Maine rent relief is easy to find if you know where to look! We’ve scoured countless resource directories to put all the information you need in one easy-to-use guide.
Statewide Maine Rent Relief
There are a handful of programs that offer rent assistance throughout the state. For even more assistance, be sure to check out the local rent relief programs listed below.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program is the state’s official COVID-19 pandemic rental assistance program. This program provides assistance with rent and utilities for people who have been financially impacted due to the pandemic.
What does Maine’s ERAP cover?
Maine’s ERAP program cover rent and utilities that were incurred on or after March 13, 2020. The program can also cover up to three months of future rent at a time. Utilities like electricity, water, sewer, trash, heat and internet may also be covered by this program.
If needed, it can also cover moving expenses such as application fees, screening fees, security deposits and even certain legal late fees that are part of your lease. It can cover park/lot rent for mobile home owners, too!
Who is eligible for ERAP?
In order to be eligible for this Maine rent relief program, you must meet all of these criteria:
- You must meet certain income limits.
- You must experienced financial difficulty during the pandemic.
- You must have a hard time paying your rent or utilities. If you are homeless, you may also qualify.
How do I apply?
You can apply online or via paper application. The applications are processed by your local Community Action Agency.
- Androscoggin and Oxford Counties are served by Community Concepts Inc (Lewiston Office).
- Aroostook County is served by the Aroostook County Action Program.
- Cumberland County (except for the town of Brunswick) is served by the Opportunity Alliance. The town of Brunswick is served by Community Concepts Inc (Lewiston Office).
- Franklin County is served by Western Maine Community Action.
- Hancock County and Washington County are served by Downeast Community Partners.
- Kennebeck and Somerset Counties are served by the Kennebeck Valley Community Action Program.
- Knox County, Penobscot County and Piscataquis County are served by the Penquis Community Action Program (Bangor Office).
- Lincoln County and Sagadahoc County are served by the Midcoast Maine Community Action.
- Waldo County is served by Waldo Community Action Partners.
- York County is served by York County Community Action Corp.
Community Action Agencies
Obviously, Community Action Agencies are offering rental assistance through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program during the COVID-19 emergency. However, even when the ERAP program ends, Community Action Agencies are usually able to help with rent or provide referrals to local organizations that can help.
Frannie Peabody Center
The Frannie Peabody Center helps people in Maine who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. You must have a diagnosis, meet application requirements and income guidelines in order to receive this assistance.
General Assistance
General Assistance from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services can help with rent, mortgage payments, fuel, utilities, medical, dental, prescriptions, burial costs and household or personal supplies (such as toiletries). Clearly, these funds can provide Maine rent relief to those who are eligible. You may be eligible for this assistance fund if you are unable to afford your own basic needs. You will need to apply in person at your local municipal office.
The British Society
In order to receive help from The British Society, you must either be British (holding a passport of the United Kingdom or its dependencies) or a child of a British person who is residing in one of the six New England states. If you meet these eligibility requirements, then you may be able to receive one-time assistance with rent, airfare to the UK or car repairs.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army often offers assistance with rent and utility payments. However, this service varies depending on the specific Salvation Army chapter that serves your area. You will need to inquire with your local Salvation Army location for more details.
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
This program helps veterans and their families maintain stable and secure housing. There are SSVF partner agencies all over Maine who may be able to help you if you are eligible.
Nationwide Rental Assistance Programs
There are some programs that provide assistance with rent all over the United States! For even more ways to get help with your rent, check this list!
Local Maine Rent Relief Programs
Most rental assistance programs operate on a local basis. They only help people who live in a certain city, county, zip code or region. For your convenience, we’ve organized these programs alphabetically by area.
Androscoggin County
Common Ties Mental Health Resources
Clients of Common Ties Mental Health Resources may be able to receive help with their housing costs through their housing assistance program. You must call the office for details.
Franklin County
FAEM Housing Assistance Fund
Franklin County residents who need help with housing costs, including rent and security deposits, may be able to receive up to $200 in assistance from the FAEM Housing Assistance Fund. Once you receive help, you will not be eligible again until five years after your received your grant.
York County
Community Harvest (Kennebunk, Kennebunkport or Arundel)
Community Harvest offers limited Maine rent relief to residents of Kennebunk, Kennebunkport or Arundel only. They may be able to assist you with fuel, utility payments, car repair, security deposits, clothing or rent.
Nicole Thelin
Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.