What South Portland Housing Authority does

South Portland Housing Authority (SPHA) is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing in South Portland, Maine. It does not set rent prices across the city or regulate private landlords — it owns and operates its own properties and administers federal housing programs for low-income residents. If you live in one of SPHA's buildings or are looking for a place there, you deal directly with SPHA staff. If you rent from a private landlord in South Portland, SPHA is not your landlord and does not oversee that relationship.

SPHA's main role is to provide stable housing to people whose income falls below certain thresholds. The agency manages public housing units (buildings it owns outright) and administers Housing Choice Vouchers — federal subsidies that let tenants rent from private landlords while SPHA pays part of the rent to the owner. Both programs require you to meet income limits and other conditions set by federal law, not by SPHA alone.

Key Takeaways

  • South Portland Housing Authority owns and operates its own rental buildings and distributes federal Housing Choice Vouchers to income-may have access to residents.
  • To work with SPHA, you must meet federal income limits, which vary by household size and change yearly.
  • SPHA maintains a waiting list for both public housing and vouchers; the list may be closed or have a long wait depending on current demand.
  • You contact SPHA directly to ask about current openings, waiting list status, and what documents you need to bring.
  • SPHA is located in South Portland and serves only residents of that city, not the wider Portland metro area.

Public housing units managed by SPHA

SPHA owns apartment buildings in South Portland where it rents units directly to tenants. These are not subsidized in the way vouchers are — SPHA sets the rent based on your income, typically charging 30 percent of your gross monthly income. The exact rent depends on your household size, income, and which building you live in. You sign a lease with SPHA as your landlord, and SPHA handles maintenance, repairs, and building management.

To move into SPHA public housing, you must meet the income limit for your household size (set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and updated annually) and pass a background check. SPHA also reviews your rental history and may deny housing if you have a record of serious lease violations or criminal activity. Once you are a resident, SPHA can raise your rent if your income rises, and you can request a rent reduction if your income falls.

Housing Choice Vouchers and how they work

A Housing Choice Voucher is a federal subsidy that SPHA gives you to use with a private landlord of your choice. SPHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent (the amount depends on the local market and your income), and you pay the rest — usually 30 percent of your income. You find your own apartment in South Portland, negotiate with the landlord, and once SPHA approves the unit, the voucher takes effect.

The landlord must agree to accept the voucher and sign a contract with SPHA. Not all landlords participate — some prefer to rent at market rate without government involvement. SPHA inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards before approving it. If the landlord later fails to maintain the unit or violates the contract, you can report it to SPHA, which can enforce the agreement or end the voucher.

Vouchers come with restrictions: you cannot use one to rent outside South Portland, and you must stay within the rent limits SPHA sets for your area. If you find an apartment above that limit, you can pay the difference out of pocket, but SPHA will not cover it. You also cannot use a voucher to buy a home — it is rental information only.

Income limits and who can participate

SPHA programs are open only to households whose income is at or below 80 percent of the area median income (AMI) for Cumberland County, Maine. The exact limit depends on your household size. For example, in 2024 the limit for a single person is different from the limit for a family of four. These numbers change yearly, and SPHA updates them each time HUD releases new figures.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. SPHA will ask for proof of identity, Social Security numbers for all household members, and recent pay stubs or tax returns to verify income. If you receive benefits like TANF, SSI, or SNAP, those count as income. Self-employment income is counted too, though SPHA may ask for two years of tax returns to verify it.

Waiting lists and how to get on them

SPHA maintains separate waiting lists for public housing and for Housing Choice Vouchers. Both lists may be open or closed depending on how many people are already waiting and how much funding SPHA has. When a list is closed, SPHA stops taking new names. When it reopens, SPHA may accept applications for a set period — sometimes a few weeks, sometimes longer — and then close again.

To find out whether the lists are open, contact SPHA directly by phone or visit their office in South Portland. Ask specifically which lists are open and what documents you need to bring. If a list is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen and whether you can call back to check. Some housing authorities keep a waiting list even when they are not actively taking applications, so it is worth asking.

Once you are on a waiting list, SPHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. The order in which people are called depends on the program — some use date of process, others use preferences for people with disabilities or other factors. SPHA should tell you how long the wait typically is, though that can change.

How to contact South Portland Housing Authority

SPHA's main office is located in South Portland, Maine. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about waiting list status, current openings, and what you need to bring if you want to explore. Have your household size, income range, and any special needs (such as accessibility requirements) ready when you call.

When you visit or call, ask for a copy of the process and a list of required documents. Typical documents include proof of identity, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters), Social Security cards for all household members, and references from previous landlords or employers. SPHA may also ask for a credit report authorization and permission to run a background check.

If you are already a resident of SPHA housing or hold a voucher, contact the same office to report maintenance issues, request a rent adjustment, or ask about lease changes. SPHA staff can also connect you with other services — some housing authorities partner with nonprofits that offer financial counseling, job training, or other support.

What happens if you are denied or removed

If SPHA denies your process, they must give you a reason in writing. Common reasons include income above the limit, a criminal record, a history of lease violations, or failure to provide required documents. You have the right to request a hearing to dispute the decision. SPHA will tell you how to request one and what the timeline is.

If you are already a resident and SPHA wants to evict you, they must follow Maine's eviction law and give you written notice. The most common reasons are non-payment of rent, lease violations, or criminal activity. You have the right to a hearing before an eviction goes forward. If you are facing eviction, contact a legal aid organization in Maine — many offer free help to low-income tenants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for SPHA housing?

Wait times vary and depend on how many people are ahead of you and how often units become available. SPHA can tell you the current average wait when you call. Some people wait months; others wait years. Ask SPHA to estimate based on the current list size and turnover rate.

Can I use a Housing Choice Voucher outside South Portland?

No. Vouchers issued by South Portland Housing Authority can only be used to rent within South Portland city limits. If you move out of the city, SPHA will end your voucher. Some other housing authorities may issue vouchers that work across multiple towns, but SPHA's do not.

What if my income goes up while I am in SPHA housing?

If you live in SPHA public housing, your rent will increase as your income rises — typically to 30 percent of your new income. If you hold a voucher, your share of the rent may also increase. SPHA will recalculate your income annually and notify you of any change.

Do I need a lease to explore for SPHA housing?

For public housing, no — SPHA will sign a lease with you once you are approved. For a voucher, you do not need a lease to explore, but you will need to find a landlord and a unit before SPHA can issue the voucher. SPHA will then inspect the unit and sign a contract with the landlord.

What if I think SPHA made a mistake on my rent calculation?

Contact SPHA's office and ask to speak with someone in the rent calculation or income verification department. Bring your most recent pay stubs or income documents. If you disagree with their decision, you can request a hearing to have it reviewed by someone outside the initial decision.