Maine is a relatively tenant-protective state, governed by Title 14 (landlord-tenant) and the Maine Human Rights Act. Two things stand out: Maine protects source of income — the Human Rights Act makes it illegal to refuse a tenant who receives public assistance “including housing subsidies” (5 M.R.S. § 4581-A), so most landlords cannot refuse your Section 8 voucher — and Portland has voter-enacted rent control. Deposits are capped at two months’ rent, nonpayment starts with a 7-day notice, and MaineHousing runs a statewide voucher program with a single centralized waiting list. This page covers where to apply, the tenant-law framework, and where to get help.
- 211 Maine — dial 2-1-1 or text your ZIP to 207-898-211 for rent, utility, and shelter help
- MaineHousing (statewide vouchers & HEAP): 1-800-452-4668 · mainehousing.org
- Pine Tree Legal Assistance: (207) 774-8211 · ptla.org
- Maine Human Rights Commission (fair housing / source of income): (207) 624-6290
- HEAP (heating): apply via MaineHousing or your Community Action Agency
- HUD fair housing: 1-800-669-9777
Major Maine public housing authorities
MaineHousing (the Maine State Housing Authority) runs a large statewide Housing Choice Voucher program (HUD code ME901) for areas without a local authority, and it operates a centralized Section 8 waiting list shared by about 20 participating local authorities — so you apply once. The largest local authorities are:
- Portland Housing Authority — PHA ME003, (207) 773-4753; the state’s largest, combining public housing and Section 8
- Bangor Housing Authority — PHA ME009, (207) 942-6365
- Lewiston Housing Authority — PHA ME005, (207) 783-1423
- Auburn Housing Authority — PHA ME007, (207) 784-7351
Start with MaineHousing’s rental pages, use HUD’s PHA directory, and read how to find your PHA. For tax-credit apartments, search HUD’s LIHTC database.
Source of income: your voucher is protected
The Maine Human Rights Act makes it unlawful to refuse to rent, or to set different terms, for anyone who receives federal, state, or local public assistance, “including… housing subsidies” (5 M.R.S. § 4581-A(4)) — which covers Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers statewide. A landlord generally cannot advertise “no Section 8” or turn you away for using a voucher. Complaints go to the Maine Human Rights Commission (207-624-6290) within 300 days. See our source-of-income protections guide.
Emergency rent & heating help in Maine
- HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) — Maine’s LIHEAP, administered by MaineHousing through local Community Action Agencies; heating oil reliance is the highest in the nation, so this is central; see utility assistance programs
- Municipal General Assistance — every Maine town runs a state-reimbursed emergency program that can cover rent; ask your town office
- Dial 211 for the current list of funds, plus emergency rental assistance
Maine tenant law: key protections at a glance
Quick reference: Maine
- Voucher administrator: MaineHousing statewide (ME901) plus Portland, Bangor, Lewiston, and Auburn on a centralized list
- Source-of-income protection: yes — vouchers protected (5 M.R.S. § 4581-A)
- Rent control: none statewide; Portland has voter-enacted rent control (10% annual ceiling, 5% on turnover)
- Nonpayment notice: 7 days to quit (14 M.R.S. § 6002)
- Month-to-month termination: 30 days (14 M.R.S. § 6002)
- Rent-increase notice: 45 days, or 75 days if the increase is 10% or more (14 M.R.S. § 6015)
- Security deposit: capped at two months’ rent; returned within 30 days (21 for at-will) with itemization (14 M.R.S. §§ 6032–6033)
- Self-help eviction: illegal — a tenant recovers actual damages or $250, whichever is greater (14 M.R.S. § 6014)
Security deposits
Maine caps the deposit at two months’ rent (14 M.R.S. § 6032). It must be returned with a written itemized statement within 30 days (or 21 days for a tenancy at will) (14 M.R.S. § 6033); missing that deadline forfeits the right to withhold, and bad-faith retention exposes the landlord to double damages plus attorney fees (14 M.R.S. § 6034). Read how to recover your security deposit.
Eviction, rent increases & Portland rent control
For nonpayment, the landlord serves a 7-day notice to quit (14 M.R.S. § 6002); month-to-month tenancies end on 30 days’ notice. A rent increase requires 45 days’ notice, or 75 days if it is 10% or more (14 M.R.S. § 6015). Cases run through the Forcible Entry & Detainer process and commonly take about four to eight weeks. In Portland, voter-enacted rent control caps annual increases to a cost-of-living formula with an absolute 10% ceiling, and no more than 5% on turnover after a voluntary move-out. Get help from Pine Tree Legal Assistance (207-774-8211) and read how to avoid eviction.
Nearby states
New England rules vary — compare deposits, notice, and voucher protection:
- New Hampshire tenant rights — no source-of-income protection
- Vermont tenant rights — voucher protection and long no-cause notice
- Rhode Island tenant rights — voucher protection and a centralized waitlist
- Massachusetts tenant rights
Where to get help in Maine
Tenant help & legal aid: Pine Tree Legal Assistance (207-774-8211) has a strong housing and eviction practice with offices statewide.
Discrimination & source-of-income complaints: the Maine Human Rights Commission (207-624-6290) enforces the voucher protection; file within 300 days.
Vouchers & heating: start with MaineHousing (1-800-452-4668) for the voucher list and HEAP.
211 helpline: dial 2-1-1 for rent, heating, and shelter help statewide.
Next Steps
Not sure where to start? Our Where to Start tool maps Maine programs to your situation in about two minutes.
If a landlord refused your voucher, that may be illegal under the Maine Human Rights Act — contact the Maine Human Rights Commission (207-624-6290) or Pine Tree Legal Assistance, and read eviction prevention.