Acknowledging and Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

Pine Tree Legal Assistance acknowledges and celebrates November as Native American Heritage Month. The work of our Indigenous Peoples Unit is fundamental to our work as a program.
Icon for content type Article

Maine Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) FAQ

Notice: The Maine HAF Program is winding down. Complete applications received after January 10, 5 PM will be put on a waitlist.
Icon for Forms Content

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!
Icon for Forms Content

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. 
Icon for Forms Content

Rental Housing Standard Radon Disclosure Form for Landlords

Effective March 1, 2014, Maine landlords are required to test rental units for radon gas.  More details here We have linked below the Maine DHHS standard radon disclosure form, with their "Radon Tips" information attached.
Icon for Forms Content

Sample Letter: Maine Notice to Landlord of Bedbug Infestation

Here is a sample letter you can send to your landlord to notify them of bed bugs in your building.  NOTE:  This notice was drafted for use by Maine tenants.  The laws may be different in other states.
Icon for content type Article

Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act

Introduction The Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 2016 is a law that may allow many combat-injured veterans to claim a refund or credit from the IRS. This article is a brief summary of who may be eligible, and how to find help and more information.
Icon for content type Article

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.
Icon for content type Article

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
Icon for content type Article

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: