Maine's Emergency Rental Assistance Program

December 16, 2022

Maine’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program made funds available to help eligible Mainers to pay for their housing needs, including monthly rent for both rental housing and in hotels. As this program comes to an end, those participating in the program should be aware of Maine law about requiring individuals to move out.

 

For example, on a case-by-case basis, residents may be considered tenants rather than guests and may have due process rights under Maine’s landlord-tenant laws about evictions. See Degenhardt v. EWE Ltd. Partnership, 2011 ME 23, 13 A.3d 790. See also Chapter 14, § 14.17, of the Maine Attorney General’s Consumer Law Guide.

 

Under Maine law, only a court may order a tenant be forcibly evicted following a forcible entry and detainer (FED) action, and only a law enforcement officer can enforce the court’s eviction order.  See § 14.7 of the Consumer Law Guide.  Attempts to force tenants to leave, or to evict tenants in any way other than filing an FED action, are illegal including turning off utilities, preventing access to the apartment, seizing property, or engaging in discrimination.  See § 14.8 of the Consumer Law Guide.  Law enforcement officers should ensure they have a valid court order prior to assisting with an eviction.  

 

Landlords and owners of hotels and motels as well as individuals in rental housing or hotels or motels should consult with an attorney to understand their legal obligations and rights.

 

Individuals facing eviction may contact Pine Tree Legal Assistance to determine if they qualify for help from Pine Tree – call 207-774-8211 or Contact PTLA | Pine Tree Legal Assistance .

For more information about Maine’s landlord-tenant laws and the eviction process, see Chapter 14 of the Attorney General’s Consumer Law Guide.

or information from Pine Tree Legal Assistance about motels, hotels, and rooming houses.