Fair Housing

Welcome to PTLA's Fair Housing Unit!

The Fair Housing Unit works to make sure state and federal laws protecting everyone’s right to housing free from illegal discrimination are enforced in the state of Maine. We do this by providing free legal services to eligible people experiencing housing discrimination, and through our Fair Housing Tester Program. We also publish resources and do trainings for learning more about your fair housing rights in Maine. 

Some of the issues we work on include:

  • Reasonable accommodations in housing
  • Assistance animals in housing
  • Discrimination in housing based on certain legally protected classes, which include:
    • Race
    • Color
    • National Origin
    • Ancestry
    • Religion
    • Sex
    • Gender Identity and Gender Expression
    • Familial Status (if you live with minor children, adult dependents, or are pregnant)
    • Getting public assistance (like TANF, SSI, general assistance, or Section 8)
    • Getting a permanent Protection from Abuse (PFA) Order
    • If you have made a complain to the Maine Human Rights Commission or have taken other actions that could make discriminating against you Maine Human Rights Act Retaliation under Maine law

If you have questions, or think you may be experiencing illegal housing discrimination, contact Pine Tree Legal Assistance. 

Learn More About Your Fair Housing Rights

We publish legal resources and guides to help people understand their fair housing rights in Maine. We also have audio content in many languages!

Fair Housing Articles

Fair Housing: Your Right to Rent or Own a Home

Service and Assistance Animals in Maine: What's the difference, and what are my rights?

Can I Get an Assistance Animal if I am a Renter? (guide with sample letters)

Fair Housing: Frequently Asked Questions about Housing Protections for People with Disabilities and Their Families

Rights of Maine Renters: Discrimination

Sexual Harassment: Your Fair Housing Rights

The Americans with Disabilities Act and The Maine Human Rights Act

 

Fair Housing Audio (with transcripts)

National Origin Discrimination in Housing is Illegal:

When Fair Housing Laws Do Not Apply:

Other Fair Housing Audio: