An Act To Establish The Maine Eviction Prevention Program

LD 1522 establishes the Maine Eviction Prevention Program within the Maine State Housing Authority to provide rental assistance to low-income renters. It directly affects individuals earning no more than 60% of the area median income who face eviction threats or pay over 30% of their income in rent. The program covers rental arrears and offers up to 12 months of additional help for those paying excessive rent, prioritizing: (1) those with an eviction summons, (2) those with an eviction notice for nonpayment, and (3) those paying over 30% of income in rent. Participants must pay 30% of their income toward rent and live in housing at or below 125% of HUD’s fair market rent, with landlords prohibited from evicting participants for nonpayment during assistance.