Note that FMR is intended to be a reasonable estimate of the typical rental price in a given area. Actual rental prices may vary based on the location and condition of the unit, as well as other factors.
How Do I Apply for Section 8 Housing in New Hampshire?
The application process for Section 8 housing in New Hampshire is designed to be simple and straightforward. The following is an overview of the application process:
Find Your Local Housing Authority: Locate the housing authority serving your area. Major offices include:
Complete an Application: Submit required information, including proof of income, identification, and household composition. (Get started here.)
Provide Supporting Documentation: Ensure all necessary documents, such as pay stubs and immigration paperwork, are included.
Wait for Placement: Due to high demand, applicants are often placed on waiting lists that prioritize by need.
When applying for Section 8 housing in New Hampshire, it is important to provide all required documentation and to follow up with the housing authority if you have any questions or concerns about your application. By doing so, you can help ensure that your application is processed as quickly and efficiently as possible.
New Hampshire Housing Authorities
New Hampshire housing authorities play a critical role in administering the Section 8 housing program in the state. These authorities are responsible for determining eligibility for the program, processing applications, and providing support to eligible participants.
The following is a list of Housing Authorities in New Hampshire.
| Housing Authority | Contact Information | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Concord Housing + Redevelopment | 7 Wall Street, Concord, NH 03301 Phone: (603) 224-6669 |
Visit Website |
| Nashua Housing Authority | 30 Temple Street, Nashua, NH 03060 Phone: (603) 882-9066 |
Visit Website |
| Manchester Housing and Redevelopment Authority | 198 Hanover Street, Manchester, NH 03104 Phone: (603) 624-2100 |
Visit Website |
| Portsmouth Housing Authority | 245 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801 Phone: (603) 436-4310 |
Visit Website |
In addition to administering the Section 8 housing program, New Hampshire housing authorities provide a range of other services to residents of the state. These services may include:
Property Management: Many New Hampshire housing authorities manage affordable housing units in their area, including both public housing and privately owned units.
Rent Assistance: Some New Hampshire housing authorities provide rent assistance programs for low-income households who do not qualify for Section 8 housing.
Homeownership Assistance: Some New Hampshire housing authorities offer programs to help eligible participants become homeowners, including down payment assistance and other forms of financial support.
Counseling and Education: Many New Hampshire housing authorities offer counseling and education programs for tenants, including financial counseling, credit counseling, and tenant education programs.
Overall, New Hampshire housing authorities play an important role in ensuring that eligible residents of the state have access to safe, decent, and affordable housing options. By providing a range of services and support to eligible participants, these authorities help to ensure that low-income households have the resources they need to thrive.
Section 8 Housing Waiting List in New Hampshire
Due to high demand for affordable housing in New Hampshire, there is often a waiting list for Section 8 housing. When the waiting list is open, eligible applicants can apply to be placed on the list, which is then used to determine the order in which participants receive Section 8 housing vouchers.
The waiting list process for Section 8 housing in New Hampshire may vary depending on the housing authority that serves your area. Some housing authorities use a lottery system to determine placement on the waiting list, while others use a first-come, first-served system. The following list shows the current waiting list status for housing authorities in New Hampshire.
| Housing Authority | Waiting List Status |
|---|---|
| Concord Housing + Redevelopment | OPEN |
| Nashua Housing Authority | OPEN |
| Manchester Housing and Redevelopment Authority | CLOSED |
| Portsmouth Housing Authority | CLOSED |
If you have applied for Section 8 housing in New Hampshire and are on the waiting list, you may be wondering how to check the status of your application. To do so, you can contact the housing authority that serves your area and ask about the status of your application.
How Long Does it Take to Get Approved for Section 8 in New Hampshire?
The time it takes to get approved for Section 8 housing in New Hampshire can vary based on several factors, including the availability of funding, the number of applicants, and the efficiency of the housing authority processing the applications.
On average, it can take several weeks to several months to receive approval for Section 8 housing in New Hampshire. However, wait times may be longer during periods of high demand or when funding is limited.
Factors that can affect the approval process for Section 8 housing include the completeness and accuracy of the application, the availability of required documentation, and any other eligibility requirements that must be met. To expedite the Section 8 approval process in New Hampshire, there are several tips that eligible participants can follow. These may include:
Submitting a complete and accurate application with all required documentation
Following up with the housing authority to ensure that all necessary steps are being taken to process your application
Being responsive to requests for additional information or documentation
Checking the status of your application regularly and being proactive in following up with the housing authority if there are any delays or issues
The time it takes to get approved for Section 8 housing in New Hampshire can vary based on the above-mentioned factors. However, by staying informed and following up with the housing authority, eligible participants can help ensure that their application is processed as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Other Low-Income Housing Options in New Hampshire
Beyond Section 8, residents in New Hampshire have access to several alternative housing programs. Public housing provides subsidized rental units managed by local housing authorities, offering a reliable option for low-income households.
Additionally, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties make affordable rentals available through federal tax incentives for developers. State initiatives, such as the New Hampshire Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), deliver short-term relief for renters facing financial hardship.
For further details, contact the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority.
Looking Forward: Section 8 and the Future of Housing in New Hampshire
Section 8 housing remains a cornerstone of affordable housing solutions in New Hampshire, offering critical support to low-income families. With updated limits and processes in 2025, the program continues to adapt to the state’s housing challenges, ensuring more residents can secure safe and stable homes.
