Maine’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program helps eligible renters with rent payments and utility bills. It is the responsibility of Maine’s Community Action Agencies to review the applications, check renter eligibility, and process payments on behalf of those renters.

How to Qualify

Who is eligible?
1. Your income cannot exceed certain limits. Check here to see if your income qualifies.
2. At least one member of your household must have suffered COVID related financial hardship.
3. Households having trouble making their rent payments and utility bills.

How do I apply?
To apply online, you must start the process by finding your county here.

You can download a paper application here. You can email the application or mail it to a community action agency near you. If you need an application, but can’t download it, call 1-800-452-4648, and one will be sent to you.

FAQ

Can I be evicted while I’m waiting to see if my application is approved?
If you are in the process of being evicted or think eviction is imminent, contact Pine Tree Legal Assistance or Legal Services for the Elderly. They can assist financially even if households aren’t eligible for this program.

Is the program going to run out of money?
Maine expects to be able to provide assistance to all eligible renters.

What can I do if my landlord doesn’t want to participate?
Go ahead and apply. Include the landlord's contact information on the application. Program representatives will get in touch with the landlord and request their information. If they don't reply within the allotted time, program representatives will work with you.

Is there a deadline to apply?
Maine will continue to accept applications through September 2022.

How are payments sent?
Landlords have the option of receiving payments via direct deposit or by mail. Renters are notified when their applications are approved.

How can you prove you’re having trouble paying your rent and utilities?
Submit copies of late rent notices and past due utility bills. You can apply for future rent assistance by signing a legal document stating your need. The program does not provide future utility payments because the actual bill must be submitted.

Can I apply if I live in subsidized housing?
Yes. You must contact the program administrator so changes to your rent can be made if necessary.

Is unemployment a requirement for the program?
No.

Are people who live in mobile homes eligible for help?
Yes. If you rent your mobile home or own your mobile home and rent the lot it sits on, you can apply for assistance. Parking is not covered.

I own my home. I don’t rent. Will the program assist me?
No. Only renters are eligible for assistance with this program. You should contact the Maine Bureau of Consumer Protection which runs the Homeowners Assistance Fund. Click here for more information.

I used my credit card to pay my rent. Can I be reimbursed?
No. The program only provides assistance for unpaid rent. You can use the fact that you borrowed money to pay rent to demonstrate need on your application however.

I rent to own. Am I eligible for assistance?
Yes, as long as no one in your household is on the mortgage. You must provide your lease or rental agreement.

I rent from my parents. Am I eligible for assistance?
Only if you live in a separate unit from your parents. This means you have your own bathroom and kitchen. You must submit a preexisting lease and show proof that you pay rent consistently.

You are not eligible if you rent on an informal basis. If you’re not sure whether or not you qualify, contact MaineHousing at 1-800-452-4668.

How much of my rent will the program cover each month?
There is no set amount that the program will cover monthly. You can get rent assistance dating back to March 13, 2020 and three months of future rent at the same time. You can get a total of 18 months of rent and utility assistance.

What do landlords need to do if they have tenants applying?
You will have to fill out an application as well, provide a W-9, lease agreement, and proof that you own the property. Your local community action agency will contact you with instructions for sending the documentation. You have ten days to respond. If you don’t respond within the allotted time period, the funds will be sent to the renter.

Is there a limit to the number of renters I can apply for?
No.

If a landlord is paid for future rent, and the renter moves out, does the landlord have to repay the money?
Yes. You must reimburse the program for the months the renter did not occupy the property.