Reasonable Accommodations

A Reasonable Accommodation or Modification is a change, exception, or adjustment to a rule, policy, practice, or service that may be necessary for a person with a disability to have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a housing unit; have access to an agency’s facilities, activities, or programs; have access to public and common-use spaces; or access to our waiting lists or Voucher programs. 

A person with a disability may require a special accommodation to have equal access to the programs or housing offered by the Portland Housing Authority (PHA). PHA complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. PHA uses the State of Maine definition of disability which is available here: Maine Legislature Statute website. 

How to Request a Reasonable Accommodation or Modification:

A Request for Reasonable Accommodation may be made in any of the following ways; 

  • Initiate a request by completing this form online:  Secure Reasonable Accommodation Online Form. 
  • or, download, print, and fill out the following form and bring it to your nearest PHA office or fax to (207) 207-761-5886.
  • Or submit a request at our Property Management offices or PHA’s Main Office at 970 Baxter Blvd, Portland, ME 04101. 
    • If PHA offices are closed to the public, applicants can call PHA’s main office number at 207-773-4753.  
  • Or email a Reasonable Accommodation request to this email: RArequest@porthouse.org
    • A secure email will be sent back to you with a reasonable accommodation form attached.  You  can fill out the form, reply to the secure email, and attach the form.  

Staff will assist applicants or residents who need such assistance and will accept requests in alternate formats where requested, including verbally.  PHA will consider the accommodation any time the family indicates that an accommodation is needed whether or not a formal written request is submitted.

If you have questions, please reach out to us at RArequests@porthouse.org.