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: Types of Rental Agreements
The agreement you make with your landlord affects what rights you will have. You may sign a written agreement called a lease. When you rent without a lease, you become a "tenant at will."
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!
Do You Get Paid By Payroll Card? Know your rights under Maine and federal law
Introduction
Many Maine employers are using payroll cards instead of paper checks or direct deposit to pay wages. This is a growing trend around the country. Payroll cards may be good for some employees, but there are risks and hidden costs involved. Here’s what you need to know.
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
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.
Worker Classification: Employee vs. Independent Contractor
What is worker classification?
Why does it matter how I'm classified?
How can I tell which way I've been classified?
I think I should be classified as an employee but how do I know?
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.