Click here to request a Reasonable Accommodation

People with disabilities may need a reasonable accommodation in order to take full advantage of PHA’s housing programs and related services.  When such accommodations are granted, they do not confer special treatment or advantage for the person with a disability; rather, they make the program accessible to them in a way that would otherwise not be possible due to their disability.  This policy clarifies how people can request accommodations and the guidelines PHA will follow in determining whether it is reasonable to provide a requested accommodation.  Because disabilities are not always apparent, the Portland Housing Authority will ensure that all applicants/tenants are aware of the opportunity to request reasonable accommodations.

Applicants or residents may make reasonable accommodation requests at any time and may make them verbally. PHA will encourage the family to make its request in writing using a reasonable accommodation request form. However, PHA will consider the accommodation any time the family indicates that an accommodation is needed whether or not a formal written request is submitted.

Request for Reasonable Accommodation forms may be obtained from Property Management offices or PHA’s Main Office at 14 Baxter Blvd, Portland, ME 04101. These forms are not required but are preferred. Staff will assist applicants or residents who need such assistance and will accept requests in alternate format, if necessary, because of a disability.  At the time a request is made, the person making the request will receive a date-stamped receipt and information necessary to track their request.

If PHA offices are closed to the public, applicants shall call PHA’s main office number at 207-773-4753 to request a reasonable accommodation.  Residents should call their Property Management office to request a reasonable accommodation.  If the resident does not hear back within 24 hours, the resident shall call PHA’s main office number at 207-773-4753 to request a reasonable accommodation. 

Alternatively, a reasonable accommodation request can be initiated by clicking the link at the top of this page.  A secure email will be sent to requestor with a reasonable accommodation form attached.  The requestor can fill out the form, reply to secure email, and attach the form.  A PHA staff member will confirm receipt of the request and give the information necessary to track their request.

PHA will keep an internal log of all reasonable accommodation requests that will track the name and address of the requestor, the date the request was received, the status of the request, the date the request was officially reviewed, the outcome of the request, and any other information pertinent to the request.  The Director of Property Management, the Director of Voucher Programs, and  Property Managers will request updates for any requests still pending on a weekly basis from PHA staff processing the request.