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.
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:
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!
Wabanaki and Quinnehtuhqut Legal News
The Wabanaki Legal News is published by Pine Tree Legal Assistance - focusing on news of special interest to Native Americans in Maine. We also publish the Quinnehtuhqut Legal News - a newsletter for Native Americans in Connecticut.
What to Do if You are Denied Entry to Canada Because of a Past Criminal Conviction
This document is for U.S. citizens only. It is not meant to be legal advice. For more help with this issue, tribal members may call PTLA Native American Unit at: 1-877-213-5630.
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
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.
Border Crossing Rights Under the Jay Treaty
Border crossing rights between the United States and Canada for Aboriginal People