Maine 2023-2024 Regular Session

Maine House Bill LD1710

Introduced
4/18/23  
Engrossed
3/13/24  
Enrolled
3/14/24  

Caption

Resolve, to Establish the Commission to Improve Tenant-Landlord Relationships and Maximize the Use of Housing Vouchers

Impact

The bill profoundly impacts state laws concerning tenant rights and landlord obligations by amending the Maine Human Rights Act to prohibit discrimination against tenants utilizing rental assistance. It mandates that properties with more than ten units must ensure that at least 10% of rental units are classified as affordable housing, thereby enhancing housing access for low-income residents. These amendments aim to create a more equitable housing landscape in Maine, addressing the pressing issue of homelessness and housing insecurity.

Summary

LD1710 proposes the establishment of the Maine Rental Assistance and Guarantee Program, aimed at alleviating housing affordability issues for Maine residents. The bill allocates $75,500,000 in ongoing annual funds to facilitate rental assistance for individuals facing high rental costs, as well as a rental guarantee for landlords who participate in the program. By encouraging landlords to accept tenants enrolled in rental assistance programs, the bill seeks to bridge the gap between tenants in need and housing providers, thereby promoting stability in the rental market.

Sentiment

General sentiment regarding LD1710 is largely positive among housing advocates, who view it as a necessary measure to confront the housing crisis affecting many Maine residents, particularly those with low incomes. Supporters argue that the framework established by the bill will enhance access to safe and affordable housing while encouraging responsible landlord practices. However, there are concerns regarding potential pushback from landlords who may feel burdened by new obligations, particularly those that require cooperating with rental assistance programs.

Contention

Key points of contention around LD1710 include debates about the specifics of landlord compliance requirements and the implications of strengthening tenant rights. Critics may argue that the responsibility placed on landlords, such as waiving late fees and working with housing navigators, could lead to reluctance among property owners to participate in rental assistance programs. Balancing the needs of tenants for stable housing and the concerns of landlords regarding financial viability continues to be a focal discussion point in the context of this legislation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ME HB628

Prohibiting landlords from discriminating against prospective tenants holding certain vouchers under the housing choice voucher program.

ME AB2503

Landlords and tenants: California Law Revision Commission: study.

ME HF689

A bill for an act relating to landlords and tenants, including the source of income tenants use for rent payments.

ME HB1523

Relating to the establishment of a program administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs and certain county housing authorities to incentivize landlords to accept tenants participating in the housing choice voucher program.

ME HB4129

Relating to the establishment of a program administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs and certain county housing authorities to incentivize landlords to accept tenants participating in the housing choice voucher program.

ME SB32

Choice in Affordable Housing Act of 2023 This bill establishes programs and grants to incentivize landlord participation in the Housing Choice Voucher program (i.e., Section 8 tenant-based housing assistance). The bill authorizes the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide one-time incentive payments to landlords, security deposit payments, bonuses to public housing agencies that employ landlord liaisons, and amounts for other recruitment purposes. The bill also reauthorizes through FY2028 the Tribal Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program. Additionally, the bill allows dwelling units to meet Housing Choice Voucher program inspection requirements by satisfactory inspection through participation in other housing programs. Landlords not yet participating in a low-income housing assistance program may request inspection by a public housing agency to determine whether the dwelling meets requirements prior to selection by a tenant. Finally, HUD must expand the use of an alternative method of calculating fair market rent for purposes of the Housing Choice Voucher program.

ME HB206

Landlord Accountability Act of 2025This bill prohibits housing discrimination based on income, provides protections to tenants of certain federally assisted housing, and establishes a low-income housing maintenance tax credit for eligible landlords.Specifically, the bill prohibits discrimination in rental housing and residential real estate transactions based on an individual's source of income and provides for penalties. Protected income sources includehousing vouchers and rental assistance,rental and homeownership subsidies,Social Security and disability income assistance, andspousal and child support.Additionally, landlords are prohibited from taking or failing to take certain actions with the intent to make a unit ineligible to receive Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) assistance. Landlords that violate this prohibition are subject to penalties and may be sued by harmed tenants. The bill further prohibits property owners of certain multifamily housing projects from intentionally leaving a unit vacant for more than 60 days. Property owners that violate this prohibition are subject to penalties.The bill also provides protections to tenants of multifamily housing projects, which includes requiring HUD to increase the staffing level for the Multifamily Housing Complaint Line and create a Multifamily Housing Complaint Resolution Program.In addition, HUD may provide grants to develop, expand, and assist tenant harassment prevention programs.Finally, the bill establishes a tax credit for qualifying landlords that is equal to the landlord's annual low-income housing maintenance expenses. To qualify, a landlord must have addressed within 30 days any relevant complaints filed under the complaint resolution program.

ME HB1217

Improving housing stability for tenants subject to the residential landlord-tenant act and the manufactured/mobile home landlord-tenant act by limiting rent and fee increases, requiring notice of rent and fee increases, limiting fees and deposits, establishing a landlord resource center and associated services, authorizing tenant lease termination, creating parity between lease types, and providing for attorney general enforcement.

ME LD2158

Resolve, to Improve the Housing Voucher System and Reduce the Number of Voucher Expirations

ME HB2516

Relating to certain rights and duties of residential tenants and landlords.

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