Bill > LD1522

This bill establishes the Maine Eviction Prevention Program as a permanent initiative within the Maine State Housing Authority, designed to provide rental assistance to low-income individuals. The program sets specific eligibility criteria, including an income limit of 60% of the area median income, and prioritizes assistance for tenants facing eviction, starting with those who have received a summons for forcible entry and detainer, then those with eviction notices for nonpayment of rent, and finally those paying over 30% of their income in rent. Participants must pay 30% of their income toward rent and live in a rental unit at or below 125% of the fair market rent. The program offers rental arrears assistance and additional support for up to 12 months for those paying more than 30% of their income in rent. Importantly, landlords can only evict program participants for cause during months when rental assistance is being paid. The bill allocates $25 million in general funds for each fiscal year (2025-26 and 2026-27) to support the program, transforming what was previously a pilot program into a permanent solution to help prevent housing insecurity for low-income Maine residents.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1522&snum=132