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.

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.

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!

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

Introduction  This page covers free and low-cost phone services available to Mainers. We know there are many new low or no cost ways of communicating, but we are just trying to cover the basics.   

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.  

What You and Your Family Should Know About Lead

The Lead Paint Project is based in our Lewiston Office. We can help you with questions about lead paint and lead poisoning. You can call Attorney Lynn Ward (207-400-3273) to ask questions about lead or set up an appointment. All information is free. Your information is kept confidential.

How Much Heat and Other Basic Utilities Does My Landlord Have to Provide?

Important Resources to Prevent Eviction Getting evicted? Worried you might be soon?

Tenant's Repair and Deduct Form Letter

Caution! Repair and deduct can be a risky strategy - read our information about the Rights of Maine Renters in Unsafe or Unfit Housing before you try to use this form!

Maine Tenant's Notice of Warranty of Habitability Violation

Here is a sample form you can use if you need to inform a landlord in writing of an unsafe or unfit rental housing condition.