What Maine's housing voucher program covers

Maine's housing voucher program is run by the Maine Housing Authority, a state agency that issues vouchers to help low-income households pay rent. A voucher covers the difference between what you pay and what the program considers fair market rent for your area. You find your own apartment, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and Maine Housing pays their portion directly to the landlord each month.

The program works in most of Maine's counties, though the number of vouchers available and the waiting list length vary by region. Southern Maine counties like Cumberland and York typically have longer waits than rural northern areas. You must live in Maine to hold a voucher, and you keep it as long as you meet the program's income limits and lease requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • Maine Housing Authority issues vouchers that pay a portion of your rent directly to your landlord, and you pay the rest from your own income.
  • You must have a household income below 50 percent of the area median income to be considered, though exact limits depend on your county.
  • Waiting lists are open in some counties and closed in others; you can call Maine Housing to find out which ones are accepting new names.
  • The process from process to receiving a voucher typically takes several months, and you cannot move into an apartment until Maine Housing approves both you and the unit.
  • You will need proof of income, a Social Security number, and a signed lease from a landlord willing to work with the program.

Income limits and who can receive a voucher

Maine Housing sets income limits based on your household size and the county where you want to live. Generally, your household income must be at or below 50 percent of the area median income. For a single person in Cumberland County, this is roughly $35,000 per year, but the exact number changes annually and differs by county. You can call Maine Housing at 207-626-4600 to ask the current limit for your household size and location.

You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. Maine Housing will ask for proof of citizenship or a valid work permit. If you have a criminal record, Maine Housing reviews each case individually; some convictions do not automatically disqualify you, but drug-related convictions and certain violent offenses typically do. If you were evicted in the past, you may still be considered, but Maine Housing will look at the reason and how long ago it happened.

How to learn about a waiting list is open in your area

Maine Housing does not keep one statewide waiting list. Instead, each county or region has its own list, and some are open while others are closed. You can only explore in the county where you plan to live. Call Maine Housing's main office at 207-626-4600 and tell them your county; they will tell you whether that list is accepting new names and how long the current wait is.

If the list in your county is closed, ask when it typically reopens. Some regions reopen their lists once a year, usually in spring. You can also ask to be notified when a list reopens, though notification systems vary by region. If you are in urgent housing need, ask Maine Housing whether any neighbouring counties have open lists and whether you could transfer later.

What you need to gather before you explore

Maine Housing will ask for documents that prove your identity, income, and housing history. Bring a photo ID, your Social Security card or number, and recent pay stubs or tax returns showing your income for the past two years. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of unemployment benefits or other income sources. If you receive Social Security, disability, or veteran's benefits, bring a recent statement showing the monthly amount.

You will also need to show your rental history. Bring the names and phone numbers of your current and previous landlords, going back at least two years. If you have been homeless or lived in a shelter, bring documentation of those stays. Maine Housing will contact your landlords to verify that you paid rent on time and did not damage the property. If you have an eviction on your record, bring the court documents so Maine Housing can see the reason and date.

The process and approval process

You explore in person at your local Maine Housing office or the regional office that serves your county. Bring all your documents and be ready to answer questions about your household, income, and housing needs. The staff will help you fill out the process form and explain the program rules. They will also tell you the current wait time for your county and whether you will be added to the waiting list that day.

After you explore, Maine Housing reviews your information and contacts your previous landlords. This takes two to four weeks. If they approve you, you move to the active waiting list. When a voucher becomes available, Maine Housing contacts you and gives you a important date to find an apartment. You then have a set number of days (usually 60 to 90) to locate a unit, have the landlord sign a lease, and have Maine Housing inspect and approve the apartment. Once approved, the voucher begins and Maine Housing starts paying the landlord.

Finding an apartment and working with landlords

Once you receive a voucher, you search for an apartment on your own. Not all landlords accept vouchers, so you may need to call ahead and ask. Some landlords worry about the program or have had bad experiences; others welcome voucher holders. Fair housing law says landlords cannot refuse you solely because you have a voucher, but in practice you may face resistance. Websites like Craigslist and local rental listings sometimes let you filter by "accepts Section 8" or similar language, though Maine's program is called the Housing Choice Voucher Program.

Once you find an apartment and the landlord agrees, you sign a lease. The lease must show the full rent amount and the landlord's agreement to accept the voucher. You then give the lease to Maine Housing, which inspects the apartment to make sure it meets housing quality standards. The inspection checks for things like working heat, safe electrical wiring, and no lead paint hazards. If the unit passes, Maine Housing approves it and the voucher begins. If it fails, you must ask the landlord to make repairs or find a different apartment.

Your monthly payment and how much you pay

Once your voucher is active, you pay a portion of the rent and Maine Housing pays the rest. Your share is based on your income; most households pay between 25 and 40 percent of their gross monthly income toward rent. If your income changes, your payment amount changes too. Maine Housing recertifies your income once a year, usually by mail or phone, and adjusts your payment if needed.

If the rent is higher than what Maine Housing considers fair market rent for your area, you may have to pay the difference yourself, or you may need to find a cheaper apartment. Fair market rent varies by county and bedroom size. Maine Housing publishes these amounts each year. If you lose income or face hardship, contact Maine Housing to discuss your options; they may be able to adjust your payment temporarily or help you find a more affordable unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it usually take to get a voucher in Maine?

Wait times vary by county. Some regions have waits of one to two years, while others may be shorter. When you call Maine Housing, ask specifically how long the current wait is for your county. If the list is closed, ask when it typically reopens.

Can I use my voucher if I move to a different county in Maine?

You can transfer your voucher to a different county, but you must request a transfer through Maine Housing and the receiving county must have vouchers available. Transfers are not automatic, and you may face a wait. Contact Maine Housing to ask about transferring before you move.

What happens if my landlord wants to raise the rent?

Rent increases must follow Maine's landlord-tenant laws. If the increase brings the rent above fair market rent for your area, you may have to pay the extra amount yourself or find a different apartment. Talk to Maine Housing before the increase takes effect so you understand your options.

Can I lose my voucher if my income goes up?

If your income rises above the program limit for your household size, you may lose your voucher. However, Maine Housing typically allows a one-year grace period before terminating information. Contact them when ready if your income increases so you can discuss what happens next.

What should I do if I cannot find a landlord who accepts vouchers?

Tell Maine Housing about your search. They may be able to connect you with landlords who have worked with the program before, or they may extend your search important date. Some areas have nonprofit organizations that help voucher holders find apartments; Maine Housing can refer you to these groups.