Maine

RENTAL HELP: MAINE

COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Programs

In response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, state and local organizations are distributing federal rental assistance in their communities. This money can help landlords and renters who are struggling to keep up with rent and other bills.

In the State of Maine, MaineHousing in collaboration with local Community Action Agencies distribute these Emergency Rental Assistance funds. Learn more about this assistance program, including eligibility requirements and the documents you will need to apply.

Other Rental Assistance Programs

• Community Action Agencies – Community Action Agencies across the State provide a variety of services, including but not limited to, Rental/Mortgage Assistance, Food, Energy and Utility Bill Assistance, Water/Sewer Payment, Employment Training/Placement, Financial Management, and Temporary Shelter.
• 211 – Call 2-1-1 to be connected to local health and human service assistance.
• General Assistance – General Assistance helps individuals and families to meet their basic needs, you may be eligible for General Assistance if you do not have the income or resources to meet your own basic needs. You can apply in person for General Assistance at your local municipal office. If you have further questions, please call 1-800-442-6003.

Local tenant rights, laws and protections – Find information about landlord-tenant issues, your rights and responsibilities, and resources across Maine, including eviction prevention programs such as:

• Rights of Maine Renters: Eviction – A guide provided from Pine Tree Legal Assistance that gives an overview of important resources to prevent eviction in the State of Maine
• VA Assistance to Help Avoid Eviction or (877) 424-3838

HUD-assisted and affordable apartments

HUD helps apartment owners offer reduced rents to low-income tenants. To apply contact or visit the management office of each apartment that interests you.

• HUD Resource Locator – Search for affordable housing opportunities, public housing authorities, homeless services, and other resources near you.
• Maine Housing Search – Free, online resource for renters and property providers in Maine. Search for affordable, accessible, and market-rate housing that will fit your needs and budget.

Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

To apply for either type of help, visit your local Public Housing Agency (PHA).

• PHAs in Maine

The State of Maine also has a centralized waiting list for vouchers for many of the Public Housing Agencies in the state. To find out more about applying for the centralized voucher waiting list please click here.

Need advice?

• Contact a housing counseling agency – Free or low-cost counseling services for buying, renting, defaults, foreclosures, credit issues and reverse mortgages. Search for a HUD-approved housing counseling agency here.
• Need Housing Assistance? – HUD Exchange
• Legal Assistance