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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.
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What happens if I am sued for a debt in Maine District Court?

What happens if I am sued for a debt in district court?   If you are sued for a debt in district court, the creditor is the Plaintiff and you are the Defendant.  
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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
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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:
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What happens if I am charged with a crime in Maine? Can I get a lawyer?

How do I know if my legal issue is "criminal?" In Maine there are three basic kinds of “charges” for “offenses against the state.”
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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.
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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!
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Get a Refund on Your Property Taxes or Rent

Tax credits for people with low incomes who own their own homes or pay rent.
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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.
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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.