As of 2025, Maine faces a significant shortage of affordable rental units, with the National Low Income Housing Coalition reporting that there are only 52 affordable and available units for every 100 extremely low-income households. Rising rental prices have outpaced wage growth, making programs like Section 8 essential for low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities to secure safe and affordable housing.

Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing in Maine?

To be eligible for the Section 8 program in Maine, applicants need to meet a series of specific qualifications:

Residency: Applicants must be either U.S. citizens or legal residents and maintain residency in Maine.
Income Level: Household income must not exceed 50% of the area’s median income (AMI), with preference often granted to households earning below 30% of AMI. These thresholds help ensure assistance reaches those most in need.
Background: A positive rental history and absence of serious criminal convictions are essential. This helps foster a secure and cooperative housing environment.
Priority Consideration: Groups such as veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are often given higher priority to address urgent housing needs.

Local housing authorities may set additional eligibility rules. For the most accurate and detailed requirements, it’s best to contact your nearest housing authority.

What is the Maximum Amount of Rent That Section 8 Will Pay in Maine?

The rental assistance provided under Section 8 is based on Fair Market Rent (FMR), a figure set annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). FMR represents the cost of modest, non-luxury rental housing in a given area. Section 8 typically covers the difference between 30% of a household’s income and the approved rent amount, up to the FMR.

Renters and landlords must adhere to these limits for participation in the program. Reach out to your local housing authority for the most accurate and up-to-date FMR information.

Income Limits for Section 8 Housing in Maine

To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Maine, applicants must meet certain income requirements. The income limits for Section 8 in Maine are determined by HUD and vary based on the area's median income and the number of people in the household.

The following table shows the current income limits in Maine.

Applicants for Section 8 housing in Maine should review the current income limits for their area and ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before applying. Local housing authorities can provide up-to-date information on income limits for their specific area.

Fair Market Rents for Section 8 Housing in Maine

Fair market rents (FMR) are the maximum amount of rent that can be paid under the Section 8 program in a particular area. The FMR is determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is based on the median rental cost of a particular area.

The FMR for Section 8 housing in Maine varies based on the location and the size of the unit. The following list shows current Fair Market Rents in Maine.

How Do I Apply for Section 8 Housing in Maine?

The process of applying for Section 8 housing in Maine can be done online or through the local housing authority. To apply for Section 8 housing in Maine, follow these steps:

Determine Eligibility: Review the criteria above to confirm you qualify.
Contact Your Local Housing Authority: Identify the housing authority in the area where you wish to live. A list of Maine housing authorities is available on the HUD website.
Submit an Application: Complete the application either online via the Maine State Housing Authority’s website or in person at your local office. Include all required documents, such as proof of income and identification for all household members.
Await Processing: Applications are typically reviewed within weeks but may take longer due to high demand.
Interview: If approved, attend an interview to finalize your eligibility and discuss your housing needs.

Applying for Section 8 housing in Maine can also be done online. To apply online, visit the Maine State Housing Authority's website and complete the online application.

When completing the Section 8 application, be sure to provide all required documentation, including proof of income, social security numbers for all household members, and identification documents. Failure to provide all required documentation can delay the application process.

Maine Housing Authorities

Local housing authorities oversee Section 8 administration, including application processing and rental assistance distribution. There are several housing authorities in Maine, each serving a specific geographic area. Visit the respective websites or call for the latest updates on application procedures and availability.

Review the following table for Housing Authority Details in Maine and their contact information.

Housing Authority	Contact Information	Visit Website
Maine State Housing Authority	353 Water Street Augusta, ME 04330 (207) 626-4600 Email	Visit Website
Bangor Housing Authority	161 Davis Road Bangor, ME 04401 (207) 942-6365 Email	Visit Website
Portland Housing Authority	14 Baxter Boulevard Portland, ME 04101 (207) 773-4753 Email	Visit Website
Lewiston Housing Authority	1 College Street Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 783-8539 Email	Visit Website
Bath Housing Authority	80 Congress Avenue Bath, ME 04530 (207) 443-3116 Email	Visit Website

Housing authorities in Maine work closely with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to ensure that the Section 8 program is administered in accordance with federal regulations. They are responsible for ensuring that eligible families receive rental assistance and that landlords participating in the program follow program guidelines.

Section 8 Housing Maine Waiting List

Due to high demand for affordable housing, many Maine residents face significant wait times for Section 8 assistance. In some cases, families may wait several months or even years for a voucher to become available. This shortage is exacerbated by Maine’s limited supply of affordable rental units, which further strains the system.

Applicants are encouraged to regularly check their status and ensure their contact information is up-to-date. Waiting times can differ significantly depending on the housing authority and availability of funding. Local housing authorities will notify applicants when their name moves to the top of the list and a voucher becomes available.

As of 2025, the status of waiting lists varies by location:

  
      Housing Authority
      Waiting List Status
    
      Maine State Housing Authority
      Closed
    
      Bangor Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Portland Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Lewiston Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Bath Housing Authority
      Closed

How Long Does it Take to Get Approved for Section 8 in Maine?

The timeline for Section 8 approval in Maine can vary based on a variety of factors. On average, it can take several weeks to several months for an applicant to be approved for Section 8 housing in Maine.

One factor that can affect the timeline for approval is the availability of funding for the program. If funding is limited, it can result in longer wait times for applicants to be approved for rental assistance. Additionally, the number of applicants on the waiting list can also affect the timeline, as housing authorities prioritize rental assistance based on need.

The application process itself can also affect the timeline for approval. If an applicant does not provide all required documentation or if there are discrepancies in the information provided, it can result in delays in the approval process.

Once an application has been approved, it can still take some time for rental assistance to become available. Housing authorities must work with landlords to identify available units that meet the needs of eligible families.

Other Low Income Housing Options in Maine

In addition to Section 8, Maine offers other programs to support low-income families:

Public Housing: Owned and managed by local housing authorities, public housing provides rental units directly to eligible families.
Privately Owned Subsidized Housing: Landlords participating in government programs offer affordable units, often with shorter wait times.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: These developments offer reduced rents to qualified tenants.

For more information on these programs, visit the Maine State Housing Authority website.

Finding Affordable Housing in Maine

Navigating the search for affordable housing in Maine can be challenging, but resources are available to help. Local housing authorities and nonprofit organizations can provide guidance on applications, waiting lists, and other housing options. Taking proactive steps and staying informed will improve your chances of securing a home that fits your needs.