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: 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
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:
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.
Maine Homestead Exemption for Veterans
General Maine Homestead Exemption
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.
Can a Creditor Put a Lien on My House in Maine?
Yes. A person or company you owe money to can put a lien on a home that you own. But there may be something you can do about it. Maine law has some protections for homeowners in this situation.