Maine Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) FAQ
Introduction
The Maine Homeowner Assistance Fund (“Maine HAF”) is a program meant to help homeowners who have experienced a financial hardship connected to COVID-19 and are at risk of losing their homes. This is a grant based program, homeowners will not have to pay this money back.
COVID-19 & Rights of Maine Renters: CDC Eviction Ban Struck Down
The CDC issued an order banning some evictions. This order has been struck down by the Supreme Court. Learn how you can protect your housing.
COVID-19 Maine Eviction & Rental Housing FAQ
Important Resources to Prevent Eviction
Getting evicted? Worried you might be soon?
Rights of Maine Renters: Heat and Utility Charges for Common Areas
If you live in an apartment building, you may find out that you are paying for heat, lights, or other utilities for "common areas." This includes, for example, hallways, basements, or a common hot water heater or furnace.
It is illegal for your landlord to make you pay those costs alone. For example, the hall lights should not be hooked up to your… More
Rights of Maine Renters: Cable TV, Dishes, and Antennas
If I live in an apartment building, can my landlord stop me from getting cable TV, a satellite dish or an antenna?
Generally, no. Your landlord can only refuse to allow these installations if they have "good cause" to deny that particular company. "Good cause" could be:
Rights of Maine Renters: Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking
Sometimes landlords react to sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking by taking action against the victim. There are state and federal laws that can help if this happens to you.
Healthcare Resources for Maine Children Who Have Experienced Violence
How does domestic violence affect children?
Violence and trauma can have long-lasting effects on children who witness or experience violent events.
Rights of Maine Renters: Subsidized Housing
What is "Subsidized Housing?"
There are different kinds of subsidized housing. Some are public housing, and some aren't. If your rent goes by your income, your housing is “subsidized.” This is true even if your house or apartment is owned by a person or company, and not the government.
Do you owe $500 or more to your electric company?
If you're more than $500 in debt on your electric bill, this program may be able to help you. You pay just your current monthly electric bill, each month and on time. For each month that you pay your current bill, your electric utility company will wipe out 1/12 of what you owe them on your back bill. Learn about how to enroll!
Public Housing: Some Frequently Asked Questions
This information applies to you only if you live in HUD-subsidized public housing. Examples in Maine are: Cape Hart in Bangor, Kennedy Park in Portland, and Hillview in Lewiston.