Housing

HOUSING RESOURCES

If you are renting an apartment or house, you have rights as a tenant. For example, your landlord cannot just lock you out of your apartment or make you leave without going to court first. This is true even if you do not have a written lease. Find out more about your rights by following the links below.

What Can I do if My Landlord is Trying to Evict Me?
Right of Tenants in Maine
How to get Your Security Deposit Back
How to Get Your Property Back from Your Landlord

Poor Housing Conditions

When your landlord rents an apartment or house, he promises that it is fit and safe to live in. You can contact the following agencies to do an inspection of your rental home to see if it meets safety codes. If it does not, and you believe your children are in harm's way contact us.

Town Code Enforcement Officer: call local town office
State Electrical Inspector: 624-8640
State Mobile Home Park Inspector: 624-8612
Lead Poisoning Prevention: 1-800-452-1942
Maine Lead Action Program: 871-7905

If you have questions about heat, read How Much Heat Does My Landlord Have to Provide.

Financial Assistance

If you are struggling with money and need help in order to pay your rent or your property taxes if you own your home, you may be eligible for these programs:

General Assistance: apply at local town office
(payments for rent/mortgage/taxes)
Property Tax Abatement: apply at local town office

Public Housing/Section 8 vouchers/BRAP/Shelter Plus Care

Have you heard of subsidized housing? Subsidized housing bases your monthly rent on your income, so it is cheaper for you to rent. Public Housing, Section 8, BRAP and Shelter Plus Care are different types of subsidized housing. If you are interested in applying:

Apply at local housing authorities or local CAP agencies
Maine Housing Authority: 1-800-452-4668
Low-income mortgages: Maine State Housing Authority, 1-800-452-4668

The Department of Housing and Urban Development has a Subsidized Apartment Search to help you locate a subsidized apartment in Maine.

Pine Tree Legal Assistance has the answers to some Frequently Asked Questions about Public Housing.

Housing Discrimination

It is illegal for a landlord to refuse to rent to you because of your color, race, religion, national origin, sex, disability, having children, or getting public aid. Find out more, and what you can do about it.

General information
Fair Housing for People with Disabilities
(Frequently asked questions about fair housing, who is covered, and the basic rules.)
Fair Housing: Your Right to Rent or Own a Home

HOMELESSNESS

If you are homeless and need immediate assistance, you can contact:

Homeless Crisis Hotline: 1-800-438-3890
The Department of Housing and Urban Development maintains a Maine Statewide Shelter Listing