Rental Housing Guide - Maine State Housing Authority

MAINE RENTAL HOUSING GUIDEThe Maine Rental Housing Guide is designed to provideinformation pertaining to subsidized housing, housingrelatedresources, and Maine rental housing laws.MaineHousing (Maine State Housing Authority) is Maine's housingfinance agency. It has provided more than $1 billion in loans toMaine's housing market, financing the development of affordablerental housing and the purchase of first homes in communitiesthroughout Maine.MaineHousing also funds programs to provide rental assistance,emergency shelter, home repair, and fuel assistance.For additional information about MaineHousing and its programs,please visit our web site at www.mainehousing.org.Readers of the Rental Housing Guide also may be interested in:Maine’s free rental listing serviceMaineHousingSearch.orgLinking people who need housingwith the housing they needAvailable online 24-7 and supported by a toll-free, bilingual callcenter, Monday-Friday, 9 am to 8 pm EST, 1-877-428-8844,Maine Relay 711.2Table of ContentsSUBSIDIZED HOUSING................................ 1Subsidized Apartments.........................................1Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program........2How The Program Works.................................2Tenant Responsibilities.....................................2Landlord Responsibilities..................................2Housing Agencies.................................................3MaineHousing..................................................3Local Housing Authorities................................3Bridging Rental Assistance Program (BRAP)and Shelter Plus Care (S+C) Program..................5Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS)Supportive Housing Rental Assistance..............5Contacts for BRAP and Shelter Plus Care.........5Assistance for Peoplewho are Homeless................................... 6Maine Emergency Shelters...................................6Shelter Plus Care (S+C)........................................8Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence.........9Low Income HOME ENERGYASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP)............ 10Program Agents..................................................10Lead Hazards............................................ 11Lead-Related Requirements...............................11MaineHousing Lead HazardControl Program................................................11residential landlord/tenant laws.............................................. 12Non-Discrimination...........................................13Other Landlord Obligations..............................13Additional Resources......................... 14Codes and Ordinances.......................................14Property Tax & Rent Refund Program...............14Earned Income Tax Credit - EITC......................14211 Maine, Inc...................................................14MaineHousingSearch.org...................................14Smoke Free Housing..........................................14Assistance for People with Disabilities...............14Maine Kids-Kin.................................................14Assistance for Seniors.........................................14Assistance for Veterans.......................................15Legal Resources..................................................15Multicultural Resources.....................................15Dept. of Health & Human Services (DHHS).....16General Assistance..............................................16

SUBSIDIZEDHOUSINGSubsidized housing is rental assistance provided by the governmentto help people with rent and utility costs. Under some programs,people who are income-eligible pay a percentage of theirincome toward their rental costs and government subsidy paysthe rest. Other programs provide housing which is affordable forlow and moderate income families.There are two basic types of rental assistance — subsidizedapartments and housing choice vouchers. Waiting lists for bothsubsidized apartments and housing choice vouchers can be long,so it may be to an applicant's advantage to apply for both typesof housing.Subsidized ApartmentsSubsidized apartments are administered by four different agencies:MaineHousing (Maine State Housing Authority); the U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); USDARural Development (RD); and Public or Local Housing Authorities(LHA's). MaineHousing maintains lists of these subsidizedapartments for each county, including contact information forrequesting applications. When contacting management agents,applicants should be prepared to disclose their gross householdincome; income restrictions apply and can vary by apartment.MaineHousing's subsidized housing lists are available on-line atwww.mainehousing.org under the tab for Renting.Applicants may also contact Local Housing Authorities listed onPages 3-4 for information about their public housing.For more information on subsidized housing, please contact:MaineHousing (Maine State Housing Authority)www.mainehousing.org353 Water StreetAugusta, ME 04330-4633Tel. 207‐626-4600 or 1-800-452-4668or Maine Relay 711U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development(HUD)www.hud.govCustomer Service Center, 1-800-955-2232Maine State Office - Bangorwww.hud.gov/local/banWilliam Burney, Field Office Director, 207‐945-0467One Merchants Plaza, Suite 601Bangor, ME 04401MultifamilyRichard Daugherty, 603-666-7510, extension 3019Public HousingHoward Schindler, 617-994-8436USDA Rural Development (RD)www.rurdev.usda.gov/meAroostook and Washington CountiesRD District 1 Office - Multifamily735 Main Street, Suite 1Presque Isle, ME 04769Tel. 207‐764-4157 or 207-942-7331 (TTY)Hancock, Knox, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, andWaldo CountiesRD District 2 Office - Multifamily1423 Broadway, Suite 3Bangor, ME 04401Tel. 207‐990-3676 or 207-942-7331 (TTY)Androscoggin, Franklin, Kennebec, andOxford CountiesRD District 3 Office - Multifamily254 Goddard Road, P.O. Box 1938Lewiston, ME 04240Tel. 207‐753-9400 or 207-942-7331 (TTY)Cumberland, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, and York CountiesRD District 4 Office - Multifamily306 U.S. Route 1, Suite B-1Scarborough, ME 04074Tel. 207‐883-0159 or 207-942-7331 (TTY)1

Subsidized HousingSection 8Housing ChoiceVoucher ProgramThis program helps income-eligible tenants to obtain decent, safe,and sanitary housing by subsidizing a portion of their monthlyrents and paying it directly to their landlords.Both MaineHousing and Local Housing Authorities (referred tohere as Housing Agencies) administer Section 8 Housing ChoiceVoucher Programs. MaineHousing serves areas outside of theLocal Housing Authorities' service areas. In any given regionapplicants may apply to both a Local Housing Authority andMaineHousing for the Section 8 Housing Choice VoucherProgram. (See Pages 3-4.) Because waiting lists can be long, itmay be to applicants' advantage to place their name on multiplewaiting lists. A Local Housing Authority voucher must be usedwithin a Local Housing Authority's service area and similarly aMaineHousing voucher must be used within a MaineHousingservice area.A voucher can be used for any type of private rental housing, ifthe housing meets certain housing quality inspection standardsand the owner accepts the applicant as a tenant. Rent must bewithin the limits allowed by the program. A family that alreadyis renting a suitable apartment, house, or mobile home when theyreceive a voucher may be able to remain in that unit and receivehelp with their monthly rent.Landlords retain normal management rights and responsibilities,including tenant selection, collecting the tenant's share of themonthly rent, property maintenance, and lease termination.How The Program Works1. An applicant calls the Local Housing Authority (see Pages3-4) in the area where he or she wants to live for a preliminaryapplication. If the community does not have a LocalHousing Authority, applications may be obtained fromMaineHousing (see Page 3) or at www.mainehousing.org/HousingChoiceVouchers. Applicants can also apply onlineat https://hcvonlineapp.mainehousing.org.2. The applicant submits a completed application to be placedon the waiting list for a voucher.3. The applicant should respond promptly to all Housing Agencyrequests for updated application information, and makesure to notify the Housing Agency in writing of any changesin address. Failure to do so will result in the applicant's namebeing removed from the voucher waiting list.4. After receiving a voucher, the applicant chooses a rentalunit and discusses the program with the landlord. The unitcannot be owned by a relative (parent, grandparent, sister,brother, child, or grandchild) of any household member.25. The applicant contacts the Housing Agency that issued thevoucher so their inspector may inspect the selected unit.6. If the unit passes inspection, the applicant and the landlordwill sign a lease, and the Housing Agency will sign a contractwith the landlord.7. After the applicant signs the lease and the landlord signs acontract with the Housing Agency, the applicant can moveinto the unit.8. The applicant pays his or her share of the rent to the landlord.9. The Housing Agency will pay the balance of the rent to thelandlord.Tenant Responsibilities• Pay the security deposit.• Pay the rent on time.• Keep the unit clean and safe.• Put questions to the landlord or Housing Agency in writingwhenever possible.• Allow inspections by the Housing Agency at least once ayear.• If planning to move, give written notice according to theterms of the lease to the landlord and Housing Agency.• Report changes in income and family size to the HousingAgency.• Follow the terms of the lease and Maine landlord/tenantlaws.• Follow the tenant responsibilities listed on the voucher.Landlord Responsibilities• Check references of prospective tenants.• Collect the security deposit.• Collect the tenant's portion of rent.• Maintain the apartment in a safe and sanitary condition.• Notify the Housing Agency immediately if a tenant vacatesa unit.• Follow the terms of the lease and Maine landlord/tenantlaws.• Notify the Housing Agency of a proposed eviction. The evictionprocess is governed by Maine law.

Subsidized HousingHousing AgenciesMaineHousingMaineHousing353 Water StreetAugusta, ME 04330‐4633Tel. 1-866-357-4853 or 207‐624-5789 (voice)Maine Relay 711Fax 207-624-5713www.mainehousing.orgLocal Housing AuthoritiesAuburn Housing Authority20 Great Falls Plaza, P.O. Box 3037Auburn, ME 04212-3037Tel. 207‐784-7351; Fax 207‐784‐5545www.auburnhousing.orgAugusta Housing Authority33 Union Street, Suite 3Augusta, ME 04330Tel. 207‐626-2357; Fax 207‐626‐2359Bangor Housing Authority161 Davis RoadBangor, ME 04401-2399Tel. 207‐942-6365; Fax 207‐942‐6043www.bangorhousing.orgBath Housing Authority80 Congress AvenueBath, ME 04530Tel. 207‐443-3116; Fax 207‐443‐8116www.bathhousing.orgBiddeford Housing Authority22 South Street, P.O. Box 2287Biddeford, ME 04005Tel. 207‐282-6537; Fax 207‐286‐0580Brewer Housing Authority15 Colonial Circle, Suite 1Brewer, ME 04412Tel. 207‐989-7551; Fax 207‐989‐7554www.brewerhousing.comBrunswick Housing Authority12 Stone Street, P.O. Box ABrunswick, ME 04011Tel. 207‐725-8711; Fax 207‐729‐2642www.brunswickhousing.orgCaribou Housing AuthorityCity of Caribou25 High StreetCaribou, ME 04736Tel. 207‐493-4234; Fax 207‐498-3954www.cariboumaine.org/housing.html3

Subsidized HousingFort Fairfield Housing Authority18 Fields LaneFort Fairfield, ME 04742Tel. 207‐476-5771; Fax 207‐476‐5450www.ffha.orgIndian Township Passamaquoddy Reservation HousingAuthorityP.O. Box 99Princeton, ME 04668Tel. 207‐796-8004; Fax 207‐796‐8019www.passamaquoddy.comLewiston Housing AuthorityOne College StreetLewiston, ME 04240Tel. 207‐783-1423; Fax 207‐783‐8648Mt. Desert Island and Ellsworth Housing Authority80 Mt. Desert Street, P.O. Box 28Bar Harbor, ME 04609Tel. 207‐288-4770; Fax 207‐288‐4770www.emdiha.orgOld Town Housing AuthorityP.O. Box 404Old Town, ME 04468Tel. 207‐827-6151; Fax 207‐827‐1502www.oldtownhousing.netPenobscot Nation Housing Department12 Wabanaki WayIndian Island, ME 04668Tel. 207‐817-7370; Fax 207‐817-7384www.penobscotnation.orgPleasant Point Passamaquoddy Reservation HousingAuthority15 Elders Way, Suite 201Perry, ME 04667Tel. 207‐853-6021; Fax 207‐853‐2368www.wabanaki.comPresque Isle Housing Authority58 Birch StreetPresque Isle, ME 04769Tel. 207‐768-8231; Fax 207‐764‐5614www.pihousing.orgSanford Housing Authority114 Emery Street, P.O. Box 1008Sanford, ME 04073Tel. 207‐324-6747; Fax 207‐324‐6870www.sanfordhousing.orgSouth Portland Housing Authority100 Waterman Drive, Suite 101South Portland, ME 04106Tel. 207‐773-4140; Fax 207‐773‐4006www.spha.netVan Buren Housing Authority130 Champlain StreetVan Buren, ME 04785-1339Tel. 207‐868-5441; Fax 207‐868‐2833Waterville Housing Authority88 Silver StreetWaterville, ME 04901Tel. 207‐873-2155; Fax 207‐877‐9429Westbrook Housing30 Liza Harmon DriveWestbrook, ME 04092Tel. 207‐854-9779; Fax 207‐854‐0962www.westbrookhousing.orgYork Housing Authority4 Pine Grove LaneYork, ME 03909Tel. 207‐363-8444; Fax 207‐351‐2801www.yorkhousing.infoPortland Housing Authority14 Baxter BoulevardPortland, ME 04101-1822Tel. 207‐773-4753; Fax 207‐774‐6471www.porthouse.org4

Subsidized HousingBridging Rental Assistance Program(BRAP) and Shelter Plus Care (S+C)ProgramDepartment of Health and HumanServices (DHHS) Supportive HousingRental Assistance ProgramsTenant-based rental assistance vouchers provide the customerwith choice, independence, and control over their living situationand what, if any, services they receive. Following a Housing Firstmodel, customers of DHHS rental assistance are encouraged, butnot required, to accept services with the voucher. All rental unitsmust meet the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development'sHousing Quality Standards and Fair Market Rents.The Bridging Rental Assistance Program (BRAP) is a transitionalhousing voucher program designed to assist persons with mentalillness for up to 24 months or until they are awarded a Section 8Housing Choice Voucher, or alternative housing placement. Programparticipants pay 51% of their income for rent.Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, ANDWashington CountiesCommunity Health & Counseling ServicesP.O. Box 425Bangor, ME 04402-0425(42 Cedar Street, Bangor, ME 04401)Tel. 207‐947-0366Kennebec and Somerset CountiesKennebec Behavioral Health67 Eustis ParkwayWaterville, ME 04901Tel. 207‐873-2136Brunswick/Harpswell/Freeport/KNOX, LINCOLN,Sagadahoc, AND WALDO CountIESSweetser Mental Health Services329 Bath Road, Suite 1Brunswick, ME 04011Tel. 207‐373-3049Shelter Plus Care (S+C) is a permanent housing voucher programdesigned to assist homeless persons with a severe and long termdisability. Program participants pay 30% of their income forrent.Contacts for BRAP andShelter Plus CareAndroscoggin, FRANKLIN, andOxford CountiesCommon Ties12 Bates Street, P.O. Box 1319Lewiston, ME 04243Tel. 207‐795-6710Aroostook CountyAMHC Facilities, Inc.Sky Haven2 Airport DrivePresque Isle, ME 04769Tel. 207‐764-0759Cumberland AND YORK CountIESShalom House, Inc.106 Gilman StreetPortland, ME 04102Tel. 207‐874-10805

Assistance for Peoplewho are HomelessEmergency shelters are available throughout Maine and contactinformation is provided below. People who are homeless may alsowant to contact their local town office for any local shelters thatmay not be listed in this guide.Cumberland CountyCity of Portland – Family Shelter*Portland, METel. 207-775-6313 or 207-772-8339City of Portland – Oxford StreetShelter for Men*Portland, METel. 207-775-6313 or 207-761-2072FamiliesGeneral-MenMaine Emergency SheltersAndroscoggin CountyHope Haven Gospel Mission*Lewiston, METel. 207‐783-6086New Beginnings*Lewiston, METel. 207‐795-4070Rural Community Action Ministries*Leeds, METel. 207-524-5095Safe Voices*Auburn, METel. 1-800-559-2927St. Martin de Porres ResidenceLewiston, METel. 207-786-4690Aroostook CountyHope and Justice Project*Caribou, Houlton, Fort Kent, METel. 1-800-439-2323Maliseet Domestic Violence &Sexual Assault ProgramHoulton, METel. 207-532-6401 or 207-764-5115GeneralYouthGeneral(mostly families)Domestic ViolenceGeneral-AdultsDomestic ViolenceDomestic Violence/Sexual AssaultFamily Crisis Shelter*Portland, METel. 1-800-537-6066Florence HousePortland, METel. 207-699-4392Milestone*Portland, METel. 207-775-4790Preble Street – Joe Kreisler Teen ShelterPortland, METel. 207-775-0026Preble Street – Resource CenterPortland, METel. 207-775-0026Domestic ViolenceGeneral-WomenSubstance AbuseYouthDay Shelter(no overnights)StepUP!: MAPS Shelter Services – Pregnant & ParentingPortland Shelter*Women & ChildrenPortland, METel. 207-775-4188Tedford Housing – Individual Shelter* General-AdultsBrunswick, METel. 207-729-1161 or 207-725-4871Tedford Housing – Family Shelter*Brunswick, METel. 207-729-1161 or 207-729-4583General-FamiliesHomeless Services of Aroostook –Sr. Mary O’Donnell Shelter*Presque Isle, METel. 207‐764-5114General6

Assistance for People who are HomelessHancock CountyH.O.M.E., Inc. – Dorr House*Orland, METel. 207‐469-7961H.O.M.E., Inc. – Emmaus*Ellsworth, METel. 207-667-3962H.O.M.E., Inc. – Hospitality House*Bucksport, METel. 207‐469-7961H.O.M.E., Inc. – Mandala Farm*Orland, METel. 207‐469-7961H.O.M.E., Inc. – St. Francis InnEast Orland, METel. 207-469-7961The Next Step*Ellsworth, METel. 1-800-315-5579Kennebec CountyBread of Life Ministries*Augusta, METel. 207‐626-3479Family Violence Project*Augusta, METel. 1-877-890-7788Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter*Waterville, METel. 207-872-8082Togus Veterans AffairsAugusta, METel. 207-623-8411, ext. 5658Mental IllnessSubstance AbuseGeneralGeneralGeneralGeneralDomestic Violence(safe homes)GeneralDomestic ViolenceGeneralVeteransOxford CountyCommunity Concepts –Norway Family Shelter*South Paris, METel. 1-800-866-5588 or 207-739-6502Community Concepts –Strathglass Family Shelter*Rumford, METel. 1-800-866-5588Rumford Group Homes –Norway Family Center*Norway, METel. 207-364-3551Rumford Group Homes –South Paris Men’s Center*South Paris, METel. 207-364-3551Rumford Group Homes –Stafford Avenue Family Center*Rumford, METel. 207-364-3551Penobscot CountyBangor Area Homeless Shelter*Bangor, METel. 207‐947-0092Hope House*Bangor, METel. 1-800-244-2555 or 207-217-6717FamiliesFamiliesWomen & ChildrenAdult MenFamiliesGeneralSubstance AbuseOHI – Rachael House Chronic Mental IllnessBangor, METel. 207-848-5804 or 207-941-2874Penobscot Community Health CenterTel. 207-992-9200Knox CountyHospitality House*Rockport, METel. 207‐596-0361New Hope for Women*Rockland, METel. 1-800-522-3304GeneralDomestic Violence(safe homes)Shaw House*Bangor, METel. 207-941-2874Spruce Run*Bangor, METel. 1-800-863-9909StepUP!: MAPS Shelter ServicesBangor, METel. 1-888-866-0113, ext. 2YouthDomestic ViolencePregnant & ParentingWomen & Children7

Assistance for People who are HomelessPiscataquis CountyWomanCare*Dover-Foxcroft, METel. 1-888-564-8165Somerset CountyFamily Violence ProjectSomerset CountyTel. 1-800-890-7788New Hope ShelterSolon, METel. 207-859-0090Trinity ShelterSkowhegan, METel. 207-399-7538 or 207-474-8833Washington CountyKilun Kikin Emergency ShelterPerry, METel. 207-853-6021The Next Step*Machias, METel. 1-888-604-8692Domestic Violence(safe homes)Domestic ViolenceWomen & ChildrenSingle MenGeneralDomestic ViolenceStability Through EngagementProgram (STEP)STEP is designed to provide short term rental assistance for6-12 months to help individuals and families achieve housingstability. The focus is on rapidly re-housing people who currentlyare staying in a homeless shelter that is a grantee of the Hometo Stay Program. Referrals to the STEP Program can onlybe made by the staff Navigators at the participating homelessshelters. The STEP Program currently is offered in ten counties:Androscoggin, Aroostook, Cumberland, Hancock, Kennebec,Knox, Oxford, Penobscot, Washington, and York.Shelter Plus Care (S+C)Shelter Plus Care (S+C) provides rental assistance to people withsevere and long-term disabilities who are homeless. See Page 5 foradditional information and agency contacts.Passamoquoddy Peaceful Relations Domestic Violence/Pleasant Point, MESexual AssaultTel. 1-877-853-2613York CountyCaring Unlimited*Sanford, METel. 1-800-239-7298York County Shelter Programs, Inc.*Alfred, METel. 207-324-1137You Are Never Alone (YANA)*Saco, METel. 207-283-0069Domestic ViolenceGeneralSubstance Abuse*Shelters that receive MaineHousing funding are marked withan asterisk.8

Assistance for People who are HomelessMaine Coalition to EndDomestic Violence (mcedv)MCEDV (www.mcedv.org) provides support for victims ofdomestic violence and their children.Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline1-866-834-HELPAny of the individual hotline numberslisted below may be called collect.Hope and Justice Project(Aroostook)421 Main Street, Suite 2Presque Isle, ME 047691-800-439-2323Womancare(Piscataquis)P.O. Box 192Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426207‐564‐8165 or1‐888‐564‐8165Family Violence Project(Kennebec, Somerset)P.O. Box 304Augusta, ME 04330207‐623‐3569 or1‐877‐890‐7788Spruce Run(Penobscot)P.O. Box 653Bangor, ME 04401207‐947‐0496 or1‐800‐863‐9909The Next Step(Washington)P.O. Box 303Machias, ME 04654207‐255‐4785 (day)or 1‐888‐604‐8692Safe Voices(Oxford, Franklin, Androscoggin)P.O. Box 713Auburn, ME 04210207‐795‐6736 or1‐800‐559‐2927Caring Unlimited(York)P.O. Box 590Sanford, ME 04073207‐324‐1802 or1‐800‐239‐7298Family Crisis Services(Cumberland, Sagadahoc)P.O. Box 704Portland, ME 04104207‐874‐1973 or1‐800‐537‐60669The Next Step(Hancock)P.O. Box 1466Ellsworth, ME 04605207‐677‐4606 or1‐800‐315‐5579New Hope For Women(Knox, Lincoln, Waldo)P.O. Box ARockland, ME 04841-0733207‐594‐2128 or1‐800‐522‐3304

Low Income HOME ENERGYASSISTANCE PROGRAM(LIHEAP)LIHEAP is a federally-funded program that provides assistancewith winter home heating fuel bills, based on household incomeand size.The Emergency Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) may provideemergency fuel deliveries between November 1 st and March 31 st .For more information, or to make an appointment to completean application, applicants may contact their local CommunityAction Program Agency serving their area listed below.Program AgentsAndroscoggin and Oxford CountiesCommunity Concepts, Inc.17-19 Market Square, P.O. Box 278South Paris, ME 04281Tel. 207‐743-7716 or 1-800-866-5588; TTY 207‐743‐0276;Fax 207‐743‐6513Aroostook CountyAroostook County Action Program771 Main Street, P.O. Box 1116Presque Isle, ME 04769Tel. 207‐768-3053 or 1-800-585-3053; Fax 207‐768‐3021CUMBERLAND COUNTYThe Opportunity Alliance510 Cumberland AvenuePortland, ME 04101Tel. 207‐553-5900 or 1-800-698-4959;TTY 207‐874‐1013; Fax 207‐553‐5976Knox CountyPenquis Community Action Program170 Pleasant Street, Suite ARockland, ME 04841Tel. 207‐596 -0361; Fax 207‐594‐2695Penobscot and Piscataquis CountiesPenquis Community Action Program262 Harlow Street, P.O. Box 1162Bangor, ME 04402-1162Tel. 207‐973-3630; TTY 207‐973‐3520;Fax 207‐973‐3699Waldo CountyWaldo Community Action Partners9 Field Street, P.O. Box 130Belfast, ME 04915Tel. 207‐338-3025 (HEAP) or 1‐800‐498‐3025;Fax 207‐338‐6812Washington and Hancock CountiesWashington-Hancock Community ActionUS Route 1, 248 Bucksport Road, P.O. Box 299Ellsworth, ME 04605Tel. (LIHEAP) 207‐664-2424 or 207‐546‐7544or 1‐800‐828‐7544 (from 8:00 - 12 noon);Fax 207‐664-2430York CountyYork County Community Action Corp.6 Spruce Street, P.O. Box 72Sanford, ME 04073Tel. 207‐324-5762 or 1‐800‐965‐5762; TTY 207‐490‐1078;Fax 207‐490‐5026Franklin CountyWestern Maine Community Action20B Church Street, P.O. Box 200East Wilton, ME 04234Tel. 207‐645-3764 or 1-800-645-9636; Fax 207‐645‐3270Kennebec, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, andSomerset CountiesKennebec Valley Community Action Program97 Water StreetWaterville, ME 04901Tel. 207‐859-1500 or 1‐800‐542‐8227; Fax 207‐872‐674710

Lead HazardsMaineHousing Lead HazardControl ProgramLead is the #1 environmental health hazard facing Maine children,and one of the most serious health issues in Maine today.Lead-based paint was commonly used in housing before 1978.About 80 percent of all Maine homes and apartments built before1978 have lead paint. Forty percent of these dwellings containdangerously high levels of contamination. Lead poisoningcan cause serious and even permanent health problems, and isparticularly dangerous to children.Lead-Related RequirementsLandlords, property management companies, real estate agencies,and home sellers are required by state and federal law to inform potentialoccupants of the known presence of lead-based paint in pre-1978 housing.Before signing a lease the landlord must disclose known lead-basedpaint and lead-based paint hazards and provide available written reportsif applicable. The landlord must provide the pamphlet developedby the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and theU.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC), titled "ProtectYour Family from Lead in Your Home." This pamphlet can be foundat www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/leadpdfe.pdf. The landlord must alsoprovide a written disclosure statement developed by the Maine Departmentof Health and Human Services (DHHS) titled "MAINEWARNING: LEAD BASED PAINT HAZARDS", found atwww.maine.gov/dep/waste/lead/documents/lease.pdf. Notificationand disclosure language when lead paint hazards exist must be includedin rental agreements.Any child who is identified through lead screening as having an elevatedblood level is reported to Maine Center for Disease Control andPrevention (Maine CDC). Maine CDC then inspects the rental unitto determine the source of the lead hazard. If lead-based substancesin "poor" condition are identified, Maine CDC will provide noticeto the tenants and the landlord. After notice the landlord has 30 daysto remove, replace, or securely and permanently cover the substancein accordance with rules adopted by the Maine Department of EnvironmentalProtection. Please see www.maine.gov/dep/rwm/lead/.MaineHousing’s Lead Hazard Control Program provides 0% deferred,forgivable loans (interest free with no monthly payments)to landlords, and grants to single-family households, in an effortto make lower-income homes in Maine lead safe.The program provides up to $16,000 to eligible owner occupiedsingle-family homeowners, and up to $10,000 per unit with a10 unit maximum per landlord for lead safety improvements.For landlords, the entire amount of the deferred forgivable loanis forgiven after 5 years, provided the property isn’t refinancedor sold during that time and rental units are reserved for lowincometenants. For more information or to determine eligibility,homeowners or landlords may contact the Community ActionProgram Agency serving their county (listed below).Androscoggin, Oxford, Cumberland,Franklin, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, and YorkCountiesCommunity Concepts, Inc.Tel. 207‐743-7716 (South Paris)207‐364-3721 (Rumford)207‐795-4065 (Auburn)Aroostook CountyAroostook County Action ProgramTel. 1-800-432-7881 or 207‐764-3721Penobscot, Piscataquis, Kennebec, andSomerset CountiesPenquis Community Action ProgramTel. 207‐973-3500Washington, Hancock, Waldo, and KnoxCountiesWashington-Hancock Community Action ProgramTel. 1-800-828-7544 or 207‐546-7544(from 8:00 - 12 noon)A landlord may not evict a tenant because of a lead hazard in theapartment. The landlord is required to move the tenant to a substituteunit, pay for moving expenses, and pay for any rental charges in excessof the tenant's current expenses while the hazard is addressed.For information about lead poisoning prevention, please contact theMaine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Childhood LeadPoisoning Prevention Program, 207 -287‐4311 or 1‐866‐292‐3474.11

esidentiallandlord/tenant lawsState law contains specific rights and protections for tenants(people who are renting housing). Tenants are protected fromunsafe housing, unfair evictions, discrimination, mishandling ofsecurity deposits, and other abuses.Tenants may be required to take certain actions to be protectedunder the law, actions which are designed to balance the legalrights of landlords (owners of rental housing) with the legalrights of tenants.A landlord may require a tenant to enter into a written agreement,called a lease, when the tenant rents an apartment or house fromthe landlord. A written lease can benefit tenants and landlordsif the terms of the lease are clear and fair. Tenants should readcarefully the whole lease and understand their obligations underthe lease before signing it.A tenant can request that a landlord enter into a lease, but thelandlord has no obligation under the law to do so. In many cases,there is no written lease between the landlord and the tenant,which is called tenancy at will. Most of Maine's landlord/tenantlaws are designed to protect tenants when there is no writtenlease and apply only to tenancies at will.Some of these laws apply whether or not there is a written lease.Even though tenants and landlords may enter into a lease thatcontains provisions that are different than the law, tenants cannotagree to waive certain basic protections given to them by thelaw, no matter what is in the lease. For example, a landlord anda tenant may agree that the landlord can terminate the lease andevict the tenant without a reason by giving less than 30 days'written notice (which is required by law for tenancies-at-will),but the landlord cannot forcibly eject the tenant by changingthe locks on the door or removing the tenant's furniture fromthe apartment even if the tenant agrees that the landlord cantake such actions in the lease. Only a law enforcement officercan force the tenant to leave and only after the tenant has a courthearing and the court orders that the tenant be evicted.The following resources provide information on Maine's law andtenants' rights and obligations under the law:• Pine Tree Legal Assistance publishes The Rights of Tenantsin Maine, an easy-to-read handbook on landlord/tenant lawswith helpful tips for tenants. For more information, landlordsand tenants may visit the Pine Tree Legal Assistanceweb site at www.ptla.org/tenants.htm, or call a Pine Tree LegalOffice located near them. See Page 15.• The Maine Attorney General's Office publishes the ConsumerLaw Guide, a technical summary of the law with referencesto the specific statutes. The Guide includes chapters onconsumer rights when renting an apartment (Chapter 14),consumer rights when living in a mobile home (Chapter 15),and a model landlord-tenant lease (Chapter 16). For more12information, landlords and tenants may visit the AttorneyGeneral's web site at www.maine.gov/ag and click on ConsumerLaw Guide, or call 1 -800‐436 -2131.If landlords or tenants have any questions about their rights andobligations under the law or a lease, they should contact an attorney.If they cannot afford an attorney, a list of legal aid agenciesis included on Page 15 of this Guide.The following are general suggestions for tenants:• Tenants should carefully read the whole lease and understandtheir obligations under the lease before signing it. Ifthey do not understand a provision in the lease, they shouldask the landlord to explain the provision, and if necessary,rewrite the provision in the lease to make it clear.• Tenants should remember that a written lease is an agreementbetween the tenant and the landlord, so if there issomething that is important to the tenant, he or she shouldmake sure that it is written into the lease.• When tenants move into a rental unit, they should make alist of all of the existing defects in and damage to the apartment.Tenants should provide the landlord with a copy ofthe list, and if possible, get the landlord to acknowledge thelist by signing it. Tenants also should keep a copy of the listfor their records. This will protect tenants in the event thelandlord claims that any of the defects or damages on the listwere caused by the tenant.• Tenants should get a receipt from the landlord for all securitydeposits and rental payments and keep the receipts untilthey have satisfied all of their obligations under the lease,even if they are not living in the apartment (e.g., they havemoved but are still obligated to pay rent under the lease). Thelandlord is required by law to give the tenant a receipt for allcash payments, which includes payment by check.• All notices, agreements, understandings, changes, and complaintsshould be made in writing and should be dated andsigned. Tenants should keep a copy of all written items givenby the tenant to or received by the tenant from the landlord.• Tenants should make sure that the landlord has their correctmailing address, including a forwarding mailing address,when they move out of the apartment. Many of the tenantprotections under the laws contain notice requirements.If the landlord gives the tenant written notice at “the lastknown address” (which may not be the current address), thelandlord may have satisfied his or her obligation under thelaw even if the tenant never received the notice.• Tenants are responsible for their guests and their behavior.For example, tenants will be held responsible for all damageto their apartment and any disturbance caused by theirguests. If the tenant's guest brings a dangerous pet to thetenant's apartment or the property on which it is located andthe pet threatens or harms the landlord or other tenants, thetenant will be held responsible.• Tenants should see The Rights of Tenants in Maine,a publication by Pine Tree Legal Assistance atwww.ptla.org/rights-tenants-maine, for more helpful tips.

Residential Landlord/Tenant LawsNon-DiscriminationLandlords may not refuse to show or rent a unit or impose differentterms or conditions on the basis of race, color, religion,gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, physicalor mental disability, familial status, or the receipt of any kind offederal, state or local public assistance. This law does not applyto rental of: 1) a two-family dwelling, one unit of which is occupiedby the owner; 2) the rental of not more than 4 rooms ofa one-family dwelling which is occupied by the owner; or 3) therental of any dwelling owned by a religious corporation to itsmembers, unless the discrimination is based on race, color, ornational origin.Landlords are required to allow physically disabled tenants tomodify their apartments so they may fully enjoy the premises.Tenants may be required to restore the interior of the premises totheir original condition when they vacate the unit.Landlords may restrict the number of occupants based upon thesize of the unit, but any restriction must be consistent with applicablelocal, state, and federal restrictions.Landlords generally may not refuse occupancy because a tenantrequires the aid of an assistive animal unless the building consistsof two units, one of which is occupied by the owner.For further information or to make a complaint, tenants shouldcontact:Maine Human Rights CommissionState House Station 51Augusta, Maine 04333Tel. 207 -624‐6290 or Maine Relay 711orOffice of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity10 Causeway Street, Room 321Boston, Massachusetts 02222‐1092Tel. 617-994-8300 (voice) or 1-800-827-5005 (voice)or 617‐565-5453 (TTY)www.hud.gov/offices/fheoTenants may have further rights under local ordinances.Other Landlord ObligationsLead Hazards - See Page 11 of this guide for information about landlordobligations concerning lead hazards.Energy Efficiency - A tenant who will be paying energy costs has theright to get information on the last 12 months of energy use fromthe energy supplier(s). Before a tenant enters into a contract or paysa deposit to rent or lease a property, the landlord shall provide theenergy efficiency disclosure statement, obtain a signature, and keepa copy on file for three years. The standard disclosure form is postedon the Maine Public Utilities Commission's website at www.maine.gov/mpuc/online/forms/EnergyEfficiencyDisclosure.html.13Radon Testing - Maine’s new radon law went into effect October 9,2013. Landlords are required to have the air in each building withrental units tested for the presence of radon by March 14, 2014. Anylandlord wanting to enter the Housing Choice Voucher Program beforethe March 14, 2014 deadline will need to show the results of aradon test if requested by a tenant. After the March 14, 2014 deadline,testing will be required every 10 years thereafter if a mitigationsystem is not in place or if a tenant requests that the unit be tested forradon. A landlord of a residential building constructed or that beginsoperation after March 14, 2014, must have the building tested within12 months of occupancy. Landlords are required to disclose test resultsto existing tenants within 30 days of receiving the results, and toall potential tenants prior to renting the units. Landlords, too, mustreport test results to the Department of Health and Human Services(DHHS) within 30 days. The disclosure to tenants and DHHSmust include the results of the test, the date of the test, that the tenanthas the right to test, and a reference to where the tenant can getmore information about radon. DHHS revised its disclosure formto reflect the changes in the law. Tenants explicitly have the rightto test for radon. If a tenant and the landlord get different results,the landlord may hire a professional and must disclose the new testresults. The landlord also may choose to accept the tenant’s results.The failure of a landlord to disclose test results or the falsification ofrecords by a landlord is considered a breach of the state’s Warranty ofHabitability Act. A lease may be terminated within 30 days’ noticein accordance with current law by a landlord or tenant if the resultsexceed 4.0 picocuries per liter. A landlord may not retain a securitydeposit for termination based on radon test results. By November 1,2013, DHHS will have implemented testing rules. See the DHHSwebsite for more information, www.maine.gov/dhhs.Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors - Landlords are requiredto provide working smoke detectors and carbon monoxidedetectors at the time a property or unit is rented. Tenants are requiredto keep the batteries in the detectors charged and to test thedetectors. Tenants are prohibited from disabling the smoke detectors.Landlords are required to repair or replace a smoke detector orcarbon monoxide detector if a tenant provides written notice to thelandlord that the detector is not working properly.Smoking Policies - Landlords are required to provide written noticeto tenants and potential tenants about whether or not smoking isallowed. The notice must state whether smoking is prohibited on thepremises, allowed on the premises, or allowed in limited areas. If thelandlord allows smoking in limited areas, the notice must identifywhere smoking is allowed. A landlord may notify a tenant of thesmoking policy in a written lease agreement, or provide a separatewritten notice. The landlord must provide this written notice beforea tenant enters into a contract or pays a deposit to rent or lease theproperty.Bed Bugs - Bed bugs are becoming much more common in Maine.MaineHousing has developed a fact sheet for renters, available at www.mainehousing.org/docs/general-documents/2011/04/07/generalbedbugs.pdf.For more information regarding landlord and tenant responsibilitiesrelated to bed bugs, see also Pine Tree Legal Assistance'sThe Rights of Tenants in Maine at www.ptla.org/ptlasite/cliented/tenants6.htm. Additional information, including a link to the relevantstatutory language, is available at www.mainepublichealth.gov/bedbugs.

Additional ResourcesCodes and OrdinancesConsumers should check with the local town office or city hallfirst for information on codes and ordinances.For specific codes, consumers may visit www.maine.gov/professionallicensing or:Office of Professional and Occupational RegulationTel. 207-624-8603 or Maine Relay 711Electrical information:Electricians' Examining BoardTel. 207‐624-8457 or Maine Relay 711Fire, Structural Safety information:State Fire MarshalTel. 207‐626-3880 or Maine Relay 711Furnace safety information:Maine Fuel BoardTel. 207‐624-8606 or Maine Relay 711Plumbing information:Plumbers' Examining BoardTel. 207‐624-8627 or Maine Relay 711Property Tax & Rent Refund ProgramMaine residents may be eligible to receive a limited reimbursementon their property tax or rent paid on their apartment. Residentsmay contact their local town office or city hall or:Maine Revenue Serviceswww.maine.gov/revenue/taxreliefTel. 207‐626-8475Earned Income Tax Credit - EITCThe EITC is a refundable federal income tax credit for low tomoderate income working individuals and families. For moreinformation on the EITC contact your local IRS Office.211 Maine, Inc.2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember telephone number that helps connectpeople in need with the community resources available to help meetthose needs. The 211 website offers an on-line searchable databaseof community resources available in Maine at www.211maine.org(TTY 211).14MaineHousingSearch.orgIf you are looking for an apartment or are a landlord with an apartmentto rent, you may be interested in MaineHousingSearch.org- a free online rental listing service that links people who needhousing with the housing they need.• FREE, fast and easy to use with both simple and detailedsearch options• Detailed listings can include pictures, maps, eligibility requirements(if applicable), and much more• Available online 24-7 and supported by a toll-free, bilingualcall center, Monday-Friday, 9 am to 8 pm EST,1-877-428-8844, Maine Relay 711• Continuously updated listings by a call center that regularlycontacts landlords to verify availability statusMaineHousing, in collaboration with the Department of Healthand Human Services (DHHS) and in partnership with 211Maine, Smoke-Free Housing, and the Department of EnvironmentalProtection (DEP), is sponsoring the website as a publicservice. The site is provided by Socialserve.Smoke Free HousingThe Smoke-Free Housing Coalition of Maine offers informationregarding smoke-free housing, tenant and landlord resources,and a listing of smoke-free housing in Maine. To find out more,consumers may visit their website at www.smokefreeforme.org orcall 207 -874‐8774.Assistance for Peoplewith DisabilitiesFor information, services, and products that create opportunitiesfor people with disabilities to live independently, consumers maycontact:Alpha Onewww.alphaonenow.orgBangor, Tel. 207-941-6553 or 1-877-229-8954 (TTY)South Portland, Tel. 207‐767‐2189 or 207‐767 -5387 (TTY)Maine Kids-KinMaine Kids-Kin provides services for grandparents, aunts, uncles,siblings, cousins, and extended family who are raising relatives'children.www.mainekids-kin.orgTel. 1-866-298-0896Assistance for SeniorsArea agencies on aging provide information and resources for olderadults in Maine. Consumers may contact:Maine's Agencies on Agingwww.maine.gov/dhhs/oads/aging/resource/aaa.htmTel. 1-877-353-3771

Additional ResourcesAssistance for VeteransVeterans Benefits Administration - for questions concerning veteranbenefits, compensation, insurance, and vocational rehabilitation,consumers may contact:VAM & ROC1 VA CenterTogus, ME 04330Tel. 1‐800‐827‐1000 or 1-800-829-4833 (TTY)Veterans Health Administration - for homeless veteran health,mental health, and domiciliary care services, consumers may contact:VAM & ROC1 VA CenterTogus, ME 04330Tel. 207‐623‐8411 or 1-877-421-8263Legal ResourcesLegal assistance for low-income persons:Pine Tree Legal Assistance:www.ptla.orgAndroscoggin, Franklin, andOxford Counties37 Park Street, Suite 401, LewistonTel. 207‐784-1558 or Maine Relay 711Aroostook County373 Main Street, Presque IsleTel. 207‐764-4349 or Maine Relay 711Cumberland, Sagadahoc, andYork Counties88 Federal Street, PortlandTel. 207‐774-8211 or Maine Relay 711Hancock and Washington Counties13 Cooper Street, MachiasTel. 207‐255-8656 or Maine Relay 711Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, andSomerset Counties39 Green Street, AugustaTel. 207‐622-4731 or 207‐623‐7777 or Maine Relay 711Penobscot, Piscataquis, andWaldo Counties115 Main Street, 2nd Floor, BangorTel. 207‐942-8241 or Maine Relay 711Pine Tree Native American Unit, MachiasTel. 1-877-213-5630Pine Tree Farmworker Unit, BangorTel. 207‐942-067315Additional legal resources:Community Mediation ServicesTel. 207‐621-6848 or 1-800-381-0609Disability Rights Centerwww.drcme.orgStatewide Hotline, Tel. 1-800-452-1948 (V/TTY)HelpMELawwww.helpmelaw.orgImmigrant Legal Advocacy Projectwww.ilapmaine.orgTel. 207-780-1593 or 1-800-497-8505Lawyer Referral and Information Serviceswww.mainebar.org/lawyer_need.aspTel. 1-800-860-1460Legal Services for the Elderlywww.mainelse.orgStatewide Hotline, Tel. 1-800-750-5353Maine Equal Justice Partnerswww.mejp.orgTel. 207‐626-7058 or 1-866-626-7059Maine Human Rights Commissionwww.state.me.us/mhrcTel. 207-624-6290 or Maine Relay 711Maine Volunteer Lawyer's Projectwww.vlp.orgTel. 1-800-442-4293 from 9 AM to 12 noon and 1-4 PMState Attorney General's Officewww.state.me.us/agTel. 207‐626-8849 or 1‐800‐436‐2131 from 9 AM to12 noonFor a copy of "Consumer Rights When You Rent An Apartment","Consumer Rights When You Live In A MobileHome", or the "Model Landlord-Tenant Lease", consumersmay call 207‐626‐8861. Callers should leave a message withtheir name and address and the information needed.To search Maine statutes on the web:go to www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/search.htmMulticultural ResourcesFor information and services for Maine's racial, ethnic, and languageminority communities, please contact:Office of Multicultural Affairs2 Anthony Avenue11 State House StationAugusta, ME 04333-0011Tel. 207-624-7919 or Maine Relay 711

Additional ResourcesDepartment of Health& Human Services (DHHS)Augusta District Office35 Anthony AvenueAugusta, ME 04333-0011Tel. 207‐624-8000 or 1-800-452-1926 or Maine Relay 711Bangor District Office396 Griffen RoadBangor, ME 04401Tel. 207‐561-4100 or 1-800-432-7825 or Maine Relay 711Biddeford District Office208 Graham StreetBiddeford, ME 04005Tel. 207‐286-2400 or 1-800-322-1919 or Maine Relay 711Calais District Office392 South StreetCalais, ME 04619Tel. 207‐454-9000 or 1-800-622-1400 or Maine Relay 711Caribou District Office30 Skyway Drive, Unit 100Caribou, ME 04736Tel. 207‐493-4000 or 1-800-432-7366 or Maine Relay 711Ellsworth District Office17 Eastward LaneEllsworth, ME 04605Tel. 207‐667-1600 or 1-800-432-7823 or Maine Relay 711Farmington District Office114 Corn Shop LaneFarmington, ME 04938Tel. 207‐778-8400 or 1-800-442-6382 or Maine Relay 711Fort Kent District Office137 Market StreetFort Kent, ME 04743Tel. 207‐834 -7700 or 1-800-432-7340 or Maine Relay 711Houlton Regional Office11 High StreetHoulton, ME 04730Tel. 207‐532-5000 or 1-800-432-7338 or Maine Relay 711Lewiston Regional Office200 Main StreetLewiston, ME 04240-7098Tel. 207‐795-4300 or 1-800-482-7517 or Maine Relay 71116Machias District Office38 Prescott DriveMachias, ME 04654Tel. 207‐255-2000 or 1-800-432-7846 or Maine Relay 711Portland District Office161 Marginal WayPortland, ME 04101Tel. 207‐822-2000 or 1-800-482-7520 or Maine Relay 711Rockland District Office91 Camden Street, Suite 103Rockland, ME 04841Tel. 207‐596-4200 or 1-800-432-7802 or Maine Relay 711Sanford District Office890 Main Street, Suite #208Sanford, ME 04073Tel. 207‐490-5400 or 1-800-482-0790 or Maine Relay 711Skowhegan District Office98 North Avenue, Suite 10Skowhegan, ME 04976Tel. 207‐474-4800 or 1-800-452-4602 or Maine Relay 711South Paris District Office243 Main Street, Suite #6South Paris, ME 04281Tel. 207‐744-1200 or 1-888-593-9775 or Maine Relay 711General AssistanceGeneral Assistance is financial help administered by each localcommunity. It provides funds for basic living expenses for thosewho cannot afford them. All communities are required by statelaw to provide general assistance. Communities have local laws,called ordinances, which specify program eligibility and benefits.These ordinances must be made available to the general publicthrough the municipal office or selectpersons.Some communities have particular days or hours for applying forgeneral assistance. When the administrator of the General AssistanceProgram determines that an emergency situation exists,the applicant must be allowed to apply for assistance that sameday. An applicant is entitled to make out applications in writing,have privacy during the application and interviewing process,and receive a written decision within 24 hours. Applicants arerequired to prove income and living expenses, so they shouldbring check stubs and receipts for expenses.For more information about General Assistance, applicants maycontact their local town office or city hall or the Department of HumanServices, General Assistance Division, 1‐800‐442‐6003.

For more information contact:MaineHousing353 Water StreetAugusta, Maine 04330-4633207-626-46001-800-452-4668, orMaine Relay 711www.mainehousing.orgBecome our fan on FacebookMaine State Housing Authority (“MaineHousing”) does notdiscriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexualorientation, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mentaldisability, or familial status in the admission or access to,or treatment or employment in, its programs, and activities.MaineHousing will provide appropriate communication auxiliaryaids and services upon sufficient notice. MaineHousing will alsoprovide this document in alternative formats upon sufficient notice.MaineHousing has designated the following person responsiblefor coordinating compliance with applicable federal and statenondiscrimination requirements and addressing grievances:Louise PatenaudeMaine State Housing Authority353 Water StreetAugusta, Maine 04330-4633Telephone Number 1-800-452-4668 (voice in state only),(207) 626-4600 (voice), or Maine Relay 71117

353 Water StreetAugusta, ME 04330-4633207-626-4600 or 800-452-4668Maine Relay 711Fax 207-626-4678www.mainehousing.org18