Housing assistance in Maine

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in Maine

Key tenant laws in Maine

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

The deposit cannot be more than 2 months' rent. At move-in, a landlord also cannot require more than the first full month's rent, the security deposit and any properly disclosed mandatory recurring fee.

14 M.R.S. §§ 6032, 6022-A

Deposit return deadline

With a written lease, the landlord must return the deposit or send an itemized written statement of deductions, plus any balance, within the time the lease states, which cannot be more than 30 days. With a tenancy at will, the deadline is 21 days after the tenancy ends or the tenant surrenders the unit, whichever is later. The landlord may not deduct for normal wear and tear and loses the right to keep any of the deposit if the deadline is missed.

14 M.R.S. § 6033

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

If rent is 7 or more days late, the landlord may give 7 days' written notice of termination. The notice must state the amount owed. Paying that amount before the notice expires voids the notice. After it expires, the tenancy is still reinstated if the tenant pays all arrears, current rent and the landlord's filing and service fees before the writ of possession issues. A written assurance of payment from General Assistance counts as payment.

14 M.R.S. § 6002

Landlord entry notice

Except in an emergency or when it is impracticable, the landlord must give reasonable notice and enter only at reasonable times. 24 hours is presumed reasonable. A tenant may recover actual damages or $250, whichever is greater, for an unlawful or harassing entry, and this right cannot be waived.

14 M.R.S. § 6025

Rent increases and rent control

No statewide cap on how much rent can increase. Landlords must give at least 45 days' written notice of a rent or mandatory fee increase, or 75 days if the increase (or several increases in 12 months) totals 10% or more. Rent cannot be raised while the unit violates the warranty of habitability. Portland and South Portland have local rules that limit some increases.

14 M.R.S. §§ 6015, 6016

If the landlord won’t make repairs

Repair-and-deduct exists for dangerous conditions that cost less than $500 or half a month's rent (whichever is greater) to fix. The tenant must notify the landlord in writing by certified mail, wait 14 days (or less in an emergency), use licensed professionals for electrical, oil burner or plumbing work, and give the landlord an itemized statement. It does not apply in owner-occupied buildings with 5 or fewer units. Tenants can also sue under the warranty of habitability (§ 6021) if they were current on rent when they gave written notice.

14 M.R.S. §§ 6026, 6021

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve Maine

• Shelter, rent help, and local services211
• HUD-approved housing counseling800-569-4287
• Housing discrimination complaints (HUD)800-669-9777
• Energy assistance referral (LIHEAP)866-674-6327
• Veterans at risk of homelessness877-424-3838
• Domestic violence hotline800-799-7233

More local contacts: HUD’s Maine resource page.

Next steps

1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

1. 14 M.R.S. § 6032 Maximum security depositMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes
2. 14 M.R.S. § 6022-A Limit on initial amount paid by tenantMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes
3. 14 M.R.S. § 6033 Return of the security depositMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes
4. 14 M.R.S. § 6002 Tenancy at willMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes
5. 14 M.R.S. § 6025 Access to premisesMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes
6. 14 M.R.S. § 6015 Notice of rent or mandatory recurring fee increaseMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes
7. 14 M.R.S. § 6016 Rent increase limitationMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes
8. 14 M.R.S. § 6026 Dangerous conditions requiring minor repairsMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes
9. 14 M.R.S. § 6021 Implied warranty and covenant of habitabilityMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes
10. Rights of Maine Renters: Paying RentPine Tree Legal Assistance
11. Pine Tree Legal AssistancePine Tree Legal Assistance
12. Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)MaineHousing
13. General AssistanceMaine Department of Health and Human Services
14. Tenant RightsMaine Office of the Attorney General
15. 211 Maine211 Maine
16. MaineHousingMaine State Housing Authority
17. Portland Housing AuthorityPortland Housing Authority
18. Lewiston HousingLewiston Housing Authority
19. Bangor HousingHousing Authority of the City of Bangor
20. Public Housing Authorities datasetU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development