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.

Tax Credit for Making Home Accessible to People with Disabilities

This is a tax credit for people who modify their home to make it more accessible for a household member with a disability.

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.

Can I Get Rid of a Lien on my Car or Truck?

Introduction Sometimes a creditor who successfully sues you on a debt will place a lien on your vehicle to "secure the judgment."  They do this by filing a document with the Maine Secretary of State's office where vehicle registrations are recorded.

Debt collectors are calling me. What can I do?

We have drafted three form letters to help you respond to debt collectors.  These letters will not fit all situations, but they address some of the most common issues.

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.

Can a Creditor Put a Lien on My House?

Yes. But there may be something you can do about it. Maine law has some protections for homeowners in this situation.

Common Defenses in Small Claims Cases (Third Party Collections)

You have been sued in small claims court. The company suing you says that you did not pay a debt, like a credit card debt. But, this is not the company who sold you the credit card (or who loaned you the money).