Maine’s Eviction Prevention Program Is Back
If you’re a Maine landlord with a tenant who has fallen behind on rent, there may be another option before unpaid rent turns into an eviction. MaineHousing has reopened its Eviction Prevention Program (EPP) to help eligible Maine households that are behind on rent and at risk of eviction.
Funding is limited, so landlords with tenants carrying past-due balances should look at this sooner rather than later.
What Does It Offer?
Eligible Maine households can receive assistance for past-due rent and potentially ongoing rental assistance, with total assistance capped at $9,600 per household. Most importantly for landlords, approved payments are made directly to the landlord.
Who May Qualify?
Generally, the tenant must:
- Rent their primary residence in Maine
- Be behind on rent and at risk of eviction
- Owe no more than $9,600 in past-due rent
- Have household income at or below 60% of the local Area Median Income
- Have rent within the program’s applicable limits
Additional restrictions apply, particularly to households receiving federal housing vouchers or living in subsidized housing.
Landlords Need to Participate
Landlord participation is required, but the process is fairly straightforward.
Landlords will typically need to provide a W-9, signed lease, tenant ledger or documentation of rent owed, proof of ownership or property management agreement, and landlord attestation.
If you have a tenant carrying a past-due balance, now is a good time to determine whether they may qualify.
Check eligibility and program details on the official MaineHousing Eviction Prevention Program page.
Good Property Management Is More Than Collecting Rent
When a tenant falls behind, waiting too long can leave a landlord with fewer options. At Standard Management Company, we monitor rent balances, communicate with tenants early, maintain the documentation owners need, and stay informed about programs like this that may provide another path before a balance becomes an eviction. That doesn’t mean every delinquent account can be resolved through assistance. But knowing the available options — and acting early — can make a significant difference.
Have a tenant behind on rent? Contact Standard Management Company. We can help you review the situation and determine whether programs like MaineHousing’s Eviction Prevention Program may be an option.
This post is for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Program funding, eligibility and requirements may change. Eligibility and assistance are determined by MaineHousing. Please refer to MaineHousing for current program information.
