If you’re behind on rent in Maine and worried about losing your home, there’s an important program you should know about. Maine’s Eviction Prevention Program reopened to new applications on September 21, 2026, and eligible renters could receive up to $9,600 in rental assistance.
The program had previously closed to new applications, so if you were told it wasn’t accepting applicants anymore, that information may now be out of date.
What Is the Eviction Prevention Program?
The Eviction Prevention Program is a statewide rental assistance program administered by MaineHousing, with Project Home managing day-to-day operations.
It’s designed to help eligible Maine renters who have fallen behind on rent and are at risk of eviction.
The program received a one-time $11 million allocation from the State of Maine for this round of assistance.
If you’re approved, the money isn’t paid directly to you. Payments are made directly to your participating landlord to help address the rent you owe and stabilize your housing.
Am I Eligible?
There are several requirements you need to meet.
To qualify, you must:
- Rent your primary residence in Maine;
- Be behind on rent and at risk of eviction;
- Owe no more than $9,600 in past-due rent;
- Meet the program’s 60% Area Median Income limit for your household size and location; and
- Have monthly rent at or below 125% of the applicable Fair Market Rent for your area.
The income limits vary depending on where you live and how many people are in your household.
If you’re not familiar with Area Median Income, our Area Median Income guide can help explain how these limits work.
What If I Have a Housing Voucher or Subsidized Housing?
There are additional restrictions for people who already receive certain forms of housing assistance.
MaineHousing says households generally cannot qualify if they have a federal housing voucher or live in subsidized housing.
However, there are some important exceptions.
You may still be eligible if you live in a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit property without a subsidy. Households receiving State Bridging Rental Assistance Program assistance or State General Assistance may also qualify.
If you’re unsure whether your particular housing assistance affects your eligibility, contact Project Home before assuming you can’t apply.
How Much Could I Get?
Total assistance is capped at $9,600 per eligible household.
The program first helps with rent you already owe your current landlord.
After your past-due rent is resolved, eligible households may also receive up to 12 months of additional rental assistance, as long as the total amount of assistance does not exceed the $9,600 program limit.
The exact amount you may receive depends on your situation and program approval.
Does My Landlord Have to Participate?
Yes. Landlord participation is required because payments are made directly to the landlord.
Both the tenant and landlord must agree to participate in the process.
Your landlord will need to provide documents that may include:
- An IRS W-9
- A signed lease or rental agreement
- Documentation showing the rental arrears you owe
- Proof of ownership or a management agreement
- A signed landlord attestation
If your landlord is hesitant, it may help to explain that the assistance is paid directly to them.
Who Gets Priority?
Because funding is limited, applications are prioritized.
MaineHousing says eligible households are prioritized in this order:
- Households that have received a summons and complaint for forcible entry and detainer;
- Households that have received an eviction notice for nonpayment of rent; and
- Households paying more than 30% of their income toward rent.
Within the program’s priority categories, completed applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
That means receiving court eviction paperwork may give your household the program’s highest listed priority, but it does not guarantee assistance.
How Do I Apply?
You can apply through the Maine Eviction Prevention Program portal.
If you need help completing the online application or need a paper application, contact Project Home. Applications can also be completed by phone at (207) 274-1240, with required documents submitted afterward.
Before applying, you should be prepared to provide documentation such as:
- Valid identification
- Proof of your current address and monthly rent
- Documentation of your current household income
- Your signed lease or rental agreement
- Documentation showing how much past-due rent you owe
- Any applicable eviction notices or court documents
Your application won’t be processed until Project Home has received all required information and documentation.
What If I Applied Before and Was Denied?
You may have another opportunity.
MaineHousing says applicants who were previously denied because they didn’t submit required documents or didn’t respond to requests for additional information may reapply now.
However, your new application won’t be backdated. It will be considered based on the date you submit it.
How Long Does It Take?
Don’t expect payment immediately after applying.
MaineHousing says that once a complete application has been submitted, it may take two weeks or longer for funds to be disbursed to your landlord.
Submitting all required documents with your application may help prevent unnecessary delays.
Is This Still Open Right Now?
Yes. The Eviction Prevention Program reopened to new applications statewide on September 21, 2026.
There is no published closing date.
However, funding is limited, and MaineHousing says it may close applications when available funding is projected to be fully committed. Applying also does not guarantee that assistance will be available.
If you think you may qualify, it’s worth checking the official MaineHousing Eviction Prevention Program page for the latest status and applying promptly if the program is still accepting applications.
Relief Recap
If you’re behind on rent in Maine, you may have an opportunity to get help before the situation gets worse.
The Eviction Prevention Program could provide eligible households with up to $9,600 toward past-due rent and, once those arrears are resolved, additional rental assistance.
The program has income and rent limits, your landlord must participate, and funding is limited. But if you’re at risk of eviction and think you might qualify, it’s worth checking your eligibility and applying while applications remain open.
