Rights of Maine Renters: Unsafe or Unfit Housing
Maine law gives tenants an "implied warranty of habitability." This means that your landlord must promise that your home is safe and fit to live in.
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:
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!
Get a Refund on Your Property Taxes or Rent
Tax credits for people with low incomes who own their own homes or pay rent.
Maine Homestead Exemption for Veterans
General Maine Homestead Exemption
All Maine residents who own their homes can claim a homestead tax exemption. Go here to learn more about the basic Maine Homestead Exemption and how service members based in Maine can qualify.
Do I Qualify for the Veteran's Property Tax Exemption?
Use this worksheet to see if you qualify for the Veteran's Property Tax Exemption.
1. Are you a Maine Resident?
Yes. Go to Question 2.
No. You cannot take this exemption.
Repair and Deduct: a self-help tool for tenants
Maine law provides tenants with minor safety issues a self-help "Repair and Deduct" remedy. You can find a sample form here.
Free and Low Cost Phone Services
*The purpose of this page is to inform you of the options available. PTLA does not endorse or critique any of these services. You may want to check with reliable consumer sites before signing on with a wireless company.
Heating Assistance News
LIHEAP funding continues to be lower than in previous years. This will mean that more households will be turning to local heating assistance programs after their LIHEAP money runs out. Here is a summary of the programs we know about - followed by information about how to access local programs.