Maine is experiencing a housing crisis unlike anything in its modern history. A surge of remote workers and retirees relocating from southern New England and beyond has driven rents sharply higher across the state — from Portland and South Portland to Bangor, Lewiston-Auburn, and even smaller coastal communities that once had more affordable options. For low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities across the Pine Tree State, Section 8 housing vouchers in Maine provide critical monthly rent relief that helps eligible households maintain stable housing in a rapidly changing market.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about Section 8 housing in Maine — including who qualifies, Maine-specific income limits by region, Fair Market Rents, a full directory of Maine Public Housing Authorities, a step-by-step application guide, Maine’s source-of-income protections, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.
What Is Section 8 Housing in Maine?
Section 8 — officially called the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program — is a federally funded rental assistance program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In Maine, the program is managed by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in cities and towns across the state, as well as through MaineHousing (Maine State Housing Authority), which plays a central statewide role by directly administering Housing Choice Vouchers for areas of Maine not served by a local PHA — covering much of rural Maine.
The program pays a portion of your monthly rent directly to your landlord. You contribute approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and your Maine PHA or MaineHousing covers the remainder — up to the local payment standard — each month. You are free to choose any privately owned rental unit in Maine where the landlord agrees to participate and the unit meets HUD’s Housing Quality Standards.
MaineHousing’s Critical Role: MaineHousing (Maine State Housing Authority) is Maine’s primary affordable housing agency and directly administers Housing Choice Vouchers for much of the state — particularly rural and small-town Maine where no local PHA operates. If you live outside Portland, Bangor, Lewiston, or another city with its own housing authority, MaineHousing is likely your primary Section 8 application point. Contact MaineHousing at (207) 626-4600 or mainehousing.org for statewide program information.
Maine Source-of-Income Protection Law
Maine has strong source-of-income (SOI) protections under the Maine Human Rights Act (5 M.R.S. § 4582), which prohibits housing discrimination based on source of income — including Section 8 housing vouchers — statewide. This means:
- Maine landlords cannot refuse to rent to you solely because you hold a Section 8 voucher
- Landlords cannot advertise “No Section 8” or “No housing subsidies”
- Landlords cannot impose stricter screening criteria on voucher holders than on other applicants
- Violations can be reported to the Maine Human Rights Commission (MHRC) at maine.gov/mhrc or by calling (207) 624-6290
Important: Maine’s SOI protection means a landlord cannot legally reject your application solely because of your voucher — but they may still screen based on credit, rental history, income, and other lawful criteria. If you believe you were illegally denied, file a complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission within 300 days of the discriminatory act. The MHRC investigates complaints at no cost and can order remedies including back rent and damages. This protection is especially valuable in Portland’s competitive rental market, where landlord resistance to vouchers has historically been a barrier.
Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing Vouchers in Maine?
To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Maine, you must meet all of the following requirements:
1. Income Limits
Your household’s total gross annual income must fall below HUD’s income limits for your area in Maine. These are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) and vary by county — the Portland metro (Cumberland and York counties) has the state’s highest AMIs, while rural northern Maine counties run considerably lower.
Below are the approximate [Current_year] income limits for a family of four in major Maine areas:
| Maine Area | Extremely Low (30% AMI) | Very Low (50% AMI) | Low Income (80% AMI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland Metro (Cumberland County) | ~$33,950 | ~$56,600 | ~$90,550 |
| York County (Biddeford / Saco / Kennebunk) | ~$33,400 | ~$55,700 | ~$89,100 |
| Bangor Metro (Penobscot County) | ~$24,550 | ~$40,950 | ~$65,500 |
| Lewiston-Auburn (Androscoggin County) | ~$25,100 | ~$41,800 | ~$66,900 |
| Augusta (Kennebec County) | ~$24,400 | ~$40,650 | ~$65,050 |
| Brunswick / Bath (Sagadahoc County) | ~$29,100 | ~$48,500 | ~$77,600 |
| Rockland / Camden (Knox County) | ~$26,200 | ~$43,700 | ~$69,900 |
| Ellsworth / Bar Harbor (Hancock County) | ~$25,700 | ~$42,850 | ~$68,600 |
| Aroostook County (rural northern Maine) | ~$20,250 | ~$33,750 | ~$54,000 |
| Washington County (rural eastern Maine) | ~$19,550 | ~$32,600 | ~$52,150 |
| Rural / Non-Metro Maine | ~$20,900 | ~$34,850 | ~$55,750 |
Note: Portland’s income limits have risen significantly in recent years as the city has become one of New England’s hottest housing markets. Cumberland County’s Very Low Income limit for a family of four (~$56,600) is among the highest in northern New England. Washington and Aroostook counties have some of the lowest limits in Maine. These figures are approximate and updated annually. Always verify current limits at huduser.gov or with your local Maine PHA or MaineHousing.
2. Citizenship or Eligible Immigration Status
At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen — such as a lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee. Mixed-status households qualify for prorated assistance. Maine’s refugee and asylum-seeker communities — particularly in Portland and Lewiston — are frequently served by Maine PHAs.
3. Family Composition
Section 8 is open to single individuals, couples, families with children, elderly persons (age 62+), and persons with disabilities. Household size determines the voucher bedroom size issued.
4. Criminal Background
Federal mandatory bars apply: lifetime sex offender registration and methamphetamine manufacturing in federally assisted housing. Individual Maine PHAs and MaineHousing set their own additional screening criteria. Contact your specific PHA for their policy if this applies to your household.
5. No Outstanding PHA Debt
Any unpaid debt owed to any PHA — in Maine or another state — must be resolved before approval.
Pro Tip: Portland’s rental market has become one of the tightest in northern New England — vacancy rates have regularly fallen below 1% in recent years, and rents have increased dramatically. Maine’s SOI protection is especially important in this environment: if a Portland landlord refuses your voucher application, you have the right to file a complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission. Don’t walk away from illegal rejections in silence.
How Much Rent Assistance Will You Receive in Maine?
Your Section 8 subsidy in Maine is based on your adjusted monthly income, HUD’s Fair Market Rents for your area, and your PHA’s or MaineHousing’s payment standard. You pay 30% of adjusted income; the agency covers the rest up to the payment standard.
Here are the approximate [Current_year] Fair Market Rents for major Maine markets:
| Maine Area | 1 Bedroom | 2 Bedroom | 3 Bedroom | 4 Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland / Cumberland County | ~$1,550 | ~$1,900 | ~$2,450 | ~$2,950 |
| York County (Biddeford / Saco / Kennebunk) | ~$1,450 | ~$1,800 | ~$2,300 | ~$2,800 |
| Brunswick / Sagadahoc County | ~$1,250 | ~$1,550 | ~$2,000 | ~$2,400 |
| Bangor / Penobscot County | ~$1,050 | ~$1,300 | ~$1,700 | ~$2,050 |
| Lewiston-Auburn / Androscoggin County | ~$1,050 | ~$1,300 | ~$1,650 | ~$2,000 |
| Augusta / Kennebec County | ~$1,000 | ~$1,250 | ~$1,600 | ~$1,950 |
| Rockland / Knox County | ~$1,050 | ~$1,300 | ~$1,650 | ~$2,000 |
| Ellsworth / Hancock County | ~$1,100 | ~$1,350 | ~$1,750 | ~$2,100 |
| Aroostook County | ~$750 | ~$900 | ~$1,150 | ~$1,400 |
| Washington County | ~$800 | ~$950 | ~$1,200 | ~$1,450 |
| Rural / Non-Metro Maine | ~$850 | ~$1,050 | ~$1,350 | ~$1,650 |
Note: Portland and York County FMRs have risen sharply and are among the highest in northern New England — reflecting the region’s acute housing shortage. Bar Harbor and coastal Knox County FMRs are also elevated due to tourism-driven seasonal rental pressure. Payment standards set by each Maine PHA and MaineHousing typically range between 90%–110% of these FMR figures. Confirm current payment standards directly with your local PHA or MaineHousing.
Maine Public Housing Authorities (PHAs): Complete Directory
Section 8 in Maine is administered by local PHAs in cities and towns across the state, with MaineHousing covering rural areas directly. Below is a comprehensive directory organized by region.
Statewide Resource
| Organization | Phone | Website | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| MaineHousing (Maine State Housing Authority) | (207) 626-4600 | mainehousing.org | Statewide — directly administers HCV for areas without a local PHA; primary contact for rural Maine residents; also administers statewide rental assistance and homeownership programs |
Southern Maine PHAs
| PHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland Housing Authority | Portland | (207) 780-6340 | City of Portland / Cumberland County |
| South Portland Housing Authority | South Portland | (207) 767-7531 | City of South Portland |
| Biddeford Housing Authority | Biddeford | (207) 282-1504 | City of Biddeford / York County |
| Saco Housing Authority | Saco | (207) 284-4831 | City of Saco |
| Sanford Housing Authority | Sanford | (207) 324-6114 | Town of Sanford / York County |
| Westbrook Housing Authority | Westbrook | (207) 854-9779 | City of Westbrook |
| Brunswick Housing Authority | Brunswick | (207) 729-6459 | Town of Brunswick / Sagadahoc County |
Central Maine PHAs
| PHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lewiston Housing Authority | Lewiston | (207) 795-4200 | City of Lewiston / Androscoggin County |
| Auburn Housing Authority | Auburn | (207) 784-3601 | City of Auburn |
| Augusta Housing Authority | Augusta | (207) 626-2365 | City of Augusta / Kennebec County |
| Waterville Housing Authority | Waterville | (207) 873-2116 | City of Waterville |
| Rockland Housing Authority | Rockland | (207) 594-4720 | City of Rockland / Knox County |
Northern Maine PHAs
| PHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor Housing Authority | Bangor | (207) 942-6365 | City of Bangor / Penobscot County |
| Brewer Housing Authority | Brewer | (207) 989-7400 | City of Brewer |
| Old Town Housing Authority | Old Town | (207) 827-6151 | City of Old Town |
| Presque Isle Housing Authority | Presque Isle | (207) 764-0963 | Aroostook County |
| Caribou Housing Authority | Caribou | (207) 492-4666 | City of Caribou / Aroostook County |
| Ellsworth Housing Authority | Ellsworth | (207) 667-2504 | Hancock County |
Tip: Maine’s town-by-town PHA structure means many small communities have their own housing authorities — but many rural Maine towns and all of Aroostook, Washington, Piscataquis, Franklin, Somerset, Oxford, Lincoln, and Waldo counties rely on MaineHousing for direct HCV administration. If your town is not listed, contact MaineHousing at (207) 626-4600 or visit mainehousing.org. You can also use HUD’s PHA locator at hud.gov filtered by Maine.
How to Apply for Section 8 Housing Vouchers in Maine
Here is a complete step-by-step guide to applying for Section 8 housing in Maine:
Step 1: Identify the Right Program for Your Area
For Portland residents, the Portland Housing Authority is your primary PHA. For Bangor, Lewiston, Augusta, and other cities, each has its own housing authority. For residents outside major cities — particularly in rural central, western, and northern Maine — MaineHousing at (207) 626-4600 or mainehousing.org is your primary application point. Apply to every open program simultaneously.
Step 2: Check for Open Waitlists
Maine PHAs and MaineHousing manage waitlists that open and close based on funding and turnover. Maine’s housing crisis has made most major PHAs’ lists highly competitive. To stay current:
- Visit mainehousing.org for MaineHousing’s current waitlist status and online application portal
- Call each Maine PHA directly using the numbers in the directory above
- Monitor affordablehousingonline.com for Maine waitlist openings
- Contact Pine Tree Legal Assistance at (207) 774-8211 for housing program information statewide
- Contact Maine Equal Justice at (207) 626-7058 for advocacy and guidance on accessing Maine housing programs
Step 3: Apply Immediately When a Waitlist Opens
Portland Housing Authority and MaineHousing waitlists fill rapidly when they open. Be ready to apply the moment an opening is announced:
- MaineHousing and most major Maine PHAs now offer online pre-applications
- Have all household member information ready: full names, dates of birth, SSNs, income details
- Apply to every open Maine program simultaneously — there is no rule limiting you to one
Step 4: Maintain Your Waitlist Position
Maine waitlist times have lengthened significantly as housing costs have surged. In Portland, waits typically run 3 to 7 years — and the list is frequently closed. In Bangor and Lewiston, waits run approximately 2 to 5 years. Through MaineHousing’s statewide program, wait times vary by region. In smaller Maine cities and rural towns, waits can sometimes be shorter. While waiting:
- Update your contact information with every PHA and MaineHousing every time you move or change your phone number
- Respond promptly to all annual confirmation notices
- Ask about priority preferences that may advance your position:
- Currently homeless or residing in emergency shelter
- Victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking (VAWA protections apply)
- Veteran or active-duty service member
- Person with a disability requiring accessible or supportive housing
- Families with children living in substandard or overcrowded housing
Step 5: Complete the Full Application
When your name is reached, gather these documents without delay:
- Photo ID — driver’s license, state ID, or passport for all adult household members
- Birth certificates — for all household members
- Social Security cards — for all household members
- Proof of income — recent pay stubs, Social Security or disability award letters, Maine TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families — TANF) award letters, or most recent federal tax return
- Bank statements — last 2–3 months for all accounts
- Rental history — landlord names, addresses, and contact info for the past 2–3 years
- Benefit letters — SNAP, Maine Medicaid (MaineCare), TANF, or other Maine benefit award letters
Step 6: Attend the Eligibility Interview
A Maine PHA or MaineHousing specialist will review your application, verify documents, and conduct an eligibility interview. Be thorough and honest. If you believe your application was improperly handled, contact Pine Tree Legal Assistance at (207) 774-8211 or the Maine Human Rights Commission at (207) 624-6290.
Step 7: Receive Your Voucher and Search for Housing
If approved, you receive your Maine Section 8 voucher and typically have 60 to 120 days to find eligible housing. Maine’s statewide SOI law means landlords cannot legally reject you solely because of your voucher — use this right actively. In Portland’s extremely tight market, request extensions proactively and lean on your PHA’s landlord list. MaineHousing can also provide guidance on locating willing landlords in rural areas.
Finding Section 8 Housing in Maine
Maine’s statewide SOI protection is a meaningful legal advantage — but Portland’s near-zero vacancy rate makes finding any rental unit challenging, regardless of protection status. Here are the best resources:
- MaineHousing Rental Housing Locator: mainehousing.org — MaineHousing maintains a housing search tool for Maine rental listings statewide
- HUD Housing Locator: hudhousinglocator.com — search by Maine city or ZIP code
- GoSection8.com: national database with Maine listings, especially Portland, Bangor, and Lewiston
- AffordableHousing.com: filter by Maine for voucher-friendly listings
- Your local PHA or MaineHousing landlord list: request the internal participating landlord list at your briefing
- Craigslist Maine / Facebook Marketplace: search keywords “Section 8 welcome,” “HCV accepted,” or “housing vouchers OK”
- Maine Human Rights Commission: If a Maine landlord refuses your application solely because of your voucher, file a complaint at maine.gov/mhrc or call (207) 624-6290. Maine’s SOI protection is statewide and enforceable.
- Avesta Housing (Portland): avestahousing.org — Maine’s largest nonprofit affordable housing developer and property manager, with numerous HCV-eligible units in Greater Portland; (207) 553-7777
Maine Section 8 Housing: Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Section 8 waitlist in Maine?
Maine’s waitlists have grown significantly as housing costs have surged statewide. Portland Housing Authority waitlists typically run 3 to 7 years and are frequently closed — Portland’s sub-1% vacancy rate drives extreme competition. Bangor and Lewiston Housing Authority waitlists run approximately 2 to 5 years. Through MaineHousing’s statewide program, wait times vary by county and funding availability. In smaller Maine cities like Augusta, Waterville, and Rockland, waits can sometimes be somewhat shorter. Applying to multiple Maine PHAs and MaineHousing simultaneously is essential.
Can a Maine landlord refuse Section 8?
No — not legally. The Maine Human Rights Act prohibits landlords statewide from refusing to rent to a tenant solely because they hold a Section 8 voucher. If a Maine landlord rejects your application because of your voucher, file a complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission at maine.gov/mhrc or call (207) 624-6290. Complaints must be filed within 300 days of the discriminatory act. The MHRC investigates at no cost and can award remedies including back rent and compensatory damages.
What is the income limit for Section 8 in Maine?
Income limits vary by county. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) ranges from approximately $32,600 in Washington County to $56,600 in Cumberland County (Portland). Bangor (Penobscot County) is approximately $40,950 and Lewiston-Auburn (Androscoggin County) approximately $41,800. York County is approximately $55,700 — very close to Portland’s limit. Verify current county-specific limits at huduser.gov as they are updated annually.
How much does Section 8 pay for rent in Maine?
In Portland (Cumberland County), payment standards for a two-bedroom unit are approximately $1,750–$2,100 — among the highest in northern New England. In York County (Biddeford/Saco), approximately $1,650–$1,980. In Bangor, approximately $1,200–$1,430. In Lewiston-Auburn, approximately $1,200–$1,430. In Augusta, approximately $1,150–$1,375. In Aroostook County, approximately $830–$990. Contact your specific PHA or MaineHousing for current exact payment standards.
What is MaineHousing and how is it different from a local PHA?
MaineHousing (Maine State Housing Authority) is Maine’s state housing finance and policy agency that also directly administers federal Housing Choice Vouchers for large portions of Maine — particularly rural counties and small towns without their own local housing authority. MaineHousing covers much of Aroostook, Washington, Piscataquis, Franklin, Somerset, and other rural counties where no local PHA operates. MaineHousing also administers the Maine Rental Assistance Program, LIHTC affordable housing developments, homeownership programs, and energy assistance. Contact MaineHousing at (207) 626-4600 or mainehousing.org.
Does Maine have housing resources for asylum seekers and refugees?
Yes. Maine — particularly Portland and Lewiston — has significant asylum-seeker and refugee communities, including large Somali, Congolese, and Central African communities in Lewiston and Portland. Asylum seekers with pending cases may have limited eligibility for federal housing programs depending on immigration status, but state and local resources exist. Key organizations include Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP) in Portland at (207) 780-1593, Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition (meirc.org), Catholic Charities Maine at (207) 781-8550, and Lots of Hope in Lewiston. Contact Portland’s Office of Economic Opportunity at (207) 874-8613 for city-level housing and resettlement resources.
Can I use my Maine Section 8 voucher in another state?
Yes. After living in your initial Maine Section 8-assisted unit for at least 12 months, you can port your voucher to another state. Contact your Maine PHA or MaineHousing to initiate the portability process. Note that porting from rural Maine to Portland, or from Maine to Massachusetts or New Hampshire, will mean your subsidy is recalculated based on the receiving area’s payment standards — which may be higher or lower depending on the destination.
Are there Section 8 vouchers for veterans in Maine?
Yes. The HUD-VASH program provides Section 8 vouchers for homeless veterans combined with VA case management. Maine VA facilities administering HUD-VASH include the Togus VA Medical Center (Augusta area) at (207) 623-8411 — the oldest continuously operating VA facility in the country — and VA community-based outpatient clinics in Bangor, Portland, and Caribou. Contact your nearest Maine VA facility to inquire about HUD-VASH availability.
What other programs help with housing in Maine besides Section 8?
Maine has several additional housing assistance programs including MaineHousing’s Maine Rental Assistance Program, the Maine Emergency Rental Assistance Program (MERAP), emergency help through local Community Action Agencies across all 16 Maine counties, MaineHousing’s LIHTC affordable housing portfolio, and the Maine Homeless Helpline at 1-877-428-8844. Maine’s TANF program and MaineCare (Medicaid) can also provide emergency housing support. Dial 211 or visit 211maine.org for immediate local referrals anywhere in Maine.
Additional Housing Resources in Maine
- MaineHousing (Maine State Housing Authority): mainehousing.org — statewide HCV administration, rental assistance, homeownership programs, and affordable housing finance; (207) 626-4600
- Maine Homeless Helpline: 1-877-428-8844 — 24/7 statewide hotline for emergency shelter and housing referrals
- 2-1-1 Maine: Dial 211 or visit 211maine.org — emergency housing, shelter, utility assistance, and social services statewide, 24/7
- Maine Human Rights Commission (MHRC): maine.gov/mhrc — file housing discrimination and SOI violation complaints; (207) 624-6290
- Pine Tree Legal Assistance: ptla.org — free housing legal assistance for low-income Maine residents statewide; (207) 774-8211
- Maine Equal Justice: mainequaljustice.org — housing advocacy, benefits navigation, and policy work for low-income Mainers; (207) 626-7058
- Avesta Housing (Portland): avestahousing.org — Maine’s largest nonprofit affordable housing developer with HCV-eligible units across Greater Portland; (207) 553-7777
- Preble Street (Portland): preblestreet.org — emergency shelter, housing navigation, and homeless services in Portland; (207) 775-0026
- Penquis (Bangor): penquis.org — community action agency providing housing assistance across Penobscot and Piscataquis counties; (207) 973-3500
- Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP): ilapmaine.org — housing and legal resources for immigrants and asylum seekers in Maine; (207) 780-1593
- Catholic Charities Maine: ccmaine.org — refugee resettlement and housing services statewide; (207) 781-8550
- HUD-Approved Housing Counselors: Free counseling statewide — find one at hud.gov/housingcounseling
- HUD-VASH for Veterans: Contact Togus VA Medical Center at (207) 623-8411 for homeless veteran housing vouchers in Maine
- Maine Community Action Agencies: Contact your county’s Community Action Agency for emergency rental and utility assistance — find yours at mainehousing.org or by dialing 211
Final Thoughts: Getting Section 8 Housing in Maine
Securing a Section 8 housing voucher in Maine has never been more challenging — or more necessary. Maine’s dramatic housing cost increases have outpaced income growth in nearly every county, making the program genuinely life-changing for families who receive a voucher. Maine’s statewide SOI law, strong legal aid network, and MaineHousing’s dedicated statewide program provide meaningful support for applicants willing to navigate the process persistently.
Here are the most important actions to take right now:
- Contact MaineHousing at (207) 626-4600 or mainehousing.org — if you live outside a major city, MaineHousing is your most important first call for Section 8 in Maine
- Apply to every open Maine PHA waitlist simultaneously — Portland, South Portland, Bangor, Lewiston, Augusta, and every PHA serving your area
- Know your legal rights — Maine law prohibits landlords from rejecting your application solely because of your voucher; report violations to the Maine Human Rights Commission at (207) 624-6290
- Keep all contact information current with every PHA and MaineHousing you have applied to
- Call the Maine Homeless Helpline at 1-877-428-8844 if you need immediate emergency shelter or housing assistance while you wait
- Dial 211 for immediate help with housing, emergency rental assistance, and other urgent needs
For the most current waitlist information, contact your local Maine PHA directly or visit MaineHousing at mainehousing.org.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Income limits, Fair Market Rents, payment standards, and program rules are updated annually by HUD. Maine state housing laws and programs are also subject to change. Always verify current information with your local Maine Public Housing Authority, MaineHousing, or a HUD-approved housing counselor before applying.