Where HUD Programs Are Run in New Hampshire

HUD programs in New Hampshire are managed through local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in each city and county, not through a single state office. The largest is the Manchester Housing Authority, which serves Manchester and surrounding areas. Other major authorities include the Nashua Housing Authority, Portsmouth Housing Authority, and Concord Housing Authority. Each authority runs its own Section 8 voucher program, public housing, and sometimes emergency rental information.

New Hampshire does not have a centralized state housing agency that coordinates all HUD programs. Instead, you contact the authority that covers your city or town directly. If you are unsure which authority serves your area, call 211 (a free referral line) and give them your town name — they will tell you which PHA to reach out to and whether their programs are currently open to new people.

The state also has a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program run through the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority, which funds some local housing repair and rental information programs. These vary by town and are often smaller than the main PHA programs.

Key Takeaways

  • New Hampshire has no single state housing office; you explore directly to the Public Housing Authority in your city or county.
  • The Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth, and Concord housing authorities are the largest, but smaller towns have their own authorities too.
  • Calling 211 will tell you which authority serves your town and whether they are currently accepting new people.
  • Section 8 waiting lists in New Hampshire often have long waits; some authorities close their lists when they reach capacity.
  • Emergency rental information and public housing programs vary by authority and may have different income limits and rules.

How to Find Your Local Public Housing Authority

Start by identifying which town or city you live in, then search for "[Your Town Name] Housing Authority" online. Most authorities have a website with their address, phone number, and office hours. If you cannot find a website, call your town clerk's office — they can direct you to the right authority.

If you live in a small town without its own authority, you are likely served by a regional authority. For example, towns in Strafford County may be served by the Rochester Housing Authority. Again, 211 is the fastest way to confirm: call them, give your address, and they will name the authority and provide contact details.

Once you have the authority's phone number, call and ask which programs they currently have open. Do not assume a program exists in your area just because it exists elsewhere in the state. Some authorities run Section 8 vouchers, some run public housing, some run both, and some run neither.

Section 8 Vouchers and Waiting Lists in New Hampshire

Section 8 vouchers let you rent from a private landlord while the program pays part of your rent. In New Hampshire, the largest Section 8 programs are in Manchester, Nashua, and Portsmouth. However, most of these programs have closed their waiting lists because they have more people waiting than they can serve.

When a waiting list is closed, you cannot add your name. When it reopens — which may be months or years later — the authority will announce it publicly and give a window of time to explore. You can call your local authority every few months to ask whether their list has reopened. Some authorities maintain a "future applicant list" where you can register your interest, and they will contact you when the main list opens.

If your local authority's Section 8 list is closed, ask whether they run public housing or whether they know of other programs in nearby towns that might be open. You can also ask about emergency rental information or other temporary programs while you wait.

Public Housing and Other Programs by Authority

Public housing means you rent an apartment owned and managed by the housing authority itself. New Hampshire has public housing in most major cities, though the number of units is smaller than in larger states. Waiting lists for public housing also tend to be long, but they are sometimes shorter than Section 8 lists in the same area.

Some authorities run Project-Based Vouchers, where the subsidy is tied to a specific building rather than to you as a tenant. These are less flexible than regular Section 8 (you cannot move to a different building) but may have shorter waits because fewer people know about them.

A few authorities also administer emergency rental information funded through federal COVID relief or state funds. These programs help people who are behind on rent or facing eviction. Unlike Section 8, emergency information is temporary and does not require you to be on a waiting list — you explore when the fund is open, and if you meet the income and hardship requirements, you may receive help within weeks.

Income Limits and What Documents You Will Need

Income limits for HUD programs in New Hampshire vary by family size and by program. Section 8 and public housing typically use the same income limits, which are set by HUD each year and published by each authority. For a single person, the limit is usually around $35,000 to $40,000 per year; for a family of four, around $55,000 to $65,000. These numbers change annually, so ask your authority for the current year's limits.

When you explore, you will need to bring proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of identity (driver's license or state ID), and proof of residency (a utility bill or lease in your name). If you receive benefits like Social Security or TANF, bring a recent award letter. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of your job search or a letter explaining why you cannot work.

You will also need to provide information about everyone in your household, including children and any non-relatives living with you. The authority will run a background check and may contact previous landlords to verify your rental history.

Timelines and What to Expect After You explore

After you submit an process to a housing authority, the timeline depends on the program. For Section 8, if your name is called from the waiting list, the authority will contact you to schedule an interview and verify your information — this can take weeks or months depending on how many people are ahead of you. Once you are approved, you receive a voucher and have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a landlord who will accept it.

For public housing, the process is similar: you explore, wait your turn on the list, interview when called, and then move into an available unit. The wait depends on how many units are available and how many people are ahead of you.

For emergency rental information, the timeline is much faster — often two to four weeks from process to payment — but the fund may close once money runs out. Ask your authority whether the fund is currently open and how long it typically takes to process applications.

What to Do If Your Local Authority Cannot Help

If your local authority's programs are full or closed, you have several options. First, ask whether they know of other authorities in nearby towns with shorter waits. Some people in border areas can explore to authorities in neighboring towns if they are willing to move.

Second, look into state and local rental information programs that are not run by the housing authority. Some New Hampshire towns have their own emergency funds or partner with nonprofits to help renters. Call 211 and describe your situation — they can tell you what programs exist in your area and whether you might be able to use them.

Third, contact nonprofit housing organizations in New Hampshire, such as the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority or local community action agencies. These organizations sometimes run their own programs or can connect you to resources the housing authority does not offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Section 8 waiting list in New Hampshire?

Waiting times vary widely by authority. Manchester and Nashua have lists with waits of several years, while smaller authorities may have shorter waits or may not have a waiting list at all because their list is closed. Call your local authority to ask how many people are on the list and roughly how long it takes to reach the top.

Can I explore to more than one housing authority at the same time?

Yes. If you live near the border between two towns or if you are willing to move, you can explore to multiple authorities. However, once you are offered a voucher or a unit, you must accept it or your name may be removed from all lists, so explore only to areas where you are actually willing to live.

What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?

Housing authorities run background checks and may deny you based on criminal history or past evictions. However, they cannot automatically deny you — they must consider the nature of the offense, how long ago it happened, and your circumstances since then. If you are denied, ask the authority to explain their decision in writing and whether you can appeal.

Do I have to live in New Hampshire to explore for a New Hampshire housing authority program?

Most authorities require you to live or work in their service area. Some require you to already live in the town; others allow you to explore if you plan to move there. Call your local authority and ask about their residency requirement before you explore.

What is the difference between Section 8 and public housing?

Section 8 gives you a voucher to rent from any private landlord who accepts it; you choose the apartment. Public housing means you rent an apartment owned by the authority; they assign you to an available unit. Section 8 usually offers more choice, but public housing sometimes has shorter waiting lists.