What is considered a disability under Maine housing law?

A disability includes physical or mental impairments that substantially limit major life activities such as walking, seeing, or learning.

How long do I have to file a complaint after discrimination occurs?

You must file your complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission within 300 days of the last discriminatory act.

Can a landlord refuse my request for reasonable accommodation?

A landlord must provide reasonable accommodations unless it would cause an undue burden or fundamentally change their services.

Is there a fee to file a housing discrimination complaint in Maine?

No, there is no fee to file a housing discrimination complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission.

Where can I get help if I need assistance filling out the forms?

You can contact the Maine Human Rights Commission directly or visit their website for help with forms.

Filing a Disability Discrimination Complaint as a Maine Renter

Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Maine published: June 21, 2025

If you are a renter in Maine and believe you've faced housing discrimination because of a disability, there are clear protections and practical steps you can take. Maine's laws ensure that renters with disabilities have the right to seek reasonable accommodations and file a formal complaint if treated unfairly. Knowing your rights and the complaint process helps you take meaningful action to protect your housing situation.

Understanding Disability Discrimination in Maine Housing

Disability discrimination in housing occurs when a landlord or property manager treats a renter unfairly because of a physical or mental disability. This may include refusing reasonable modifications, denying applications, or applying different rental terms. Both federal and Maine state law prohibit this behavior.

Reasonable accommodation: A change in rules, policies, or services so a person with a disability can enjoy their home equally.
Reasonable modification: Physical changes to the dwelling or common areas (such as installing ramps) to allow access for people with disabilities.

You are protected under the Maine Human Rights Act and the federal Fair Housing Act. These laws cover most types of rental housing in the state.^[1]

What Counts as Disability Discrimination?

Maine law makes it illegal for landlords to:

Refuse to rent or renew a lease because of a disability
Deny reasonable requests for accommodation or modification
Apply different terms or conditions to someone with a disability
Harass or intimidate a renter because of a disability

Examples include refusing to allow a service animal or declining a request to move to a more accessible unit. If you're unsure if your situation qualifies, consider reaching out to the Maine Human Rights Commission for guidance.

How to File a Discrimination Complaint in Maine

Maine renters should file their housing discrimination claims with the Maine Human Rights Commission (MHRC), the official agency that investigates housing discrimination and enforces the law.^[2]

Official Form: Maine Human Rights Commission Housing Discrimination Intake Questionnaire

Form name: Housing Intake Questionnaire
Purpose: Used to begin an official complaint with the MHRC if you believe your disability rights have been violated.
Access form: Housing Intake Questionnaire – Maine Human Rights Commission

When to use: If a landlord has denied a reasonable request, treated you unfairly, or otherwise discriminated due to disability, fill out this form as soon as possible. For example, if your landlord refuses to permit an assistance animal despite documentation, this form starts the formal complaint process.

Complaint Filing Steps for Renters

The process for filing a disability discrimination complaint in Maine is clear and designed to be accessible. Follow these steps:

Collect any written communications, notices, emails, or other documentation about the suspected discrimination.
Complete the Housing Intake Questionnaire online or by downloading and mailing it to the Commission.
Submit the form and wait for confirmation from the MHRC.
The Commission will review your information and may ask for more details before opening a case and starting an investigation.

Once an investigation begins, both you and your landlord will have a chance to respond and provide evidence. A Commission decision can lead to mediation, changes to policies, or official findings.

Legal Protections and Timeline

It's important to act quickly. Maine law usually requires that complaints be filed within 300 days of the most recent alleged act of discrimination.^[3] Protections cover those currently renting, those seeking to rent, or even those who have moved out due to discrimination.

Filing a complaint does not guarantee immediate results, but it is the first official step in documenting and addressing discrimination. Be precise, provide detail, and submit your complaint as soon as possible after the incident.

What Happens After You File?

After your form is submitted, the Maine Human Rights Commission will:

Confirm your eligibility and investigate your claim
Offer opportunities for mediation between you and your landlord
Issue a formal decision at the end of the investigation, which could result in relief or changes for you

You are protected from retaliation for filing a complaint. For additional options or if you wish to pursue a court case, consult the MHRC's official housing discrimination resources.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is considered a disability under Maine housing law?
A disability includes physical or mental impairments that significantly limit one or more major life activities, such as mobility, seeing, hearing, or learning.
How long do I have to file a complaint after discrimination occurs?
In Maine, you must file your complaint within 300 days of the last discriminatory act.
Can a landlord refuse my request for reasonable accommodation?
Landlords must provide reasonable accommodations unless doing so would create an undue financial or administrative burden or fundamentally alter the housing's nature.
Is there a fee to file a housing discrimination complaint in Maine?
No, there is no fee to file a housing discrimination complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission.
Where can I get help if I need assistance filling out the forms?
You can contact the Maine Human Rights Commission directly or visit their website for help with completing the Housing Intake Questionnaire.

Conclusion: What Maine Renters Should Remember

Maine law protects renters from disability discrimination in housing and provides a clear complaint process.
Always use the official Housing Intake Questionnaire to start a formal claim with the Maine Human Rights Commission.
Keep detailed records and act within the 300-day deadline to safeguard your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in Maine

Maine Human Rights Commission – File complaints, get forms, and review housing discrimination law
Maine Human Rights Act – Housing Section
Maine Human Rights Commission – Housing Discrimination Explained
Maine State Housing Authority – Resources for renters and accessible housing programs
For confidential help, contact the MHRC at (207) 624-6290 or their online contact page.