The Maine Guide to Section 8 Housing
For low-income individuals, seniors, and families in the Pine Tree State, Section 8 in Maine offers a pathway to secure safe and affordable housing. Administered by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) with funding from HUD, the program provides rental subsidies that make private market housing more accessible to those in need.
This guide outlines the program’s requirements, application process, and resources to help you navigate Section 8 in Maine.
What is Section 8 Housing in Maine
Section 8 Housing in Maine is a federally funded program (also known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program) that assists eligible residents in affording decent, safe, and sanitary rental housing. Under Maine’s Section 8 program, participants pay a portion of their income toward rent, while the voucher subsidizes the remaining cost. This flexibility allows families to select housing from the private market rather than being limited to government-owned properties.
What is the Most Section 8 Will Pay in Maine?
The most that Section 8 will pay toward rent in Maine depends upon the Fair Market Rents (FMR) determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD sets these rates each year as a reflection of the cost to rent a moderately priced housing unit in the local market.
Participants are generally responsible for paying 30% of their adjusted income toward rent, with the voucher covering the remainder up to the FMR. The total subsidy amount depends on household income. Maine’s Section 8 program then makes up the difference between the participant’s contribution and the actual rent or Fair Market Rent, whichever is lower.
Fair Market Rent
The HUD Section 8 program pays rents for low-income households directly to private landlords. The Housing Authority of Maine will pay about 70% of a tenant’s rent, while the tenant will pay the other 30%. Fair Market Rents generally determine the maximum rent that a Section 8 landlord will be allowed to charge their residents. The table below shows current fair market rents for Maine.
What are the Maine Section 8 Housing Requirements?
Section 8 in Maine has specific eligibility requirements for participants.
- Income Limits - Household income must fall below HUD’s thresholds, which vary by location and family size.
- Citizenship - At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
- Minimum Rent - Recipients must pay a minimum amount per month toward rent, depending on their household composition.
- Rental History - Applicants must have a positive rental history and no outstanding debts owed to Section 8 landlords, in Maine or elsewhere.
- Inspection - All housing units must pass HUD’s Housing Quality Standards inspection.
- Criminal background checks are required for all adult household members. Certain convictions, such as drug-related offenses, may disqualify applicants. In addition, recipients must comply with the program rules, including annual income re-certification and periodic housing inspections.
What are the Income Limits for Housing Assistance Programs in Maine?
Income limits for Section 8 in Maine are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) and updated annually by HUD. They vary by location. Most income thresholds are lower in rural areas as compared to cities. They also depend upon household size and program.
In addition, some rental developments have units set aside for specific income brackets, such as those making 50% of the Area Median Income. Some public housing assists those with incomes up to 80% of the AMI. Meeting the income requirements is essential for residents who need access to affordable housing options.
Income Limit
Income Limits are maximum income limits allowed based on household size. The following limits were established by HUD for low income households to be eligible for housing assistance in Maine for 2024.
How Long Does it Take to Get Approved for Section 8 in Maine?
Approval times for Section 8 rental assistance in Maine can vary greatly depending on demand and the availability of vouchers in the location. In some areas, the waitlist is quite long. In other areas, there may be no waitlist at all. For example:
- Cities like Portland and Bangor often have waiting lists of 1-3 years.
- Rural areas often have shorter waiting times but fewer vouchers available.
The approval process includes submitting an application, verifying eligibility, and completing background checks. Once approved, participants are placed on a waiting list until a voucher becomes available.
When an applicant reaches the top of the waitlist, the housing authority verifies the eligibility criteria through documents, interviews, and background checks. This includes confirming household composition, income limits, criminal history, credit, citizenship, and more. Checking with the local housing authority is the easiest way to determine the estimated wait times and availability in any specific area.
How To Qualify for Section 8 in Maine
To qualify for the Section 8 Housing program in Maine, applicants must:
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Meet Income Requirements: Household income must align with HUD’s limits for their family size and location.
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Provide Documentation: This includes proof of income, Social Security numbers, and identification for all household members.
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Pass Background Checks: All adults in the household must clear criminal background screenings.
Income thresholds vary based on household size and location, but most households must have an income below 50% of the area’s median income.
Applicants must also meet residency requirements and choose a housing unit that meets the HUD inspection standards. Priority is often given to seniors, veterans, those with disabilities, and other groups depending upon need. Participants must adhere to lease agreements and promptly report income or household changes.
How To Apply for Section 8 Housing in Maine
To apply for Section 8 assistance in Maine, start by contacting the local public housing authority to obtain an application—most housing authorities offer application materials on their website as well. Provide any required documentation of household income, assets, and composition for all household members—this includes pay stubs, tax returns, birth certificates, Social Security cards, and more.
Some PHAs require interviews or home visits. Approved applicants are then placed on a waiting list and notified when a voucher becomes available.
Can I transfer my Section 8 Voucher to Maine?
Yes, Maine accepts Section 8 vouchers transferred between housing authorities in different states through a process called portability. For recipients who have an active Section 8 voucher from another state and want to move to Maine, they can request a transfer to a housing authority in Maine that administers the Section 8 program.
To transfer a voucher:
- Notify your current PHA of your intent to relocate.
- Request portability paperwork and provide it to the receiving PHA in Maine.
- Coordinate with both PHAs to ensure a smooth transition.
- Secure housing in Maine that meets program requirements.
Applicants will need to verify the eligibility criteria before the transfer occurs. In some areas, a waitlist may apply for transferred vouchers, so they should apply as early as possible. Transferring an active Section 8 voucher to Maine can make relocation more affordable and allow applicants to maintain their rental assistance.
Can I Buy a House with a Section 8 Voucher in Maine?
Maine offers opportunities for Section 8 participants to use their vouchers for homeownership through the Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program. However, they typically have limited availability.
Some requirements also apply, including being a first-time homebuyer, meeting income thresholds, completing homebuyer counseling, securing financing, and being able to cover the ongoing homeownership costs.
A voucher can cover a portion of mortgage payments for up to 15 years in some cases. For recipients interested in homeownership, talk with the local housing authority to see if they offer the homebuyer program and get details about the application.
What are the Public Housing Authorities in Maine?
There are around two dozen public housing authorities operating in cities and counties across the state of Maine to provide affordable housing assistance. Some of the largest housing authorities in Maine include Portland Housing Authority, Bangor Housing Authority, and Maine State Housing Authority.
These agencies administer housing voucher programs, such as Maine’s Section 8, manage public housing developments, provide elderly and disabled housing, offer homebuyer programs, and more. Public housing authorities in Maine receive federal funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development as well as local support for operations.
Each agency serves a specific jurisdiction, whether that is a single municipality or a broader county region. A board of commissioners or directors oversees each agency and they have paid staff to manage properties, process applications, conduct inspections, and assist residents.
HUD Housing Authorities Serving Maine
Auburn Housing Authority
Housing AuthorityThere Are Currently 767 Units Available in the Auburn Housing Authority. These Low-income Housing Un...
Augusta Housing Authority
Housing AuthorityThere Are Currently 471 Units Available in the Augusta Housing Authority. These Low-income Housing U...
Bar Harbor Housing Authority
Housing AuthorityThere Are Currently 115 Units Available in the Bar Harbor Housing Authority. These Low-income Housin...
Bath Housing Authority
Housing AuthorityThere Are Currently 260 Units Available in the Bath Housing Authority. These Low-income Housing Unit...
Biddeford Housing Authority
Housing AuthorityThere Are Currently 200 Units Available in the Biddeford Housing Authority. These Low-income Housing...
Brewer Housing Authority
Housing AuthorityThere Are Currently 287 Units Available in the Brewer Housing Authority. These Low-income Housing Un...
Brunswick Housing Authority
Housing AuthorityThere Are Currently 664 Units Available in the Brunswick Housing Authority. These Low-income Housing...
Caribou Housing Authority
Housing AuthorityThere Are Currently 233 Units Available in the Caribou Housing Authority. These Low-income Housing U...
Ellsworth Housing Authority
Housing AuthorityThere Are Currently 427 Units Available in the Ellsworth Housing Authority. These Low-income Housing...
Fort Fairfield Housing Authority
Housing AuthorityThere Are Currently 220 Units Available in the Fort Fairfield Housing Authority. These Low-income Ho...
Maine Waiting List for Section 8 Housing
Waiting lists for Section 8 in Maine are common due to high demand. The length of Section 8 housing waiting lists can vary greatly across different areas in Maine. For example, in some rural counties, there may be no waiting list at all. However, higher-demand areas such as Portland, Lewiston, and Bangor may have a long waiting list for new applicants.
Availability fluctuates based on turnover and new allocations. Priority on Maine’s Section 8 waitlist goes to those with disabilities, veterans, the homeless, and seniors in most cases. Applicants can check the status of the waitlist by calling the local housing authority.
Is Emergency Housing Assistance Available in Maine?
Yes, there are emergency housing assistance programs available for qualifying individuals and families in Maine who are facing homelessness or housing instability. Support can include emergency shelter placements, rapid rehousing financial assistance, rent arrears payments, and utility shutoff aid. For example:
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Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG): Provides rapid re-housing and homelessness prevention services.
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Local Nonprofits: Organizations like Preble Street in Portland offer temporary shelter and rental assistance.
Community action agencies across the state administer emergency and short-term housing relief programs. Eligibility depends on income and circumstances. Those in imminent risk of homelessness should call 211 to connect with resources and services in their area.
Emergency Rental Assistance Serving Maine
MaineHousing Emergency Rent Relief Program
Program Type: State
Details: Offers emergency rental assistance, covid relief, utility assistance and more
Should You Consider Section 8 in Maine?
The Section 8 program aims to provide affordable housing options for low-income Maine residents. Safe, affordable housing is more accessible for those in need when they get vouchers for Section 8 in Maine. Check out the Section 8 waiting lists and application information to get assistance for your housing costs.
