Housing (Renters)

signed · Maine · House Apr 13, 2026

LD 2231: An Act To Support Owners Of Manufactured Housing, Mobile Homes And Tiny Homes

This Maine bill expands consumer protections and financing options for owners of manufactured housing, mobile homes, and tiny homes by clarifying that these structures are treated as real estate for mortgage purposes. It establishes a mediation process that residents can trigger if a community owner proposes lot rent or fee increases exceeding the regional Consumer Price Index, requiring the owner to provide detailed cost comparisons in advance. The legislation also creates a formal procedure for owners to convert their mobile home titles into real property deeds, which facilitates traditional home financing and requires landowners to consent to this process without unreasonable delay. Additionally, the bill reduces minimum lot size requirements for new mobile home parks and mandates that purchasers of these communities hire a third party to inspect the site's infrastructure before closing a deal.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill expands consumer protections and financing for manufactured housing owners and limits rent increases via mediation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mortgages Renters

failed · Maine · Senate Jun 3, 2025

LD 1344: An Act To Improve The Response Time To Tenant Mold Complaints

LD 1344 requires local health officers to investigate tenant complaints about nonsurface mold in rental units within 90 days. If unhealthy mold is confirmed, landlords must provide a remediation plan to tenants within 5 business days and complete the work within 60 days of the investigation report. Tenants can then file a formal complaint under habitability laws if landlords fail to fix the issue. The bill directly affects renters, landlords, and local health officials by establishing clear timelines for mold remediation in rental housing. It amends Maine's habitability law to add specific response requirements for mold complaints.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates timely mold remediation for landlords, strengthening tenant habitability protections under housing law.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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signed · Maine · House Jun 20, 2025

LD 1723: An Act To Amend The Laws Governing Manufactured Housing Communities To Prevent Excessive Rent And Fees Increases

This bill limits annual rent and fee increases in manufactured housing communities to no more than 10% of the base amount over a 4-year period. It directly affects residents who pay lot rent and community owners/operators who set those rates. The key provision (Section 9084-A) prohibits increases exceeding this 10% cap, aiming to preserve affordable housing. The bill also establishes a new Manufactured Housing Board with tenant and resident representation to oversee implementation. These changes apply to all licensed manufactured housing communities in Maine.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingCaps annual rent/fee increases at 10% over 4 years to preserve affordability, establishes tenant-represented board for oversight. Directly protects manufactured housing tenants from excessive cost burdens.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Renters

signed · Maine · House Jun 25, 2025

LD 1946: An Act To Clarify The Eligibility Of Certified Recovery Residences For Bridging Rental Assistance Program Housing Vouchers

LD 1946 clarifies that certified recovery residences in Maine - defined as facilities certified under state law (Title 5, section 20005, subsection 22) - are eligible to accept housing vouchers from the Bridging Rental Assistance Program (BRAP) if they meet the program’s standards. It also ensures that individuals residing in these certified recovery residences can apply for BRAP vouchers on the same basis as others, with their residence type not acting as a barrier to eligibility. The Department of Health and Human Services must provide guidance to help these residences and housing programs understand the new rules, and may adopt necessary technical rules to implement the changes. This bill removes a previous barrier, allowing people in recovery housing to access rental assistance through BRAP without discrimination.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingClarifies eligibility for recovery residences to access BRAP housing vouchers, removing barriers and expanding affordable housing access for residents.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters

failed · Maine · House Apr 8, 2025

LD 632: An Act To Allow A Local Option Sales Tax On Short-Term Lodging To Fund Affordable Housing

LD 632 allows Maine municipalities to impose a 2% local sales tax on short-term lodging (such as hotels, vacation rentals, and tourist camps) if approved by a voter referendum. The tax revenue must fund affordable housing programs within the municipality, including construction, renovation, and rental assistance for lower and moderate income households. Specifically, 15% of the collected revenue goes to the Maine State Housing Authority for rural housing initiatives, while the remaining funds return to the municipality for local housing projects. The tax requires voter approval (a majority of votes cast with at least 20% turnout from the last gubernatorial election) and cannot take effect before January 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates a new 2% local sales tax on short-term lodging to fund affordable housing programs, directly advancing government spending for essential services through taxation.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill imposes 2% tax on short-term lodging to fund municipal affordable housing programs, including construction and rental assistance for low/moderate income households.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Sales Tax Affordable Housing Renters

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failed · Maine · House Apr 8, 2025

LD 521: An Act To Prohibit Discrimination In Housing Based On Source Of Income, Veteran Status Or Military Status

LD 521 prohibits housing discrimination in Maine based on source of income, military status, or veteran status. It amends Maine’s housing law to explicitly protect renters and prospective tenants from discrimination related to housing vouchers, government benefits (like Social Security or child support), military service, or veteran status. Landlords, agents, and brokers are now barred from refusing to rent, charging different terms, or advertising in ways that discriminate based on these categories. The law applies to all housing accommodations and aligns with existing protections for race, gender, disability, and other categories under Maine law.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits housing discrimination based on income source (e.g., vouchers), military/veteran status, strengthening tenant protections and access to housing.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProhibits housing discrimination based on veteran status, directly protecting veterans from exclusion in housing95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights Veteran Housing

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failed · Maine · Senate Apr 30, 2025

LD 824: An Act Regarding Pet Fees In Rental Housing

This bill limits pet-related fees for renters in Maine. Landlords may only charge a refundable security deposit of up to $300 for pets or a monthly pet rent fee not exceeding 1% of the total rent, but cannot charge non-refundable fees. It prohibits all other pet-related charges, including non-refundable deposits or fees for service or assistance animals. The law directly affects tenants with pets and landlords in rental housing across Maine. Service and assistance animals remain exempt from all pet fees under the bill.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingLimits pet fees for tenants, reducing costs and strengthening tenant protections in rental housing, directly advancing affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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failed · Maine · Senate May 27, 2025

LD 1534: An Act Enabling Municipalities To Protect Tenants And Stabilize Rents

LD 1534 allows Maine municipalities to adopt local rent stabilization and tenant protection rules. It enables towns to set annual rent increase limits (capping increases at 5% or the local Consumer Price Index change, whichever is lower) and require "just cause" for evictions - meaning landlords must have specific reasons like nonpayment, lease violations, or criminal activity to evict a tenant. The law directly affects renters and landlords in participating municipalities, with exemptions for owner-occupied buildings (4 units or fewer), housing authority units, dormitories, and elderly care facilities. Municipalities adopting these rules must report annually to state housing authorities, but the bill does not override existing state or federal tenant protections.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEnables rent caps (5% or CPI) and just cause evictions, directly protecting tenants and stabilizing housing costs per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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signed · Maine · House May 29, 2025

LD 733: An Act To Make Changes To The Law Based On A Pilot Project Conducted By The Maine State Housing Authority Regarding Efforts To Improve Access To Credit For Low-Income Renters

LD 733 is a concept draft that authorizes the Maine State Housing Authority to run a pilot project testing whether reporting rent payment histories to credit bureaus can help low-income renters improve their credit scores. The pilot will collect data on the effectiveness of this reporting method, with results to be shared with the Legislature by the next legislative session. Based on the pilot's findings, the bill would propose specific legal changes to implement successful strategies for improving credit access. This directly benefits low-income renters in Maine, who often struggle to build credit because their rent payments are not typically reported to credit agencies.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill pilot tests reporting rent payments to credit bureaus for low-income renters to improve credit access, directly advancing affordable housing by addressing a key barrier to housing stability and opportunity.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

failed · Maine · Senate Jun 3, 2025

LD 1552: An Act To Prohibit Landlords From Setting Rents Through The Use Of Artificial Intelligence

LD 1552 prohibits landlords in Maine from using artificial intelligence or algorithmic devices to set or adjust rent for residential properties, including during lease renewals. This applies to any person responsible for determining rent amounts, directly affecting landlords and property managers across the state. The law defines "algorithmic device" as tools analyzing rent data to advise landlords, and "artificial intelligence" as systems that generate rent recommendations. Violating this ban would be treated as an unfair trade practice under Maine law. The bill aims to prevent automated rent-setting systems from influencing tenant costs.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits AI-driven rent adjustments, directly protecting tenants from opaque algorithmic rent hikes under LANDLORD AND TENANT subject, aligning with tenant protection indicators.95% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill explicitly prohibits landlords from using AI/algorithmic tools for rent setting, directly restricting technology application in housing policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights Artificial Intelligence

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