How do I apply?

To receive an application for any of the programs that are offered by MHRA you can call MHRA at (603) 624-2100, or visit the main office at 198 Hanover Street, Manchester, NH. You can apply by downloading the following application form here, PDF application form. You need to fill it out, sign it, and return it to MHRA.

What happens once I submit my application:

Once we receive your application, the information you provide will be reviewed to determine preliminary eligibility. If eligible, you will be placed on the waiting list(s) that you have applied for. Within thirty (30) days, you will be mailed a letter giving you an approximate waiting time to be called off the waiting list to determine final eligibility. When your name nears the top of the waiting list, you will be called to come in for an interview, at which time all the information you provided will be verified. If you are determined to be eligible, you will be offered a unit when one becomes available depending on your placement on the waiting list.

Automatic Denial of Placement on the Waiting List:

Former recipients of federal housing assistance who left a program owing back rent or other charges must pay the balance owed before being placed on waiting lists for any of the assisted programs.

HUD  prohibits the admission to  if any member of the  is subject to a lifetime registration requirement under a State sex offender registration program.

HUD also prohibits the admission to federally assisted housing if any household member has ever been convicted for the manufacture or production of methamphetamine.

How can I check my status during the application process?

The waiting time to begin screening or final eligibility varies from months to years from your date of application, depending on the number of bedrooms and type of unit your household requires, your preferences, and the program for which you applied.

It is impossible to determine what numbers families rank on the waiting lists as this number may vary daily. Therefore, MHRA may only provide a rough estimate of when a family might be selected for the final eligibility screening process.

Please refer back to the letter you received after your application was added to the wait list.

Applicants may check their status by calling (603) 624-2100 and following the prompts.

Reporting changes while on the waiting list:

It is the responsibility of the applicant to report changes to MHRA while on the waiting list for any program. If you not report changes to MHRA as they occur, it could result in loss of your place on the waiting list, incurring further waiting times, and/or the cancellation of your application.

What information will I have to provide? Am I eligible?

You will have to provide information documenting each household member, all sources of income in the household, as well as information about assets. All the information that you provide about your income will be carefully verified with employers, banks, and other third party sources to ensure accuracy of eligibility.

A history of drug and/or alcohol related or violent criminal activity which might threaten the health, safety or peaceful existence of others may be grounds for disqualification from eligibility.

Can I request a certain development and/or high-rise building, within the Public Housing Program?

Unit offers are made as units throughout the city become available. MHRA does not keep development-specific waiting lists for public housing. 

Does MHRA meet with people on a walk-in basis or by appointment?

Please call to schedule an appointment if you would like to meet with someone at MHRA at (603) 624-2100.

Does MHRA offer emergency housing?

MHRA does not have emergency housing. There are waiting lists for all properties/programs.  However, if you are already connected with a housing or domestic violence agency and receive services through the Coordinated Entry System, you can contact one of the agencies listed below to see if you are eligible for a referral for an emergency housing voucher.

• If you are already connected with housing support:
  • Contact your housing case manager for further details regarding eligibility.
• If you are not connected with housing support?
  • Contact NH-211 by dialing 211 or 866-444-4211
• If you are fleeing domestic violence?
  • Contact NH-211 OR YWCA of NH (603) 625-5784

Reasonable Accommodations

MHRA complies with the Fair Housing Act and provides reasonable accommodations to those with disabilities.  Should you need further assistance, please contact (603) 624 – 2100 and speak with the operator.

Fair Housing FAQ

What is FAIR HOUSING?

In the sale and rental of housing, it is illegal for anyone to take any of the following actions on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status or familial status:

• Refuse to rent or sell housing
• Refuse to negotiate for housing
• Make housing unavailable
• Deny a dwelling
• Set different terms, conditions or privileges for sale or rental of a dwelling
• Provide different housing services or facilities
• Falsely deny that housing is available for inspection, sale or rental
• For profit, persuade owners to sell or rent
• Deny anyone access to or membership in a facility or service related to the sale or rental of housing.
• Threaten, coerce, intimate or interfere with anyone exercising a fair housing right or assisting others who exercise that right
• Advertise or make any statement that indicates a limitation or preference based on protected categories (above). This prohibition against discriminatory advertising applies to single-family and owner-occupied housing that is otherwise exempt from the Fair Housing Act. 

If I have a disability, can I get more protection?

There are additional protections available if you or someone associated with you has a physical or mental disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities, or has a record of such a disability or is regarded as having such a disability. In these instances, your landlord may not refuse to let you make reasonable modifications to your dwelling or common use areas, at your expense, if necessary for the disabled person to use the housing. Your landlord may also not refuse to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services if necessary for the disabled person to use the housing. Where reasonable, however, the landlord may permit changes only if you agree to restore the property to its original condition when you move.

Who should I contact if my Fair Housing rights have been violated?

If you believe that your rights have been violated, HUD’s Housing Discrimination Complaint Form is available for you to download, complete and return, or complete online and submit at www.HUD.gov; or you may write to or call the local HUD office.