Rent Assistance in Maine

Last checked: November 2026. Benefits Explorer is a directory. We do not provide rent money or decide who gets help, and each program makes its own decisions.

MaineHousing and Project Home of Portland reopened the Maine Eviction Prevention Program on September 21, 2026, using a one-time $11 million state allocation. MaineHousing says eligible renters behind on rent may receive up to $9,600 while funds remain. Because the money is a single allocation and the program pages do not report what is left, call before counting on it.

Applications are not simply handled in the order received. Households that have a summons and complaint go first, then those with an eviction notice for nonpayment, then those paying more than 30 percent of income in rent. Complete applications are then processed first-come, first-served, and payments go to the landlord.

Where to Start in Maine

Maine Eviction Prevention Program

For renters behind on rent. Income must be under the area limit for your household size, and rent must be at or below 125 percent of fair market rent. People with a federal housing voucher or in subsidized housing are excluded, though State Bridging Rental Assistance and State General Assistance recipients are listed as eligible. Apply online, by phone, by email at evictionprevention@projecthomemaine.org, or in person or by mail at Project Home, 75 Washington Ave, Suite 2F, Portland. You will need ID, proof of address and rent, income, and past-due rent such as a Notice to Quit.

Visit website · Phone: (207) 274-1240 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

MaineHousing housing referral specialists

The state housing agency's in-state, toll-free line for subsidized and affordable apartment information. The Housing Choice Voucher program, which pays part of the rent directly to landlords, also sits here. The alternate line is (207) 624-5789.

Visit website · Phone: (866) 357-4853 · Accepting applications when last checked

211 Maine

Maine specialists, available around the clock and in all languages, can search for rental assistance, subsidized housing and vouchers near you. Dial 211, or text your ZIP code to 898-211.

Visit website · Phone: 211 · Accepting applications when last checked

Stability through Engagement Program (STEP)

Six to 12 months of short-term rental assistance for people who are homeless and referred by a shelter, in ten counties. This is not for people still in their homes.

Visit website · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Facing Eviction in Maine?

Unless a lease says otherwise, a tenant at least 7 days late on rent can be given a 7-day Notice to Quit, and paying the amount due within those 7 days voids the notice. The court hearing must be at least 14 days after you get the complaint, with free same-day mediation. After a judgment, a writ of possession can issue 7 days later unless you pay what is owed, and once a sheriff serves it you have 48 hours to move. Pine Tree Legal says a landlord must go to court, and that after a case is filed, a tenant can stop the eviction by paying all rent owed plus court costs before the writ issues. Read the official guidance

Free or low-cost legal help: Pine Tree Legal Assistance. Help with non-criminal legal problems, including eviction. Phone intake is Mondays 12:00 to 2:30 pm, and Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 to 11:30 am; if no one answers, leave a message saying where you are in Maine and how to reach you. Walk-in times are available in Augusta, Bangor, Lewiston, Machias, Portland and Presque Isle. Visit website · Phone: 207-942-8322

This page is general information, not legal advice. Don't ignore a notice or court papers, because eviction deadlines can be short.

More Help in Maine

Want other options? See our full rent assistance guide, including how to spot a scam, or see your options. That form is not an application for rent assistance. If you submit it, Benefits Explorer and its partners may contact you.

Maine Rent Assistance Questions

Is the Maine Eviction Prevention Program open?

MaineHousing announced that it reopened on September 21, 2026, with help available while funds remain. It also says it cannot promise assistance will be available, so call Project Home at (207) 274-1240 to confirm before relying on it.

How much can the Maine program pay?

MaineHousing says eligible renters may receive up to $9,600. Payment goes directly to the landlord. Some older pages may show a different limit, so go by the current MaineHousing announcement.

Do I need an eviction notice before I apply in Maine?

MaineHousing asks for proof of past-due rent, such as a Notice to Quit. Households with a summons and complaint or a nonpayment eviction notice are processed first, so having those papers affects your place in line. Send them with your application if you have them.

Can I stay if I pay after getting a 7-day notice?

According to the Maine courts, paying the amount due within the 7 days voids the notice. Pine Tree Legal adds that the notice must include specific language about this right for tenants at will. Call Pine Tree if your notice looks different.

Rent Assistance in Nearby States

Most programs only help people who live in their state. If you are moving or live near a state line, you can also check:

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