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
*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.
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.
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.