AUGUSTA - Rep. Amy Roeder, D-Bangor, introduced legislation Thursday that intends to allow a prospective tenant to use a streamlined screening service report during the rental application process in an effort to limit the rental application fees paid by applicants.
LD 690 would help alleviate rental application costs by allowing a prospective tenant to use a streamlined screening service report in applying for multiple places of residence, as long as it is used within 30 days from the date the report is initially issued. If landlords or property managers choose not to use a screening service report, they would be limited to charging a $25 application fee.
"In my community, I have heard countless stories from frustrated people trying to find housing," said Roeder. "Rental properties that enter Bangor's market see dozens of applicants, and with every application comes unpredictable fees. We know that most landlords are responsible and do not financially exploit prospective tenants, but it does happen. This bill protects tenants while also providing landlords with the crucial information they need before deciding on a tenant."
Due to Bangor's competitive housing market, renters often need to submit multiple applications before securing housing. Currently, to meet housing demands, the Bangor region will need to add an average of 300 homes or rental units each year for the next five years to accommodate older adults and people moving to the area for work.
The Legislature's Judiciary Committee will hold a work session on the bill in the coming weeks.
Roeder is serving her second term in the Maine House of Representatives and is House chair of the Labor and Housing Committee. She represents House District 23, which includes a portion of Bangor.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Roeder], 305-965-2744