Maine Fair Housing Act: An Overview
Key Takeaways
- The Maine Fair Housing Act governs how landlords advertise, screen, lease, and manage rental housing.
- Maine landlords must comply with federal, state, and applicable local fair housing laws, all of which prohibit discrimination throughout the landlord-tenant relationship.
- In addition to federally protected classes, Maine law extends protections to individuals based on sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, and status as a domestic abuse protection order recipient.
- Discriminatory advertising, tenant screening, unequal treatment, and improper evictions can all result in serious legal and financial consequences.
As a landlord in Maine, it’s imperative to abide by the state’s statutes to be successful. Generally, the statutes apply to eviction laws, landlord-tenant laws, and civil laws. Another set of laws that are under the Maine landlord-tenant laws are fair housing regulations. As a landlord, understanding how these apply in your day-to-day tasks is key to success.
This is because they impact multiple facets of the landlord-tenant relationship. When marketing your vacant rental property, for instance, there are certain phrases you must not use. For instance: “Ideal for a Single Professional,” “No Kids Allowed,” or “Female Residents Preferred.”
This is because such phrases contain certain characteristics, which are protected under the Fair Housing Act in Maine. In this guide by Spectrum Property Management, you’ll learn what the Fair Housing Act is, how violations can occur, and how to avoid them.
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What is the Fair Housing Act in Maine?
In Maine, the Fair Housing Act is contained under the statewide landlord-tenant law. Generally, residents in Maine have at least two levels of protection when it comes to fair housing laws. That is, federal, state, and sometimes, local fair housing laws.
At the federal level, there are 7 protected classes. That is: race, colour, sex, religion, disability, familial status, and nationality. The state level lists the following additional protected classes.
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
- Ancestry
- Status as a domestic abuse order of protection recipient
But while most towns in Maine follow the state’s Human Rights Act (MHRA), some larger cities have their own ordinances that reinforce those protections. `What are Examples of Prohibited Housing Discrimination Behavior?
The following are examples of prohibited housing discrimination behaviour in Maine.
- Refusing to rent out your vacant rental unit to a resident based on a protected characteristic.
- Including discriminatory statements in your rental ad that indicate limitation, preference, or discrimination based on a protected characteristic.
- Evicting a resident based on a protected characteristic.
- Treating a resident with a protected class differently from others.
- Asking questions that infringe on a resident’s protected class. For example, asking a prospective resident whether they are married or single. Or their sexual preference.
- Not providing disabled residents with reasonable accommodations. And/or failing to allow their reasonable requests for modifications.
These are examples of discriminatory behaviour that you should avoid at all costs. Otherwise, the resulting consequences can be quite serious. They can include fines and even legal action.
What Types of Housing are covered under the Fair Housing Act in Maine?
The Fair Housing Act in Maine covers most types of residential dwellings. It includes any structure, building, or portion thereof intended for occupancy as a residence.
The following are types of housing that are covered.
- Private rental housing
- Public housing
- Owner-occupied multi-unit buildings
- Condos
- Mobile homes
- Nursing homes, student housing, and other temporary and specialized housing
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There are some exemptions, however. They include the following, per the Maine fair housing law.
- Small owner-occupied dwellings.
- Room rentals in a single-family home, where the owner rents out four or fewer units.
- Housing operated by religious groups that only rent their buildings to their members.
But even with these exemptions, posting discriminatory advertisements remains illegal. For example, stating “Females Only” or “No Kids” in a rental ad.
Conclusion
Staying legally compliant is one of the most important responsibilities of any landlord. When it comes to fair housing laws in Maine, understanding and following these essential requirements can help you avoid costly legal disputes, government penalties, and long-term reputational damage. Fair housing compliance also supports stronger tenant relationships and promotes stable, successful rental operations.
If you’re looking for expert property management support in Maine, Spectrum Property Management is here to help. We work with property owners and residents throughout Central Maine, including Androscoggin and Kennebec counties. Our team stays up to date on local, state, and federal housing regulations to ensure your rental property remains compliant and professionally managed. Contact us today to learn how we can support your investment.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided in this blog is intended for general guidance and should not be considered as a replacement for professional legal advice. It is important to be aware that laws pertaining to property management may change, rendering this information outdated by the time you read it.
