Maine Rent Assistance Programs

Struggling to pay rent in Maine? This guide covers every major program that can help, from Section 8 vouchers and General Assistance to rapid rehousing and tenant rights protections.

Emergency Rental Assistance

Program update: The federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program has ended. Maine's Emergency Prevention Program (EPP) waitlist closed in June 2025. If you need immediate rent help, apply for General Assistance at your local town office (see below).

Section 8 / Housing Choice Vouchers

Section 8 vouchers pay a portion of your rent directly to your landlord. You pay roughly 30% of your adjusted income, and the voucher covers the rest (up to a payment standard set for your area).

How to Apply

  1. Apply online at maine.affordablehousing.com (centralized waitlist for most of Maine).
  2. You will be placed on a waitlist. Wait times vary from several months to several years depending on your location and priority status.
  3. When your name comes up, a local housing authority will contact you to verify eligibility, collect documents, and issue your voucher.
  4. Find an apartment that accepts Section 8 vouchers. The housing authority inspects the unit before you move in.

Who Qualifies?

  • Household income must be below 50% of the area median income (AMI)
  • Priority is given to households below 30% AMI, veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and people with disabilities
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen

General Assistance (Municipal)

Every municipality in Maine is required by law to provide General Assistance (GA) to residents who cannot meet their basic needs. GA can help with rent, utilities, food, prescriptions, and other essentials.

How to Apply

  1. Contact your town or city office. Ask for the General Assistance administrator.
  2. Apply in person during posted GA hours. Some towns require an appointment.
  3. Bring documentation: ID, proof of income, lease or rental agreement, utility bills, bank statements.
  4. The GA administrator will determine eligibility based on your income and expenses compared to municipal maximums.

GA is meant to be a last resort. You may be required to show that you have applied for other benefits (SNAP, MaineCare, TANF, etc.).

Rapid Rehousing Programs

Rapid rehousing helps people who are experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of homelessness. These programs provide:

  • Short-term rental assistance (typically 3-6 months)
  • Security deposit and first month's rent
  • Case management and housing search assistance
  • Connection to other services (employment, benefits, mental health)

To access rapid rehousing, contact your local Community Action Agency, call 211, or speak with a shelter case manager.

Tenant Rights in Maine

Maine law provides important protections for renters:

  • Eviction notice: Landlords must give at least 30 days written notice (7 days for nonpayment of rent) before filing for eviction in court.
  • No self-help evictions: It is illegal for a landlord to change your locks, remove your belongings, or shut off utilities to force you out. Only a court order can result in a legal eviction.
  • Security deposit: Maximum of 2 months' rent. Must be returned within 30 days of move-out (or 21 days with itemized deductions).
  • Habitability: Landlords must maintain safe, habitable conditions including heat, running water, and structural integrity.
  • Retaliation protections: Landlords cannot evict or raise rent in retaliation for complaints about living conditions.

If you believe your rights are being violated, contact Pine Tree Legal Assistance at (207) 774-8211 for free legal help.

Key Contacts

Browse all housing resources on our Housing Resources page, including listings by city.

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