PORTLAND (WGME) — In order to help struggling Mainers, Governor Janet Mills announced Thursday that Maine Housing will double the offered rental assistance though the COVID-19 Rental Relief Program.
Under the expanded program, the assistance increases from $500 to $1,000 and is offered to households that can meet certain ability to pay requirements. Eligible applicants cannot already be receiving other kinds of subsidized housing assistance.
The rental assistance is paid directly to the landlord for up to three months, and may be used to pay for overdue rent. Landlords that accept the payment, fully agree not to evict the tenant for failing to pay that month’s rent. Gov. Mills has also strengthened some penalties for landlords trying to evict tenants unfairly by shutting off utilities
The goal is to keep people in their homes.
“I’m very concerned that Maine people will be facing a housing cliff as it were, losing income, and also losing rent relief and becoming subject to eviction,” Gov. Mills said.
