MaineHousing Programs

Resources from the Maine State Housing Authority

Whether you’re renting, own a home, or are thinking about owning a home, MaineHousing has many different programs available to assist you when needed. They even have some programs for housing developers as well. Since the pandemic, many of you have probably become familiar with their rental assistance programs, but did you know that they have other programs for current and aspiring homeowners, and even home developers as well? 

For example, did you know that you may be eligible to get up to $5000 towards closing costs with the MaineHousing Advantage program? This is a great opportunity for those who are eligible! 

Below is a brief overview of some of the programs currently available with links for more information on the MaineHousing website. Also, you can visit their home page to see if any other or newer programs are available.

For Renters

Rental Assistance - With rents rising faster than incomes, it’s hard for people to keep up. MaineHousing has a variety of programs to help with rental housing costs for many lower income Maine people.

Weatherization Program - Provides grants to low-income homeowners and renters to reduce energy costs by improving home energy efficiency.

Emergency Rental Assistance - Rental and utility relief payments to help eligible renters based on income limits and financial difficulty during the pandemic. (UPDATE: This program is now closed*)

Fuel Assistance - Need help with your home heating costs? The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps qualified homeowners and renters pay for heating costs. (UPDATE: This program is now closed*)

For Aspiring Homeowners

MaineHousing First Home Loan - With below market rates, no and low down payment options, and $5000 in covered closing costs, this loan program is the most affordable way to buy your first home or return to home ownership. Two to Four unit multi-family properties and mobile homes are also eligible with other requirements and benefits. And military personnel may qualify for an additional discount as well. 

For Homeowners

Heat Pump Program - Pays for the cost and installation of a heat pump for eligible Maine homeowners. 

Weatherization Program - Provides grants to low-income homeowners and renters to reduce energy costs by improving home energy efficiency.

Lead Paint Remediation - Funding from the state and federal sources to owners of single-family households and rental properties in Maine to help make them lead safe. Priority given to households with children who have been determined to have elevated blood lead levels.

Well Water Abatement Program - Grants to eligible single-family homeowners or landlords for dwellings with four rental units or less with private well water that shows evidence of high levels of contamination. Abatement is important to provide clean drinking water to lower-income household, especially those with children under 7 years of age or pregnant women who live or spend a considerable amount of time in the house.

Home Repair - Grants to help low-income homeowners who cannot afford necessary home repairs such as roof, chimney, heating and electrical systems repairs, window and door replacement, energy efficiency improvements, or improvements necessary to permit use by persons with disabilities or who are experiencing physical barriers living at the home. 

Fuel Assistance - Need help with your home heating costs? The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps qualified homeowners and renters pay for heating costs. (UPDATE: This program is now closed*)

For Developers

Affordable Homeownership Program - Funding from the American Rescue Plan Act intended to help lower the costs to developers building single-family subdivisions by providing zero percent interest, forgivable loans. This will help offset the rising costs for land acquisitions, labor, and materials while also requiring/creating a certain amount of Affordable Homeownership Units. 

Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program - This federal tax credit provides subsidy to developers of affordable rental housing who in turn must reserve a portion of the rental units for lower income renters. 

Recovery Housing Program - Funds available to produce, preserve and/or rehabilitate transitional rental housing for households in recovery from a substance use disorder who are low- or moderate-income.

Rental Loan Program - Provides long-term mortgage financing at attractive interest rates for development of affordable rental housing. May be used for acquisition, acquisition and rehab, or new construction of apartment buildings of five or more units; developers must reserve a portion of the units for lower income renters.