How do I apply for Section 8 in New Hampshire?

Apply to the local public housing agency that serves the area where you want to live. Each agency runs its own waiting list; check its official site to see whether the list is open.

Section 8 in New Hampshire: Housing Authorities and How to Apply

Section 8 (the Housing Choice Voucher program) is run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). You apply to the agency that serves where you want to live; many keep waiting lists that open only at times. Here are the agencies serving New Hampshire's largest areas, from HUD's official contact list and each agency's site.

Is it illegal for a New Hampshire landlord to refuse Section 8? No. New Hampshire's fair housing law covers age, sex, gender identity, race, religion, color, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability and national origin (and sexual orientation in advertising), but not source of income or housing vouchers. RSA 354-A:10

Housing authorities in New Hampshire

New Hampshire Housing (New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority) — Housing Choice Voucher program — Bedford
Housing Choice Voucher, HCV Homeownership, Family Self-Sufficiency, Special-purpose voucher programs
Phone: (603) 472-8623 or toll-free (800) 439-7247
How to apply / waiting list
Manchester Housing and Redevelopment Authority — Manchester, Hillsborough County
Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing, Low Income Housing Tax Credit properties
Phone: (603) 624-2100
How to apply / waiting list
Nashua Housing and Redevelopment Authority — Nashua, Hillsborough County
Phone: (603) 883-5661
Concord Housing & Redevelopment — Concord, Merrimack County
Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing, Low Income Housing Tax Credit rentals, Market-rate rentals
Phone: 603-224-4059
Portsmouth Housing Authority — Portsmouth, Rockingham County
Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing, Agency-managed affordable properties
Phone: (603) 436-4310
How to apply / waiting list — Section 8 / Housing Choice Voucher list closed; public housing lists open (as of 2026-10-24 per PHA site)
Salem Housing Authority — Salem, Rockingham County
Public Housing (elderly/disabled), Low Income Housing Tax Credit senior housing
Phone: 603-893-6417

Source: HUD public housing agency contact list. Check the agency's own site before applying; waiting lists open and close.

Statewide housing agency

New Hampshire Housing (New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority) — Runs a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program for very low-income households (the wait can be 7 to 9 years), plus voucher homeownership, Family Self-Sufficiency and a page of emergency resources for renters. Salem Housing Authority refers Section 8 applicants to New Hampshire Housing.

Help paying rent in New Hampshire

New Hampshire Housing Housing Choice Voucher Program — Federal Section 8 rent help: very low-income households pay part of their income toward rent and utilities and New Hampshire Housing pays the rest to the landlord. Apply online through the applicant portal or by paper application.

How to apply

Find the housing authority for the city or county where you want to live (list above).
Check whether its voucher waiting list is open; many open for short windows or use a lottery.
Apply only through the agency's official site or office. Applying is free — no one may charge you to get on a list.
Keep your contact information current with the agency so you do not lose your place.
When a voucher is issued, you find a rental whose rent fits the agency's payment standard and that passes inspection.

Rent levels (HUD Fair Market Rent) and local help by county

New Hampshire tenant rights · Free legal help in New Hampshire · Section 8 in other states

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.